Racing 92 fly-half Finn Russell speaks exclusively to James Burridge ahead of the biggest match of his career. The enigmatic Scotsman talks about facing Exeter Chiefs in the Heineken Champions Cup Final, what it means to be short-listed for the EPCR European Player of the Year award plus he fires a warning to his Scotland team mate Stuart Hogg.

Champions Rugby Show

Finn Russell – Perfect Ten

Racing, Wales and Lions legend, Jamie Roberts, joins James Burridge and BT Sport commentator Alastair Eykyn to look ahead to this weekend’s Heineken Champions Cup Final when Racing 92 take on Exeter Chiefs for a chance to be crowned Kings of Europe. There is also a guest appearance from arguably the form fly-half in Europe right now, Racing’s enigmatic number ten, Finn Russell.

The Final - Now is the time

Racing 92 and Wales legend Mike Phillips helps James Burridge count down to the Heineken Champions Cup Final. The former scrum-half discusses Parisian flair, emotional coaches and his masterplan for beating Exeter Chiefs!

Mike Phillips - Racing against time

Exeter fly-half Gareth Steenson joins James Burridge to discuss his beloved Chiefs reaching their first ever Heineken Champions Cup final. Steenson talks about the calmness of Rob Baxter, the brilliance of Stuart Hogg and what it would mean to beat Racing 92 and lift the Champions Cup. 

Gareth Steenson – Mr Exeter

Former Wasps flanker Flo Rossigneux and Sky Sports commentator Miles Harrison, join James Burridge to look ahead to this weekend’s semi-final showdowns after a dramatic weekend of Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final action. Saracens edged out 4 time champions Leinster to set up a trip to Paris to take on Racing 92 in Saturday’s first semi-final. The second semi sees Exeter host Toulouse after both sides’ convincing quarter-final wins over Northampton and Ulster respectively – and we speak to former Chiefs prop, Brett Sturgess, to find out what Exeter need to do to overcome the Cheslin Kolbe inspired French side.

The Heineken Champions Cup Final Four

Former ASM Clermont Auvergne scrum-half and Scotland captain, Greig Laidlaw, joins James Burridge and RTE commentator Michael Corcoran to look ahead to this weekend’s mouth-watering Heineken Champions Cup quarter final ties. We analyse defending champions Saracens’ trip to Leinster, the all French affair between Clermont and Racing 92, Toulouse’s clash with Ulster, and former Saints scrum-half, Lee Dickson, discusses Northampton’s chances against an in-form Exeter side. Plus Greig Laidlaw tells us what makes Racing and Scotland fly-half Finn Russell so special.

The Heineken Champions Cup is back!

As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the European club rugby calendar, the Heineken Champions Cup and European Rugby Challenge Cup will have a brand new look for the 2020/21 season. EPCR CEO Vincent Gaillard and Chairman Simon Halliday join the Champions Rugby Show to talk through an exciting 24-club format and its special features.

The new-look Heineken Champions Cup

Ireland legend Ronan O’Gara reflects on a stunning career which saw him win the Heineken Cup twice with Munster. One of the greatest fly-half’s in history, O’Gara discusses miracle matches, missed kicks and inspirational team-mates - plus he reveals how life in La Rochelle is treating him.

Ronan O’Gara – The Heineken Cup was everything

Arguably one of the game’s finest flankers, Neil Back joins James Burridge to take us through his glittering Leicester Tigers career which saw him play in three Heineken Champions Cup Finals – winning two of them. The former England forward also discusses that World Cup win in 2003, the art of leadership and how to tackle Jonah Lomu!

Neil Back - Winning back to back

Sir Ian McGeechan reflects on his remarkable coaching career with James Burridge. “Geech” discusses European glory with Wasps, getting the best out of Danny Cipriani, and keeping big egos in check!

Sir Ian McGeechan – Coaching royalty

Regarded by many as the world’s finest official, Nigel Owens reveals his pride of having refereed over 100 European matches, including six Heineken Champions Cup Finals. The Welshman relives his favourite moments on the pitch, discusses the pressure of refereeing the best players on the planet and reveals why the game has given him so much.

Nigel Owens - European Centurion

Leinster legend, Rob Kearney, discusses his glittering club career to date which has seen him claim four Heineken Champions Cups, a European Challenge Cup and the European Player of the Year Award. The Ireland and Lions full back also reveals his most memorable European rugby moments and what it’s like playing under coaching royalty such as Michael Cheika, Joe Schmidt and Stuart Lancaster.

Rob Kearney - Chasing Stars

Scarlets, Wales and Lions hooker Ken Owens reflects on his brilliant career, as we celebrate 25 years of the Heineken Champions Cup. The Sheriff discusses his heroes becoming his friends, that stunning win over Toulon in 2018 and whether he should have a pub built in his honour!  

Ken Owens - No Hiding Place

Dan Lyle joined Bath as an unknown American, whose critics said wouldn’t understand the sport – but he left as a European Champion. Listen to how the former number 8 helped Bath conquer Europe and is now helping to advance rugby in the USA, as well as calling the Heineken Champions Cup action on NBC Sports.

Dan Lyle – An American in Bath

He was a man that broke the mould. Former Ireland hooker Keith Wood reveals all about his brilliant club career, including his reluctance to join Harlequins, his heartbreak at losing the 2000 European Cup Final and how Stand Up and Fight became Munster's iconic anthem.  

Keith Wood - Stand Up and Fight

Welcome to the Champions Rugby Show, the new name of the EPCR European Rugby Show! Listen and subscribe for Heineken Champions Cup and European Rugby Challenge Cup previews, with sharp analysis and great guests.

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Champions Rugby Show

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