European Champions Cup

Northampton Saints have managed to keep their hopes alive of a possible European Champions Cup berth next year after they defeated Connacht 21-15 in the qualification play-off at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday.

Stade Francais came up with a dominant second half performance where they amassed six tries as they completed a 46-21 victory at Stade Jean Bouin on Friday to keep their chances of qualifying to European Champions Cup alive.

The organisers of European Professional Club Rugby have announced the changes in qualification of Pro 12 clubs effective from 2018/19 season.

Edinburgh hosts the European Champions Cup final between Saracens and Clermont Auvergne, where the English side came out victorious 28-17.

Saracens back-row Billy Vunipola said that the club is striving to achieve the 'Barcelona of rugby' tag after their recent European Champions Cup success where they defeated Clermont Auvergne in the final at Murrayfield Stadium.

Scotland international Jim Hamilton has announced his decision to retire from professional rugby at the end of the ongoing 2017/18 season.

Saracens went on to retain the European Champions Cup title as they defeated Clermont Auvergne by 17-28 in the final at Murrayfield Stadium on Saturday.

After concluding the regular seasons of the domestic championships in England and France at the weekend, all attention now turns back to the European Rugby Champions Cup.

Aviva Premiership side Saracens have headed to Barcelona for a short trip to help them relax as they bid to repeat their double triumph this season.

Clermont Auvergne came up with a clinical first half performance as they overcame a stern resistance from Leinster to win the European Champions Cup semi-final by 27-22 at Matmut Stadium de Gerland on Sunday.

Saracens came up with a solid second half performance as they reached the final of the European Champions Cup with a 10-26 win over Munster at Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Clermont Auvergne dominated the second half where they scored 20 points in the second half as they sealed a 29-9 victory over Toulon on Sunday to progress to the semi-final of European Champions Cup.

Chris Ashton scored a double while Owen Farrell kicked 18 points as Saracens reach the semi-final of European Champions Cup following their 38-13 win over Glasgow Warriors at Allianz Park on Sunday.

Wasps boss Dai Young refused to blame on the error made by Springboks winger Willie Le Roux for the 32-17 defeat to Leinster in the European Champions Cup quarter-final at Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Tyler Bleyendaal contributed with 21 points as Munster came up with a clinical performance against Toulouse to win the game by 41-16 at Thomond Park on Saturday and book a berth in the European Champions Cup semi-final.

Leinster came up with a four-try performance to secure a 32-17 win over Wasps at Aviva Stadium to book a berth in the semi-final of the European Champions Cup semi-final.

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend has urged his team to produce their best game when they take on the defending champions Saracens in the upcoming European Champions Cup quarter-final at Allianz Park on Sunday.

Stuart Lancaster believes the upcoming European Champions Cup quarter-final clash between Leinster and Wasps will attract the British and Irish Lions selection panel.

Glasgow Warriors will miss the services of lock Tim Swinson in the upcoming European Champions Cup quarter-final against Saracens this weekend after he was handed a four-week ban on Thursday.

Saracens lock Jim Hamilton insisted that his team will not be taking Glasgow Warriors lightly in the European Champions Cup quarter-final this weekend.