This season marks the 30th year of the Investec Champions Cup and to celebrate we’re picking a Dream 15 from the history of the competition.
Starting off the list strong with a true legend of the position, it’s ex-Saracens man Villiami ‘Billy’ Vunipola. Having helped the London side to all three of their Champions Cup titles as well as claiming three Six Nations crowns with England, Vunipola has established himself as an all-time great.
Joining Vunipola on three Champions Cup winner’s medals is Jamie Heaslip. During his 13-year stint at Irish giants Leinster, the number 8 had an unquantifiable impact on the side.
Back across the Irish Sea and Lawrence Dallaglio earns a deserved spot in our top 10. Having spent his entire career at Wasps, he captained the side to both of their Champions Cup trophies. His successes go beyond club level too, with the Englishman claiming four Six Nations titles and a World Cup winners’ medal.
Fellow Champions Cup winner Anthony Foley also makes the cut. Having captained Munster to their title in 2006 as well as playing a part in their 2008 winning season, Foley has confirmed himself as a true club legend for the Irish side.
Crossing over into France and current Stade Rochelais number 8 Gregory Alldritt is in the mix. At the club since 2017, the Frenchman has won two Champions Cup titles with ‘Les Maritimes’, becoming a true fan-favourite for both club and country.
The top 10 includes another French legend, with Imanol Harinordoquy making the cut. Having played at Section Paloise, Biarritz Olympique and Stade Toulousain, his illustrious career also took him to the heights of the national team, with five Six Nations titles including three Grand Slam victories.
Having also spent time in France with RC Toulon, South African number 8 Duane Vermeulen's impressive career also saw him become a key player to sides such as the Toyota Cheetahs, DHL Stormers and Ulster. Proving his ability across both hemispheres at club level was then backed up on the international stage with his two World Cup wins with the Springboks in 2019 and 2023.
Another legendary number 8 who was recently part of RC Toulon’s ranks makes the top 10 as Italian legend Sergio Parisse is on the list. Having also made an impact at Stade Français Paris, he claimed an EPCR Challenge Cup title at each club, alongside a record 142 caps for the Azzurri.
Fellow EPCR Challenge Cup winner with Sale Sharks Sébastien Chabal makes his way onto the list too, with his fearsome tackling making him a force to be reckoned with.
Last but by no means least is one of Poland’s most famous rugby players. A part of the Champions Cup-winning CA Brive side in 1997, Grzegorz Kacala became the only Pole to have achieved the feat.