CJ Stander takes on Castres Yannick Caballero in their 2018 clash at Thomond Park. Photo: Bridget Delaney

Munster discover opponents for 2018-19 Heineken Champions Cup

The Pool Draws for 2018/19 Heineken Champions Cup took place in Lausanne, Switzerland on Wednesday and Munster have been drawn in Pool 2 along with Castres Olympique, Exeter Chiefs and Gloucester.

Castres enter the competition as the French champions having defeated Montpellier 26-12 in the Top 14 final last month. Munster also faced the French side in last year’s competition and drew away before beating Castres at Thomond Park.

Exeter Chiefs were Premiership winners in 2016/17 and runners up last year and will visit Thomond Park for the first time. The Devon club visit Irish Independent Park for a pre-season game on Friday, August 24 (7.30pm).

Gloucester, bolstered by the signing of Gerbrandt Grobler from Munster this summer, very nearly claimed the Challenge Cup last season but lost out to the Cardiff Blues in a thrilling final.

See the key fixture dates below with specific fixture details to be announced in the coming weeks.

  • Round 1: 12/13/14 October
  • Round 2: 19/20/21 October
  • Round 3: 7/8/9 December
  • Round 4: 14/15/16 December
  • Round 5: 11/12/13 January 2019
  • Round 6: 18/19/20 January 2019
  • Quarter-finals: 29/30/31 March 2019
  • Semi-finals: 19/20/21 April 2019
  • Heineken Champions Cup Final: Saturday 11 May, St James’ Park, Newcastle, England