European Rugby Champions Cup

[curates_egg]

Struggling to find this online - if both we and La Rochelle win this weekend, the semi-final would be in France. But where? All I can see on the EPCR site is that La Rochelle would have home country advantage, at an EPCR-approved venue.

You'd guess it would be in Bordeaux, but I can't find this anywhere online. I have no recollection of seeing it being announced, as usually happens. Can anyone enlighten me, please? Thinking of whether I need to consider being in France on the weekend of 21st-22nd April...

As La Rochelle has never hosted such a game, there is no precedent, so it is not 100% clear to me.
Nantes is a town, with a big stadium, that is far more relevant and accessible for people living in La Rochelle. I would guess it also has some La Rochelle supporters. So, you could easily imagine them choosing that as their "neutral" French venue. There is a football game there on 21 April but not 22 April.
It was never really clear why Clermont chose Bordeaux in 2012, although it was a super venue, and a super weekend. There is no Top14 in the stade that weekend, so it would be logistically more easy to organise.
I'm sure there are people in La Rochelle who know already. But, as I understand it, the only scenario in which they would host a game is if both we and they win. As such, they will presumably announce it only next week.

[desperado]

La Rochelle can't choose the venue. Neither did Clermont chose Bordeaux. EPCR chose it (or ERC as it was). We're just lucky that Lansdowne Road happens to be in Dublin. Remember, Munster's home semis have been in Dublin.


Rule 2.4 knockout stages:
..... The semi-final matches will be played at venues designated by EPCR, but the following clubs will have home country advantage in their respective semi-final matches....... etc

[curates_egg]

La Rochelle can't choose the venue. Neither did Clermont chose Bordeaux. EPCR chose it (or ERC as it was). We're just lucky that Lansdowne Road happens to be in Dublin. Remember, Munster's home semis have been in Dublin.


Rule 2.4 knockout stages:
..... The semi-final matches will be played at venues designated by EPCR, but the following clubs will have home country advantage in their respective semi-final matches....... etc

But you would imagine they certainly negotiate with the clubs, as the goal of ERC/EPCR is bums on seats, so they need to choose the venue most likely to deliver that.
Chaban Delmas is a 33k stadium and would be logistically more easy for them to organise. The new (football) stadium in Bordeaux is 40k. Nantes is 44k.

[Made Of Ale]

That’s all fine, but the possible semi-final venues are usually announced in advance. I don’t think this has happened this year. I presume we’ll hear in the event that La Rochelle win on Friday.

[curates_egg]

That’s all fine, but the possible semi-final venues are usually announced in advance. I don’t think this has happened this year. I presume we’ll hear in the event that La Rochelle win on Friday.

I'm pretty sure Lyon was announced only after the quarters last year. Google shows articles with the announcement from Sunday 2 April.
It was an educated guess of all fans that it was the likely venue, but - as far as I remember - it was announced after the QF.
By definition, they can't be announced in advance, as they are not known. Presumably options have already been negotiated though.

[desperado]

C_E. You're correct; Lyon was only announced after as I recall hedging my bets with flights to Lyon


http://forum.leinsterfans.com/viewtopic ... 12&t=24759

[Made Of Ale]

OK. I have a memory of the venues being announced in advance in previous years, but maybe this was before the new EPCR overlords took over. Fingers crossed any semi will be in Dublin.

[MylesNaGapoleen]

That’s all fine, but the possible semi-final venues are usually announced in advance. I don’t think this has happened this year. I presume we’ll hear in the event that La Rochelle win on Friday.

I'm pretty sure Lyon was announced only after the quarters last year. Google shows articles with the announcement from Sunday 2 April.
It was an educated guess of all fans that it was the likely venue, but - as far as I remember - it was announced after the QF.
By definition, they can't be announced in advance, as they are not known. Presumably options have already been negotiated though.

I remember same. Announced venue after quarters. I Snagged two tickets for lyon from clermont site. I still remember the first fifteen minutes ofvthat game. Jayziz. .

[Xanthippe]

I could be wrong (I frequently am!!!) but I thought the quarter finalists were asked to nominate a suitable venue for a potential semi final and this was then approved (or selected if you like) by EPCR

[kermischocolate]

I could be wrong (I frequently am!!!) but I thought the quarter finalists were asked to nominate a suitable venue for a potential semi final and this was then approved (or selected if you like) by EPCR

They do but I'm not sure it's made public until after the quarters have taken place unlike previously when everyone knew where the potential semi finals would be.

I think .

[footrush]

I could be wrong (I frequently am!!!) but I thought the quarter finalists were asked to nominate a suitable venue for a potential semi final and this was then approved (or selected if you like) by EPCR

They do but I'm not sure it's made public until after the quarters have taken place unlike previously when everyone knew where the potential semi finals would be.

I think .

Made two provisional bookings in Nantes and Bordeaux just in case, never been to Nantes make a change, positive and negative experiences of Bordeaux Namibia and Georgia enough said in the World Cup on the plus side anyone fancy another march from the Irish pub ?, loved that day !.

[Xanthippe]

I could be wrong (I frequently am!!!) but I thought the quarter finalists were asked to nominate a suitable venue for a potential semi final and this was then approved (or selected if you like) by EPCR

They do but I'm not sure it's made public until after the quarters have taken place unlike previously when everyone knew where the potential semi finals would be.

I think .

Made two provisional bookings in Nantes and Bordeaux just in case, never been to Nantes make a change, positive and negative experiences of Bordeaux Namibia and Georgia enough said in the World Cup on the plus side anyone fancy another march from the Irish pub ?, loved that day !.

I have - when I was there last we were in a nightclub where at certain times every night the DJ plays a piece of music and everyone in the place climbs up on the tables and starts dancing. We only found out when we got home hat the piece of music is called Les Lacs du Connemara!!!

[footrush]

Made two provisional bookings in Nantes and Bordeaux just in case, never been to Nantes make a change, positive and negative experiences of Bordeaux Namibia and Georgia enough said in the World Cup on the plus side anyone fancy another march from the Irish pub ?, loved that day !.[/quote]

I have - when I was there last we were in a nightclub where at certain times every night the DJ plays a piece of music and everyone in the place climbs up on the tables and starts dancing. We only found out when we got home hat the piece of music is called Les Lacs du Connemara!!![/quote]
What better reason to go !.

[neill_m]

A La Rochelle Leinster SF will be in Bordeaux. Possible double header if Racing 92 and Munster win their QFs.

https://twitter.com/RuaidhriOC/status/9 ... 8749516800

SF 1: if Leinster Rugby v Scarlets - Aviva Stadium (Dublin)
SF 1: if Saracens v Scarlets - Ricoh Arena (Coventry)
SF 1: if La Rochelle v Leinster Rugby - Stade Chaban-Delmas (Bordeaux)
SF 1: if La Rochelle v Saracens - Stade Chaban-Delmas (Bordeaux)

SF 2: if ASM Clermont Auvergne v Munster Rugby - Stade Geoffroy Guichard (Saint-Etienne)
SF 2: if Racing 92 v Munster Rugby - Stade Chaban-Delmas (Bordeaux)
SF 2: if RC Toulon v ASM Clermont Auvergne - Alllianz Riviera Stadium (Nice)
SF 2: if RC Toulon v Racing 92 - Allianz Riviera Stadium (Nice)

[olaf the fat]

A La Rochelle Leinster SF will be in Bordeaux. Possible double header if Racing 92 and Munster win their QFs.

https://twitter.com/RuaidhriOC/status/9 ... 8749516800

SF 1: if Leinster Rugby v Scarlets - Aviva Stadium (Dublin)
SF 1: if Saracens v Scarlets - Ricoh Arena (Coventry)
SF 1: if La Rochelle v Leinster Rugby - Stade Chaban-Delmas (Bordeaux)
SF 1: if La Rochelle v Saracens - Stade Chaban-Delmas (Bordeaux)

SF 2: if ASM Clermont Auvergne v Munster Rugby - Stade Geoffroy Guichard (Saint-Etienne)
SF 2: if Racing 92 v Munster Rugby - Stade Chaban-Delmas (Bordeaux)
SF 2: if RC Toulon v ASM Clermont Auvergne - Alllianz Riviera Stadium (Nice)
SF 2: if RC Toulon v Racing 92 - Allianz Riviera Stadium (Nice)

In that case COME ON Scarlets! (and Leinster, of course)

[R-Dog]

A La Rochelle Leinster SF will be in Bordeaux. Possible double header if Racing 92 and Munster win their QFs.

https://twitter.com/RuaidhriOC/status/9 ... 8749516800

SF 1: if Leinster Rugby v Scarlets - Aviva Stadium (Dublin)
SF 1: if Saracens v Scarlets - Ricoh Arena (Coventry)
SF 1: if La Rochelle v Leinster Rugby - Stade Chaban-Delmas (Bordeaux)
SF 1: if La Rochelle v Saracens - Stade Chaban-Delmas (Bordeaux)

SF 2: if ASM Clermont Auvergne v Munster Rugby - Stade Geoffroy Guichard (Saint-Etienne)
SF 2: if Racing 92 v Munster Rugby - Stade Chaban-Delmas (Bordeaux)
SF 2: if RC Toulon v ASM Clermont Auvergne - Alllianz Riviera Stadium (Nice)
SF 2: if RC Toulon v Racing 92 - Allianz Riviera Stadium (Nice)

In that case COME ON Scarlets! (and Leinster, of course)

Some interesting choices....Lack of (Available) Stadiums in Ireland clearly plays to our advantage.

Sarries been shipped up to Coventry in the hopefully unlikely event seams a bit of a Sh1t as with Racing going down to Bordeaux after building their lovely new arena

[footrush]

A La Rochelle Leinster SF will be in Bordeaux. Possible double header if Racing 92 and Munster win their QFs.

https://twitter.com/RuaidhriOC/status/9 ... 8749516800

SF 1: if Leinster Rugby v Scarlets - Aviva Stadium (Dublin)
SF 1: if Saracens v Scarlets - Ricoh Arena (Coventry)
SF 1: if La Rochelle v Leinster Rugby - Stade Chaban-Delmas (Bordeaux)
SF 1: if La Rochelle v Saracens - Stade Chaban-Delmas (Bordeaux)

SF 2: if ASM Clermont Auvergne v Munster Rugby - Stade Geoffroy Guichard (Saint-Etienne)
SF 2: if Racing 92 v Munster Rugby - Stade Chaban-Delmas (Bordeaux)
SF 2: if RC Toulon v ASM Clermont Auvergne - Alllianz Riviera Stadium (Nice)
SF 2: if RC Toulon v Racing 92 - Allianz Riviera Stadium (Nice)

Pity was looking forward to the bar in Nantes that Xan had suggested, Bordeaux is a bit staid for me, still anyone fancy a march from the Irish pub to Chaban Delmas again ?. Hotel De La Opera is only €68 sale or return for the Saturday night if anyone is interested don’t fancy being surrounded by crunchers much as I love them in moderation !.

[neill_m]

Not strictly the Champions Cup, but anyway here goes. Looking at the Challenge QFs, would fancy Newcastle and Pau progress with Stade and Brive in big relegation trouble in the T14. Newcastle and Pau well placed to qualify for the Heiny via their leagues. Edinburgh and Cardiff both basically into the Heiny for next season via the league, both in form should be a cracker. A win for Connacht could see them earn the 20th spot in the Heiny without having to worry about the league.

We also have the 1st legs of the Continental Shield semi-finals this weekend. The 2 sides who make the final will be in the Challenge Cup next season. We have the Krasnoyarsk derby between Enisei-STM and Krasny Yar and then Romanian Sarries v Heidelberg.

[A16]

A La Rochelle Leinster SF will be in Bordeaux. Possible double header if Racing 92 and Munster win their QFs.

https://twitter.com/RuaidhriOC/status/9 ... 8749516800

SF 1: if Leinster Rugby v Scarlets - Aviva Stadium (Dublin)
SF 1: if Saracens v Scarlets - Ricoh Arena (Coventry)
SF 1: if La Rochelle v Leinster Rugby - Stade Chaban-Delmas (Bordeaux)
SF 1: if La Rochelle v Saracens - Stade Chaban-Delmas (Bordeaux)

SF 2: if ASM Clermont Auvergne v Munster Rugby - Stade Geoffroy Guichard (Saint-Etienne)
SF 2: if Racing 92 v Munster Rugby - Stade Chaban-Delmas (Bordeaux)
SF 2: if RC Toulon v ASM Clermont Auvergne - Alllianz Riviera Stadium (Nice)
SF 2: if RC Toulon v Racing 92 - Allianz Riviera Stadium (Nice)

In that case COME ON Scarlets! (and Leinster, of course)

You may not agree, but I’d genuinely feel more confident playing La Rochelle away from home than playing Scarlets at the Aviva.

[matt]

A La Rochelle Leinster SF will be in Bordeaux. Possible double header if Racing 92 and Munster win their QFs.

https://twitter.com/RuaidhriOC/status/9 ... 8749516800

SF 1: if Leinster Rugby v Scarlets - Aviva Stadium (Dublin)
SF 1: if Saracens v Scarlets - Ricoh Arena (Coventry)
SF 1: if La Rochelle v Leinster Rugby - Stade Chaban-Delmas (Bordeaux)
SF 1: if La Rochelle v Saracens - Stade Chaban-Delmas (Bordeaux)

SF 2: if ASM Clermont Auvergne v Munster Rugby - Stade Geoffroy Guichard (Saint-Etienne)
SF 2: if Racing 92 v Munster Rugby - Stade Chaban-Delmas (Bordeaux)
SF 2: if RC Toulon v ASM Clermont Auvergne - Alllianz Riviera Stadium (Nice)
SF 2: if RC Toulon v Racing 92 - Allianz Riviera Stadium (Nice)

In that case COME ON Scarlets! (and Leinster, of course)

You may not agree, but I’d genuinely feel more confident playing La Rochelle away from home than playing Scarlets at the Aviva.

About 95% of Leinster supporters may not agree with that especially if La Rochelle had Vito, eaton, Kerr Barlow etc back