So #ChampionsCup format is *very* confusing but essentially...

8 from each league
Ranked into Tiers
Split into 2x Pools of 12
T1 v T4; T2 v T3
No domestic repeats
Top 4 from each into home-and-away QFs
5-8 drop to Challenge Cup last 16
Finals in Marseille

Confirmation of lots we already knew.

Good news for Dragons, Connacht who are in with Leinster, Edinburgh, Munster, Ulster, Scarlets and Glasgow from Pro14.

But 'Tier 4' sides face two Pool games v 'Tier 1' so unlikely first two will qualify for QFs.

#ChampionsCup

France's Top14 made the Tiers interesting as Toulouse look like a 'Tier 4' side having 'finished' 7th in the cancelled 2019-20 table.

Clermont 'Tier 3' as they were sixth when it paused.

So Toulouse to be pitted against an English/Pro14 1st/2nd placer in Pools

#ChampionsCup

*AS IT STANDS*

Tier 1
Exeter; Sale
Leinster; Edinburgh
Bordeaux; Lyon

Tier 2
Bristol; Wasps
Munster; Ulster
Racing 92; Toulon

Tier 3
Bath; N Saints
Scarlets; Glasgow
Clermont; La Rochelle

Tier 4
Quins; Gloucester
Connacht; Dragons
Toulouse; Montpellier/Castres

#ChampionsCup

All subject to changes in the Pro14 and Premiership, mind.

THIS IS NOT A CONFIRMED LIST!!

French only league that we know most (depends who wins Challenge Cup for the eighth place between Montpellier and Castres)

#ChampionsCup

As pointed out by @hughgodwin_ Leicester could still make the Champions Cup - if they win the Challenge Cup - by replacing the eighth-placed Premiership side (assuming they don't recover and get there themselves).

#ChampionsCup

Equally Clermont, Racing 92 and Toulouse could 'jump' tiers if they win the Champions Cup.

Winners of the 2019-20 #ChampionsCup will be ranked as 'Tier 1' from their league.

NEW bit of clarification on Pro14 and Prem...

Leinster *guaranteed* Tier 1 even if they lose Pro14 playoff SF.

If Ulster/Munster win Pro14 they are ranked as Tier 1, and everyone moves down a slot.

But as it was based on Round 13 positions Leinster will always stay Tier 1

In #PremRugby the two finalists will be ranked Tier 1, and losing SFs will be Tier 2.

If Exeter finish top and lose their SF they will be ranked in Tier 2, but above the other losing SF team as they finished higher in the league.

Essentially, league winners are grinners.

AAAAND finally... (for now!)

#Saracens absolutely definitely cannot qualify even if they win the Champions Cup.

You've all got it? Good

#ChampionsCup