Mick Cleary: ‘This Champions Cup adventure is the perfect staging post for England’s best.’

Writer Mick Cleary argues that English Premiership clubs must show attacking ambition and field full-strength lineups in the Investec Champions Cup. Following recent high-scoring domestic games, including an 18-try fixture between Northampton Saints and Bath Rugby, Cleary believes English sides must balance attacking potency with solid defense to challenge dominant French teams such as Stade Toulousain and Union Bordeaux Begles.

Cleary highlights key upcoming fixtures, including Gloucester hosting defending champions Bordeaux and Leicester Tigers visiting Section Paloise. He notes these European matches serve as an important testing ground for Steve Borthwick and the England coaching staff ahead of the November international matches, providing a crucial platform for prospective national team selections.