Montpellier are going much better this season and sit seventh in the Top 14, in large part to their big pack and the best defence in that championship. They also have the kind of squad depth that can see them rotate and remain competitive – witness how Montpellier won this competition in both 2016 and 2021. Possible finishing order: Connacht, Montpellier, Zebre, Ospreys. So opportunity could knock for Benetton, Lyon (winners of the Challenge Cup in 2022 and finalists last season) and the Lions, who are seventh in the URC. Possible finishing order: Racing, Stade, Ulster, Cardiff.

Source: The Irish Times December 05, 2025 18:01 UTC