2016-17 Champions' Cup Qualification

[Dave]

I think that is a tough-ass group. Sure it could be worse and was nice to avoid Sorriescums and Toulon but it will be tight. Clermont topped the top 14 but they can be choke artists like us. With our away form I'd be anxious if we needed to win in their place. The Exeter games will be a good contest. I like the way they play and they will be hard to stop. Our scrum will be a worry and potentially the pack could be shyte. It may depend on how quick Coetzee returns. Or if he even comes.

[Cockatrice]

looking forward to Exeter always wanted a trip there now we have the excuse..

[mikerob]

I'd like to go to both Exeter and Bordeaux Beagles depending on dates.

I see Bordeaux play in the Stade Chaban Delmas... I don't have good memories of that place after Ireland's performances there in RWC 2007.

[Cap'n Grumpy]

I think that is a tough-ass group. Sure it could be worse and was nice to avoid Sorriescums and Toulon but it will be tight. Clermont topped the top 14 but they can be choke artists like us. With our away form I'd be anxious if we needed to win in their place. The Exeter games will be a good contest. I like the way they play and they will be hard to stop. Our scrum will be a worry and potentially the pack could be shyte. It may depend on how quick Coetzee returns. Or if he even comes.

I'm still not convinced Coetzee's is coming.... And I wont be until he comes round to plat (sic) cribbage with me every other Wednesday*.





* I suspect Fleg will be expecting him on alternate Thursdays

[Dave]

I think that is a tough-ass group. Sure it could be worse and was nice to avoid Sorriescums and Toulon but it will be tight. Clermont topped the top 14 but they can be choke artists like us. With our away form I'd be anxious if we needed to win in their place. The Exeter games will be a good contest. I like the way they play and they will be hard to stop. Our scrum will be a worry and potentially the pack could be shyte. It may depend on how quick Coetzee returns. Or if he even comes.

I'm still not convinced Coetzee's is coming.... And I wont be until he comes round to plat (sic) cribbage with me every other Wednesday*.





* I suspect Fleg will be expecting him on alternate Thursdays

If he gets a speeding ticket racing from fleg's to yours, will you believe it then?

[Loki]

Delighted with the draw in general. Clermont are great and I was hoping to get a trip to Exeter as I can't make the preseason match. Not getting Sarries / Leicester is a bonus. We've not a chance of winning it anyway so an enjoyable group is all I ask for.

[ruckover]

Desperately hoping I get to Clermont, it's one of the away venues on my bucket list.

Will try to make the other two as well. Bordeaux may be tricky but Exeter should also be manageable.

[solidarity]

Bordeaux is handy if away match is in first 2 rounds otherwise it gets more complex for travel.

Why?

Same question, Rooster, round three will probably be my only chance of an away trip.

The direct flights from Dublin to Bordeaux stop at around Halloween, alternative routes needed for rounds 3-6.

Correct answer Neil, Aer Lingus fly out Friday back Sunday or Monday up to end of October

Thanks Guys.

[Rooster]

Why?

Same question, Rooster, round three will probably be my only chance of an away trip.

The direct flights from Dublin to Bordeaux stop at around Halloween, alternative routes needed for rounds 3-6.

Correct answer Neil, Aer Lingus fly out Friday back Sunday or Monday up to end of October

Thanks Guys.

I only checked Aer Lingus as they are my preferred carrier, well Emirates and Ethiad are ok as well but they would be a long way around to go to Bordeaux

[Bart S]

Who cares, it's the SDC.

Agreed
But we play 2 proper old school clubs for once

And a band of mercenaries on the french coast

Old School? Gusher will be having a field day

[rorybestsbigbaldnoggin]

Exeter, Clermont and Bordeaux.

Could have been a lot worse, throught we were going to get Saracens and Toulon.

Cracking group. As Baggy alludes ("it's only the SDC"), we shouldn't be all that arsed about it, but there's 6 games with plenty of scope for entertaining rugby.

[BaggyTrousers]

Zero Fecks - SDC.

The End.

[Joe Schmo]

Same question, Rooster, round three will probably be my only chance of an away trip.

The direct flights from Dublin to Bordeaux stop at around Halloween, alternative routes needed for rounds 3-6.

Correct answer Neil, Aer Lingus fly out Friday back Sunday or Monday up to end of October

Thanks Guys.

I only checked Aer Lingus as they are my preferred carrier, well Emirates and Ethiad are ok as well but they would be a long way around to go to Bordeaux

if it's Bordeaux in December or January I would imagine UR would sell some seats on their team flight? Where do you fly to for Clermont? I think I would prefer that match if Bordeaux isn't the first one up, though I have a sneaky feeling it might be.

[Rooster]

Clermont is either Lyon or Geneva as nearest airports.

[Pimpmac]

I see the weekends have been announced for the Champions Cup matches but does anyone from memory know when the specific dates/opposition and locations are confirmed. I have a few weekends to sort and keen to know when is the earliest I will likely be able to do that.

Many thanks