Dates locked in for European round of 16

Gallagher Premiership champions Northampton Saints will get the Investec Champions Cup round of 16 underway when they host ASM Clermont Auvergne at Franklin’s Gardens on Friday April 4.

Last season’s semi-finalists are the only English side to have a home tie after finishing as third seeds in the pool stages, and look to be the Premiership’s best chance of making the quarter-finals.

Fellow Premiership outfit Sale Sharks perhaps have the toughest task of all, bringing the weekend’s action to a close against reigning champions Toulouse on Sunday April 6 at the Stadium Municipal de Toulouse.

Despite registering a resounding 33-7 win over Toulon in round four, boosting their place in the seedings, they have been rewarded with a clash with a Toulouse side that finished second in Pool 1 despite being one of only three teams that are unbeaten.

Champions Cup round of 16 fixtures

Friday April 4
Match 3: Northampton Saints (3) v ASM Clermont Auvergne (14), cinch Stadium @ Franklin’s Gardens

Saturday April 5
Match 4: RC Toulon (4) v Saracens (13), Stade Félix Mayol

Match 2: Leinster Rugby (2) v Harlequins (15), Croke Park

Match 6: Castres Olympique (6) v Benetton Rugby (11), Stade Pierre-Fabre

Match 8: Stade Rochelais (8) v Munster Rugby (9), Stade Marcel Deflandre

Match 7: Glasgow Warriors (7) v Leicester Tigers (10), Scotstoun Stadium

Sunday April 6
Match 1: Union Bordeaux-Bègles (1) v Ulster Rugby (16), Stade Chaban-Delmas

Match 5: Stade Toulousain (5) v Sale Sharks (12), Stadium Municipal de Toulouse

While Northampton get the Champions Cup action underway, Premiership leaders Bath will commence their Challenge Cup campaign after being knocked out of Europe’s premier competition at the hands of Leinster.

Johann van Graan’s side will travel to Pau on Friday April 4, with Edinburgh hosting the Lions at the same time.

The reigning champions the Sharks will bring the curtain down of the Challenge Cup round of 16 when they travel to face Lyon.

Siya Kolisi and co also failed to make it to the Champions Cup knockouts alongside the Bulls and Racing 92.

Challenge Cup round of 16 fixtures

Friday April 4
Match 3: Edinburgh Rugby (3) v Emirates Lions (14), Hive Stadium

Match 7: Section Paloise (7) v Bath Rugby (10), Stade du Hameau

Saturday April 5
Match 6: Aviron Bayonnais (6) v Vodacom Bulls (11), Stade Jean-Dauger

Match 2: Montpellier Hérault Rugby (2) v Gloucester Rugby (15), GGL Stadium

Match 1: Connacht Rugby (1) v Cardiff Rugby (16), Dexcom Stadium

Match 8: USAP (8) v Racing 92 (9), Stade Aimé Giral

Sunday April 6
Match 4: Ospreys (4) v Scarlets (13), Swansea.com Stadium

Match 5: Lyon Olympique Universitaire (5) v Hollywoodbets Sharks (12), Matmut Stadium de Gerland