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What to look out for across Europe this weekend

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Domestic leagues across Europe are picking up pace, with another block of mouth-watering fixtures just around the corner this weekend.

Domestic leagues across Europe are picking up pace, with another block of mouth-watering fixtures just around the corner this weekend.

There will be a repeat of last season’s Gallagher Premiership Rugby final, while the top two go head-to-head in both the United Rugby Championship and the Top 14.

Some of England’s biggest stars will be involved when Saracens host Leicester Tigers at StoneX Stadium, with several of France and Ireland’s finest involved in Montpellier’s clash with Stade Toulousain and Leinster’s visit to Ulster.

Elsewhere in the United Rugby Championship, Scotland fans will want to see if Glasgow Warriors can follow up a remarkable 52-24 win over Cardiff Rugby with a victory away against Ospreys.

Irish giants go head-to-head

The likes of Jordan Larmour, Robbie Henshaw and Jacob Stockdale will all be involved when Ulster face Leinster in the United Rugby Championship.

Both sides are littered with experienced Ireland internationals as well young prospects who are fighting for their spot in Andy Farrell’s in-form side.

Ulster are top of the table with two bonus-point wins from as many matches, while Leinster are sitting in second on points difference – setting up a tantalising clash in Belfast.

2022 Gallagher Premiership Rugby final rematch

Last year’s Gallagher Premiership Rugby final between Saracens and Leicester Tigers was a nail-biting affair.

Freddie Burns’ last-minute drop-goal helped Tigers beat Sarries 15-12, with several of England’s top talents on show at Twickenham.

This weekend, the two sides will clash again, with international regulars like Owen Farrell, Ben Youngs, Freddie Steward and Billy Vunipola all set to feature.

The contest will also be an opportunity to check out emerging talents such as Hugh Tizard, who has just been called up to the England training squad for the autumn internationals.

Top two clash in Top 14

The early frontrunners in the Top 14 will also collide when Montpellier take on Stade Toulousain at GGL Stadium on Sunday.

After four rounds of action in France, the two sides each have three wins and a loss to their name, with Stade Toulousain leading the way on points difference.

International stars for France and Italy are set to feature for the visitors, with Ange Capuozzo, Matthis Lebel and Melvyn Jaminet expected to play.

And Montpellier also have several regulars from the two countries to call upon, including Paolo Garbisi, Yacouba Camara and Mohamed Haouas.

Scotland stars look to maintain Warriors’ momentum

Glasgow Warriors enjoyed a sensational 52-24 victory over Cardiff Rugby last Saturday, with several Scotland regulars leading the way in the win.

Gregor Townsend would have been ecstatic with some of his key forwards’ displays, Zander Fagerson and Fraser Brown both crossing the whitewash for Warriors.

They both retain their places for the trip to Swansea.com Stadium to take on Ospreys, while Richie Gray and Ali Price are also in the starting XV against a home side who have plenty of Wales stars – including Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate and George North – at their disposal.

Glasgow’s rivals Edinburgh, meanwhile, have the league’s in-form winger in Darcy Graham, with the Scotland star looking to add to his five tries in two matches this season when they take on Stormers.