Clashes of European giants in Champions Cup quarters

Defending Vodacom United Rugby Championship champs Glasgow Warriors will face off against Irish juggernaut Leinster in a preview of a possible URC final later this season after the fixtures for the Investec Champions’ Cup quarterfinals were announced on Sunday night.

Franco Smith’s Glasgow side will travel to the Aviva Stadium where his impressive attacking outfit will pit themselves against former Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber’s defensive system in a mouthwatering clash on Friday night.

There are also several other clashes among the giants of European rugby this weekend, including Bordeaux facing Munster after the latter scored a stunning upset of former champions La Rochelle on Saturday.

Bordeaux beat Ulster in a high scoring match on Sunday to book their place.

Saturday’s other clash will be between Premiership champions Northampton Saints and Castres Olympique, the latter who needed a last gasp try to beat Benetton in their quarterfinal.

Sunday is truly a clash of the French giants as defending champions Toulouse host rivals Toulon in a mighty clash for a place in the semifinals.

QUARTER-FINALS

(Pool stage rankings in brackets)

Friday 11 April

QF 2: Leinster Rugby (2) v Glasgow Warriors (7), Aviva Stadium (21.00)

Saturday 12 April

QF 1: Union Bordeaux-Bègles (1) v Munster Rugby (9), Stade Chaban-Delmas (16.00)

QF 3: Northampton Saints (3) v Castres Olympique (6), cinch Stadium @ Franklin's Gardens (19.30)

Sunday 13 April

QF 4: RC Toulon (4) v Stade Toulousain (5), Stade Félix Mayol (16.00)

Semifinals – 2/3/4 May

SF 1: Winner QF 1 v Winner QF 4

SF 2: Winner QF 2 v Winner QF 3

NB The matches will be played in Europe and the highest-ranked clubs from the pool stage will have home country advantage

2025 Investec Champions Cup final: Saturday 24 May; Principality Stadium, Cardiff