English teams hit form in European Rugby

English Rugby clubs enjoyed one of their best weekends in European Rugby history as they won six matches in the top competition for only the third time in its history.

Victories for Bath Rugby, Harlequins Leicester Tigers, Northampton Saints, Saracens and Wasps in the European Rugby Champions Cup equalled the tallies in 2001 and 2008.

The Tigers beat defending champions Toulon 25-21 at Welford Road to give their chances of reaching the quarter-finals a shot in the arm.

“We’ve got to go and do it again now but at least we’ve given ourselves a chance, ” said Tigers Director of Rugby, Richard Cockerill.

“In isolation this was a big night for us. We had some dominance at scrum, they’ll look at the video and they’ll be hurting and come back at us with double the efforts.

“But the group, from 1-15, were great and the bench made a huge difference as well. “

Harlequins beat previous champions Leinster at the Twickenham Stoop 24-18.

“We’ve not hit our straps but it’s only half-time in Europe, ” said Harlequins Director of Rugby Conor O’Shea.

“It’s a great start; we know what’s coming next week at Leinster. They’re a great side so I’m really proud. “

Bath Rugby, Northampton Saints and Wasps won away from home, the defending Aviva Premiership Rugby champions impressing in Italy with a bonus-point win in Treviso that keeps them well in contention to progress to the knockout stages.

“When you come to these places your forwards have got to be ruthless, you have to work hard and take the energy out of their defence, ” said Saints Forwards Coach Dorian West.

“We knew it was going to be tough, especially early on. They are a good side with some really good players. “

Six wins for English sides in one weekend

Round 5 in 2000/01 – Bath, Gloucester, Leicester, Northampton, Saracens and Wasps

Round 3 in 2008/09 – Bath, Gloucester, Harlequins, Leicester, Sale and London Wasps

Round 3 in 2014-15 – Bath Rugby, Harlequins, Leicester Tigers, Northampton Saints, Saracens and Wasps