The excitement surrounding the European Rugby Champions Cup is palpable as this weekend saw two highly anticipated matches: Exeter Chiefs hosting Toulouse and Toulon facing Off against Glasgow Warriors. Both encounters took place on Sunday, December 15, effectively showcasing Europe’s top rugby talent.
Kicking off at 5:30 PM GMT, the match at Sandy Park held considerable stakes for the struggling Exeter Chiefs. So far this season, the 2020 champions had endured quite the nightmare, having lost all seven of their Premiership matches, with their European campaign starting off on the wrong foot against the Sharks. Facing the reigning champs, Toulouse, on their home ground only added pressure. A recent report suggested, "A visit from Toulouse is... the last thing they need right now..." indicating the uphill battle laid before them.
On the contrary, Toulouse arrived at Sandy Park with flair, boasting world-class talents such as Thomas Ramos, Romain Ntamack, and the talismanic Antoine Dupont as captain. With such formidable opponents, hopes were low among Exeter fans, who saw their only consolation being Henry Slade's return to the side, albeit playing at fly-half, rather than his customary center position. Unfortunately, it seemed clear; this afternoon would likely be long for the hosts.
Meanwhile, across the channel, another exciting clash lit up the French Riviera as Toulon took on the Glasgow Warriors at 3:15 PM GMT. Known for its stunning coastline and sunny weather, the location set the stage for what many dubbed, "a bona fide clash of the titans..." Toulon’s line-up included seasoned players such as England exiles Kyle Sinckler and Lewis Ludlam, along with local hero Charles Ollivon. Glasgow brought their own firepower, featuring captains of the Scottish national side, namely Stafford McDowall and Sione Tuipulotu. Fans eagerly anticipated this epic showdown as part of the Champions Cup weekend festivities.
For viewers eager to catch these matches, the broadcasting rights have shifted this season. Premier Sports now holds UK broadcasting rights, with all 63 matches featured throughout this year's tournament. Subscriptions cost £15.99 per month if you’d like to tune in from home. This move marks the end of TNT Sports’ longstanding partnership with the tournament, highlighting the rapidly changing broadcasting environment.
Fortunately for UK residents, Premier Sports is easy to access through a variety of platforms including Sky, Virgin Media, or Amazon. For those traveling abroad but wishing to keep up with their home coverage, using VPN technology to stream matches back home became necessary. Many have found success with NordVPN, as it’s user-friendly and provides good coverage across multiple devices.
International access had also been well-planned for various audiences. For example, fans watching from South Africa could catch the match on SuperSport, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30 PM SAST. Eastward, Irish fans joined the action through Premier Sports Ireland. Meanwhile, stateside, viewers could tune in via FloRugby, where subscriptions are priced at $29.99 per month for fans hoping to keep up with European rugby.
While various European countries could catch the action via platforms like Viaplay or EPCR TV, the fight for the title continued unabated. The stakes were high as teams jockeyed for position within their respective pools. Fans were certainly hungry for more than just statistics; they were eager to witness legends being forged on the pitch as teams collided for supremacy.
Despite Exeter's struggles, it was important to note their immediate lineup featuring Josh Hodge, Ben Hammersley, and captain Jacques Vermeulen, who aimed to rally the team at Sandy Park. All eyes would also be on Toulouse's formidable pack featuring Dupont and Brazilian international Dorian Aldegheri. This presence on the field had the potential to shift the odds dramatically on the day, showcasing the raw athletic talent brought forth by European rugby.
For Toulon and Glasgow Warriors, headliners such as Paolo Garbisi and Baptiste Serin would command attention. Fans pondered if the dynamic playmaking would be enough to outmatch the Glasgow line-up, potentially keeping the match thrilling until its final moments. With officials Matthew Carley and his assistants handling the action on the field, anticipation grew for what promises to be continuous excitement.
Following this weekend's dramatic clashes, rugby supporters have plenty to reflect on. The drama will only increase as the season continues. For fans both near and far, staying plugged-in via Premier Sports, FloRugby, or whichever appropriate service will be key as the tournament progresses. There's no denying the majestic thrill of the European Rugby Champions Cup journeys, and each match introduces new possibilities, shaping the outcomes of teams and the futures of players forever. Exciting times lie ahead!
