| Heineken Cup | |
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| Current season or competition: 2007-08 Heineken Cup |
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| Sport | Rugby union |
| Founded | 1995 |
| No. Italo-Celtic Playoff The Italo-Celtic Playoff was a match played between the highest-placed Magners League team not automatically qualified for the Heineken Cup Overview See also Playing rugby union A rugby union match lasts for 80 minutes (plus stoppage time with a short Athletics For an extensive coverage see 1995 in athletics (track and field Marathon January of teams | 24 |
| Country(ies) |  England France Ireland Italy Scotland Wales |
| Most recent champion(s) |
Munster |
The European Rugby Cup (known as the Heineken Cup because of the tournament's sponsorship by Heineken) is an annual rugby union competition involving leading club, regional and provincial teams from the six International Rugby Board (IRB) tier one nations in Europe: England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. Ireland (pronounced /ˈaɾlənd/ Éire) is the third largest island in Europe, and the twentieth-largest island in the world Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest Scotland ( Gaelic: Alba) is a Country in northwest Europethat occupies the northern third of the island of Great Britain. Munster ( Irish: An Mhumhain, ənˈvuːnʲ Cúige Mumhan or Mumha) is the southernmost of the four Provinces of Ireland. Heineken is a Dutch 5% abv Pale lager, made by Heineken International since 1873 Overview See also Playing rugby union A rugby union match lasts for 80 minutes (plus stoppage time with a short The International Rugby Board (IRB is the world governing and law-making body for the sport of Rugby union, and previously for Rugby football. England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. Ireland (pronounced /ˈaɾlənd/ Éire) is the third largest island in Europe, and the twentieth-largest island in the world Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest Scotland ( Gaelic: Alba) is a Country in northwest Europethat occupies the northern third of the island of Great Britain. The competition is organised by the European Rugby Cup, who are also responsible for the secondary championship, the European Challenge Cup. The European Challenge Cup in Rugby union, known as the Parker Pen Shield from 2001 to 2003 and Parker Pen Challenge Cup from 2003 to 2005 is the junior competition to It is one of the most prestigious trophies in the sport. The tournament was launched in the European summer of 1995 on the initiative of the then Five Nations committee to provide a new level of professional cross-border competition. The Six Nations Championship (referred to as RBS 6 Nations for sponsorship reasons known before 2000 as the Five Nations Championship, is an annual international It is sponsored by Dutch brewing company Heineken International (it is known as H-Cup in France because of alcohol advertising restrictions). Heineken International is a Dutch Brewing company, founded in 1864 by Gerard Adriaan Heineken in Amsterdam. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. Alcohol advertising is the promotion of Alcoholic beverages by Alcohol producers through a variety of media.
Each European nation has a different qualifying system, though in total, 24 teams contest the pool stages in six pools of four. According to performances, the number of clubs from each nation changes. The tournament is held from October to May, with various stages held in between respective club competitions. The current champions are Ireland's Munster, who beat Toulouse of France 16–13 in the final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Ireland (pronounced /ˈaɾlənd/ Éire) is the third largest island in Europe, and the twentieth-largest island in the world Munster Rugby (more commonly known as Munster) is an Irish professional Rugby union team based in Munster, that competes in the Magners Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French Rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. The Millennium Stadium (Stadiwm y Mileniwm is the National stadium of Wales, located in the capital Cardiff. Cardiff ( 'kɑːdɪf) is the Capital and the largest city and county in Wales. Toulouse have been the most successful team, winning the championship three times.
Contents |
Format
Qualification
The Heineken Cup is open to clubs in the Magners League, Guinness Premiership, Super 10 and the Top 14. The English Premiership (known as the Guinness Premiership because of the league's sponsorship by Guinness) is a professional league competition for Rugby The Super 10 is the highest tier of the national Rugby union competition in Italy. The Top 14 is a Rugby union club competition which is played in France. Clubs that do not qualify for the Heineken Cup can enter the European Challenge Cup. The European Challenge Cup in Rugby union, known as the Parker Pen Shield from 2001 to 2003 and Parker Pen Challenge Cup from 2003 to 2005 is the junior competition to
22 places are awarded by country, with each country deciding how to allocate their alloted places[1]:
- England: 6 teams (selected by performance in Guinness Premiership and EDF Energy Cup)
- France: 6 teams (selected by performance in Top 14 Championship)
- Ireland: 3 teams (selected by performance in Magners League)
- Wales: 3 teams (selected by performance in Magners League)
- Scotland: 2 teams (selected by performance in Magners League)
- Italy: 2 teams (selected by performance in Super 10 Championship)
The remaining two places in the 24-team tournament are allocated as follows:
- One team comes from France, England or Italy; this place is allocated to the country whose team progressed further in the previous season's Heineken Cup. The English Premiership (known as the Guinness Premiership because of the league's sponsorship by Guinness) is a professional league competition for Rugby The EDF Energy Cup (also known as the Anglo-Welsh Cup) is an English and Welsh Rugby union knock-out cup competition featuring the The Top 14 is a Rugby union club competition which is played in France. [1] For example, Toulouse have progressed further in the 2007–08 competition than any English or Italian team, so there will be seven French teams in the 2008–09 competition. Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French Rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées.
- The final team is the winner of a playoff between the best-placed team in the Celtic League who has not already qualified, and the best-placed semifinalist in the Italian Super 10. [1] The playoff is a single match, which takes place alternately in Italy or the home of the Celtic League side.
Regardless of how well they perform domestically, the winners of the Heineken Cup and the European Challenge Cup both qualify for the next year's Heineken Cup, and are awarded places from their countries' allocations.
The Heineken Cup is, generally speaking, the equivalent competition of the UEFA Champions League in professional football, whereas the European Challenge Cup is the equivalent to the secondary UEFA Cup. See also List of European Cup and UEFA Champions League winners The UEFA Champions League, which evolved from the European Champion Clubs' Cup is a seasonal club The UEFA Cup is a football competition for European club teams organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA.
Competition
Pool stage
Six pools of four teams play both home and away games. Until the 2007/2008 season these pools were drawn mostly at random, with the following restrictions[2]:
- Each nation nominates one of their teams as top seed; these teams are drawn in separate pools.
- Each nation supplies at most one team to each pool, except where England or France supply seven teams in total; in this case, the seventh team drawn will appear in a pool with one other team from that nation. In some cases (such as for the 2007/2008 season) the unseeded Italian and Scottish teams may also deliberately be drawn in different pools.
From the 08/09 season, there is more structure to the pools. The competing 24 teams are ranked based on past performance[3] and arranged into four tiers of six teams, with the reigning champion automatically appearing in the top tier. Each pool receives one team at random from each tier; again, this is subject to the restriction that each pool cannot contain more than one team from each competing nation, except where France or England supply seven teams.
Four points are awarded for a win and two points for a draw. A bonus point is awarded for a loss by seven points or fewer, or for scoring four tries or more. The six pool winners (ranked 1-6 by number of points scored) and two best placed runners-up (ranked seven and eight) qualify for the quarter-finals. Teams ranked one to four have home advantage.
Knock-out stage
The quarter-finals are: team one v team eight; team two v team seven; team three v team six; team four v team five.
The quarter-finals are played at the home stadiums of the higher-seeded clubs, or sometimes at a larger stadium in or near the host team's city. The semi-finals, on the other hand, are always played at nominally neutral venues. Each of the two semi-final venues are in the country of the first team out of the hat when the draw is made. For example, in 2004, Munster v Wasps was played at Lansdowne Road in Dublin, while Toulouse v Biarritz was played in Bordeaux. Munster Rugby (more commonly known as Munster) is an Irish professional Rugby union team based in Munster, that competes in the Magners London Wasps is an English professional Rugby union team The men's first team which forms London Wasps was derived from Wasps Football Club who Location The stadium is situated in the neighbourhood of Ballsbridge in the city's Dublin 4 area Dublin (ˈdʌblɨn/ /ˈdʊblɨn or /ˈdʊbəlɪn/, bˠalʲə aːha klʲiəh or cliə(ɸ is both the largest city and capital of Ireland. Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French Rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque (also known as Biarritz Olympique and abbreviated as BOPB) is a French professional Rugby union team based in ( Gascon: Bordèu) is a port city in southwest France, with one million inhabitants in its metropolitan area at a 2008 estimate [4]
However, the neutrality requirement is satisfied simply by the designated home team playing outside of its normal stadium. Both 2005 semifinals were held in the host's home city; Leicester Tigers v Toulouse was held at Walkers Stadium in Leicester, not far from Leicester's normal home of Welford Road,[5] while Stade Français v Biarritz was played at Parc des Princes in Paris, across the street from Stade's normal home field. Leicester Football Club (nicknamed Leicester Tigers) is an English Rugby union club that plays in the Guinness Premiership. The Walkers Stadium is a football stadium which hosts home matches of English football team Leicester City F Leicester (ˈlɛstə is the largest city and Unitary authority area in the East Midlands of England, and is the traditional Welford Road is a Stadium in Leicester, England and is home to one of England's traditional rugby union powers Leicester Tigers. Stade Français CASG (usually known as Stade Français and Stade Français Paris) are a French professional Rugby union club based in the The Parc des Princes, in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, France was originally a Velodrome, the finish of the Tour de France from Paris (ˈpærɨs in English; in French) is the Capital of France and the country's largest city Stade Jean-Bouin is a multi-use Stadium in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, France. The semifinal venue must also meet the following additional criteria; tt must have a capacity of at least 20,000[6] and it must be in the same country as the designated home team.
However, the European Rugby Cup, which organises the competition, may allow exceptions, such as with Biarritz, located in a city less than 20km from the Spanish border, being allowed to host their 2006 semi-final across the border at Estadio Anoeta in Donostia-San Sebastián (which is the nearest stadium to Biarritz with a suitable capacity). Spain () or the Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España is a country located mostly in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Estadio Anoeta is a multi-use Stadium in Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain. Donostia-San Sebastián ( Basque: Donostia, IPA; Spanish: San Sebastián, known officially as Donostia-San Sebastián [7] A similar exception was made for Bourgoin when they hosted Munster in Switzerland at Stade de Genève, Geneva. CS Bourgoin-Jallieu is a French Rugby union club currently competing in the top level of the French league system in the Top 14. Switzerland (English pronunciation; Schweiz Swiss German: Schwyz or Schwiiz Suisse Svizzera Svizra officially the Swiss Confederation Stade de Genève is a Stadium in the greater Geneva, Switzerland area (located in Lancy, south of the city Geneva (Genève is the second-most populous city in Switzerland (after Zürich) and is the most populous city of Romandy (the French -speaking The final is held at a predetermined site. [8]
Results
History
1995 - 1998
The Heineken Cup was launched in the summer of 1995 on the initiative of the then Five Nations Committee to provide a new level of professional cross border competition. This article lists the results of the finals of the Heineken Cup. Teams Seven French teams will participate as a French team Toulouse, progressed farther in the previous year's tournament than any English or Italian Murrayfield is a sports Stadium in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, and is the home of Scottish Rugby Union Edinburgh ( ˈɛdɪnb(ərə Dùn Èideann) is the Capital of Scotland and is its second largest city after Glasgow. Italo-Celtic Playoff The Italo-Celtic Playoff was a match played between the highest-placed Magners League team not automatically qualified for the Heineken Cup Munster Rugby (more commonly known as Munster) is an Irish professional Rugby union team based in Munster, that competes in the Magners Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French Rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. The Millennium Stadium (Stadiwm y Mileniwm is the National stadium of Wales, located in the capital Cardiff. Cardiff ( 'kɑːdɪf) is the Capital and the largest city and county in Wales. Draw The top seeds from each of the participant nations (France England Scotland Italy Wales and Ireland were all drawn into separate pools London Wasps is an English professional Rugby union team The men's first team which forms London Wasps was derived from Wasps Football Club who Leicester Football Club (nicknamed Leicester Tigers) is an English Rugby union club that plays in the Guinness Premiership. Twickenham Stadium (usually known as just Twickenham or Twickers) is a Stadium located in Twickenham, in the London Borough of Richmond London ( ˈlʌndən is the capital and largest urban area in the United Kingdom. Munster Rugby (more commonly known as Munster) is an Irish professional Rugby union team based in Munster, that competes in the Magners Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque (also known as Biarritz Olympique and abbreviated as BOPB) is a French professional Rugby union team based in The Millennium Stadium (Stadiwm y Mileniwm is the National stadium of Wales, located in the capital Cardiff. Cardiff ( 'kɑːdɪf) is the Capital and the largest city and county in Wales. Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French Rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. Stade Français CASG (usually known as Stade Français and Stade Français Paris) are a French professional Rugby union club based in the Murrayfield is a sports Stadium in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, and is the home of Scottish Rugby Union Edinburgh ( ˈɛdɪnb(ərə Dùn Èideann) is the Capital of Scotland and is its second largest city after Glasgow. London Wasps is an English professional Rugby union team The men's first team which forms London Wasps was derived from Wasps Football Club who Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French Rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. Twickenham Stadium (usually known as just Twickenham or Twickers) is a Stadium located in Twickenham, in the London Borough of Richmond London ( ˈlʌndən is the capital and largest urban area in the United Kingdom. Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French Rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. Union Sportive des Arlequins Perpignanais ( French) or Unió Esportiva Arlequins de Perpinyà ( Catalan) generally abbreviated as USAP in Location The stadium is situated in the neighbourhood of Ballsbridge in the city's Dublin 4 area Dublin (ˈdʌblɨn/ /ˈdʊblɨn or /ˈdʊbəlɪn/, bˠalʲə aːha klʲiəh or cliə(ɸ is both the largest city and capital of Ireland. Leicester Football Club (nicknamed Leicester Tigers) is an English Rugby union club that plays in the Guinness Premiership. Munster Rugby (more commonly known as Munster) is an Irish professional Rugby union team based in Munster, that competes in the Magners The Millennium Stadium (Stadiwm y Mileniwm is the National stadium of Wales, located in the capital Cardiff. Cardiff ( 'kɑːdɪf) is the Capital and the largest city and county in Wales. Leicester Football Club (nicknamed Leicester Tigers) is an English Rugby union club that plays in the Guinness Premiership. Stade Français CASG (usually known as Stade Français and Stade Français Paris) are a French professional Rugby union club based in the The Parc des Princes, in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, France was originally a Velodrome, the finish of the Tour de France from Paris (ˈpærɨs in English; in French) is the Capital of France and the country's largest city Northampton Saints are a professional English Rugby union club from Northampton, England. Munster Rugby (more commonly known as Munster) is an Irish professional Rugby union team based in Munster, that competes in the Magners Twickenham Stadium (usually known as just Twickenham or Twickers) is a Stadium located in Twickenham, in the London Borough of Richmond London ( ˈlʌndən is the capital and largest urban area in the United Kingdom. The Irish Rugby Football Union Ulster Branch (also known as Ulster Rugby) is one of four branches of the IRFU, and is responsible for Rugby union in the US Colomiers is a French Rugby union club that will play the 2008-09 season in Rugby Pro D2, the second level of the French rugby pyramid Location The stadium is situated in the neighbourhood of Ballsbridge in the city's Dublin 4 area Dublin (ˈdʌblɨn/ /ˈdʊblɨn or /ˈdʊbəlɪn/, bˠalʲə aːha klʲiəh or cliə(ɸ is both the largest city and capital of Ireland. Bath Rugby (also known as just Bath) is an English professional Rugby union club that is based in the city of Bath. Club Athlétique Brive Corrèze Limousin are a French Rugby union team founded in 1904 and based in Brive-la-Gaillarde in the département Stade Chaban-Delmas (known as Parc Lescure until 2001 is a football and Rugby union Stadium in Bordeaux, France. ( Gascon: Bordèu) is a port city in southwest France, with one million inhabitants in its metropolitan area at a 2008 estimate Club Athlétique Brive Corrèze Limousin are a French Rugby union team founded in 1904 and based in Brive-la-Gaillarde in the département Leicester Football Club (nicknamed Leicester Tigers) is an English Rugby union club that plays in the Guinness Premiership. Cardiff Arms Park ( Welsh: Parc yr Arfau Caerdydd) also known as The Arms Park, is a Rugby union Stadium situated in the centre Cardiff ( 'kɑːdɪf) is the Capital and the largest city and county in Wales. Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French Rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. Aggregated Extra Time (AET, commonly known as extra time is an additional period played in some sports codes if the score is tied at the end of normal time Cardiff Rugby Football Club was founded in 1876 The club played their first few matches at Sophia Gardens, but soon relocated to Cardiff Arms Park, where they Cardiff Arms Park ( Welsh: Parc yr Arfau Caerdydd) also known as The Arms Park, is a Rugby union Stadium situated in the centre Cardiff ( 'kɑːdɪf) is the Capital and the largest city and county in Wales. [9] Twelve sides representing Ireland, Wales, Italy, Romania and France competed in four pools of three with the group winners going directly into the semi-finals. [10] English and Scottish teams did not take part in the inaugural competition. [11] From an inauspicious beginning in Romania, where Toulouse defeated Farul Constanţa 54-10 in front of a small crowd, the competition gathered momentum and crowds grew. Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French Rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. Toulouse went on to become the first European rugby champions, eventually beating Cardiff in extra time in front of a crowd of 21,800 at Cardiff Arms Park. Cardiff Rugby Football Club was founded in 1876 The club played their first few matches at Sophia Gardens, but soon relocated to Cardiff Arms Park, where they [10]
England and Scotland joined the competition in 1996/7. [12]. European rugby was further expanded with the advent of the European Challenge Cup for teams that did not qualify for the Heineken Cup. The European Challenge Cup in Rugby union, known as the Parker Pen Shield from 2001 to 2003 and Parker Pen Challenge Cup from 2003 to 2005 is the junior competition to The Heineken Cup now had 20 teams divided into four pools of five. [13] Only Leicester and Brive reached the knock-out stages with 100 per cent records and ultimately made it to the final, Cardiff and Toulouse falling in the semi-finals. After 46 matches, Brive beat Leicester 28-9 in front of a crowd of 41,664 at Cardiff Arms Park, the match watched by an estimated television audience of 35 millions in 86 countries. Club Athlétique Brive Corrèze Limousin are a French Rugby union team founded in 1904 and based in Brive-la-Gaillarde in the département Cardiff Arms Park ( Welsh: Parc yr Arfau Caerdydd) also known as The Arms Park, is a Rugby union Stadium situated in the centre [13] 1997/8 saw the introduction of teams meeting on a home and away basis in the pool games. [14] The five pools of four guaranteed each team a minimum of six games and the three quarter-final play-off matches all added up to a 70-match tournament. Brive reached the final again but were beaten late in the game by Bath with a penalty kick. Bath Rugby (also known as just Bath) is an English professional Rugby union club that is based in the city of Bath. However English clubs had decided to withdraw from the competition in dispute of the way it was run. [11]
Without English clubs, the 1998-99 tournament revolved around France, Italy and the Celtic nations. Sixteen teams took part in four pools of four, Ulster were invited in to the competition to even up the numbers. French clubs filled the top spot in three of the groups and for the fourth consecutive year a French club, in the shape of Colomiers from the Toulouse suburbs, reached the final. US Colomiers is a French Rugby union club that will play the 2008-09 season in Rugby Pro D2, the second level of the French rugby pyramid Despite this it was to be Ulster's year as they beat Toulouse (twice) and reigning French champions Stade Français on their way to the final at Lansdowne Road, Dublin. The Irish Rugby Football Union Ulster Branch (also known as Ulster Rugby) is one of four branches of the IRFU, and is responsible for Rugby union in the Stade Français CASG (usually known as Stade Français and Stade Français Paris) are a French professional Rugby union club based in the Location The stadium is situated in the neighbourhood of Ballsbridge in the city's Dublin 4 area Ulster carried home the trophy after a 21-6 win in front of a capacity 49,000 crowd. [14] 1997/8 saw the introduction of teams meeting on a home and away basis in the pool games. [14]
1999 - 2004
English clubs returned in 1999. The pool stages were spread over three months to allow the competition to develop alongside the nations’ own domestic competitions, and the knockout stages were scheduled to take the tournament into the early spring. For the first time four different nations — England, Ireland, France and Wales — made it through to the semi-finals. Munster's defeat of Toulouse in Bordeaux ended France's record of having contested every final and the Northampton Saints' victory over Llanelli made them the third different English club to make it to the final. Northampton Saints are a professional English Rugby union club from Northampton, England. Llanelli Rugby Football Club ( Clwb Rygbi Llanelli) is a Welsh rugby union team founded in 1872 The competition was decided with a final between Munster and Northampton, with Northampton coming out on top by a single point to claim a first major honour. Munster Rugby (more commonly known as Munster) is an Irish professional Rugby union team based in Munster, that competes in the Magners [12]
England supplied two of the 2000-01 semi-finalists — the Tigers and Gloucester — with Munster and French champions Stade Francais also reaching the last four. Leicester Football Club (nicknamed Leicester Tigers) is an English Rugby union club that plays in the Guinness Premiership. Gloucester Rugby are a professional English Rugby union team situated in the West country city of Gloucester. Both semi-finals were close, Munster going down by a point 16-15 to Stade Français in Lille and Leicester beating Gloucester 19-15 at Vicarage Road, Watford. Lille (lil Rijsel is a city in northern France. It is the principal city of the Lille Métropole, the fourth-largest Metropolitan area in the country Vicarage Road, a Stadium in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, is the home of the football club Watford and their tenants The final, at Parc des Princes, Paris, attracted a crowd of 44,000 and the result was in the balance right up until the final whistle, but the Tigers walked off 34-30 winners. The Parc des Princes, in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, France was originally a Velodrome, the finish of the Tour de France from
Munster got to the 2002 final with quarter-finals and semi-finals victories on French soil against Stade Francais and Castres. Castres Olympique is a French Rugby union club located in the Midi-Pyrenees city of Castres and currently competing in the top level of Leicester pipped Llanelli in the last four, the Scarlets having already halted their 11-match Heineken Cup winning streak in the pool stages. A record crowd saw the Leicester become the first side to successfully defend their title. [9] Toulouse's victory over French rivals Perpignan in 2003 meant that they joined the Tigers as the only teams to win the title twice. Union Sportive des Arlequins Perpignanais ( French) or Unió Esportiva Arlequins de Perpinyà ( Catalan) generally abbreviated as USAP in [9] Toulouse saw a 19-point half-time lead whittled away as the Catalans staged a dramatic comeback in a match in which the strong wind and showers played a major role, but survived to win. From 2002, the European Challenge Cup winner now automatically qualified for the Heineken Cup.
In 2003/4 the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) voted to create regions to play in the Celtic League and represent Wales in European competition. The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU ( Undeb Rygbi Cymru) is the governing body of Rugby union in Wales, recognised by the International Rugby Board Henceforce Wales entered regional sides rather than the club sides which had previously competed. English side London Wasps had earned their first final appearance by beating Munster 37-32 in a Dublin semi-final while Toulouse triumphed 19-11 in the all-French contest with Biarritz in a packed Chaban Delmas, Bordeaux. London Wasps is an English professional Rugby union team The men's first team which forms London Wasps was derived from Wasps Football Club who Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque (also known as Biarritz Olympique and abbreviated as BOPB) is a French professional Rugby union team based in The 2004 final at Twickenham saw Wasps defeat defending champions Toulouse 27-20 at Twickenham to win the Heineken Cup for the first time. Twickenham Stadium (usually known as just Twickenham or Twickers) is a Stadium located in Twickenham, in the London Borough of Richmond The match was widely hailed as the best of the nine finals. With extra time looming at 20-20, an 11th hour opportunist try by scrum half Rob Howley settled the contest. Wasps’ victory denied Toulouse the honour of being the first club to win the Heineken Cup crown three times — albeit only delaying that honour for another 12 months.
2005 - present
The tenth anniversary Heineken Cup final saw the inaugural champions Toulouse battle with rising stars Stade Français where Murrayfield was the venue for the first Heineken Cup final in Scotland. Murrayfield is a sports Stadium in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, and is the home of Scottish Rugby Union [15] Fabien Galthié’s Paris side led until two minutes from the end of normal time before Frédéric Michalak levelled the contest for Toulouse with his first penalty strike. Fabien Galthié (born March 20 1969 is a French Rugby union coach and former player Frédéric Michalak (born 16 October 1982 in Toulouse, Haute-Garonne) is a French Rugby union footballer who played He repeated this in the initial stages of extra time and then sealed his side's success with a superb opportunist drop-goal. Toulouse became the first team to win three Heineken Cup titles. [15]
In 2006, Munster defeated Biarritz in the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, 23-19. The Millennium Stadium (Stadiwm y Mileniwm is the National stadium of Wales, located in the capital Cardiff. Cardiff ( 'kɑːdɪf) is the Capital and the largest city and county in Wales. [16] It was third time lucky for the Irish provincial side, who had been denied the ultimate prize twice by Northampton and Leicester in the past. Leicester Football Club (nicknamed Leicester Tigers) is an English Rugby union club that plays in the Guinness Premiership. South African import Trevor Halstead and man of the match Peter Stringer scored Munster's two tries, having gone behind early in the first half to a try by Biarritz's Fijian winger, Sireli Bobo. Peter Alexander Stringer (born 13 December 1977) is an Irish Rugby union footballer who plays at scrum half for Munster and Ireland The Fiji National rugby union team is one of the strongest national rugby union teams of the world and the third from Oceania, even still as a second tier nation Sireli Bobo (born 28 January, 1976) is a Fijian Rugby union footballer currently playing for Biarritz in the Top 14 French international Dimitri Yachvili kept the side from the Basque country in contention with a 100% goal kicking record, but it was Irish international Ronan O'Gara who kicked the most important penalty goal to stretch the lead to 4 points with under 10 minutes of the game left. Dimitri Yachvili (born 19 September 1980 in Brive-la-Gaillarde, Limousin, France) is a French Rugby union footballer The French Basque Country or Northern Basque Country (Pays basque français Iparralde constitutes the North-Eastern part of the Basque Country and the Western Ronan John Ross O'Gara (born 7 March 1977 in San Diego, California) is an Irish Rugby union footballer occupying the position for both Despite pressure from Biarritz, Munster held on and a penalty awarded by referee Chris White against Yachvili for being offside at the scrum ended the 2005/06 French champions' hopes of a double. Chris White (born 16 July, 1963) is an English international rugby Referee. Rugby union a scrum is a means of restarting play after a minor infringement The Top 14 is a Rugby union club competition which is played in France. Stringer kicked the ball out into touch to spark mass celebrations inside the stadium and in Limerick. Limerick (pronounced /ˈlɪmrɪk/ Luimneach in Irish) is a city and the county seat of County Limerick in the Province of Munster The 2006-07 Heineken Cup will be distributed to over 100 countries following Pitch International's securing of the rights. [17] This season was the first time in the history of the competition that two teams went unbeaten in pool play, with both Llanelli Scarlets and Biarritz doing so. Biarritz went into their final match at Northampton Saints with a chance to become the first team ever to score bonus-point wins in all their pool matches, but were only able to score two of the four tries needed. Leicester defeated Llanelli Scarlets to move into the final at Twickenham, with the possibility of winning a Treble of championships on the cards, having already won the EDF Energy Cup and the Guinness Premiership. Wasps won the final 25 points to 9 in front of a tournament record 81,076 fans. [18]
During competition there was uncertainty over the future of the tournament after the 2006-07 season as French clubs have announced that they will not take part because of fixture congestion following the Rugby World Cup and an ongoing dispute between English clubs and the RFU. The Rugby World Cup is the premier international Rugby union competition [19][20] It was speculated that league two teams may compete the next season, the RFU said "If this situation is not resolved, the RFU owes it to the sport to keep this competition going. . . We have spoken to our FDR clubs, and if they want to compete we will support them. ". [21] A subsequent meeting led to the announcement that the tournament will be played in 2007-08, with clubs from all the six nations. On May 20th it was announced that both French and English top-tier teams would be competing [22]
Records and statistics
By nation
| Nation | Winners | Runners-up | Winning clubs | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England |
6 | 2 | Leicester Tigers (2), London Wasps (2), Bath, Northampton Saints | Leicester Tigers (2) |
| France |
4 | 8 | Toulouse (3), Brive | Stade Français (2), Toulouse (2), Biarritz, Brive, Colomiers, Perpignan |
| Ireland |
3 | 2 | Munster (2), Ulster | Munster (2) |
| Wales |
0 | 1 | Cardiff |
By club
| Team | Winners | Runners-up | Years won | Years losing finalist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toulouse |
3 | 2 | 1995-96, 2002-03, 2004-05 | 2003-04, 2007-08 |
| Munster |
2 | 2 | 2005-06, 2007-08 | 1999-00, 2001-02 |
| Leicester Tigers |
2 | 2 | 2000-01, 2001-02 | 1996-97, 2006-07 |
| London Wasps |
2 | 0 | 2003-04, 2006-07 | |
| Brive |
1 | 1 | 1996-97 | 1997-98 |
| Bath |
1 | 0 | 1997-98 | |
| Northampton Saints |
1 | 0 | 1999-00 | |
| Ulster |
1 | 0 | 1998-99 | |
| Stade Français |
0 | 2 | 2000-01, 2004-05 | |
| Biarritz |
0 | 1 | 2005-06 | |
| Cardiff |
0 | 1 | 1995-96 | |
| Colomiers |
0 | 1 | 1998-99 | |
| Perpignan |
0 | 1 | 2002-03 |
See also
- Heineken Cup finals
- European Challenge Cup
- Guinness Premiership (England)
- Magners League (Ireland, Scotland, Wales)
- Top 14 (France)
- Super 10 (Italy)
References
- ^ a b c Heineken Cup – Key Tournament Rules. England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland Leicester Football Club (nicknamed Leicester Tigers) is an English Rugby union club that plays in the Guinness Premiership. London Wasps is an English professional Rugby union team The men's first team which forms London Wasps was derived from Wasps Football Club who Bath Rugby (also known as just Bath) is an English professional Rugby union club that is based in the city of Bath. Northampton Saints are a professional English Rugby union club from Northampton, England. Leicester Football Club (nicknamed Leicester Tigers) is an English Rugby union club that plays in the Guinness Premiership. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French Rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. Club Athlétique Brive Corrèze Limousin are a French Rugby union team founded in 1904 and based in Brive-la-Gaillarde in the département Stade Français CASG (usually known as Stade Français and Stade Français Paris) are a French professional Rugby union club based in the Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French Rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque (also known as Biarritz Olympique and abbreviated as BOPB) is a French professional Rugby union team based in Club Athlétique Brive Corrèze Limousin are a French Rugby union team founded in 1904 and based in Brive-la-Gaillarde in the département US Colomiers is a French Rugby union club that will play the 2008-09 season in Rugby Pro D2, the second level of the French rugby pyramid Union Sportive des Arlequins Perpignanais ( French) or Unió Esportiva Arlequins de Perpinyà ( Catalan) generally abbreviated as USAP in Ireland (pronounced /ˈaɾlənd/ Éire) is the third largest island in Europe, and the twentieth-largest island in the world Munster Rugby (more commonly known as Munster) is an Irish professional Rugby union team based in Munster, that competes in the Magners The Irish Rugby Football Union Ulster Branch (also known as Ulster Rugby) is one of four branches of the IRFU, and is responsible for Rugby union in the Munster Rugby (more commonly known as Munster) is an Irish professional Rugby union team based in Munster, that competes in the Magners Cardiff Rugby Football Club was founded in 1876 The club played their first few matches at Sophia Gardens, but soon relocated to Cardiff Arms Park, where they Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French Rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. Italo-Celtic Playoff The Italo-Celtic Playoff was a match played between the highest-placed Magners League team not automatically qualified for the Heineken Cup Munster Rugby (more commonly known as Munster) is an Irish professional Rugby union team based in Munster, that competes in the Magners Italo-Celtic Playoff The Italo-Celtic Playoff was a match played between the highest-placed Magners League team not automatically qualified for the Heineken Cup Leicester Football Club (nicknamed Leicester Tigers) is an English Rugby union club that plays in the Guinness Premiership. Draw The top seeds from each of the participant nations (France England Scotland Italy Wales and Ireland were all drawn into separate pools London Wasps is an English professional Rugby union team The men's first team which forms London Wasps was derived from Wasps Football Club who Draw The top seeds from each of the participant nations (France England Scotland Italy Wales and Ireland were all drawn into separate pools Club Athlétique Brive Corrèze Limousin are a French Rugby union team founded in 1904 and based in Brive-la-Gaillarde in the département Bath Rugby (also known as just Bath) is an English professional Rugby union club that is based in the city of Bath. Northampton Saints are a professional English Rugby union club from Northampton, England. The Irish Rugby Football Union Ulster Branch (also known as Ulster Rugby) is one of four branches of the IRFU, and is responsible for Rugby union in the Stade Français CASG (usually known as Stade Français and Stade Français Paris) are a French professional Rugby union club based in the Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque (also known as Biarritz Olympique and abbreviated as BOPB) is a French professional Rugby union team based in Cardiff Rugby Football Club was founded in 1876 The club played their first few matches at Sophia Gardens, but soon relocated to Cardiff Arms Park, where they US Colomiers is a French Rugby union club that will play the 2008-09 season in Rugby Pro D2, the second level of the French rugby pyramid Union Sportive des Arlequins Perpignanais ( French) or Unió Esportiva Arlequins de Perpinyà ( Catalan) generally abbreviated as USAP in This article lists the results of the finals of the Heineken Cup. The European Challenge Cup in Rugby union, known as the Parker Pen Shield from 2001 to 2003 and Parker Pen Challenge Cup from 2003 to 2005 is the junior competition to The English Premiership (known as the Guinness Premiership because of the league's sponsorship by Guinness) is a professional league competition for Rugby The Top 14 is a Rugby union club competition which is played in France. The Super 10 is the highest tier of the national Rugby union competition in Italy. European Rugby Cup. Retrieved on 2008-01-12. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 475 - Basiliscus becomes Byzantine Emperor, with a coronation ceremony in the Hebdomon palace in Constantinople
- ^ Biarritz Olympique Secure French Top Seed with Championship Win. ERC Rugby (2006-06-12). Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1381 - Peasants' Revolt: in England, rebels arrive at Blackheath. Retrieved on 2008-05-06. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1527 - Spanish and German troops sack Rome; some consider this the end of the Renaissance.
- ^ New European ranking to be introduced next season. ERC Rugby (2008-03-27). 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 196 BC - Ptolemy V ascends to the throne of Egypt. 1309 - Pope Clement V excommunicates Retrieved on 2008-04-02. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 68 - Galba, Governor of Hispania, names himself legatus senatus populique Romani, breaking the line of
- ^ Heineken Cup Semi Final Referees.. BBC (2004-04-16). "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 1178 BC - A Solar eclipse may have marked the return of Odysseus, legendary King of Ithaca, to his kingdom Retrieved on 2007-03-21. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 630 - Byzantine emperor Heraclius restores the True Cross to Jerusalem.
- ^ Leicester 19-27 Toulouse. BBC (2006-04-24). Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1479 BC - Thutmose III ascends to the throne of Egypt, although power effectively shifts to Hatshepsut (according to Retrieved on 2007-03-21. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 630 - Byzantine emperor Heraclius restores the True Cross to Jerusalem.
- ^ Heineken Cup Semi Final Venues. Irish Rugby Football Union (2002-02-07). The Irish Rugby Football Union ( IRFU) (Cumann Rugbaí na hÉireann is the body managing Rugby union in Ireland. See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 457 - Leo I becomes emperor of the Byzantine Empire. 1074 - Battle of Montesarchio in which the Prince Retrieved on 2007-03-21. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 630 - Byzantine emperor Heraclius restores the True Cross to Jerusalem.
- ^ Munster To Reign In Spain?. Irish Rugby Football Union (2005-02-18). Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 3102 BC - Epoch (origin of the Kali Yuga. 1229 - The Sixth Crusade: Frederick II Holy Retrieved on 2007-03-21. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 630 - Byzantine emperor Heraclius restores the True Cross to Jerusalem.
- ^ Munster to take on Bourgoin in Geneva. RTÉ Sport (2006-11-20). Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 284 - Diocletian was chosen as Roman Emperor. 762 - Bögü Khan of the Uyghurs, Retrieved on 2007-03-21. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 630 - Byzantine emperor Heraclius restores the True Cross to Jerusalem.
- ^ a b c European Rugby Cup : History. ERC. Retrieved on 2007-03-21. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 630 - Byzantine emperor Heraclius restores the True Cross to Jerusalem.
- ^ a b European Rugby Cup : Heineken Cup History 1995/96. ERC. Retrieved on 2007-03-21. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 630 - Byzantine emperor Heraclius restores the True Cross to Jerusalem.
- ^ a b Paul Rees (2006-03-30). Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 240 BC - 1st recorded Perihelion passage of Halley's Comet. Big boys plan for more lucrative Heineken Cup. Guardian Unlimited. Retrieved on 2007-03-21. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 630 - Byzantine emperor Heraclius restores the True Cross to Jerusalem.
- ^ a b A history of the Heineken Cup. Nobok. Retrieved on 2007-04-01. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 527 - Byzantine Emperor Justin I names his nephew Justinian I as co-ruler and successor to the throne
- ^ a b European Rugby Cup : Heineken Cup History 1996/97. ERC. Retrieved on 2007-03-21. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 630 - Byzantine emperor Heraclius restores the True Cross to Jerusalem.
- ^ a b c European Rugby Cup : Heineken Cup History 1997/98. ERC. Retrieved on 2007-03-21. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 630 - Byzantine emperor Heraclius restores the True Cross to Jerusalem.
- ^ a b Stade Francais 12-18 Toulouse. BBC (2005-05-22). Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 334 BC - The Greek army of Alexander the Great defeats Darius III of Persia in the Battle of the Granicus. Retrieved on 2007-03-21. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 630 - Byzantine emperor Heraclius restores the True Cross to Jerusalem.
- ^ Munster 23-19 Biarritz. BBC (2006-05-20). Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 325 - The First Council of Nicaea &ndash the first Ecumenical Council of the Christian Church is held Retrieved on 2007-03-21. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 630 - Byzantine emperor Heraclius restores the True Cross to Jerusalem.
- ^ 2006-07 Heineken Cup delivered to over 100 countries. Sport Business (2006-10-31). Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 445 BC – Ezra reads the Book of the Law to the Israelites in Jerusalem (see Nehemiah 91 NLTse Retrieved on 2007-03-21. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 630 - Byzantine emperor Heraclius restores the True Cross to Jerusalem.
- ^ Waspss crowned club champions in front of world record crowd. ERC (2007-05-20). Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 325 - The First Council of Nicaea &ndash the first Ecumenical Council of the Christian Church is held Retrieved on 2007-06-15. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 763 BC - Assyrians record a Solar eclipse that will be used to fix the Chronology of Mesopotamian history
- ^ French clubs to quit Heineken Cup. BBC (2007-01-17). Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 38 BC - Octavian marries Livia Drusilla. 1287 - King Alfonso III of Aragon invades Minorca Retrieved on 2007-01-17. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 38 BC - Octavian marries Livia Drusilla. 1287 - King Alfonso III of Aragon invades Minorca
- ^ French blame RFU for Heineken Cup boycott. RTÉ Sport (2007-01-17). Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 38 BC - Octavian marries Livia Drusilla. 1287 - King Alfonso III of Aragon invades Minorca Retrieved on 2007-01-17. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 38 BC - Octavian marries Livia Drusilla. 1287 - King Alfonso III of Aragon invades Minorca
- ^ Stephen Jones (2007-04-09). Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 193 - Septimius Severus is proclaimed Roman Emperor by the army in Illyricum (in the Balkans) Low division likely to fill Europe spots. Australian. Retrieved on 2007-04-09. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 193 - Septimius Severus is proclaimed Roman Emperor by the army in Illyricum (in the Balkans)
- ^ ERC Press Statement. ERC. Retrieved on 2007-05-20. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 325 - The First Council of Nicaea &ndash the first Ecumenical Council of the Christian Church is held
External links
- ERC Rugby Official website of the Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup
- Heineken Cup on BBC Sport
- Heineken Cup on Planet Rugby (warning: popups)
- Heineken Official website
- Euro Rugby Unofficial European club rankings
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