There was plenty to cheer about for Magners League teams over the weekend as they ran out winners in seven of the eight games they played in the first round of the Heineken Cup. And in the head to head match ups against the Guinness Premiership teams, the Magners League representative recorded a resounding 4-0 clean sweep.
The weekend started well with the Ospreys dramatic last minute victory over Guinness Premiership champions, Sale Sharks. Current Heineken Cup holders Munster and Cardiff Blues came away with crucial away pool wins whilst reigning Magners League champions Ulster, inflicted a heavy defeat on visiting triple Heineken Cup winners, Toulouse. Only Edinburgh failed to record a victory but ran their opponents incredibly close, whilst Leinster attracted the largest crowd of the weekend at Lansdowne Road for their impressive bonus point victory over Gloucester.
Elsewhere Newport Gwent Dragons saw success in the European Challenge Cup, whilst Connacht and Glasgow were held close by English clubs.
Director of Celtic Rugby, David Jordan, said "The results from the first round of the European competitions have been very encouraging with some highly significant victories. All Magners League teams came away with something from their matches this weekend, even those that failed to claim a victory gained a losing bonus point.
"These superb results reinforce just how strong the competition in Magners League has become, and the players are now proving it on a wider stage."
Results of the Magners League Teams in the Heineken Cup
Border Reivers 35, Overmach Parma 3
Ospreys 17, Sale Sharks 16
London Irish 25, Llanelli Scarlets 32
SU Agen 19, Edinburgh Rugby 17
Ulster 30, Toulouse 3
Bourgoin 5, Cardiff Blues 13
Leinster 37, Gloucester 20
Leicester Tigers 19, Munster 21
Results of the Magners League Teams in the European Challenge Cup
Connacht 18, NEC Harlequins 19
Newport Gwent Dragons 50, Bayonne 3
Saracens 28, Glasgow Warriors 23
