Free-to-air coverage of the Heineken Champions Cup in the UK will kick off on October 13, when Bath Rugby host four-time winners Toulouse at The Recreation Ground, live on Channel 4. The Round 1 match will open Channel 4’s live coverage of Europe’s elite club competition as they show one match from each round, including a quarter-final, a semi-final and the showpiece final at St James’ Park on May 11. Other matches include a Round 2 clash between 2018 semi-finalists Munster Rugby and Challenge Cup finalists Gloucester Rugby at Thomond Park on October 20, two-time winners Saracens’ trip to Challenge Cup winners Cardiff Blues on December 15 and defending champions Leinster Rugby’s home game with Toulouse on January 12. Lee McKenzie will present Channel 4’s live coverage and she will be joined by host of renowned names in European rugby, including two-time European Cup winner Bryan Habana, three-time winner Jamie Heaslip and former Wales international Gareth Thomas, who won the competition in 2005 with Toulouse. The familiar voice of Miles Harrison will provide commentary across every match, while referee Nigel Owens will add his unique insight. [jwplayer 7vmDIF4y] Channel 4 Commissioning Editor Joe Blake-Turner said: “We’re delighted to welcome back elite European Club rugby to terrestrial television for the first time in 15 years. “Two former tournament winners kick off our coverage and in the following rounds we’ll be bringing viewers the cream of European rugby.” Ayo Akinwolere and Lee McKenzie will present Channel 4’s hour-long preview programme, The Big Tackle, with the first show starting at 11.30am on October 13. The show will preview key clashes from all the Pools as well as featuring player video diaries, interviews, special features and behind-the-scenes insights. The opening programme will review Friday night’s tournament opener between reigning champions Leinster Rugby and Wasps before looking ahead to the rest of the Round 1 action. Confirmed Channel 4 matches: Bath Rugby v Toulouse - October 13 Munster Rugby v Gloucester Rugby - October 20 Exeter Chiefs v Gloucester Rugby – December 8 Cardiff Blues v Saracens - December 15 Leinster Rugby v Toulouse - January 12 Coverage of all matches begins at 12.30pm with kick off at 1pm