Champions Rugby Show

Racing 92 fly-half Finn Russell speaks exclusively to James Burridge ahead of the biggest match of his career. The enigmatic Scotsman talks about facing Exeter Chiefs in the Heineken Champions Cup Final, what it means to be short-listed for the EPCR European Player of the Year award plus he fires a warning to his Scotland team mate Stuart Hogg.

Racing, Wales and Lions legend, Jamie Roberts, joins James Burridge and BT Sport commentator Alastair Eykyn to look ahead to this weekend’s Heineken Champions Cup Final when Racing 92 take on Exeter Chiefs for a chance to be crowned Kings of Europe. There is also a guest appearance from arguably the form fly-half in Europe right now, Racing’s enigmatic number ten, Finn Russell.

Racing 92 and Wales legend Mike Phillips helps James Burridge count down to the Heineken Champions Cup Final. The former scrum-half discusses Parisian flair, emotional coaches and his masterplan for beating Exeter Chiefs!

Exeter fly-half Gareth Steenson joins James Burridge to discuss his beloved Chiefs reaching their first ever Heineken Champions Cup final. Steenson talks about the calmness of Rob Baxter, the brilliance of Stuart Hogg and what it would mean to beat Racing 92 and lift the Champions Cup. 

Former Wasps flanker Flo Rossigneux and Sky Sports commentator Miles Harrison, join James Burridge to look ahead to this weekend’s semi-final showdowns after a dramatic weekend of Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final action. Saracens edged out 4 time champions Leinster to set up a trip to Paris to take on Racing 92 in Saturday’s first semi-final. The second semi sees Exeter host Toulouse after both sides’ convincing quarter-final wins over Northampton and Ulster respectively – and we speak to former Chiefs prop, Brett Sturgess, to find out what Exeter need to do to overcome the Cheslin Kolbe inspired French side.

Former ASM Clermont Auvergne scrum-half and Scotland captain, Greig Laidlaw, joins James Burridge and RTE commentator Michael Corcoran to look ahead to this weekend’s mouth-watering Heineken Champions Cup quarter final ties. We analyse defending champions Saracens’ trip to Leinster, the all French affair between Clermont and Racing 92, Toulouse’s clash with Ulster, and former Saints scrum-half, Lee Dickson, discusses Northampton’s chances against an in-form Exeter side. Plus Greig Laidlaw tells us what makes Racing and Scotland fly-half Finn Russell so special.

As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the European club rugby calendar, the Heineken Champions Cup and European Rugby Challenge Cup will have a brand new look for the 2020/21 season. EPCR CEO Vincent Gaillard and Chairman Simon Halliday join the Champions Rugby Show to talk through an exciting 24-club format and its special features.

Ireland legend Ronan O’Gara reflects on a stunning career which saw him win the Heineken Cup twice with Munster. One of the greatest fly-half’s in history, O’Gara discusses miracle matches, missed kicks and inspirational team-mates - plus he reveals how life in La Rochelle is treating him.

Arguably one of the game’s finest flankers, Neil Back joins James Burridge to take us through his glittering Leicester Tigers career which saw him play in three Heineken Champions Cup Finals – winning two of them. The former England forward also discusses that World Cup win in 2003, the art of leadership and how to tackle Jonah Lomu!

Sir Ian McGeechan reflects on his remarkable coaching career with James Burridge. “Geech” discusses European glory with Wasps, getting the best out of Danny Cipriani, and keeping big egos in check!

Regarded by many as the world’s finest official, Nigel Owens reveals his pride of having refereed over 100 European matches, including six Heineken Champions Cup Finals. The Welshman relives his favourite moments on the pitch, discusses the pressure of refereeing the best players on the planet and reveals why the game has given him so much.

Leinster legend, Rob Kearney, discusses his glittering club career to date which has seen him claim four Heineken Champions Cups, a European Challenge Cup and the European Player of the Year Award. The Ireland and Lions full back also reveals his most memorable European rugby moments and what it’s like playing under coaching royalty such as Michael Cheika, Joe Schmidt and Stuart Lancaster.

Scarlets, Wales and Lions hooker Ken Owens reflects on his brilliant career, as we celebrate 25 years of the Heineken Champions Cup. The Sheriff discusses his heroes becoming his friends, that stunning win over Toulon in 2018 and whether he should have a pub built in his honour!  

Dan Lyle joined Bath as an unknown American, whose critics said wouldn’t understand the sport – but he left as a European Champion. Listen to how the former number 8 helped Bath conquer Europe and is now helping to advance rugby in the USA, as well as calling the Heineken Champions Cup action on NBC Sports.

He was a man that broke the mould. Former Ireland hooker Keith Wood reveals all about his brilliant club career, including his reluctance to join Harlequins, his heartbreak at losing the 2000 European Cup Final and how Stand Up and Fight became Munster's iconic anthem.  

Leinster legend Denis Hickie re-lives the heartbreak of THAT semi-final defeat to Munster in 2006 – but gives his take on playing in the match that helped launch his side in Europe. Hickie also explains why his sister’s wedding suffered at the hands of Leinster’s first European Cup triumph!

Racing 92 superstar Simon Zebo discusses his past, present and future in the Heineken Champions Cup. The Irish wing gives us the lowdown on record-breaking hat-tricks, his unique bond with former club Munster, and why he believes his current side will lift the European Cup.  

He became the first Brit to lift the Heineken Champions Cup - Andy Nicol explains how he helped Bath to "The Holy Grail" in 1998. The former Scotland scrum-half also discusses battles with Brive, red wine in Bordeaux, and trying to fill the European Cup with milkshake! 

"Leading Wasps to European glory was as good as winning the World Cup!" English rugby icon Lawrence Dallaglio talks about his two brilliant Heineken Champions Cup triumphs, why Wasps were destined for success, and what he said to upset Sir Steve Redgrave!

He was the teenager that replaced England legend Rory Underwood, and went on to become the hero in one of Leicester’s greatest ever victories. Leon Lloyd discusses scoring two tries in the 2001 Heineken Champions Cup Final, the agony of snapping his neck and his inspirational new career.

“We expected the bubble to burst – but it never did!” David Humphreys captained Ulster to the greatest season in their history, as they defied the odds to conquer Europe in 1999. The current Gloucester coach describes in brilliant detail how the “Sea of Red” led the Northern Irishmen to Heineken Champions Cup glory.  

Bristol Bears Director of Rugby Pat Lam takes us through his remarkable Heineken Champions Cup win with Northampton Saints in 2000 – but admits he never even wanted to sign for them! The Samoa legend also talks about his love for Newcastle and reveals the coaching masterclass that helped Connacht shock the world.

One of the greatest players in rugby history, Shane Williams relives his roller-coaster European Cup journey with Martyn Hindley. The former Ospreys winger talks Galacticos, champagne rugby and the darkest day in his career. 

BT Sport’s Nick Mullins explains the pressure of commentating on the biggest matches in the Heineken Champions Cup. As one of rugby’s best known voices, Mullins speaks to Martyn Hindley about his greatest European moments, his favourite stadium, and how the likes of Austin Healey and Brian O’Driscoll have adjusted to life in the media.

One of the finest photographers to grace the game, Getty’s Dave Rogers, shares his experiences of covering every Heineken Champions Cup Final since the competition’s inception in 1995. From the first final in Cardiff to last year’s showpiece at St James’ Park, Dave reveals his favourite moments, stories and - most importantly – picture of the last 25 years.

Cardiff Blues icon, Martyn Williams, relives the agony of that historic penalty shoot-out miss, recounting an incredible story of belief, hope and heartbreak. The proud Welsh flanker sits down with Martyn Hindley to talk about his love for the Heineken Champions Cup, his biggest regrets and putting Cardiff on the map.

ASM Clermont Auvergne full back Nick Abendanon shares his European rugby journey which has seen him ply his trade for two great clubs either side of the Channel – Bath in England and Clermont in France. He discusses individual success (including the prestigious European Champions Cup Player of the Year Award in 2015) and team heartache, which has seen him agonisingly miss out in two Heineken Champions Cup Finals – despite scoring tries in both!

Leinster legend Jamie Heaslip discusses everything from taking inspiration from Oscar Wilde and Ernest Hemingway to using the Dallas Cowboys as a template for success. The former Ireland and Lions number 8 talks us through his remarkable European Cup story, and reveals how he celebrated his first Heineken Champions Cup triumph!

Munster hero Alan Quinlan is the latest legend to relive his Heineken Champions Cup story with Martyn Hindley. Quinlan reveals he never believed Munster could rule Europe, what was going through his head during the Miracle Match, and how his Munster side compare to his beloved Liverpool FC!

South Africa legend Bryan Habana joins Martyn Hindley to celebrate 25 years of the Heineken Champions Cup. One of the fastest men ever to play the game, the World Cup winner discusses lifting trophies, his love for Jonah Lomu and why kids shouldn’t grow up wanting to race cheetahs! 

England and Toulon legend Steffon Armitage joins Martyn Hindley on the Champions Rugby Show Podcast, as we celebrate 25 years of the Heineken Champions Cup. Armitage discusses winning the tournament an historic three times in a row, reveals where he hides his medals and explains why he loves Jonny Wilkinson! 

Saracens became the most successful English side in European Cup history with an impressive 20 points to 10 victory over Leinster Rugby in the Heineken Champions Cup final. They won all nine matches on their way to a third European title in four seasons. The former Leinster, Newcastle and Ireland lock Mike McCarthy joins James Burridge and Tom May to analyse the Heineken Champions Cup showpiece at St. James’ Park.  There’s Saracens reaction from skipper Brad Barritt, Mark McCall, Ben Spencer, Liam Williams, Billy Vunipola and the new EPCR European Player of the Year Alex Goode. Plus there’s Leo Cullen, Johnny Sexton and Luke McGrath from the Leinster camp. And you’ll hear from Benjamin Kayser, after ASM Clermont Auvergne beat La Rochelle in Friday’s European Rugby Challenge Cup Final.

RTE commentator Michael Corcoran joins James Burridge and Tom May at St. James’ Park to analyse the Leinster and Saracens team news ahead of the Heineken Champions Cup final. You’ll hear from Leo Cullen, Brad Barritt and Jamie George who all spoke on Friday, plus there’s an interview with Johnny Sexton.

BT Sport commentator Alastair Eykyn joins Martyn Hindley and Maylice Lavorel at St. James’ Park to analyse the team news ahead of the Challenge Cup final and reflect on what ASM Clermont Auvergne and La Rochelle had to say on Thursday in Newcastle.  You’ll hear from Franck Azema, Greig Laidlaw, Wiaan Liebenberg and Jono Gibbes.

Jimmy Gopperth joins James Burridge and Tom May to preview the 2019 Newcastle Finals. The Wasps man’s former side Leinster face Saracens in the Heineken Champions Cup final, with the last two winners of the competition going head-to-head at St. James’ Park.  Denis Hickie, Shane Byrne and Will Fraser analyse the two teams and their key players.   Plus, Ryan Lamb joins us to chat about the European Rugby Challenge Cup decider, with his La Rochelle side up against ASM Clermont Auvergne.

Former Ireland and Lions centre Rob Henderson joins James Burridge, Tom May and George Chuter to discuss the Heineken Champions Cup semi-final between Saracens and Munster, the team with which Henderson won this competition. Chuter twice played in the final himself, for Leicester Tigers. Bernard Jackman triumphed with Leinster in 2009 and he talks about the other semi, between his old side and Toulouse. Florent Rossigneux and surprise guest Philippe Saint-André assess the French side’s chances. We also consider the last four in the European Rugby Challenge Cup, with La Rochelle hosting Sale Sharks and ASM Clermont Auvergne taking on Harlequins.

James Burridge and Tom May are joined by the former Racing 92 flanker Florent Rossigneux to preview four huge Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals. Isa Nacewa, the man who lifted the trophy last season in Bilbao, chats about Leinster’s clash with fellow Irish province Ulster and tells us how the holders prepare for major European matches.  The former Munster scrum-half Michael Bradley, who used to coach Edinburgh, looks ahead to the encounter between those two teams. Scotland prop Gordon Reid talks about Glasgow Warriors’ trip to take on a Saracens side that won six from six in the Pool Stage. We also hear from Sarries’ Director of Rugby Mark McCall and EPCR European Player of the Year nominee Alex Goode.  Maxime Medard and Jean Bouilhou speak about the all-French affair in Paris, where Racing 92 host Toulouse. Plus, we look ahead to the Last 8 in the European Rugby Challenge Cup as well.

James Burridge, Tom May and Sean Holley discuss a pivotal weekend in the Heineken Champions Cup, which saw Saracens become the first team to book their place in the Quarter Finals. But Racing 92 and Toulouse lost their 100% records at the hands of Ulster and Leinster respectively. Former France captain Raphaël Ibañez and ex-Edinburgh coach Rob Moffat help preview Round 6’s decisive matches, with Munster v Exeter, Saracens v Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh v Montpellier the pick of the fixtures.

Toulouse, Racing 92 and Saracens are undefeated in the Heineken Champions Cup, but will they keep the winning habit in 2019? Former Edinburgh, Gloucester, Newcastle & Scotland scrum half Rory Lawson, joins James Burridge and Tom May to preview Round 5’s hotly anticipated clashes. Holders Leinster take on pool rivals Toulouse in Dublin. Their former hooker Shane Byrne chats about that huge encounter. And the ex-Ulster lock Dan Tuohy gives us the view from France on his old side’s big match against Racing. Chris Masoe talks about playing with Finn Russell and we also hear from Gloucester boss Johan Ackermann, ahead of their game against Munster.

Toulouse, Racing 92 and Saracens have three wins from three in this season’s competition. Will those 100% records survive into the New Year? Former Racing and Wasps flanker Florent Rossigneux joins James Burridge and Tom May to analyse Round 3’s big performances and preview the crucial matches ahead in Round 4 of the Heineken Champions Cup. Rory Lawson’s old clubs Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors both recorded important victories last weekend and the former Scotland fly-half chats about their progress. Plus, former Ireland lock Mike McCarthy discusses the holders Leinster Rugby’s back-to-back clashes with Bath, as well as Munster’s games against Top 14 champions Castres Olympique. The Champions Rugby Show is the new name for the EPCR European Rugby Show.

Nicky Robinson joins James Burridge and Tom May on the Champions Rugby Show, with the Wales international’s old teams Cardiff Blues, Gloucester and Wasps all in action during Round 3 of the Heineken Champions Cup. Former Ireland centre Kevin Maggs chats about Bath Rugby’s chances against the holders Leinster, while French journalist Léo Faure assesses Leicester Tigers’ hopes of upsetting Racing 92 in Paris. Elsewhere, there’s the clash of Pool 5’s over-achievers Edinburgh and Newcastle, Munster taking on French champions Castres Olympique and Gloucester trying to inflict a third straight Pool 2 defeat on Exeter Chiefs. You’ll also find out which player made both Tom and Nicky nervous! The Champions Rugby Show is the new name for the EPCR European Rugby Show.

The return of the Heineken Champions Cup did not disappoint, with tense games, dramatic finishes, the holders Leinster thumping Wasps, a landmark victory for Newcastle Falcons in Toulon and that OMG moment for Freddie Burns against Toulouse. The former Edinburgh, Gloucester, Newcastle and Scotland scrum half Rory Lawson joins James Burridge and Tom May (once of Toulon and Newcastle) to analyse Round 1 and preview the ten mouthwatering matches ahead in Round 2. Former France captain Raphael Ibanez chats about a mixed start for the French teams and James Downey discusses the performance of his old clubs Munster and Leinster Rugby. We hear from Johnny Sexton, Tom Youngs, Ken Owens, Juan Figallo and Johan Ackermann and chat about the European Rugby Challenge Cup as well.

Former Wales and Cardiff Blues captain Martyn Williams chats to the EPCR European Rugby Show ahead of a new Heineken Champions Cup campaign, as does former Scotland star Andy Nicol, who skippered Bath Rugby to a European title in 1998. Tom May, once of Newcastle Falcons and RC Toulon, and the former Racing 92 and Wasps flanker Florent Rossigneux join James Burridge in the studio to preview the holders Leinster Rugby’s opener against Wasps, Exeter Chiefs v Munster Rugby, Scarlets against last season’s finalists Racing, plus seven other great matches across Round 1 weekend. We hear from Johnny Sexton, Tom Youngs, Dimitri Szarzewski, Matt Garvey, Johann van Graan, Richard Cockerill and Mark McCall during our in-depth preview of the new European Rugby season. Journalist and author Jonathan Bradley discusses his new book about Ulster’s remarkable European Cup success 20 seasons ago, and we look ahead to the start of the European Rugby Challenge Cup as well.

The EPCR European Rugby Show visits Lausanne to bring you exclusive reaction to the Pool Draws for new Heineken Champions Cup and European Rugby Challenge Cup campaigns. Former rugby stars Austin Healey, Raphaël Ibañez and Dimitri Yachvili are on hand to help James Burridge and Emma Thurston analyse the teams and the pools in both competitions.

The EPCR European Rugby Show brings you interviews and analysis from Bilbao, after Leinster Rugby defeated Racing 92 15-12 in the European Rugby Champions Cup Final. The Irish side now have a record-equaling four European Cup titles.  James Burridge, Tom May and Emma Thurston have reaction from Leinster head coach Leo Cullen, captain Isa Nacewa and Johnny Sexton. There’s comment from Paul Grayson, a European Cup winner with Northampton Saints, as well as Lawrence Dallaglio, who won the competition twice with Wasps.  You’ll also hear from Danny Wilson and Ed Slater after Cardiff Blues’ thrilling comeback win over Gloucester Rugby in the European Rugby Challenge Cup showpiece. And Brian O’Driscoll talks about the EPCR European Player of the Year presented by Turkish Airlines. 

The EPCR European Rugby Show is in the Basque Country for 2018 Finals Weekend and today James Burridge, Tom May and Emma Thurston are joined by Miles Harrison of Sky Sports to preview the European Rugby Champions Cup Final between Leinster Rugby and Racing 92. We’ve all the team news and you’ll hear from Leinster’s head coach Leo Cullen, captain Isa Nacewa and key man Johnny Sexton, as well as Racing’s Irish forward Donnacha Ryan. Plus we have a coaching profile of Cullen, who could make history with a victory in Saturday’s final. 

2018 Finals Weekend is here and we're in Bilbao for three special episodes. Martyn Hindley, Tom May and Emma Thurston are joined pitchside by BT Sport’s Alastair Eykyn to talk about Friday night’s European Rugby Challenge Cup Final between Cardiff Blues and Gloucester Rugby.  We’ve all the team news, plus you’ll hear from Cardiff head coach Danny Wilson, captain Ellis Jenkins, and full-back Gareth Anscombe as well as Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann and skipper Ed Slater. The Cherry and Whites’ Director of Rugby David Humphreys reminisces about winning the European Cup with Ulster. Don’t forget to also download the EPCR European Rugby Show’s main Finals Weekend preview, which includes interviews with Matt O’Connor, Henry Trinder and Richard Hodges.

With Leinster Rugby set to face Racing 92 in the Champions Cup Final in Bilbao, the former Leinster head coach Matt O’Connor chats about the Irish side and the qualities of its current leader Leo Cullen. He also analyses Racing, who his Leicester Tigers team faced twice in Pool 4. James Burridge, Tom May and Emma Thurston hear from Leo Cullen himself as they preview Finals Weekend, as well as Joe Rokocoko, Ken Owens, Wayne Pivac, Peter O’Mahony and Johann van Graan. Gloucester Rugby centre Henry Trinder and Cardiff Blues defence coach Richard Hodges join us ahead of the European Rugby Challenge Cup Final. Plus, there are reflections on a hat-trick of Champions Cup wins with RC Toulon from Steffon Armitage. Look out for three more episodes of the EPCR European Rugby Show from Bilbao.

Mike Phillips came out of retirement to play for Scarlets earlier this season and the former Wales and Lions scrum-half joins James Burridge, Tom May and Emma Thurston to talk about the Welsh side’s European Rugby Champions Cup semi-final in Dublin. We also hear from Leinster Rugby stars past and present, Denis Hickie and Isa Nacewa. James Downey chats about Munster’s last-four encounter with Racing 92 and we get a French perspective from journalist Leo Faure. There’s a quickfire Q & A with Munster skipper Peter O’Mahony and match-winning memories of the 2001 final from Leicester legend Leon Lloyd. Plus, Dom Waldouck is on the phone ahead of Newcastle Falcons' Challenge Cup semi-final at Gloucester, while Conrad Smith and Steffon Armitage speak about the incentive of making Finals Weekend 2018 in Bilbao, as they prepare for Pau’s match against Cardiff Blues. And David Humphreys makes his selection in the EPCR European Player of the Year 2018 award, presented by Turkish Airlines.

Ex-Ireland and Leinster Rugby winger Denis Hickie and retired Saracens flanker Will Fraser are two of the special guests joining James Burridge, Tom May and Emma Thurston to discuss their former clubs’ massive quarter-final clash in Dublin. Florent Rossigneux gives us his thoughts on his old side Racing 92’s all-French encounter with 2017 finalists ASM Clermont Auvergne. We preview a huge match in Wales for Scarlets against La Rochelle and RC Toulon’s daunting trip to face Munster Rugby at Thomond Park. There’s a Champions Cup Q&A with Saracens skipper Brad Barritt, Thomas Castaignède shares his memories of winning the very first European Cup final and you’ll also hear from Leon Lloyd, who was the hero for Leicester Tigers in the 2001 showpiece. Plus, David Humphreys, Conrad Smith and Steffon Armitage look ahead to a big weekend in the European Rugby Challenge Cup.

Leinster Rugby have five wins from five in this season’s European Rugby Champions Cup and have already booked their place in the quarter finals. Mike McCarthy joins James Burridge, Tom May and Emma Thurston to analyse his old side’s impressive campaign. It’s crunch time for the fourteen teams that still hope to bag one of the seven remaining berths in the knockout stages and former All Black Carl Hayman helps preview the crucial Pool 5 encounter between Scarlets and RC Toulon. You’ll hear reaction to a dramatic Round 5 weekend from Ken Owens, as well as three directors of rugby - Todd Blackadder, Dai Young and John Kingston. Former France international Thomas Castaignède talks fondly about Saracens and there’s a Champions Cup Q&A with Stuart Hogg of Glasgow Warriors and Scotland.