Rugby Union Today: Champions Cup Team of the Season

Colin Newboult
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Saracens Alex Goode celebrates with fans after the Champions Cup Final at St James' Park, Newcastle.

Another busy day in the rugby union game as we named our best XV from the 2018/19 Champions Cup campaign, which was won by Saracens. 

What’s on the site

It was an outstanding weekend for Saracens, who claimed their third Champions Cup title by defeating Leinster in Newcastle on Saturday, and they have been rewarded with the most representatives in our Team of the Season.

That triumph is also discussed in ‘who’s hot and who’s not,’ which looks at Sarries’ impressive win and the potential turning point in the contest where Luke McGrath decided not to kick the ball out for half-time.

There was plenty of Super Rugby action too as the Crusaders and Brumbies impressed, receiving three nominations each in the Team of the Week.

What’s in the news

Israel Folau continues to cause controversy, this time stating that backing down from his stance would be doing ‘Satan’s’ work. The 30-year-old was offered a chance to show some remorse during the code of conduct hearing but Folau’s position remained unchanged and he explained why.

In more rugby-related matters, Sale Sharks have announced the signing of yet another South African international with Coenie Oosthuizen joining the club on a three-year deal, while Matt Toomua has been released early by Leicester Tigers to join up with the Rebels and could make his debut on Friday.

What’s on social media

Alex Goode evidently enjoyed the weekend’s celebrations judging by these pictures taken by team-mate Sean Maitland.

What’s on TV

It is back to domestic duties for the European clubs, with BT Sport showing the final round of the Premiership season. The games all kick-off at the same time, meaning there are just two live matches, as Wasps face Harlequins and Exeter Chiefs host Northampton Saints.

Meanwhile, the PRO14 play-offs continue on Premier Sports as Glasgow take on Ulster and arch-rivals Leinster and Munster go head-to-head. There is also the Champions Cup qualification encounter where Ospreys and Scarlets battle for a place in Europe’s top-tier competition.

On Sky Sports, just five weeks remain of the regular Super Rugby campaign and it starts with the Jaguares visiting Wellington to play the Hurricanes on Friday.

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