European Challenge Cup – Meet the Teams

Warriors discovered their European Challenge Cup opponents on Wednesday afternoon as they were drawn in Pool 2 alongside Pau, Ospreys and Stade Francais.

And here’s a few facts about the teams Warriors will face during the 2018/19 season.

 

Section Paloise Bearn Pyrenees (Pau) – Pau, France

Geography – Pau is the capital of the Pyrenees-Atlantiques department in South West France. The city has a population of around 85,000 and is 63 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, 31 from the Pyrenees mountain range and 31 miles from Spain.

Links – Pau is twinned with nine towns and cities across the world including Swansea, the home of fellow Pool 2 opponents Ospreys.

History – Pau Castle was built in the Middle Ages and was a used as a holiday home by Napoleon in the 1800s. Over 100,000 tourists visit each year.

On Foot – The city features the popular Boulevard des Pyrénées – a 1.8km road which serves as a panoramic balcony with views overlooking the mountains.

Tourism – The city is an outdoor sports destination and climbing, white-water rafting and cycling are all popular.

Rugby – Section Paloise Bearn Pyrenees, who are commonly referred to as Pau, play at the 18,000 capacity Stade du Hameau. They recorded an eighth place finish in the 2017/18 Top 14, with 15 wins, and were just one win short of finishing in a Champions Cup spot. Their star players include Steffon Armitage, Conrad Smith and Frank Halai.

Ospreys – Swansea, Wales

Geography – Swansea is located in the Gower Peninsula which was designated the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Beauty in 1956.

Links – As well as being twinned with Pau, Swansea is twinned with Cork in Ireland, the home of former Warriors captain Donncha O’Callaghan.

History – Poet Dylan Thomas is the city’s most famous export. The wordsmith was born in Swansea in 1914 and his work was inspired by various places in South Wales.

On Foot – Swansea Beach stretches for over five miles along the city and has great views of Mumbles.

Tourism – Swansea Bay is a popular spot for watersports such as sailing, power boating, jet skiing, wind surfing, and kayaking.

Rugby – Ospreys play at the 20,000 capacity Liberty Stadium – also home to Swansea City Football Club. Ospreys finished fifth in Conference A of the 2017/18 Pro 14 with nine wins and 12 defeats. Star player include Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric and new signing George North.

 

Stade Francais – Paris, France

Geography – The French capital is located in central north France and the city is bisected by the Sienne river.

Links – Paris is exclusively twinned with Rome in a mutual agreement stretching back to 1956.

History – Paris was originally a Roman City called Lutetia after being conquered by Julius Cesar in AD 58.

On Foot – There are 6,100 streets in the city and the shortest one – Rue des Degres – is just 5.75 metres long.

Tourism – The Eiffel Tower is one of the world’s most popular landmarks, with over 7 million annual visitors.

Rugby – Stade Francais play at the 20,000 capacity Stade Jean-Bouin. They finished 12th in the Top 14 last season after picking up seven league wins. Star players include Sergio Parisse, Jules Plisson and Morne Steyn.

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