Dec 21, TBD
Ulster vs Munster
Dec 21, TBD
DHL Stormers vs Lions
Dec 21, 1:00 PM UTC
Benetton vs Zebre Parma
Dec 21, 1:30 PM UTC
Stade Rochelais vs ASM-Rugby
Dec 21, 3:00 PM UTC
Sharks vs Vodacom Bulls
Dec 21, 3:30 PM UTC
RC Vannes vs Aviron Bayonnais
Dec 21, 3:30 PM UTC
RC Toulonnais vs Section Paloise
Dec 21, 3:30 PM UTC
Stade Francais vs Perpignan
Dec 21, 3:30 PM UTC
MHR vs Racing 92
Dec 21, 5:15 PM UTC
Glasgow Warriors vs Edinburgh
Dec 21, 8:05 PM UTC
Castres Olympique vs Union Bordeaux
Dec 22, 8:05 PM UTC
Lyon OU vs Stade Toulousain
Dec 26, TBD
Leinster vs Connacht
Dec 26, 3:00 PM UTC
Dragons vs Cardiff
Dec 26, 5:15 PM UTC
Ospreys vs Scarlets
Premiership Rugby

Harlequins Shred DHL Stormers At The Stoop To Claim First Champions Cup Win

Harlequins Shred DHL Stormers At The Stoop To Claim First Champions Cup Win

Gallagher Premiership side the Harlequins defeated the DHL Stormers in their Investec Champions Cup clash at the Twickenham, Stoop Stadium.

Dec 14, 2024 by Philip Bendon
Harlequins Shred DHL Stormers At The Stoop To Claim First Champions Cup Win

Harlequins delivered a clinical performance to crush the DHL Stormers 53-16 in their Investec Champions Cup clash on Saturday at the Stoop. The home side showcased attacking brilliance, led by Alex Dombrandt and Cadan Murley, who both bagged two tries each.

The Stormers struck first through two early penalties from Jurie Matthee, giving them a 6-0 lead. However, Harlequins quickly found their rhythm, with Cadan Murley scoring his first try in the 12th minute, followed by Danny Care and Dombrandt crossing the line before halftime. Marcus Smith converted two of three tries to give Quins a 19-6 advantage at the break.

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The second half saw Harlequins unleash their full attacking arsenal. Dombrandt powered over for his second in the 52nd minute, followed closely by Murley’s double to secure the bonus point. Replacement hooker Sam Riley added his name to the scoresheet in the 75th minute, with Jarrod Evans converting to cap a dominant home display.

Stormers' Discipline Issues

Stormers' ill-discipline proved costly, with yellow cards to Stefan Ungerer, Seabelo Senatla, and Angelo Davids, leaving them a man down for key stretches. The visitors managed a late consolation try from JC Mars, converted by Matthee, but it was too little, too late.

Quins' bench provided impactful performances, with Will Porter and Jack Kenningham ensuring no drop in tempo. Smith orchestrated play with precision, contributing 13 points with the boot.

With the victory, Harlequins sent a strong statement in the Champions Cup, while the Stormers had to regroup after a tough outing.

What's Next For Harlequins and the DHL Stormers In the Champions Cup?

Harlequins will travel to France where they will face Toulon at 10:15 a.m. ET on Jan. 12 in one of the most anticipated matches of the competition. The Stormers will host Sale Sharks at 08:00 am ET on Jan. 11.  

Investec Champions Cup 2024-2025 Round 1 Results

Investec Champions Cup Fixtures In Round 2

All Times Eastern. 

Investec Champions Cup Fixtures In Round 3

Investec Champions Cup Fixtures In 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). 

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