Rugby Union Today: European build-up

Colin Newboult
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Another busy day in the rugby union game as we look ahead to the mouth-watering Champions Cup encounters on Saturday and Sunday.

What’s on the site

There are several interesting contests in the Champions Cup this weekend and we have previewed the games on both Saturday and Sunday, where Racing 92 and Saracens will attempt to move closer to qualification.

Europe’s top-tier competition is also covered in our betting preview, which looks at the best odds from two encounters, while seven Challenge Cup matches take place on Saturday and we have listed the teams.

Finally, check out this exclusive interview with former New Zealand Sevens star Karl Te Nana, where he expects several XVs players to make the transition to the shorter form of the game ahead of the 2020 Olympics.

What’s in the news

It has been revealed that New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen, who guided the All Blacks to the 2015 World Cup title, will step down after the 2019 global tournament in Japan.

Elsewhere, Toulon’s spending on southern hemisphere stars has continued. After bringing in Julian Savea for the current campaign, they have confirmed that Eben Etzebeth and Nehe Milner-Skudder will join ahead of the 2019/20 season.

What’s on social media

With Steve Hansen set to step down next year, his record is certainly an impressive one since taking over from Graham Henry in 2012.

What’s on TV

Champions Cup Round Four action is live on BT Sport, with Exeter Chiefs looking for revenge over Gloucester at Kingsholm and Bath looking to build on their impressive showing last time out against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium.

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