Champions Cup: The big semi-final preview with Henry Arundell

This bonus episode of Rugby Union Weekly dives deep into the upcoming Champions Cup semi-finals, spotlighting Bath vs. Bordeaux and Leinster vs. Toulon. Host Ashi and guest Henry Arundell discuss Bath’s historic drought—28 years since their last European final—and the emotional weight of reaching the semi-final for the first time in two decades. Arundell, a boyhood Bath fan and new arrival, emphasizes the club’s unique culture under Johan van Graan, where every player, regardless of role, feels responsible for the team’s success. The conversation shifts to tactical battles, with focus on how Bath must control the kicking game to counter Bordeaux’s transition-heavy French style. Meanwhile, Ben White from Toulon reflects on the club’s legacy and the motivation of playing in a semi-final after years away from the elite stage. He highlights Toulon’s physicality and preparation as key to challenging Leinster’s dominance, especially in the scrum and forward battle. The episode also touches on broader themes: the fleeting nature of success in elite rugby, the importance of culture, and the psychological edge of playing in high-stakes environments. With injury concerns, weather variables, and referee tendencies all in play, the weekend promises drama and unpredictability.