The Champions Cup Team of the Season Revealed

The 2023/24 Investec Champions Cup season culminated in a thrilling finale as Toulouse clinched their sixth title, defeating Leinster in a hard-fought extra-time clash. Following the conclusion of this captivating tournament, the Planet Rugby writers have put their heads together to select the Champions Cup Team of the Season.

Unsurprisingly, players from the two finalists, Leinster and Toulouse, dominate the team, having both navigated unbeaten paths to the showpiece event. The selected XV features a stellar lineup of rugby union’s finest talents, each making a significant impact throughout the competition.

The Backline

Fullback Tyrone Green of Harlequins edges out the likes of Toulouse’s Blair Kinghorn and Thomas Ramos, as well as Leinster’s Hugo Keenan, after amassing more metres (662) than any other player in the tournament, while also crossing for three tries and providing one assist. On the wing, the sensational Damian Penaud of Union Bordeaux Begles earns a spot, having racked up an incredible eight try involvements in as many matches.

In the centres, Leinster’s Robbie Henshaw gets the nod at outside centre, while Toulouse’s Pita Ahki, who was unfortunately injured in the final, secures the inside centre berth. Completing the backline, Leinster’s James Lowe shines on the opposite wing, with Harlequins’ Marcus Smith at fly-half and Toulouse’s world-class captain, Antoine Dupont, in the number 9 jersey.

The Forwards

The loose forward trio is headlined by Leinster’s Caelan Doris at number 8, Toulouse’s Jack Willis at openside, and Northampton Saints’ Courtney Lawes at blindside. In the engine room, Toulouse’s Thibauld Flament and Emmanuel Meafou are the formidable second-row pairing, while the all-Leinster front row features Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan, and Andrew Porter.

This talented team of Champions Cup standouts showcases the depth of quality on display throughout the tournament, with the Leinster and Toulouse stars rightly taking centre stage after their exceptional campaigns.

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