Glasgow boss thrilled by Champions Cup return
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Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith has admitted to being “excited” by his side’s return to the Champions Cup next season after a one-year absence.
The Scottish region have been drawn in Pool 3 alongside RC Toulon, their conquerors in last month’s EPCR Challenge Cup final, Aviron Bayonnais, Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints on Wednesday.
Munster Rugby are also in Pool 3, but Glasgow won’t face their BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) rivals as per the competition’s new format.
There will still be a couple of reunions, though. In addition to Toulon, Exeter have been regular opposition of Glasgow, with six meetings in the last decade.
As for their two other opponents, the Warriors last played Northampton competitively in 2015-16 and have never faced Bayonne, who will be making their Champions Cup debut.
Smith told The Times: “Our return to the Champions Cup is something that everyone at the club, from players to backroom staff, is really looking forward to in 2023-24.
“Toulon and Exeter are two top teams with whom we are more than familiar from recent seasons and who have great European pedigree.
“Northampton are a highly experienced team in European rugby who play a very expansive style, and Bayonne will be looking to show what they can do on their first appearance in the tournament.
“We are excited by the challenge that our group will present, and we know that we will need to be at our best on every match day in order to give ourselves the best chance of progressing from our group.”
