Leinster face back-to-back Toulon fixtures while Munster also set for difficult Christmas assignment

Munster, Leinster and Ulster were dealt difficult Christmas fixtures after the schedule for the Champions Cup was announced today.

Leinster will face champions Toulon in the December double header, while Anthony Foley's side will face familiar foes Leicester Tigers during the same period. Another European heavyweight, Toulouse, will take on Ulster home and away during the crucial festive fixtures.

the three-time European champions will travel to the Stade Mayol  in round three with the return game in Dublin the following Saturday, most likely at the Aviva Stadium.

They will open their campaign at home to Wasps on Saturday November 15, before travelling away to Bath the following Saturday. After the Christmas assignment they will host Bath in round five and finish the pool stage away to Wasps.

Munster get their campaign underway at home to Treviso before travelling to Top 14 champions Stade Francais the following Sunday afternoon.

The Christmas double-header will see the Tigers travel to Thomond Park on Saturday December 12, with the return fixture a Sunday evening kick-off in Welford Road.

Their Pool 4 campaign will conclude at home to Stade and finally a visit to Treviso.

Ulster begin away away to French newcomers Oyonnax at 1pm Irish time on Saturday November 14, before hosting Saracens the following Friday night.

The 1999 European champions then host French kingpins Toulouse Kingspan Stadium on Friday December 11, before the return game the following Sunday afternoon.

They finish with a visit to Saracens and a home tie against Oyonnax.

Sky Sports live European Rugby fixtures over the first four rounds:

European Ruby Champions Cup:

 

November

Oyonnax  v    Ulster    Sat 14 Nov           1pm

Racing Metro v   Glasgow Warriors  Sat 14 Nov           3.15pm

Saracens  v Toulouse  Sat 14 Nov           5.15pm

Munster v  Treviso    Sat 14 Nov          5.15pm

Ospreys   v  Exeter Chiefs  Sun 15 Nov         5.15pm

Treviso  v Leicester Tigers   Sat 21 Nov           1pm

Glasgow Warriors  v Northampton Saints   Sat 21 Nov           5.15pm

Scarlets v Racing Metro  Sat 21 Nov           5.15pm

Clermont Auvergne  v  Ospreys  Sun 22Nov          1pm

Stade Français    v   Munster    Sun 22 Nov         3.15pm

 

December

Glasgow Warriors   v   Scarlets  Sat 12 Dec           1pm

Exeter Chiefs  v Clermont Auvergne      Sat 12 Dec          5.15pm

Ospreys   v  Bordeaux Bègles   Sat 12 Dec           5.15pm

Oyonnax   v   Saracens      Sun 13 Dec          1pm

Toulon   v   Leinster   Sun 13 Dec          3.15pm

Saracens   v  Oyonnax  Sat 19 Dec           1pm

Leinster   v    Toulon    Sat 19 Dec           5.15pm

Bordeaux Bègles   v  Ospreys       Sat 19 Dec           5.15pm

Toulouse    v  Ulster Sun 20 Dec          1pm

Clermont Auvergne  v Exeter Chiefs  Sun 20 Dec          3.15pm

 

European Rugby Challenge Cup:

November

Harlequins  v  Montpellier  Thu 12 Nov         7.45pm

Dragons   v Sale Sharks  Sun 15 Nov         3.15pm

Cardiff Blues v   Harlequins                                          Thu 19 Nov         7.45m

 

December

Worcester Warriors    v   Gloucester  Thu 10 Dec          7.45pm

Gloucester   v              Worcester Warriors  Thu 17 Dec          7.45pm