Cockerill excited to face Parisian 'Galácticos'

• 9 March 2021
• Reactions

Head Coach Richard Cockerill says Edinburgh Rugby are looking forward to next month's Champions Cup showdown in Paris and that his squad are excited by the prospect of facing Racing 92's 'Galácticos' of stars.

Speaking to edinburghrugby.org following today's Champions Cup draw in Switzerland, Cockerill also insisted his side are more than good enough to take on and defeat the Parisian outfit, but only 'if they get it right.'

"It's obviously a tough draw, but if you're in that company, you're always going to get a tough draw," said Cockerill.

"We're really looking forward to it. As a team and as a group, we've never been to their new stadium (Paris La Défense Arena).

"They've got a fantastic squad, full of rugby's Galácticos and we look forward to having a fit and available squad and going there and giving it our best shot."

Next month's match-up in Paris will be the first time Edinburgh Rugby have faced Racing 92 since the 2012-13 campaign, while it will also see a reprise of 2011-12's now famous home and away victories over the Parisian club.

A last-minute Phil Godman drop goal saw the capital side secure a hard-earned win in France, while a late try from Tim Visser gave Edinburgh Rugby a 48-47 victory at BT Murrayfield in one of European rugby's highest scoring encounters.

Next month's clash is setting up to be another classic, and one which Cockerill and his side can't wait to 'get their teeth into.'

"The Champions Cup is one of the biggest competitions in world rugby. It's the best teams with the best players from worldwide," continued Cockerill.

"So we're excited to be in it and we're going to be excited to have all our players back in together before we travel to Paris.

"It's exciting. It's a one off game where if we get it right, we can certainly beat them. It's something to get out teeth into."

Should Edinburgh Rugby progress to the Quarter-Finals of the competition - scheduled for the 9/10/11 April - the capital side will once again hit the road to face current English Premiership leaders Bristol Bears, or French Top 14 side - and last season's Challenge Cup Quarter-Final opponents - Bordeaux-Bègles.