Record-breaking crowds witness thrilling rugby action across Europe
- EPCR Media
- Apr 7
- 4 min read
Rugby fans were treated to an unforgettable weekend of high-octane action, with record-breaking crowds flocking to sold-out stadiums to watch the Investec Champions Cup Round of 16. Eight thrilling matches unfolded, each with intense competition and quarter-final spots hanging in the balance. The stage is now set for a last-eight showdown in next weekend’s quarter-finals, as the road to the Cardiff 2025 Finals intensifies.
The weekends opening match, Northampton Saints v ASM Clermont Auvergne, set the scene for what was to be a sensational weekend of knockout rugby. Clermont started strong with George Moala crossing for the first try but the hosts soon bounced back.
Northampton Saints’ Investec Player of the Match Tommy Freeman delivered a standout performance, scoring a brilliant hat-trick of tries that not only propelled his club into the Investec Champions Cup quarter finals with a 46-24 win but also bolstered his chances of a British and Irish Lions call-up. Keeping English hopes alive in the competition, Northampton’s reward is a home quarter-final match against Castres Olympique next Saturday.
RC Toulon and Saracens kicked off Saturday's action, with Saracens making a strong start at a sold-out Stade Félix Mayol and threatening an upset during a dominant first half. However, three-time champions RC Toulon weren't to be denied, recovering from a 22-point deficit to overpower Saracens with 10 tries to the English side's six to finish 72-42. This marks the first time since 2004 that 16 or more tries have been scored in the competition. RC Toulon will now face Stade Toulousain in the quarter finals as they continue their quest for a fourth star.
Leinster Rugby, four-time champions, dominated Harlequins in a one-sided affair at Croke Park, booking their spot in the Investec Champions Cup quarter finals in front of 55 627 spectators. The Irish side, who have been runners-up in each of the past three seasons, built a commanding lead in the first half, thanks to tries from returning Ireland internationals Sam Prendergast, Joe McCarthy, and Jamie Osborne with a final score line 62-0. After that statement of intent, Leinster Rugby will now host Glasgow Warriors at the Aviva Stadium on Friday for their quarter-final showdown.
There were unforgettable scenes at a sold-out Stade Pierre-Fabre for the historic Castres Olympique v Benetton Rugby match, with the two trading tries and points throughout the match. Trailing 37-32 in the 77th minute, 14-man Castres Olympique attacked without let-up and their efforts were finally rewarded when Jeremy Fernandez finally went over.
It was his resulting conversion in the 79th minute that saw the French side take the lead 39-37 and ultimately book their spot in the quarter-finals against Northampton Saints.
The highly anticipated “Ronan O’Gara derby” lived up to all the hype, delivering a thrilling contest in front of a sold-out crowd at Stade Marcel-Deflandre. With three tries apiece, Munster Rugby held a 25-17 lead at the 68th minute, thanks to Jack Crowley's drop-goal. Stade Rochelais mounted a late comeback, closing the gap to just one point after Hoani Bosmorin's try in the 78th minute, followed by Antoine Hastoy's conversion. However, Munster Rugby held firm, denying O'Gara the chance to bring a third title back to La Rochelle with a final score of 24-25. Munster Rugby secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the Investec Champions Cup against Union Bordeaux-Bègles.
On Saturday night, Glasgow Warriors hosted Leicester Tigers at a sold-out Scotstoun Stadium. The Tigers struck first, with Olly Cracknell crossing the line just two minutes into the match. However, Glasgow responded with tries from Henco Venter and Sione Vailanu, taking a 12-point lead into half-time. The Warriors continued their dominant performance in the second half, adding four more tries to secure a convincing victory 43-19, and a place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Leinster Rugby in Dublin next Friday.
Sunday’s action kicked off with Union Bordeaux-Bègles welcoming Ulster Rugby to a sold-out Stabe Chaban-Delmas. Damian Penaud opened the scoring for the French with a sensational try after six minutes, that sees him match the record for most tries in a single Champions Cup season. Despite a strong response from Ulster Rugby, who narrowed the gap to 21-14 after trailing 21-0, Union Bordeaux-Bègles always seemed to have another gear when threatened. A try either side of half-time reasserted their control, and the side – which remain unbeaten in the Investec Champions Cup this season – won 43-31 advancing to next Saturday's quarter-final at home against Munster Rugby.
Sale Sharks faced off against defending Investec Champions Cup champions Stade Toulousain to wrap up a thrilling weekend of rugby. The hosts took an early lead with Jack Willis powering over for a try just one minute into the game. However, Sale Sharks responded quickly through Luke James. A penalty from George Ford and a try by Jonny Hill gave Sale a 15-7 advantage. Despite a strong fight from Sale Sharks, Stade Toulousain dominated the second half and secured their spot in the quarter-finals with a 38-15 victory, setting up a clash with RC Toulon next Sunday.
STATISTICS
Round of 16 – Top Performers
Points: 32 Melvyn Jaminet (RC Toulon)
Carries: 21 Caelan Doris (Leinster Rugby)
Metres: 186 Jacob Stockdale (Ulster Rugby)
Defenders beaten: 9 Facundo Isa (RC Toulon)
Offloads: 4 Jacob Stockdale (Ulster Rugby)
Tackles: 25 Emeka Ilione (Leicester Tigers)
Round of 16 – Key Stats
Facundo Isa scored three tries for RC Toulon at the weekend. He made 33 post-contact metres (third) and beat as many defenders as any other player (nine).
Tommy Freeman scored a hat-trick for Northampton Saints at the weekend. He made four clean breaks and crossed the gainline with 92% of his carries.
Caelan Doris (Leinster Rugby) made more actions than any other player in the Round of 16: 21 carries, 15 tackles and 34 ruck entries.
Jacob Stockdale, Mike Lowry, and Stuart McCloskey (all Ulster Rugby) each made four offloads at the weekend – as many as any other players. Stockdale also made a round-high 186 metres.
Tadhg Beirne and Calvin Nash (both Munster Rugby) won four turnovers apiece at the weekend. Their teammate John Hodnett also won two.