Heineken Champions Cup: How the last 16 shapes up after pool stage

The last 16 of the Champions Cup has been finalised.

Going into this weekend's round of pool games, seven teams had already secured progression.

But with nine qualifying spots and seedings up for grabs, the pool stage's conclusion promised twists and turns as teams battled to be a part of rugby's premier club competition in the spring.

And despite further Covid-enforced match cancellations, it did not disappoint.

We take a look at how the round of 16 shapes up as the Champions Cup is put to bed until April.

Where better to start than the final pool game of the season between Montpellier and 2020 winners Exeter Chiefs?

Victory for the Chiefs would have set up an all-Premiership encounter with Bristol Bears, but they instead now look forward to a meeting with Munster as defeat saw them finish sixth in Pool A.

The Irish province beat Wasps earlier on Sunday to secure third spot in Pool B, having won all four games, and Johann van Graan's side will be at home in the second leg.

Securing a bonus-point win over Exeter sealed seventh place for Montpellier and the Top 14 outfit can now prepare for a knockout tie against Premiership champions Harlequins.

Ulster had already secured their spot in the next round before beating Clermont on Saturday, and Dan McFarland's side's reward for winning all four games is a meeting with holders Toulouse.

The Top 14 champions were angered by European Professional Club Rugby's decision to cancel their game against Cardiff because of positive Covid cases in the French club's squad.

While elimination was possible, Toulouse ultimately finished seventh and will return to Belfast's Kingspan Stadium, where they ran out 29-22 winners in December 2020.

As for three-time finalists Clermont, they will take on