Saturday’s Champions Cup action sees two-time winners Munster dumped out at pool stage for first time since 2016 after shock home defeat to Castres at Thomond Park; Leicester Tigers on verge of pool stage exit too; Gloucester knocked out; Leinster, Toulouse, Sale Sharks through
Last Updated: 17/01/26 10:06pm
Craig Casey’s Munster suffered a shock Champions Cup pool-stage elimination at home on Saturday
Two-time European winners Munster were dumped out of the Champions Cup at the pool stage for the first time in a decade as they were stunned by Castres at Thomond Park 31-29.
Castres – who had also lost two of their opening three games in Pool 2 – got on the board early through a penalty from Jeremy Fernandez before Vuate Karawalevu went over from close range. Munster responded in the 17th minute through a converted try from Craig Casey after a flowing team move.Munster completed the turnaround in the 35th minute when Casey went over again, coming off the back of a rolling maul following a lineout, but Castres regrouped with a try from full-back Theo Chabouni to go into half-time with a 17-12 lead. The home side got themselves back on level terms soon after the restart when Thaakir Abrhams dived over in the corner, but Jack Crowley could not land the extras from out on the right. Edwin Edogbo then added a bonus-point try just before the hour to move Munster ahead 22-17 – but again Crowley was off target with the conversion.After Tom Farrell was shown a pivotal yellow card for an illegal clearout, Castres produced a strong finish with tries from Geoffrey Palis and then Christian Ambadiang.With five minutes left, Castres lock Leone Nakarawa was sent to the sin-bin, and Munster got another try as Edogbo barged over to close within two points, but came up just short. Twitter Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this Privacy Options Leicester Tigers on verge of exit after defeat to South Africa’s StormersLeicester’s last-16 hopes were left in tatters after a 39-26 defeat by Stormers in Cape Town.Early tries from Evan Roos and Andre-Hugo Venter put the hosts…
2026-01-17 20:19:00
