Heineken/Challenge Cup Format 23/24

[Neill_M]

I think we play Toulouse, Racing, Quins and Bath, 2 home, 2 away.

Top 4 from each pool qualify for Round of 16, 5th places goes into challenge cup, 6th eliminated.

I think we could’ve drawn much worse (we could’ve got Leinsters draw)

Some good trip potential depending on what the EPCR computer programme produces, only one I wouldn't fancy would be Racing 92 tbh.

Not good getting Paris and London (not a fan of being just another tourist in a big city)

Would be happy with Toulouse and Bath again. But week 2 is never good for travel.

Racing game if away may not be in Paris, if La Defense Arena is being used as part of the Olympics (apparently being used for Aquatics - Swimming, Water Polo) / there is a concert on.

[TinPig]

Racing and Quins at home ideal.

Cardiff being the worst team in the competition probably not a good thing for us then?


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It is and it isn’t. It means we probably have a tougher draw, but at the same time hopefully means we won’t finish last

If we we play Toulouse away in the last game they will have no doubt already qualified. They might rest a load.


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Who knows, they could have an unplayable frozen pitch.

[UlsterNo9]

I think we play Toulouse, Racing, Quins and Bath, 2 home, 2 away.

Top 4 from each pool qualify for Round of 16, 5th places goes into challenge cup, 6th eliminated.

I think we could’ve drawn much worse (we could’ve got Leinsters draw)

Some good trip potential depending on what the EPCR computer programme produces, only one I wouldn't fancy would be Racing 92 tbh.

I'll not be back at R92 stadium, horrible experience, not a nice part of Paris either.

As others have said hoping for Bath or Toulouse away for the trips. The city trips do not appeal.

[Neill_M]

I think we play Toulouse, Racing, Quins and Bath, 2 home, 2 away.

Top 4 from each pool qualify for Round of 16, 5th places goes into challenge cup, 6th eliminated.

I think we could’ve drawn much worse (we could’ve got Leinsters draw)

Some good trip potential depending on what the EPCR computer programme produces, only one I wouldn't fancy would be Racing 92 tbh.

I'll not be back at R92 stadium, horrible experience, not a nice part of Paris either.

As others have said hoping for Bath or Toulouse away for the trips. The city trips do not appeal.

La Defense Arena becoming a swimming pool for the Olympics, so R92 away if it happens could be at a stadium outside Paris etc.

[BR]

I think we play Toulouse, Racing, Quins and Bath, 2 home, 2 away.

Top 4 from each pool qualify for Round of 16, 5th places goes into challenge cup, 6th eliminated.

I think we could’ve drawn much worse (we could’ve got Leinsters draw)

Some good trip potential depending on what the EPCR computer programme produces, only one I wouldn't fancy would be Racing 92 tbh.

I'll not be back at R92 stadium, horrible experience, not a nice part of Paris either.

As others have said hoping for Bath or Toulouse away for the trips. The city trips do not appeal.

La Defense Arena becoming a swimming pool for the Olympics, so R92 away if it happens could be at a stadium outside Paris etc.

There is still the stadium at Colombes though??

[Neill_M]

I think we play Toulouse, Racing, Quins and Bath, 2 home, 2 away.

Top 4 from each pool qualify for Round of 16, 5th places goes into challenge cup, 6th eliminated.

I think we could’ve drawn much worse (we could’ve got Leinsters draw)

Some good trip potential depending on what the EPCR computer programme produces, only one I wouldn't fancy would be Racing 92 tbh.

I'll not be back at R92 stadium, horrible experience, not a nice part of Paris either.

As others have said hoping for Bath or Toulouse away for the trips. The city trips do not appeal.

La Defense Arena becoming a swimming pool for the Olympics, so R92 away if it happens could be at a stadium outside Paris etc.

There is still the stadium at Colombes though??

Being used for field hockey in the Olympics according to google.

[BR]

There is still the stadium at Colombes though??

Being used for field hockey in the Olympics according to google.

That's in the summer though.

I imagine you can switch between a rugby pitch and a hockey pitch relatively quickly (subject to planning permission, of course).

La Defense is high tech, but I'm guessing they can't just pull a lever and convert it into a swimming pool.

They used Lens and Le Havre this year, iirc. Not sure either of those options appeal either.

[Bart S]

Toulouse in the group and not a mention yet of Trevor Brennan.

All ulster fans have such short memories

[Neill_M]

There is still the stadium at Colombes though??

Being used for field hockey in the Olympics according to google.

That's in the summer though.

I imagine you can switch between a rugby pitch and a hockey pitch relatively quickly (subject to planning permission, of course).

La Defense is high tech, but I'm guessing they can't just pull a lever and convert it into a swimming pool.

They used Lens and Le Havre this year, iirc. Not sure either of those options appeal either.

https://sportetsociete.org/2022/05/15/p ... du-manoir/

Seems they are doing significant work to the site to get it ready for Summer 2024.

[So It Is]

Cripple fight for 4th spot between ourselves and Bath.

The best thing for Ulster would be to go into the Parker Pen and actually have a chance at going deep into the tournament.

[CIMANFOREVER]

And go out at the q/f stage...

[jean valjean]

What a crap format. The other teams effectively get a 5pt head start on us as they get to play Cardiff, and we don't. Racing avoid toulouse who would be their biggest threat. Jokeshop again.

[CIMANFOREVER]

The classic 4 team group with 8 quarter finalists was simple and by far the best

[Dave]

The classic 4 team group with 8 quarter finalists was simple and by far the best

If it ain't broke dot dot dot dot....

[big mervyn]

Just when you think they can't make it any worse