ERC seedings 2012/13

Plagiarized from another forum but below is what I understand to be the seedings for next years Heineken Cup;

Tier 1: Leinster, Toulouse, Munster, Biarritz, Cardiff, Northampton
Tier 2: Clermont, Ulster, Leicester, Harlequins, Toulon, Edinburgh
Tier 3: Ospreys, Scarlets, Glasgow, Saracens, Connacht, Sale
Tier 4: Treviso, Castres, Racing Metro, Montpelier, Aironi, Exeter

Time to start working out potential groups for next year. Please please please no mentions of "groups of death" AND before anyone starts creating impossible groups remember each group has to have a French and English team in it. Also, other than the French no other nation will have more than one team in the same group.

I am confident the groups are correct but will edit straight away if not. Aironi for a start are bidding farewell but they'll be replaced by another Italian team.

Montpellier, as lowest French seed, will be the French team to double up in a pool with another. So no Pool will contain both Toulouse and Clermont, for instance.

georgestowersbiceps wrote:Plagiarized from another forum but below is what I understand to be the seedings for next years Heineken Cup;

Tier 1: Leinster, Toulouse, Munster, Biarritz, Cardiff, Northampton
Tier 2: Clermont, Ulster, Leicester, Harlequins, Toulon, Edinburgh
Tier 3: Ospreys, Scarlets, Glasgow, Saracens, Connacht, Sale
Tier 4: Treviso, Castres, Racing Metro, Montpelier, Aironi, Exeter

Time to start working out potential groups for next year. Please please please no mentions of "groups of death" AND before anyone starts creating impossible groups remember each group has to have a French and English team in it. Also, other than the French no other nation will have more than one team in the same group.

I am confident the groups are correct but will edit straight away if not. Aironi for a start are bidding farewell but they'll be replaced by another Italian team.

What do you mean by "time to start working out potential groups"? Subject to the French/English rule you've cited, it's down to a lottery draw for each seeded group.

Do you mean saying something like Leinster could have three of Clermont, Leicester, Harlequins, Toulon, Edinburgh, Ospreys, Scarlets,Glasgow, Saracens, Sale, Treviso, Castres, Racing, Aironi or Exeter in their group?

Munster the same.

I doubt Cockers would agree, but group of Leinster, Leicester, Ospreys, Racing could be fun.


I suspect the Tigers management would prefer Biarritz, Connacht and the Aironi replacement.

Pot Hale wrote:

georgestowersbiceps wrote:Plagiarized from another forum but below is what I understand to be the seedings for next years Heineken Cup;

Tier 1: Leinster, Toulouse, Munster, Biarritz, Cardiff, Northampton
Tier 2: Clermont, Ulster, Leicester, Harlequins, Toulon, Edinburgh
Tier 3: Ospreys, Scarlets, Glasgow, Saracens, Connacht, Sale
Tier 4: Treviso, Castres, Racing Metro, Montpelier, Aironi, Exeter

Time to start working out potential groups for next year. Please please please no mentions of "groups of death" AND before anyone starts creating impossible groups remember each group has to have a French and English team in it. Also, other than the French no other nation will have more than one team in the same group.

I am confident the groups are correct but will edit straight away if not. Aironi for a start are bidding farewell but they'll be replaced by another Italian team.

What do you mean by "time to start working out potential groups"? Subject to the French/English rule you've cited, it's down to a lottery draw for each seeded group.

Do you mean saying something like Leinster could have three of Clermont, Leicester, Harlequins, Toulon, Edinburgh, Ospreys, Scarlets,Glasgow, Saracens, Sale, Treviso, Castres, Racing, Aironi or Exeter in their group?

Munster the same.

Yeah. Working out best and worst scenarios. For example as an Ospreys fan i could have; Leinster, Leicester and Racing Metro. Or i could have Biarritz, Edinburgh and Exeter. Apologies if my intention wasn't clear, just thought it would be interesting working out who your team could be grouped with.

For Ospreys, how about Leinster, Clermont and Exeter (I think Montpelier have to be with a top seeded french side).

In a lot of ways, Tier 2 looks tougher than Tier 1.

Leinster – Clermont – Ospreys – Exeter

Please.

Tier 2 and Tier 1 are pretty evenly matched - however the pools fall, there'll be some titanic struggles.

For Quins, please can we not have Connacht and Friday night rugby in appalling weather again? (On that note, how much do people feel the schedule affects qualification? Quins played most of this season's pool matches on a Friday night, which typically means poor travelling support and worse weather, and I think it did harm their chances).

Other than that, I could quite enjoy being in a group with Leinster. Make the QFs from that group, and winning the thing is a realistic possibility; crash out and it's time to concentrate on the league.

I'd almost prefer that to being in a weaker group (say, Biarritz / Cardiff, Glasgow and Aironi) and then having to fight on two fronts knowing that the tougher opposition all lies ahead.

Poorfour wrote:Tier 2 and Tier 1 are pretty evenly matched - however the pools fall, there'll be some titanic struggles.

For Quins, please can we not have Connacht and Friday night rugby in appalling weather again? (On that note, how much do people feel the schedule affects qualification? Quins played most of this season's pool matches on a Friday night, which typically means poor travelling support and worse weather, and I think it did harm their chances).

Other than that, I could quite enjoy being in a group with Leinster. Make the QFs from that group, and winning the thing is a realistic possibility; crash out and it's time to concentrate on the league.

I'd almost prefer that to being in a weaker group (say, Biarritz / Cardiff, Glasgow and Aironi) and then having to fight on two fronts knowing that the tougher opposition all lies ahead.

Would prefer Friday night to Sunday early afternoon as the atmosphere is bound to be better. We played 3 or 4 games on Sunday this year, hope they sort that out for us next year.

How about Saturday Afternoon 2:30 Mickado, atmosphere is usually cracking at that time of the day

Saturdays are good, would prefer a later kickoff than 2.30. I think 5.30 is primetime.

I think the culture is slightly different in Ireland. In England and Wales in particular 2:30 is the preferred time for rugby

gowales wrote:I think the culture is slightly different in Ireland. In England and Wales in particular 2:30 is the preferred time for rugby

You mean we all prefer to be pished drunk before a game

You wouldn't be too far wrong!

Can't believe Biarritz managed to sneak into the HC again!

Yay we could see Leinster,Clermont,Saracens and Racing Metro again.

I want this group:Munster,Toulon,Saracens,Treviso ideally.

Just please not Leinster or Clermont.

I am seeing Leinster, Leicester, Ospreys and Racing in our future

killer938 wrote:I am seeing Leinster, Leicester, Ospreys and Racing in our future

As a Leinster fan, the only team I'd like to avoid is ASM.

I'd love the opportunity to go there for a game, but they are the team to beat if we want to do the 4 from 5.....

None of this sh1te about liking a tough group to toughen us up for the knock-outs - for Leinster would quite happily take Toulon, Sale and the Aironi replacement in our group. Clermont, Ospreys and Exeter probably the toughest draw we could get.

When is the draw anyway?

We never get Airioni

Draw is in late July as I remember....

Brennomac I think the ideal situation is a balanced group.

I thought this season's HC pools was one of the most balanced for some time.

Certainly compared to 2009/10 when you had two pools of death - Leinster,Clermont,Saracens,Racing Metro and Munster,Toulon,Ospreys,London Irish. Bloody hell that 1st pool was brutal!

I hope Leinster get Toulon. For me they represent everything that's wrong with rugby, and French rugby in particular. They've truck loads of money and foreign mercenaries and not an ounce of imagination in how they play. I want us to crush them. And no amount of Wilkinson drop goals will save them.

Whilst I admire your tenacity and bloodymindedness Feckless.......... *gulp* I hate tempting fate so early. One more year and then we can relax and bluster a little and can afford to lose out on the following year. But next year; I consider it even more important than this one. Next year, real history can be made........................... Toulon are a lovely bunch of gents

Feckless Rogue wrote:I hope Leinster get Toulon. For me they represent everything that's wrong with rugby, and French rugby in particular. They've truck loads of money and foreign mercenaries and not an ounce of imagination in how they play. I want us to crush them. And no amount of Wilkinson drop goals will save them.

Having travelled to Toulon to watch them crush Quins, I would say there is a lot right with Toulon. It's a proper rugby city, with the stadium (at least as intimidating as Thomond when in full song) literally backing onto the civic centre and main street. Before our match the buses drove around alternating their destinations with "Allez les RCT, Welcome Harlequins", and we had nothing but a warm reception from the local fans.

Yes, they have assembled an expensive squad, and yes, they don't always play with creativity. Their level of commitment also seems a bit variable (but I suspect they have prioritised Top 14 over Amlin). They've taken the express route to the Top 14 and have yet to show that they can sustain it. But any team that can muster the passion that they raise in their community deserves our support.

And don't wish too hard to meet them in the HEC. There's enough talent in that squad that if they come out at full intensity even Leinster might struggle to contain them, especially at home.

Poorfour, I wasn't having a dig at their fans. I agree they're brilliant and really passionate about rugby. I was having ago at the clubs recruitment policy and style of play.

Would love to see the Tigers have a crack at Munster. A back to back would be great between them. Two sides who pride themselves on their home record, big packs and strong running in the backs. Two huge Heineken Cup teams but in all honesty slightly on the decline from their previous best but not far away from reaching it again. Also there would be some great contrasts in there as well.

ROG v Flood for example would be fascinating to see.

Tuilagi v Laulala would also be a great match up.

Ulster nightmare

Toulouse, Saracens, Montpellier

Ulster joy

Biarritz, Sale, Aironi replacement

Scarlets - I'd be very happy with Saints, Edinburgh, Racing Metro - it would still be very difficult but we've beaten all those sides in the recent past (you just have to ignore the times they've beaten us...)

Seeing as we have to have one of Leicester, Quins, Saints or Exeter and I'd want to avoid Toulouse and Biarritz I think Saints is definately preferable.

But whatever happens we need a front 5 to do anything in the HEC

Tier 1: Leinster, Toulouse, Munster, Biarritz, Cardiff, Northampton
Tier 2: Clermont, Ulster, Leicester, Harlequins, Toulon, Edinburgh
Tier 3: Ospreys, Scarlets, Glasgow, Saracens, Connacht, Sale
Tier 4: Treviso, Castres, Racing Metro, Montpelier, Aironi, Exeter

I would hate to get from each tier
Leinster or Tolouse (will be out to prove themselves after this year)
Clermount, Leicester and Toulon but I thinkj that Ulster and Quins are also though
Os and Sarries
Treviso (will not give up in any of their games and are though at home) and Exeter

I think that there will be a couple of hard groups but like with every year some teams look great till they play eg Os this year or Irish or bath

I would like some new match-ups:
Leinster, Harlequins, Scarlets and Racing together. Just being selfish really as I live close to racing stadium so would like to see some nice rugby skills for a change.
Toulouse, Ulster, Ospreys and Exeter for the excitement
Northampton, Clermont, Glasgow and Montpelier for the power and running
Munster, Toulon, Saracens and Treviso for the forwards
Etc etc

Tier 1: Leinster, Toulouse, Munster, Biarritz, Cardiff Blues, Northampton
Tier 2: Clermont, Ulster, Leicester, Harlequins, Toulon, Edinburgh
Tier 3: Ospreys, Scarlets, Glasgow, Saracens, Connacht, Sale
Tier 4: Treviso, Castres, Racing Metro, Montpelier, Aironi, Exeter

(unfortunately we can't get Cardiff Blues )
Munster, Edinburgh, Ospreys, Aironi "Replacement"

- Leinster, Clermont, Ospreys, Montpellier

Would love to get the Saints or Biarritz. Saints would be tough, but as long as we avoid Toulouse... One in four chance of getting them, would be easily the toughest draw. Being Irish has it's advantages, no rematch against Leinster in the pipeline. The thing with the Blues is we'd be getting and English and a French side as well.

Obviously the new Italian side are the whipping boys everyone wants but I personally would love to get Castres (Wannenburgs new team) or Exeter (Ian Whittens new side)

Cardiff tier 1 !! Guess everybody wants to drawn them.....

Leinster Clermont Ospreys and Exeter :fingerscrossed:


I'm fact all I really want is Exeter, just for the two almighty sessions ill have with Aslongas for them.

whocares wrote:I would like some new match-ups:
Leinster, Harlequins, Scarlets and Racing together. Just being selfish really as I live close to racing stadium so would like to see some nice rugby skills for a change.
Toulouse, Ulster, Ospreys and Exeter for the excitement
Northampton, Clermont, Glasgow and Montpelier for the power and running
Munster, Toulon, Saracens and Treviso for the forwards
Etc etc

Good call I love the look of those groups.

That last group is my dream one too - some great match ups there.

Oxford Welsh wrote:Cardiff tier 1 !! Guess everybody wants to drawn them.....

As An Ulster fan I dont because it means an English team and a French team from tier 3 and 4.
As I said prefer Biarritz, Sale and 2nd Italian team

PenfroPete wrote:Tier 1: Leinster, Toulouse, Munster, Biarritz, Cardiff Blues, Northampton
Tier 2: Clermont, Ulster, Leicester, Harlequins, Toulon, Edinburgh
Tier 3: Ospreys, Scarlets, Glasgow, Saracens, Connacht, Sale
Tier 4: Treviso, Castres, Racing Metro, Montpelier, Aironi, Exeter

(unfortunately we can't get Cardiff Blues )
Munster, Edinburgh, Ospreys, Aironi "Replacement"

- Leinster, Clermont, Ospreys, Montpellier

Neither of your groups are possible as neither includes an English side

I would have loved Ulster again - but cannot happen. Leinster or Munster would suit as stand-ins, but I am convinced we will get Clermont and Ospreys.

LondonTiger you can't draw Clermont. You can get Ospreys though.

have a feeling that Leicester will get Biarritz , Connacht and to-be-named-Italian-Whipping-boys.
not exciting for them but they would get a shot at home QF. Connacht would also have a chance as well.

A part of me says that would be a great draw but the other says that we are missing out on really big Heineken cup games in the pool stages. It just wouldnt be quite the same.

whocares wrote:have a feeling that Leicester will get Biarritz , Connacht and to-be-named-Italian-Whipping-boys.
not exciting for them but they would get a shot at home QF. Connacht would also have a chance as well.

Tigers always get the Italians.

That poor Italian team that doesn't even exist yet! Everyone wants them.

Now that's what I call a big entrance and some serious charisma!

SecretFly wrote:That poor Italian team that doesn't even exist yet! Everyone wants them.

Now that's what I call a big entrance and some serious charisma!

Not me - if the Scarlets get the Italian team (poor lil s*ds) then it would mean that we'll have to have two of the big English and French sides in the group as well!

Smirnoffpriest wrote:

SecretFly wrote:That poor Italian team that doesn't even exist yet! Everyone wants them.

Now that's what I call a big entrance and some serious charisma!

Not me - if the Scarlets get the Italian team (poor lil s*ds) then it would mean that we'll have to have two of the big English and French sides in the group as well!

Okay, then, we'll take them off your hands...... for the tans, only for the tans.

BoyneRFC wrote:

whocares wrote:have a feeling that Leicester will get Biarritz , Connacht and to-be-named-Italian-Whipping-boys.
not exciting for them but they would get a shot at home QF. Connacht would also have a chance as well.

Tigers always get the Italians.

Correction Biarritz always get the Italians.

beshocked wrote:

BoyneRFC wrote:

whocares wrote:have a feeling that Leicester will get Biarritz , Connacht and to-be-named-Italian-Whipping-boys.
not exciting for them but they would get a shot at home QF. Connacht would also have a chance as well.

Tigers always get the Italians.

Correction Biarritz always get the Italians.

There are 2 Italian teams dont worry you can have one each (as per usual)

Have just realised that 1 group could have either the Top14 winners (if Toulouse win it) or the HEC winners, the AV winners, the Pro12 winners and either the Top Italian side (Treviso) or Racing Metro - that's what you call a group of death!

When are the draws made?

I think it's in the first half of June.

Smirnoffpriest wrote:Have just realised that 1 group could have either the Top14 winners (if Toulouse win it) or the HEC winners, the AV winners, the Pro12 winners and either the Top Italian side (Treviso) or Racing Metro - that's what you call a group of death!

It would be Racing Metro. Every group will have at least one English and French side.

Leinster
Leicester
Ospreys
Racing Metro

Would be seriously tasty!