2017-18 Champions Cup

Rigor Mortis

Castres

icdg wrote: »

Semi final TV picks

Champions Cup
Leinster v Scarlets - Sky
Racing 92 v Munster - BT

European Challenge Cup;
Newcastle v Gloucester - BT
Cardiff Blues v Pau - Sky

I wonder if faced with that lineup, BT exercised their first pick to take Newcastle Gloucester.

ArmaniJeanss

Rigor Mortis wrote: »

I wonder if faced with that lineup, BT exercised their first pick to take Newcastle Gloucester.

Interesting idea, but I doubt it because they knew Sky couldn't pick it with Sky's first pick, otherwise BT would end up with both ERCC semi-finals.
So BT were going to get that game with Pick3 anyway.
(Picks are alternate I assume).

Rigor Mortis

Castres

ArmaniJeanss wrote: »

Interesting idea, but I doubt it because they knew Sky couldn't pick it with Sky's first pick, otherwise BT would end up with both ERCC semi-finals.
So BT were going to get that game with Pick3 anyway.
(Picks are alternate I assume).

If alternate pick

BT pick N v G
Sky were always going to pick a ECC game
BT were always getting the remaining game
Sky get the other Parker Pen cup match

I dont think the picks are 1 & 4 v 2 & 3
IIRC Sky got badly done on the re-arranged deal.

icdg

The details of the 2014-18 TV deal were never fully publicly revealed but have a look at this article:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/club/10725732/First-call-for-BT-over-Sky-Sports-on-games-in-European-club-rugbys-brave-new-era-next-season.html

Seemingly how it was supposed to work in the pool stages:

1. The games in each competition were divided between those involving Premiership Rugby sides and those which do not.
2. In the European Cup, BT had three first picks of those games involving PRL sides. Sky had three first picks of those not involving PRL sides. In the European Challenge Cup, the reverse is the case.
3. There is a pick system for the remaining matches.

Seemingly a similar system was to operate for the quarter and semi finals but it was never revealed what would happen if all PRL sides were eliminated before the final. This year is the first time it’s happened.

Either there is some stipulation that if PRL sides are only involved in one competition, the pick system changes so that BT get the first pick of games across both competitions involving PRL sides, or Sky traded BT it’s first pick of games involving PRL sides in the European Challenge Cup so that it would get first pick in the European Cup.

Eod100

Rigor Mortis wrote: »

If alternate pick

BT pick N v G
Sky were always going to pick a ECC game
BT were always getting the remaining game
Sky get the other Parker Pen cup match

I dont think the picks are 1 & 4 v 2 & 3
IIRC Sky got badly done on the re-arranged deal.

Is it BT who have all the Champions Cup Uk and Irish rights next year? Apart from channel 4 and tv3 showing a match each? Does it apply to Challenge Cup too from next season?

The Lost Sheep

Eod100 wrote: »

Is it BT who have all the Champions Cup Uk and Irish rights next year? Apart from channel 4 and tv3 showing a match each? Does it apply to Challenge Cup too from next season?

Yes BT have sole rights to games next season and that includes Challenge Cup.

errlloyd

Exeter Chiefs

So. Final tickets. How would one go about getting one? I guess there will be an allocation to finalises, but is that likely to be a highly restricted distribution.

Synode

Montpellier

They were on sale to the general public ages ago. I was just about to buy them but was convinced not to by the OH as we have too much on in May

The Lost Sheep

errlloyd wrote: »

So. Final tickets. How would one go about getting one? I guess there will be an allocation to finalises, but is that likely to be a highly restricted distribution.

most tickets go on public sale but finalsists get allocation, rather small but plenty tickets can be bought in lead up to final. If a member of a club here it can be easier to find tickets but you need to be involved in club to assist getting tickets there....

errlloyd

Exeter Chiefs

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

most tickets go on public sale but finalsists get allocation, rather small but plenty tickets can be bought in lead up to final. If a member of a club here it can be easier to find tickets but you need to be involved in club to assist getting tickets there....

The public sale is long sold out right? So I am sort of relying on whatever gets distributed to the finalists. If it's Leinster v Munster I reckon that will be a highly oversubscribed avenue.

who_me

errlloyd wrote: »

The public sale is long sold out right? So I am sort of relying on whatever gets distributed to the finalists. If it's Leinster v Munster I reckon that will be a highly oversubscribed avenue.

Hard to say - they always release them in tranches, making it seem like the supply is lower/demand is higher than it is. But I wouldn't rely on that either, at this late stage!

Being in Spain, you're likely to have less 'walk-in' attendances, but OTOH the capacity is almost 30,000 down on what you'd have for Twickenham / Stade de France finals.

Former Former

errlloyd wrote: »

The public sale is long sold out right? So I am sort of relying on whatever gets distributed to the finalists. If it's Leinster v Munster I reckon that will be a highly oversubscribed avenue.

If an Irish club gets there, the tickets will go to the season ticket holders. Given the difficulty in getting to Bilbao and the non-availability of accommodation, I would think that if you can get an access code for the ST sale, you'll be grand.

irishbucsfan

errlloyd wrote: »

The public sale is long sold out right? So I am sort of relying on whatever gets distributed to the finalists. If it's Leinster v Munster I reckon that will be a highly oversubscribed avenue.

I'm a 2x STH and I won't be going, have a friend who should be playing in a different final in an inferior sport around then, give me a shout if you're still interested once we definitely qualify and I'll happily contribute whatever bits of my allocation I can.

errlloyd

Exeter Chiefs

irishbucsfan wrote: »

I'm a 2x STH and I won't be going, have a friend who should be playing in a different final in an inferior sport around then, give me a shout if you're still interested once we definitely qualify and I'll happily contribute whatever bits of my allocation I can.

Thanks IBF!

Blut2

Exeter Chiefs

It'd be worth your while sorting out transport & accom now even before you have tickets if you're dead-set on going. Both of those are already a disaster as is, and its only going to get worse once the teams are confirmed (especially if one or both are Irish and bring lots of fans).

The direct Dublin -> Bilbao flights for that weekend are an eye-watering 800eur already (up from under 200eur on an ordinary weekend...). The accommodation situation is also apparently dire. My friends who are going are all taking really roundabout routes, and not staying in Bilbao itself. Flying into Madrid, then traveling to Bilbao, but staying in Pamplona or one of the surrounding near-ish cities etc.

Dubinusa

IBF, he is not a friend of he partakes in inferior sports. Cast your "friend" a aside and come back from the dark side before it's too late.

errlloyd

Exeter Chiefs

Blut2 wrote: »

It'd be worth your while sorting out transport & accom now even before you have tickets if you're dead-set on going. Both of those are already a disaster as is, and its only going to get worse once the teams are confirmed (especially if one or both are Irish and bring lots of fans).

The direct Dublin -> Bilbao flights for that weekend are an eye-watering 800eur already (up from under 200eur on an ordinary weekend...). The accommodation situation is also apparently dire. My friends who are going are all taking really roundabout routes, and not staying in Bilbao itself. Flying into Madrid, then traveling to Bilbao, but staying in Pamplona or one of the surrounding near-ish cities etc.

Yeah, we're doing it a bit awkwardly ourselves. Campers are booked. Camp site is booked. Flights are via Barcelona and the a long drive to Bilbao.

With not many local fans and 50k tickets sold already apparently, I'd say it's going to be mental, but I'm pretty much committed now.

Blut2

Exeter Chiefs

Ah nice, thats most of the worry taken care of at least. I'd say hopefully you'll get tickets easy enough through season ticket holders.

Riskymove

Castres

Blut2 wrote: »

The direct Dublin -> Bilbao flights for that weekend are an eye-watering 800eur already (up from under 200eur on an ordinary weekend...).

if irish provinces make it there will be extra flights put on, just as with Bordeaux for Munster game

Eod100

Blut2 wrote: »

It'd be worth your while sorting out transport & accom now even before you have tickets if you're dead-set on going. Both of those are already a disaster as is, and its only going to get worse once the teams are confirmed (especially if one or both are Irish and bring lots of fans).

The direct Dublin -> Bilbao flights for that weekend are an eye-watering 800eur already (up from under 200eur on an ordinary weekend...). The accommodation situation is also apparently dire. My friends who are going are all taking really roundabout routes, and not staying in Bilbao itself. Flying into Madrid, then traveling to Bilbao, but staying in Pamplona or one of the surrounding near-ish cities etc.

Yeah I booked in October and direct flight out even then was pricey! Going Dublin Stansted , Stansted Santander the Friday. Back Bilbao to Dublin the Monday. Working out at about just under 250e return which as I type doesn't seem that great ha

who_me

Riskymove wrote: »

if irish provinces make it there will be extra flights put on, just as with Bordeaux for Munster game

If it's Munster v Leinster in the final, it'll be planes, trains and automobiles. Kayaks, Segways and diverted flying lesson flights. All aboard the nearest horse/donkey/small furry animal. (Me, I'm eating the corn, putting the fox in the bag, and going to the game with the chicken).

who_me

Castres

who_me wrote: »

If it's Munster v Leinster in the final, it'll be planes, trains and automobiles. Kayaks, Segways and diverted flying lesson flights. All aboard the nearest horse/donkey/small furry animal. (Me, I'm eating the corn, putting the fox in the bag, and going to the game with the chicken).

If it's a Munster v Leinster final, who wants to bet on which journalists writes the first article about how it should be moved to Croke Park?

I'll second that bet with odds that an online petition to get Leo Varadker to get them to move it to Croke Park gets over 10,000 signatures.

#CrokerOrBroker

Exeter Chiefs

Just saw a headline on the Irish Times that Leinster SF tickets are considerably more expensive than Munster tickets. Thanks ECPR, real good of you.

sydthebeat

Castres

Rhea Massive Barrel wrote: »

Just saw a headline on the Irish Times that Leinster SF tickets are considerably more expensive than Munster tickets. Thanks ECPR, real good of you.

munster tickets from €15, €30, €40 + €55

leinster tickets has about 8 different ranges from €12.50 to €90

edit: actually i just checked whats available for sale right now... so when it goes for general sale the cheapest ticket will be €40 to a max €70

prawnsambo

Rhea Massive Barrel wrote: »

Just saw a headline on the Irish Times that Leinster SF tickets are considerably more expensive than Munster tickets. Thanks ECPR, real good of you.

The reason is that Munster are apparently only playing a quarter-final while Leinster are playing a semi-final.

Tickets are now on general sale for Munster’s Champions Cup quarter-final against Racing 92 at the 34,263-capacity Stade Chaban-Delmas in Bordeaux on Sunday, April 22 (4.15pm local time).

molloyjh

Exeter Chiefs

sydthebeat wrote: »

munster tickets from €15, €30, €40 + €55

leinster tickets has about 8 different ranges from €12.50 to €90

edit: actually i just checked whats available for sale right now... so when it goes for general sale the cheapest ticket will be €40 to a max €70

It's also worth noting that the facilities in the Aviva are a lot better than those in the SCD, with better seats and views etc. There is nothing even close to a premium level there. It would be interesting to see the type of seats in both stadiums at the various price points. You know, compare like with like and all that.

Riskymove

Castres

molloyjh wrote: »

It's also worth noting that the facilities in the Aviva are a lot better than those in the SCD, with better seats and views etc. .

absolutely they do not compare at all

but also you need to consider that Bordeaux may not sell out while there is high demand for the Leinster game

having said that I paid €60 for my ticket to Leinster SF and €55 for the Munster SF so not exactly a huge difference

Blut2

Exeter Chiefs

The demand level would have to be a factor too.

errlloyd

Exeter Chiefs

In France tickets are generally way cheaper too from my experience. We really don't know what is going on behind the scenes in terms of stadium rental etc.

If I was Racing Metro fan, and comparing our situations I'd be pissed. Leinster fans pay more for the ticket, but most Leinster fans won't need to buy expensive transport to get to the Aviva.

Eod100

Anyone else order tickets for final via Ticketmaster fr? Ordered in January, paid 25 for postage and still nothing. I know it's a month away but kinda creeping up now..

Akrasia

Eod100 wrote: »

Anyone else order tickets for final via Ticketmaster fr? Ordered in January, paid 25 for postage and still nothing. I know it's a month away but kinda creeping up now..

Log into your account and check if they've been posted.

And 25 euros to send a letter from France to Ireland??? WTF

Eod100

Akrasia wrote: »

Log into your account and check if they've been posted.

And 25 euros to send a letter from France to Ireland??? WTF

Just says soon.. Rang and with my rusty French got told they would be posted a week beforehand. I know, crazy price. I assume it's registered post but still. Think I paid similar for RWC tickets and they were only coming from England!

Eod100

So what's the craic with 20th place Champions Cup Qualification?

Champions Cup winner, if not already qualified.

All semi-finalists guaranteed to qualify from their leagues.


European Rugby Challenge Cup winner, if not already qualified.

Challenge Cup losing finalist, if not already qualified.


Challenge Cup semi-finalist, if one has not already qualified (or the winner of a play-off between the semi-finalists, if both have not already qualified).

Gloucester v Newcastle. Newcastle already qualified. Gloucester currently 7th.

Cardiff v Pau. Cardiff look likely to qualify. Pau 5th but 3 teams close behind.


Highest ranked non-qualified club by virtue of league position from the same league as the Champions Cup winner.


Bit of an odd one, would have thought it would go Champions Cup semi-finalist if not already qualified..

errlloyd

Exeter Chiefs

Well Gloucester are now in 6th. So if all stays as is and a pro14 team wins, Ulster will presumably qualify without the need for a playoff?

thomond2006

Exeter Chiefs

Currently in:

Pro14 (6): Munster, Glasgow, Cardiff, Leinster, Scarlets, Edinburgh
Aviva (6): Exeter, Saracens, Wasps, Newcastle, Leicester, Gloucester
Top14 (6): Montpellier, Racing 92, Toulon, Lyon, Toulouse, Castres

Pro14 playoff: Ulster vs Ospreys

A healthy number of new teams! Those in bold were not in this year's Champions Cup. Pau are currently in 7th in the Top14 and could still sneak in. Sale are 7th in the Aviva and could still replace Leicester.

thelad95

thomond2006 wrote: »

Currently in:

Pro14 (6): Munster, Glasgow, Cardiff, Leinster, Scarlets, Edinburgh
Aviva (6): Exeter, Saracens, Wasps, Newcastle, Leicester, Gloucester
Top14 (6): Montpellier, Racing 92, Toulon, Lyon, Toulouse, Castres

Pro14 playoff: Ulster vs Ospreys

A healthy number of new teams! Those in bold were not in this year's Champions Cup. Pau are currently in 7th in the Top14 and could still sneak in. Sale are 7th in the Aviva and could still replace Leicester.

Excuse my ignorance, but why are Benetton not in from the PRO14? I thought there had to be at least one Italian team?

thomond2006

Exeter Chiefs

thelad95 wrote: »

Excuse my ignorance, but why are Benetton not in from the PRO14? I thought there had to be at least one Italian team?

No. The guaranteed spot per country was scrapped.

errlloyd

Exeter Chiefs

thomond2006 wrote: »

Currently in:

Pro14 (6): Munster, Glasgow, Cardiff, Leinster, Scarlets, Edinburgh
Aviva (6): Exeter, Saracens, Wasps, Newcastle, Leicester, Gloucester
Top14 (6): Montpellier, Racing 92, Toulon, Lyon, Toulouse, Castres

Pro14 playoff: Ulster vs Ospreys

A healthy number of new teams! Those in bold were not in this year's Champions Cup. Pau are currently in 7th in the Top14 and could still sneak in. Sale are 7th in the Aviva and could still replace Leicester.

Actually currently Pau are in regardless. They're the 20th team right now, the only semi finalists I'm the challenge cup that isn't currently qualified. The only way they lose that spot is if Gloucester drop out.

Eod100

Think a win today for Toulouse at home vs Racing brings them from 5th to 2nd.

PTH2009

Predicting there will be at least one Munster man in the final

Castres

Interesting looking back at the poll above.

No votes for Racing, Montpelier with 5. Saracens well out in front despite barely making the knock outs.

The semi finals if drawn from the poll above would have been

Saracens V Munster
Leinster V Montpellier

PTH2009

This could be Munsters best chance of making the final with many powerhouses out or not fussed with this

Riskymove

Castres

PTH2009 wrote: »

Predicting there will be at least one Munster man in the final

well at least there is definitely an irishman or two in final regardless of teams

errlloyd

Exeter Chiefs

Deleted User wrote: »

Interesting looking back at the poll above.

No votes for Racing, Montpelier with 5. Saracens well out in front despite barely making the knock outs.

The semi finals if drawn from the poll above would have been

Saracens V Munster
Leinster V Montpellier

A week after this thread opened, Robert Kitson published this article. Saracens hype was insane!

Eod100

PTH2009 wrote: »

Predicting there will be at least one Munster man in the final

You've hedged your bets there.. D.R for Racing, Beirne for Scarlets?

Eod100

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Interesting looking back at the poll above.

No votes for Racing, Montpelier with 5. Saracens well out in front despite barely making the knock outs.

The semi finals if drawn from the poll above would have been

Saracens V Munster
Leinster V Montpellier

Suppose would have thought at least 1 of the finalists from last season would have made the semis..

Kevski

Eod100 wrote: »

You've hedged your bets there.. D.R for Racing, Beirne for Scarlets?

Don’t forget Limerick man, Sean Cronin

Eod100

Castres

Eod100 wrote: »

Suppose would have thought at least 1 of the finalists from last season would have made the semis..

Yeah it's an odd one. Saracens are still a good team with a good squad. It's quite unusual that they've come apart in Europe so badly this year.

I thought they actually did quite well against Leinster and on their day could have taken a scalp against most of the last 8 teams, they just left themselves too much work to do by their performance in the pool stages.

To be fair to Clermont, injuries have robbed them of any kind of a season. They probably won't even qualify for Europe next year but if they did I wouldn't be surprised to see them right back up at the top table if they could keep their players fit.

PTH2009

Racing vs Scarlets final

Bit of an anti climax for us Irish

errlloyd

Exeter Chiefs

Deleted User wrote: »

They probably won't even qualify for Europe next year but if they did I wouldn't be surprised to see them right back up at the top table if they could keep their players fit.

Definitely won't. 14 points off 6th with two games remaining.