Leinster vs Bath

EPCR WELCOME
MESSAGE
A warm welcome to this
match in the 2021/22 Heineken
Champions Cup season as we
look forward once again to
elite clubs and top players
producing the brilliance and
drama which have for long
been the trademarks of our
truly world-class tournament.
Following the new EPCR
agreement which was concluded
last April, we are now entering
an exciting era for Heineken
Champions Cup rugby and with
stadiums across Europe opening
up to fans once again, we will
see a return to the traditional
passion and colour which have
characterised the competition
since its inception in 1995.
The 24-club format with two pools of 12
has been retained, and following two
rounds of matches this month, and two in
January, the eight highest-ranked clubs
in each pool will qualify for the knockout
stage.
An innovative Round of 16 with home
and away legs, and then traditional
quarter-finals and semi-finals, will
guarantee a further series of compelling
fixtures culminating in the 2022 final at
the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille on
Saturday, 28 May. In addition, three
clubs from each pool will qualify for the
Round of 16 of the EPCR Challenge Cup.
A special mention must go to Stade
Toulousain who made history last season
when they lifted the trophy in such fine
style for a record fifth time, and to the
supremely-talented Antoine Dupont who
became the first French player to be
awarded the Anthony Foley Memorial
Trophy as EPCR European Player of the
Year.
We are delighted to be joined on the
journey to the Marseille finals by our
long-standing title partner, Heineken, and
we also extend the hand of welcome to
our newest official partner, DHL, who will
provide customised logistics solutions for
both the Heineken Champions Cup and
the EPCR Challenge Cup. We would also
like to thank Tissot, the Financial Times,
Gilbert and Kappa for their continuing
support.
We recognise the superb coverage
provided by our TV partners BT Sport,
beIN SPORTS, France Télévisions,
Channel 4 and Virgin Media whose
output is complemented by the wide
range of linear and OTT platforms which
broadcast the Heineken Champions Cup
globally.
The elite clubs in this season’s tournament
have a total of 38 European titles
between them so we are certain of topquality
entertainment from the kick-off to
the final whistle.
On behalf of everyone at EPCR, enjoy
the match and best wishes to you, the
fans, as well as to your club’s players
and staff for what promises to be another
memorable Heineken Champions Cup
season.
Yours in rugby,
Dominic McKay
EPCR Chairman (interim)