Kings of Europe.

The 2018/19 season is now well underway, with a number of teams already impressing across Europe. Leinster still seem like the team to beat, having started this season exactly where they left off last time round – but things will be a lot more difficult this season.

A number of French and English clubs have spent big over the summer, while the likes of Munster and Scarlets in the PRO14 have also recruited well. It’s also the first season where qualification has been solely based on position – meaning there are no ‘easy’ games against Italian opposition.

Here are the who we think are the five main contenders for this season’s Champions Cup in no particular order.

Leinster
The clear favourites after laying waste to every team in their path last season. The eastern province haven’t changed much since last time round – Felipe Contepomi replaced Girvan Dempsey on the coaching staff, while Joe Tomane came in for the retired Isa Nacewa.

What makes Leinster so dangerous is just how young their current squad is. These guys are only going to get better. Guys like James Ryan and Jordan Larmour played their first season of senior rugby last season. Sean O’Brien will also give them a huge boost this season if he can stay fit having missed most of last season.

Definitely the team to beat.

Munster
Semi-finalists for the last two seasons, Munster have addressed their biggest problem by bringing in Joey Carbery at then. Add Tadhg Beirne to that and you’ve got a much improved squad. They’re also boosted by the return of a devastating openside in Chris Cloete.

To top it off Johann van Grann has had a full pre-season with the team, having come in halfway through the campaign last time round. The southern province have a tough group alongside Gloucester, Exeter and Top 14 champions Castres, but they’ll be there or thereabouts without a doubt.

Saracens
The two-time champions may have won the Premiership last season, but they will be disappointed in their defence of their European title. They just about made the last eight, but were easy disposed of by eventual winners Leinster.

This season however, Mark McCall’s side are already looking like a refreshed side. A number of their England internationals definitely suffered from Lions hangovers last season, but a decent rest over the summer has helped them. Maro Itoje in particular looks like he could return to his best this season.

Definitely contenders.

Racing 92
Last year’s finalists have had an up and down start to the Top 14 season, but they simply cannot be overlooked. They’ve recruited well over the summer bringing some flair to their backline with Finn Russell and Simon Zebo, and they’ve got some real grunt up front with guys like Donnacha Ryan.

They’ve also got guys like Maxime Machenaud and Patrick Lambie to come back into their team. No doubt they will be dangerous.

Scarlets
You simply cannot rule out the Welsh side given their style of play. Teams so far have been unable to deal with their relentless speed in attack, and with Lions Player of the Series Jonathan Davies back this season – they will be a real force.

Tough group with Leicester, Racing and Ulster though.