Written by @QuintenLetcher for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
A thrilling new chapter in elite club rugby unfolds this weekend as the European Rugby Champions Cup kicks off its maiden voyage, stepping up as the pinnacle of European club rugby after the Heineken Cup’s impressive 19-year legacy. With a streamlined competition dropping four teams, this revamped format guarantees fierce and uncompromising pool battles right from the start. Expect every match to be a high-stakes showdown, not just for the clubs chasing glory but for savvy punters eager to back the winners.
Harlequins vs Castres | Friday 17 October | The Stoop | 20:45
To Win (80mins)
Harlequins 1/6
Castres 41/10
Draw 26/1
Handicaps
Harlequins (-11) 9/10
Castres (+11) 9/10
Both teams have stumbled at the start of their domestic seasons, making this European encounter a fresh opportunity to regain momentum. Last season saw neither side advance beyond the Heineken Cup group stages, and this year might not be any different unless one side can shake off their early season blues.
VERDICT: Harlequins 1/6
With just three wins in nine Top 14 matches so far, Castres are unlikely to cause an upset at The Stoop this Friday.
Sale Sharks vs Munster | Saturday 18 October | AJ Bell Stadium | 14:00
To Win (80mins)
Sale Sharks 18/10
Munster 9/20
Draw 20/1
Returning to top-tier European rugby, Sale Sharks face an uphill battle in a demanding pool. Their domestic form hasn’t been impressive, with only two wins from six Premiership fixtures. Munster, despite a subdued start in the Pro12, showed sparks by defeating Leinster away, reminding us they’re a force to be reckoned with.
VERDICT: Munster 9/20
Munster simply can’t afford anything less than maximum points here to keep their knockout hopes alive.
Glasgow Warriors vs Bath Rugby | Saturday 18 October | Scotstoun Stadium | 16:15
To Win (80mins)
Glasgow Warriors 15/20
Bath Rugby 11/10
Draw 18/1
Both teams have hit great strides this season, making Pool 4 particularly competitive. Glasgow occupies a strong second place in the PRO12 with five victories out of six, while Bath holds fourth in the Aviva Premiership, shaping up as a genuine threat.
VERDICT: Glasgow 15/20
Backing Glasgow is rare, but their current form under coach Gregor Townsend, combined with Bath’s shaky away record, makes them an attractive pick.
Saracens vs Clermont Auvergne | Saturday 18 October | Allianz Park | 16:15
To Win (80mins)
Saracens 9/20
Clermont Auvergne 19/10
Draw 20/1
After a valiant run to last year’s Heineken Cup final, Saracens are eager to maintain their momentum. They face a refreshed Clermont side, seeking redemption following a semifinal defeat last season. Despite changes in Clermont’s squad, they’ve started well in the Top 14 and will be motivated.
VERDICT: Saracens 9/20
With strong Premiership form and home advantage, Saracens should edge out a win.
Racing Metro vs Northampton Saints | Saturday 18 October | Stade Yves Du Manoir | 18:15
To Win (80mins)
Racing Metro 13/20
Northampton Saints 27/20
Draw 18/1
Racing Metro can be stubborn opponents but lack consistency at the highest level. Northampton Saints top the Aviva Premiership and present the toughest challenge in Pool 5.
VERDICT: Northampton Saints 27/20
Saints’ current form makes them a tempting pick despite the French home advantage.
Leicester Tigers vs Ulster | Saturday 18 October | Welford Road | 20:45
To Win (80mins)
Leicester Tigers 6/10
Ulster 14/10
Draw 19/1
Leicester needs to find some form quickly, struggling with defence and attack, currently eighth in their league. Ulster impressively went unbeaten in last year’s pool stages and continue to display solid form this season.
VERDICT: Ulster 14/10
Ulster stands out as the value bet considering Tigers’ injuries and patchy performances.
Ospreys vs Benetton Treviso | Saturday 18 October | Liberty Stadium | 14:00
To Win (80mins)
Ospreys 1/100
Benetton Treviso 14/1
Draw 30/1
Ospreys boast a strong start to the Pro12 and look to redeem their previous poor European showing, while Benetton continues to struggle for their first win.
VERDICT: Ospreys 1/100
Expect a dominant performance from the Swansea side, likely mirroring their recent 44-13 victory over Treviso.
Toulouse vs Montpellier | Sunday 19 October | Stade Ernest Wallon | 14:00
To Win (80mins)
Toulouse 1/4
Montpellier 3/1
Draw 24/1
Toulouse is the most decorated club in the competition’s history, boasting four titles. Despite a slow start domestically, they’re gaining form. Montpellier has shown their ability to win away games this season and have a budding squad despite losing a key player to injury.
VERDICT: Toulouse 1/4
The home side should come through, building on recent strong performances.
Toulon vs Scarlets | Sunday 19 October | Stade Felix-Mayol | 16:15
To Win (80mins)
Toulon 1/100
Scarlets 14/1
Draw 30/1
Toulon eye their third European crown in a row, currently trailing the Top 14 leaders by a slim margin. Scarlets have had a rocky Pro12 campaign with just two victories.
VERDICT: Toulon 1/100
Home advantage and class should see Toulon easily dispatch the inconsistent Scarlets.
Leinster vs London Wasps | Sunday 19 October | Royal Dublin Society Arena | 18:15
To Win (80mins)
Leinster 1/8
London Wasps 48/10
Draw 27/1
Leinster has a strong European pedigree with three Heineken Cup titles. They stumbled in knockout stages last year but remain favourites at home. Wasps show promise, yet the demands of travel and a rough domestic season might hold them back.
VERDICT: Leinster 1/8
Leinster’s home strength and experience should secure them the win despite early domestic hiccups.