Munster suffered a shocking pool-stage exit at Thomond Park, losing 31-29 to Castres. Two-time European champions were eliminated for the first time since 2016. Craig Casey scored twice, but Castres rallied late with tries from Geoffrey Palis and Christian Ambadiang to secure the win.

The defeat leaves Leicester Tigers on the verge of elimination after a 39-26 loss to the Stormers in Cape Town. Gloucester were also knocked out by Toulon, while Leinster and Toulouse secured home advantage in the last 16. Sale Sharks suffered a record 77-7 defeat to Toulouse but still progressed.

This marks a rare early exit for Munster, a club built on European success. The result reshapes the knockout bracket, with Leinster and Toulouse looking strong. For Leicester, their fate now hinges on other results, a dramatic turn for the Premiership side.