Chiefs to tackle Lyon in Europe

By Mark Stevens
9/3/21

Reigning Heineken Champions Cup holders Exeter Chiefs have been drawn at home to French Top 14 side Lyon in the Round of 16 draw made today in Lausanne.

With been forced to suspend the competition in January due to the Covid-19 pandemic, tournament organisers - along with its numerous stakeholders - opted for a new format for the remainder of the season, taking the top eight sides from Pools A & B to make up the numbers for the final 16 teams.

Exeter’s 42-0 victory over Glasgow Warriors gave Rob Baxter’s side the perfect start to their title defence, but a number of Covid cases amongst the Chiefs squad the following week meant they were forced to concede their second fixture away to Toulouse.

January’s decision to suspend Rounds 3 and 4 meant there were no further opportunities for sides to add to their points tally, but the five accrued by the Chiefs against Glasgow Warriors meant they were named amongst the 16 qualifiers.

Today, the Chiefs were picked out in Game 4 of the last 16 draw against Lyon, who currently sit seventh in the Top 14 after 19 games.

It will mark a first-ever meeting between the two clubs and will take place over the weekend of April 2/3/4.

Lyon are packed with international stars including Frenchmen Xavier Chiocci, Loann Goujon, Jean-Marc Doussain, Noa Nakaitaci and Mathieu Bastareaud, as well as Fijian duo Temo Mayanavanua and Josua Tuisova.

Should the Chiefs progress through the tie, they will again be at Sandy Park for their quarter-final tie against former winners Leinster Rugby or RC Toulon.

That fixture would take place over the weekend of April 9/10/11.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP ROUND 16 DRAW

Munster Rugby v Toulouse

Gloucester v La Rochelle

Wasps v ASM Clermont Auvergne

Exeter Chiefs v Lyon

Leinster Rugby v RC Toulon

Bordeaux-Begles v Bristol Bears

Racing 92 v Edinburgh

Scarlets v Sale Sharks

Ties to be played April 2/3/4

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW

Exeter Chiefs or Lyon v Leinster Rugby or RC Toulon

Wasps or ASM Clermont Auvergne v Munster Rugby or Toulouse

Gloucester or La Rochelle v Scarlets or Sale Sharks

Bordeaux-Begles or Bristol Bears v Racing 92 or Edinburgh

Ties to be played April 9/10/11