EPCR 2015/16 Tournament Launch photography

The new European Rugby Champions Cup and Challenge Cup season was launched in style today at the Twickenham Stoop during an event attended by high-profile coaches and captains of the PRO12 and Aviva Premiership clubs who have qualified for the 2015/16 tournaments.

Keynote speakers at the event included EPCR Chairman, Simon Halliday, and Ilker Ayci, Chairman of Turkish Airlines who were announced as an official partner of EPCR's tournaments for the next three years.

Contributors also included Tim Ellerton, Heineken Global Sponsorship Manager, and EPCR Director General, Vincent Gaillard, during the proceedings which were co-presented by Martin Bayfield of BT Sport and Alex Payne of Sky Sports.

Last season's Aviva Premiership champions, Saracens, represented by Director of Rugby, Mark McCall, and captain Alistair Hargreaves, as well as PRO12 title holders, Glasgow Warriors, represented by Head Coach, Gregor Townsend, and newly-appointed captain, Jonny Gray, were among the 13 Champions Cup clubs from both leagues.

The 2015 Challenge Cup winners, Gloucester Rugby, represented by Director of Rugby, David Humphreys, and captain, Billy Twelvetrees, were also at the event on behalf of the clubs participating in this season's Challenge Cup.

A further tournament launch for Top 14 clubs participating in the 2015/16 European club competitions will take place on Monday, 9 November in Lyon, host city for the 2016 Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals which are scheduled for the Grand Stade de Lyon on 13 and 14 May 2016.

The new European season kicks off with the Challenge Cup meeting of Harlequins and Montpellier at the Twickenham Stoop on Thursday, 12 November with the Champions Cup getting underway the following evening when Leicester Tigers and Top 14 title holders, Stade Francais Paris, clash at Welford Road.

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