Get ready for an exciting rugby showdown as Leinster takes on Edinburgh in the Champions Cup's last 16! This is a must-watch for all rugby enthusiasts, especially with the potential for some thrilling twists and turns.
Leinster, despite finishing third in their pool, has dodged the reigning champions Bordeaux Bègles and the six-time winners Toulouse in the draw. As the sole Irish representative left in the Champions Cup, they'll host Edinburgh in the Round of 16 during the first weekend of April. The decision on whether to play at Croke Park or the Aviva Stadium will be made this week, with all Round of 16 game details finalized by Thursday.
If Leinster triumphs in their last 16 tie, they'll host a quarter-final against the winners of Harlequins v Sale. Should they advance, they could face an away semi-final against Glasgow in Murrayfield. But here's where it gets controversial: Glasgow, after a 28-3 bonus-point win over Saracens, has the potential to host a run to the final in Bilbao.
In the other half of the draw, Bordeaux Bègles secured top seeding with a 27-15 win over Bristol. This sets up a possible home run to the final for them as well. The holders will face Leicester Tigers, and if they win, they're on track for a massive clash with Toulouse in the next round.
This season marks the first time in five years that Leinster is the sole Irish side to reach the knockout stages. Munster's loss to Castres at Thomond Park on Saturday meant that Ulster and Connacht will join them in the Challenge Cup's Round of 16.
Ulster, with a third seeding, will host the Ospreys in the last 16, and a win would grant them a home quarter-final. Connacht, on the other hand, will host the Sharks, but a win for them could lead to an away game against the top seeds, Montpellier.
Leinster has the option to play at the Aviva Stadium up to 11 times a season, and they might choose Croke Park for their last 16 clash, as they did last season against Harlequins. With over two months to sell tickets, it could be the preferred choice for the Edinburgh game.
The decision to host last season's game against Harlequins at GAA HQ paid off with an impressive attendance of 55,627, compared to the 22,400 at the Aviva for the quarter-final against Glasgow.
Champions Cup Round of 16 (April 3rd/4th/5th):
1: Bordeaux Begles v Leicester
2: Glasgow v Bulls
3: Leinster v Edinburgh
4: Bath v Saracens
5: Northampton v Castres
6: Harlequins v Sale
7: Toulon v Stormers
8: Toulouse v Bristol
Quarter-finals:
QF 1: Winner 1 v Winner 8
QF 2: Winner 2 v Winner 7
QF 3: Winner 3 v Winner 6
QF 4: Winner 4 v Winner 5
Semi-finals:
SF 1: Winner QF 1 v Winner QF 4
SF 2: Winner QF 2 v Winner QF 3
Challenge Cup Round of 16 (April 3rd/4th/5th):
Newcastle v La Rochelle
Zebre v Pau
Stade Francais v Dragons
Ulster v Ospreys
Benetton v Cardiff
Connacht v Sharks
Montpellier v Perpignan
Exeter v Munster
