THE fixtures for the Champions Cup have been announced and Ulster have been drawn in the tough Pool Two, with their first game against Stade Toulousain.
Ulster will start their campaign with an away game, where they face Stade Toulousain on December 8. This will be a challenging opener, as the French team are six-time Champions Cup winners and the reigning champions.
Just six days later, on December 14, Ulster will host Bordeaux Bègles at Kingspan. It will be another early test for the Ulstermen, as Bordeaux reached the quarter-final of the competition last season.
In the new year, on January 10, Ulster will travel to Leicester to take on Premiership Rugby team Leicester Tigers.
Richie Murphy’s side will then have another quick turnaround, as they face 2020 Champions Cup winners Exeter Chiefs. This game will take place at Kingspan on January 17.
Ulster’s group also contains Hollywoodbets Sharks, who they will not face due to the two teams playing in the United Rugby Championship. The top four teams in each pool will progress to the Round of 16, with the top two earning a home advantage.
Elsewhere, Munster have been drawn in the tough Pool Three. They will begin with a home game against Stade Français (December 7) and will later host Saracens at Thomond Park (January 11).
Their away games are against Castres Olympique (December 13) and Northampton Saints (January 18).
In Pool Two, Leicester will begin their Champions Cup campaign away, against Bristol Bears (December 8). They will also travel to face Stade Rochelais (January 12).
At home, Leicester will play Clermont (December 14) and Bath Rugby (January 18). However, the location for these games has not yet been confirmed due to ongoing work at the RDS Stadium
In the Challenge Cup, Connacht will kick-off with a home game against Zebre (December 7) and they will also host Lyon at the Dexcom Stadium (January 11). Their away games will be against Perpignan (December 15) and Cardiff (January 17).
