Lock Reinhard Nothnagel expressed excitement about the Lions' debut in the Investec Champions Cup, marking their first foray against top-tier European clubs. The Johannesburg-based team is set to face major challengers including two-time winners La Rochelle and six-time victors Toulouse. Their campaign kicks off in France on October 17, followed by a series of high-profile matches signaling a steep test of their credentials.
"Playing against La Rochelle and Toulouse – arguably some of the best clubs in the world – will definitely be a big challenge for us, but a challenge we look forward to," Nothnagel said. "It’s our first season playing in the Champions Cup, so it’s a massive honour and privilege … it’s probably the biggest club competition in the world. You always want to measure yourself against the best in the world, so this is a great platform to do that."
The Lions' schedule includes a key home game against Toulouse at Ellis Park on December 12. Post that, they will head to London to clash with the Saracens on January 10, before hosting Exeter Chiefs back home on January 16. These matches represent not just tough competition but also a monumental opportunity for the Lions to stamp their authority on the European stage.
The Champions Cup will also see other South African teams like the Bulls and the Stormers participating, with both starting their campaigns on home soil on October 17. The Bulls are set to play against Stade Français at Loftus Versfeld, and the Stormers will face off against the Bristol Bears in Cape Town.
Viliame Mata from Bristol highlighted the thrilling aspect of international play in the Champions Cup. "The best thing [about the Champions Cup] is travelling to different countries. Playing at home is great, but away, the fans are on your ears throughout the game, and that’s intense,” he noted.
Meanwhile, defending champions Bordeaux Bègles are gearing up to retain their title, starting their campaign against Gloucester on October 16. Bordeaux prop Ben Tameifuna shared his anticipation for the upcoming season. “There’s a bit of pressure, not only to perform but take control of the competition straight away,” he stated. “We’re really excited for it … when round one comes around, we’ll be flying.”
Leinster, last season's runners-up, are also preparing to bounce back, beginning their journey with a game against Clermont. Leinster wing Jordan Larmour reflected on the past and looked forward to the new season. “We got some really good learning off the back of it,” said Larmour. “We had some really honest conversations as a group and we’re trying to take as many learnings forward as possible into this season. The Champions Cup is massive. It’s such a special tournament – it’s probably the best club competition that you can be involved in… everyone’s chasing that star, everyone in this competition wants to win it.”
Munster's Jack Crowley also chimed in with his views ahead of their opening fixture against Racing 92 in Limerick. “The Champions Cup is everything. It’s what I grew up watching Munster being a part of – winning trophies, knockout stages, semi-finals. When you look at the calendar … you’re into Champions Cup – it’s class that it comes around so quickly! It gets the buzz going straight away. You’ve got to be ready,” he expressed.
