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Exciting Young URC Stars To Watch In The 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup

Exciting Young URC Stars To Watch In The 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup

Discover the most promising young players in the United Rugby Championship set to shine in the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup.

Dec 5, 2024 by Philip Bendon
Brian Gleeson Try vs Italy | U20 6 Nations

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As the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup approaches, North American Rugby fans can look forward to watching some of the most exciting young talents in rugby today. 

These players, all rising stars in the United Rugby Championship, are set to make their marks on the biggest stage in European rugby. 

Whether it’s their dynamic playing styles, remarkable versatility or sheer physicality, each of these young stars brings something special to their respective teams. 

From powerful forwards to electrifying backs, these athletes have the potential to become key players for both their clubs and national teams. Catch all of them live on FloRugby, and witness the future of rugby in action!

Gus McCarthy – Leinster Rugby

One of the most exciting young stars in Irish rugby, he's playing as a hooker for Leinster Rugby. 

Born on July 23, 2003, in Dublin, he developed his skills at Blackrock College, where he captained the school team. 

McCarthy’s leadership was pivotal in leading Ireland’s U20 team to a Grand Slam in 2023, and he made his debut for Leinster in April 2024, quickly earning a place in the senior Ireland squad. 

In his two test matches for Ireland so far, McCarthy has scored a try in each match, showcasing his talent and potential as a rising star in the sport and a true challenger to Ronan Kelleher and Dan Sheehan for the Ireland hooker role.

Brian Gleeson – Munster Rugby

Regarded as one of European Rugby’s most exciting prospects, Brian Gleeson is a dynamic backrow forward for Munster Rugby, known for his power and versatility. 

A former standout for Ireland U20s, Gleeson played a pivotal role in the team's Grand Slam victory in 2023, earning two player-of-the-match awards. He also helped the U20s reach the final of the Junior World Championship. 

Gleeson joined Munster's Academy in 2023, making his senior debut against the Sharks and his Champions Cup debut against Exeter Chiefs later that year. 

With a background at Thurles RFC, Rockwell College and Garryowen FC, Gleeson has the potential to become one of the best No. 8s in world rugby.

Jude Postlethwaite – Ulster Rugby

Undoubtedly one of the most exciting players to emerge from Ulster Rugby in recent years. 

A former RBAI pupil, he was the leading try-scorer in the 2020 Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup and earned a nomination for player of the year. 

Postlethwaite joined the Ulster Rugby Academy in 2021 after representing Ireland at U20 and sevens levels. 

Known for his major physicality and skill, he quickly has become a standout backline player. 

With his impressive performances, including being named player of the match against the Dragons, Postlethwaite is a future challenger to Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw for an Irish international spot.

JF van Heerden – Vodacom Bulls

Still, just 20 years old, JF van Heerden is an exceptionally talented lock forward for the Vodacom Bulls, known for his physicality and lineout expertise. 

The former Grey College student and member of their first XV represented Free State U18 and South Africa U18 in 2022. 

He joined the Bulls squad for the 2023–2024 season, quickly making an impact with standout performances in the European Rugby Champions Cup. 

Notably, he started in crucial matches against Lyon and the Northampton Saints. 

Described as a "lineout general" and "enforcer," Van Heerden has the potential to become the next great Springboks lock.

Andre-Hugo Venter – DHL Stormers

A talented and confrontational hooker for the DHL Stormers and Springboks, the DHL Stormers star is the son of Springboks legend Andre Venter. 

Venter's journey to rugby stardom began at Grey College, a school renowned for producing 46 Springboks. 

Raised with a deep rugby legacy, Andre-Hugo’s quest for excellence was inspired by his father’s philosophy as a hard-hitting operator who never takes a backward step. 

A powerful and skilled player, Venter has followed in his father’s footsteps, carving out his path to international rugby, showcasing both talent and leadership on the field for the Stormers and South Africa. 

Expect him to become a dominant force in this year’s Investec Champions Cup with a Stormers side that is in a stage of rebuilding.

Ethan Hooker – Hollywoodbets Sharks

One of South African Rugby’s most promising backline players, the Hollywoodbets Sharks back is regarded as a powerhouse center but has played some exceptional rugby on the wing for the Durban side this season. 

The 21-year-old made his United Rugby Championship debut for the Sharks on Jan. 7, 2023 against Connacht and quickly made an impact. 

At the U20 international level, he scored a debut try for South Africa U20 at the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship against Georgia. 

Despite a setback from injury during the 2023 season, Hooker has returned stronger, contributing to the Sharks’ recent successes. 

With a resilient mindset and strong leadership, Hooker is seen as a future star of South African rugby and fits in perfectly with the Sharks' Springboks laden squad.

Mirco Spagnolo – Benetton Rugby

Uber athletic and ultra-physical, the young Benetton and Italian prop is known for his incredible scrummaging ability and strong presence in both attack and defense.

Spagnolo is poised to be a standout player both club and country over the coming years and will be key to Benetton’s success in this year’s Champions Cup. 

After two successful seasons with Petrarca Padova, he joined Benetton in June 2023. 

Spagnolo's dynamic style of play aligns with Benetton’s up-tempo rugby, and his powerful performances earned him a spot on Italy's 2024 Six Nations squad, marking his international debut against England.

Jamie Dobie – Glasgow Warriors

Dobie is a versatile scrumhalf who doubles up as a back-three player for the Glasgow Warriors and Scotland. 

Born in Inverness, he signed his first professional contract with Glasgow ahead of the 2019-2020 season, becoming the first player born after the millennium to join the club. 

Dobie quickly made an impact, earning the Land Rover Young Player of the Season award in his debut year. 

His dynamic style and ability to play across positions were showcased with standout performances, including a memorable man-of-the-match display against the Dragons. 

Dobie made his Scotland debut in 2021 and continues to be a promising talent for both club and country.

How To Watch The Investec Champions Cup 2024-2025 Season In The United States And Canada

Every minute of the Investec Champions Cup is streaming on FloRugby and the FloSports app.

Investec Champions Cup Team Previews

Here everything to know on each team in the Investec Champions Cup:

Pool 1: 


Pool 2:


Pool 3:


Pool 4:


Rugby Player Rankings: Here Are The Best Players In The Investec Champions Cup 

Here are the players how made the FloRugby Top 100 players list playing in the Champions Cup. Overall rank parentheses. 

  • Antoine Dupont – Toulouse & France (1)
  • Caelan Doris – Leinster & Ireland (2)
  • Jamison Gibson-Park – Leinster & Ireland (6)
  • Eben Etzebeth – Hollywoodbets Sharks & South Africa (7)
  • Damian Penaud – Bordeaux-Begles & France (8)
  • Dan Sheehan – Leinster & Ireland (9)
  • Tadhg Beirne – Munster & Ireland (10)
  • Sione Tuipulotu – Glasgow Warriors & Scotland (11)
  • RG Snyman – Leinster & South Africa (12)
  • Maro Itoje – Saracens & England (13)
  • Hugo Keenan – Leinster & Ireland (14)
  • Ox Nche – Hollywoodbets Sharks & South Africa (16)
  • Juan Cruz Mallia – Toulouse & Argentina (17)
  • Damian Willemse – DHL Stormers & South Africa (18)
  • Handre Pollard – Leicester Tigers & South Africa (19)
  • Finn Russell – Bath Rugby & Scotland (20)
  • Jordie Barrett – Leinster & New Zealand (21)
  • Romain Ntamack – Toulouse & France (23)
  • Sam Underhill – Bath Rugby & England (24)
  • Andrew Porter – Leinster & Ireland (25)
  • Blair Kinghorn – Toulouse & Scotland (26)
  • Jack Willis – Toulouse & England (27)
  • Kurt-Lee Arendse – Vodacom Bulls & South Africa (28)
  • Josh van der Flier – Leinster & Ireland (30)
  • Garry Ringrose – Leinster & Ireland (31)
  • Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – DHL Stormers & South Africa (32)
  • Tadhg Furlong – Leinster & Ireland (33)
  • Will Skelton – La Rochelle & Australia (35)
  • James Lowe – Leinster & Ireland (36)
  • Owen Farrell – Racing 92 & England (37)
  • Gregory Alldritt – La Rochelle & France (38)
  • Tommy Freeman – Northampton Saints & England (40)
  • Thomas Ramos – Toulouse & France (41)
  • Julian Montoya – Leicester Tigers & Argentina (43)
  • James Ryan – Leinster & Ireland (44)
  • Siya Kolisi – Hollywoodbets Sharks & South Africa (45)
  • Ben Earl – Saracens & England (47)
  • Cyril Baille – Toulouse & France (49)
  • Marcus Smith – Harlequins & England (50)
  • Jack Crowley – Munster & Ireland (51)
  • Tom Curry – Sale Sharks & England (53)
  • Tommaso Menencello – Benetton Rugby & Italy (54)
  • Ronan Kelleher – Leinster & Ireland (55)
  • Jack Conan – Leinster & Ireland (57)
  • Grant Williams – Hollywoodbets Sharks & South Africa (58)
  • Henry Slade – Exeter Chiefs & England (59)
  • Duhan van der Merwe – Edinburgh Rugby & Scotland (60)
  • Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – Exeter Chiefs & England (63)
  • Rory Darge – Glasgow Warriors & Scotland (64)
  • Ange Capuozzo – Toulouse & Italy (66)
  • George Furbank – Northampton Saints & England (68)
  • Peter O'Mahony – Munster & Ireland (69)
  • Levani Botia – La Rochelle & Fiji (71)
  • Louis Bielle-Biarrey – Bordeaux-Begles & France (72)
  • George Martin – Leicester Tigers & England (73)
  • Michele Lamaro – Benetton & Italy (74)
  • Robbie Henshaw – Leinster & Ireland (75)
  • Aphelele Fassi – Hollywoodbets Sharks & South Africa (76)
  • Manie Libbok – DHL Stormers & South Africa (77)
  • Huw Jones – Glasgow Warriors & Scotland (80)
  • Jamie George – Saracens & England (81)
  • Joe McCarthy – Leinster & Ireland (82)
  • Peato Mauvaka – Toulouse & France (83)
  • Elrigh Louw – Vodacom Bulls & South Africa (84)
  • Zander Fagerson – Glasgow Warriors & Scotland (85)
  • Alex Mitchell – Northampton Saints & England (86)
  • Marcos Kremer – Clermont & Argentina (87)
  • Ellis Genge – Bristol Bears & England (88)
  • Jamie Osborne – Leinster & Ireland (89)
  • Ollie Lawrence – Bath Rugby & England (91)
  • Julian Marchand – Toulouse & France (92)
  • Kyle Steyn – Glasgow Warriors & Scotland (95)
  • Caleb Clarke – Blues & New Zealand (96)
  • Ignacio Brex – Benetton Rugby & Italy (97)
  • Thibaud Flament – Toulouse & France (98)
  • Ciaran Frawley – Leinster & Ireland (99)
  • Charles Ollivon – Toulon & France (100)

Investec Champions Cup Club Rankings

Here are the top clubs in the Investec Champions Cup. Overall rank in parentheses. 

  • Toulouse (1)
  • Leinster Rugby (2)
  • Northampton Saints (3)
  • Union Bordeaux Begles (4)
  • Glasgow Warriors (6)
  • La Rochelle (7)
  • Munster Rugby (8)
  • Bath Rugby (10)
  • Vodacom Bulls (11)
  • Saracens (13) 
  • Harlequins (14)
  • DHL Stormers (15)
  • Stade Francais (16)
  • Sale Sharks (18)
  • Toulon (19)
  • Exeter Chiefs (20)
  • Benetton (22)
  • Racing 92 (23)
  • Ulster Rugby (24)
  • Bristol Bears (26)
  • Castres Olympique (27)
  • Clermont Rugby (28)
  • Leicester Tigers (29)
  • Hollywoodbets Sharks (32)

10 Can't-Miss Matches In The Investec Champions Cup

Read the full article here, but here 10 matches you don't want to miss on FloRugby: 

Investec Champions Cup Fixture and Rugby Schedule

Here is the complete Investec Champions Cup schedule.

Investec Champions Cup 2024-2025 Round 1

Investec Champions Cup 2024-2025  Round 2

Investec Champions Cup 2024-2025 Round 3

Investec Champions Cup 2024-2025 Round 4

Investec Champions Cup Format 

Key points of the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup:

  • A multi-pool format, as launched in the 2023-2024 season
  • 24 elite clubs - eight each from the Gallagher Premiership, URC and TOP 14 - in four pools of six
  • Sporting jeopardy, with each club playing against four different opponents, home or away, in the pool stage
  • Four highest-ranked clubs in each pool qualify for the Round of 16
  • The Investec Champions Cup will be played over eight weekends, with four pool rounds and four knockout rounds culminating in the 2025 final, which will be staged at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Saturday, May 24.

Investec Champions Cup Weekends

  • Round 1 – 6/7/8 December 2024
  • Round 2 – 13/14/15 December 2024
  • Round 3 – 10/11/12 January 2025
  • Round 4 – 17/18/19 January 2025
  • Round of 16 – 4/5/6 April 2025
  • Quarter-finals – 11/12/13 April 2025
  • Semi-finals – 2/3/4 May 2025
  • 2025 Investec Champions Cup final – Saturday, May 24, Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Champions Cup Qualifications 

Twenty-four clubs have qualified for the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup as follows:

  • United Rugby Championship (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • TOP 14 (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • Gallagher Premiership Rugby (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • If not already qualified, the winner of the 2024 Investec Champions Cup will take the place of the eighth-ranked club in its league.

Investec Champions Cup Qualifiers 

  • TOP 14 – Stade Toulousain, Union Bordeaux-Bègles, Stade Français Paris, RC Toulon, Stade Rochelais, Racing 92, Castres Olympique, ASM Clermont Auvergne
  • GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP – Northampton Saints, Bath Rugby, Sale Sharks, Saracens, Bristol Bears, Harlequins, Exeter Chiefs, Leicester Tigers
  • UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP – Glasgow Warriors, Vodacom Bulls, Munster Rugby, Leinster Rugby, DHL Stormers, Ulster Rugby, Benetton Rugby, Hollywoodbets Sharks

When Does The 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup Begin? When Is The Champions Cup Final?

The Investec Champions Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup begin Dec. 6, and the four-round pool-play action ends Jan. 19, 2025. The Round of 16 starts on April 4, while the quarterfinals are April 11-13. The semifinals are May 2-4. 

The EPCR Championships weekend is in Cardiff, Wales at Principality Stadium. There are championship games on May 23 (EPCR Challenge Cup) and May 24 (Investec Champions Cup). 

How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby

FloRugby and FloSports also are the US home to: 

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

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