7 Jun, 15:39
ERC can confirm that the Federation Française de Rugby (FFR) has withdrawn its application to host the 2014 Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup finals, due to the ongoing uncertainty regarding the availability of the Stade de France.
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5 Jun, 17:15
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5 Jun, 16:51
Watch how the Amlin Challenge Cup pool draw unfolded for the 2013/14 season
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7 Jun, 15:39
ERC can confirm that the Federation Française de Rugby (FFR) has withdrawn its application to host the 2014 Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup finals, due to the ongoing uncertainty regarding the availability of the Stade de France.
6 Jun, 16:04
Nigel Davies is relishing Gloucester Rugby's return to the Heineken Cup after they were drawn in Pool Six.
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5 Jun, 17:58
Leo Cullen admits Amlin Challenge Cup champions Leinster are desperate to reach the knockout stages of next season's Heineken Cup.
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7 Jun, 15:39
ERC can confirm that the Federation Française de Rugby (FFR) has withdrawn its application to host the 2014 Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup finals, due to the ongoing uncertainty regarding the availability of the Stade de France.
5 Jun, 16:51
Watch how the Amlin Challenge Cup pool draw unfolded for the 2013/14 season
5 Jun, 16:28
Former tournament winners, London Wasps, Bath Rugby and Sale Sharks, will have qualification for the knockout stage of the 2013/14 Amlin Challenge Cup on their minds when European club rugby returns next October.
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News
Bonnaire sets sights on quarter-final
21 March 2012 15:09pm
By
Julien Bonnaire
Getty Images
Julien Bonnaire is hoping to use the power and passion of the Heineken Cup to lessen the pain of stepping down from the international stage with France.
The 75-times capped ASM Clermont Auvergne back row man made his debut as a replacement in France's Grand Slam season of 2004 and was an ever-present in the side that managed another clean-sweep in 2010. He also played in the Championship winning sides of 2006 and 2007 and played in the 2011 World Cup final.
But now his sights are firmly set on new frontiers, and a massive gap in his medal collection, as he gets ready to head to Vicarage Road for Clermont's Heineken Cup quarter-final clash with English champions Saracens on Sunday, 8 April (kick-off 4.30pm).
"It is a very bizarre feeling calling a halt to my international career with France, although I took the decision a few months ago. I'm happy that I made the decision and I want to be able to spend more time with my family," admitted Bonnaire.
"But we have a Heineken Cup quarter-final coming up with Clermont in a few weeks time and that is going to be a huge challenge for us. For me it is a game that will help me to turn the page and focus on something new.
"This quarter-final is very important for me because I have only few years left and I want to win the Heineken Cup before the end of my career. I know it will be difficult, especially playing away from home, but nothing is impossible. There are good values in this Clermont squad - I think we can do it!"
A run to the 2012 Heineken Cup Final at Twickenham Stadium would enable the 33-year-old Bonnaire to add the three games he needs to reach 50 Heineken Cup appearances and take both him and his club further than their previous best in the competition of the last eight.
"It is always difficult to come back in to the club environment after a 6 Nations tournament, but with this vital game against the Saracens so close it will be easier this time. The young players like Wesley Fofana and Jean-Marcellin Buttin have had their first taste of international rugby and that will be helpful for us," added Bonnaire.
"A Heineken Cup quarter-final is nearly like a 6 Nations game. The intensity is very high."
But now his sights are firmly set on new frontiers, and a massive gap in his medal collection, as he gets ready to head to Vicarage Road for Clermont's Heineken Cup quarter-final clash with English champions Saracens on Sunday, 8 April (kick-off 4.30pm).
"It is a very bizarre feeling calling a halt to my international career with France, although I took the decision a few months ago. I'm happy that I made the decision and I want to be able to spend more time with my family," admitted Bonnaire.
"But we have a Heineken Cup quarter-final coming up with Clermont in a few weeks time and that is going to be a huge challenge for us. For me it is a game that will help me to turn the page and focus on something new.
"This quarter-final is very important for me because I have only few years left and I want to win the Heineken Cup before the end of my career. I know it will be difficult, especially playing away from home, but nothing is impossible. There are good values in this Clermont squad - I think we can do it!"
A run to the 2012 Heineken Cup Final at Twickenham Stadium would enable the 33-year-old Bonnaire to add the three games he needs to reach 50 Heineken Cup appearances and take both him and his club further than their previous best in the competition of the last eight.
"It is always difficult to come back in to the club environment after a 6 Nations tournament, but with this vital game against the Saracens so close it will be easier this time. The young players like Wesley Fofana and Jean-Marcellin Buttin have had their first taste of international rugby and that will be helpful for us," added Bonnaire.
"A Heineken Cup quarter-final is nearly like a 6 Nations game. The intensity is very high."
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