Champions Cup: 24 qualified clubs revealed, a notable Top 14 absence

The elite field for next season's Champions Cup has been finalized, with the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) revealing the 24 clubs set to compete in the prestigious tournament. The qualification process, drawing from the top leagues in France, England, and the United Rugby Championship (URC), has resulted in a familiar yet altered lineup.

From the French Top 14, the top eight teams from the regular season have secured their spots: Toulouse, Montpellier, Stade Français, Pau, Racing 92, La Rochelle, Clermont, and Bordeaux-Bègles. Notably, RC Toulon, despite reaching the semi-finals this season, will miss out on the Champions Cup after finishing ninth in the league. Their absence marks a significant shift from previous years.

The English Premiership will send its top eight clubs, including established powerhouses and some teams making a return. Meanwhile, the URC qualifiers include teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy, and South Africa. However, Italian rugby will be entirely unrepresented in the upcoming Champions Cup, as Benetton Treviso failed to secure a qualifying spot.

Among other notable absentees from the international stage are London's Harlequins, the Durban Sharks, and Edinburgh. Their places will be taken by the Lions and Connacht, who finished seventh and eighth respectively in the URC standings. The full list of qualified clubs includes Union Bordeaux Bègles (defending champions), Stade Toulousain, and several others from the Top 14, Premiership, and URC.