Ulster Rugby vs Zebra

WELCOME FROMEPCR

When Toulouse took the field in Romania back in October 1995 for the tournament’s very first match, it was difficult to conceive that over the following quarter of a century, more than 21 million spectators would pass through the turnstiles to contribute to the colour of this great competition and witness its brilliance and drama. That has been the enduring appeal of the Heineken Champions Cup, which has long been regarded by many of the world’s top players and passionate rugby fans alike as the pinnacle of the professional club game. The tournament reached more fans than ever before thanks to live free-to-air coverage in the United Kingdom and Ireland supporting the excellent and comprehensive broadcasts of BT Sport and this season, the tournament has a sizeable boost in France with a second match per weekend free at the point of reception, through France Télévisions. Not only is the news good for European club rugby tournaments but for the sport as a whole, off the back of an inspirational Rugby World Cup 2019. Not only did we see high-quality action and surprises on the field as rugby boosted its profile in a new territory – much like we have done with destination finals in Europe – we also saw the Northern Hemisphere’s finest match officials on show, who we wholeheartedly support tournament past and present as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Heineken Champions Cup. A very warm welcome to the 2019/20 season which is a special one for everyone connected with Europe’s premier club rugby

in keeping our sport safe. Player welfare is of paramount importance, exemplified by EPCR’s decision to appoint independent matchday doctors to all 134 matches in European club tournaments this season, which is a notable step in the right direction. Stars of the global game now switch to the European stage for the Road to Marseille, where over 40,000 tickets have already been snapped up for Finals Weekend in May. Be sure to secure your place through HeinekenChampionsCup.com to be part of club rugby’s blue riband occasion. We are delighted to be joined on the journey to the South of France by title partners, Heineken, official partner Tissot, and official supporters Financial Times, Gilbert and Kappa, the latter who will supply kit for our Match Officials, and whom we are thrilled to welcome aboard. We have an intense tournament this year with the Pool Stage running from November through to mid-January. Whoever you will be cheering for, we hope that you enjoy the ride!

Yours in rugby, Simon Halliday EPCR Chairman