Leinster to open Champions Cup with La Rochelle rematch in France

Leinster and La Rochelle's rematch will be the standout fixture on the opening round of the Champions Cup next season, after the EPCR confirmed fixture details for the 2023/24 campaign.

Leo Cullen's side face a daunting start to their tournament, and will face the European champions away from home in their opening Pool 4 game, just over six months on from losing to La Rochelle in last season's final in May,

Following last month's draw for the pool stages, EPCR have announced the full dates and kick-off times, with an algorithm used to decide who plays whom at home and away.

Leinster will take on Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle on Saturday 9 December, with a 3.15pm kick-off (Irish time) at Stade Marcel Deflandre.

The four-time champions will then welcome the Sale Sharks to Dublin on Saturday 16 December (5.30pm), before hosting Stade Francais on Saturday 13 January (both live on RTÉ), and finishing their pool campaign away to Leicester Tigers on Saturday 20 January (3.15pm)

URC champions Munster are set to travel to Exeter and Toulon for their away games. Graham Rowntree's side welcome Bayonne to Thomond Park in Round 1, with a 5.30pm kick-off on Saturday 9 December (live on RTÉ).

The province then face two away trips in a row, playing Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park on Sunday 17 December (1pm) and Toulon at Stade Felix Mayol (3.15pm Irish time) on Saturday 13 January. Munster's final Pool 3 game will be at home to the Northampton Saints on Saturday 20 January (live on RTÉ).

Connacht's opening fixture on their return to the Champions Cup will see them host Bordeaux-Begles in Round 1, with an 8pm kick-off at the Sportsground.

Pete Wilkins' side will be away to Premiership champions Saracens in Round 2, before travelling to Lyon in January.