European Rugby semi-finals: Five Talking Points from the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup
The semifinals of the European Rugby Champions Cup did not disappoint, as Racing dethroned Saracens to set up a top-tier final against Exeter Chiefs, who dispatched four-time champions Toulouse. In the Challenge Cup, Bristol Bears needed extra time to get past Bordeaux-Begles and Toulon saw off a struggling Leicester Tigers to set up an equally mouth-watering final.
Top 5 European Rugby Champions Cup/Heineken Cup Finals
The European Rugby Champions Cup final has to be considered the biggest club game of rugby in the world. We rank our Top 5 favourite matches since the tournament came into being in 1995 as the game went professional, with Leicester Tigers, Wasps and Leinster all featuring.
Samu Manoa: Former USA international was a wrecking ball with the hands of Michael Jordan
Former Northampton Saints, Toulon, Cardiff Blues and USA man mountain Samu Manoa is a cult hero in the East Midlands and was twice voted Saints Supporters' Player of the Season in his time at Franklins Gardens. Take a moment to appreciate the Blockmonstah in all his rampaging beauty.
Joe van Niekerk Interview: “My last six months as a player inspired me to pursue a spiritual life”
Double Heineken Cup winner with Toulon and 52 caps for the Springboks, Joe van Niekerk had a glittering career in rugby.
What happened next was truly remarkable as he moved to Costa Rica to live on an organic retreat.
Read our interview below.