European Cup record

Racing 92 are still searching for a first European crown, with three runners-up medals to their name in 2016, 2018 and 2020. The last two have been particularly close, with defeats to Leinster Rugby and Exeter Chiefs by one-score margins.

Last season

Drawn into the ‘Pool of Death’, Racing 92 finished top of Pool 4 ahead of Munster Rugby and Saracens, although a final round defeat to the English side meant they would have to travel for their last eight match. Racing then dismantled ASM Clermont Auvergne on the road in the quarter-finals with a 36-27 win and dispatched of Saracens in a narrow 19-15 win in Paris. However, they would again fall at the final hurdle as they were beaten 31-27 by Exeter Chiefs at Ashton Gate.

Director of Rugby

Laurent Travers was part of Brive’s European title win in 1997, with the hooker helping the French club defeat Leicester Tigers 28-9 in Cardiff. After stints with Clermont, Montauban and Castres, Travers joined Racing 92 in 2016 alongside Laurent Labit. They won the French domestic title and gave the Parisians their first European final against the Saracens. The duo repeated the European feat in 2018 against Leinster Rugby again fell short before being appointed director of rugby last season.

Key players

Racing 92 can draw on a host of world-class players, including hooker Camille Chat, back-row Bernard Le Roux, Scottish fly-half Finn Russell and centre Virimi Vakatawa. They can also call upon the experience of Pumas wing Juan Imhoff, Teddy Thomas and Wallabies full-back Kurtley Beale.

Pool fixtures

Racing 92 will take on Irish province Connacht Rugby and Harlequins in their pool stage matches. They have already faced the English club in the 2013/2014 European Cup pool stages but lost both games.

The 2020 Heineken Champions Cup finalists are back for another crack at Europe’s elite club competition and with a whole host of international stars to call upon, Racing 92 look set for a stellar campaign.