Power Ranking Europe's Top 10 Rugby Clubs

Terence O'RorkeJun 8, 2018

It's still the early days on the European club scene, but there have been enough performances of note to produce a power ranking.

While the best of the UK, Ireland and Italy have played only two games this season, there are some early indications as to who will be the teams to beat in both the Premiership and Pro 12.

Across the Channel, where they have played six rounds of the Top 14, we are getting a clearer picture of how the French domestic competition might play out.

Here we power rank the top 10 clubs teams in Europe based on their early-season form.

Saracens, Premiership

1 of 10

Comprehensive wins and nine tries from their first two Premiership games have set Saracens apart as the team to beat in England.

The North London club may have lost England centre Brad Barritt to injury for the next couple of months, but they appear to have adopted a more expansive approach this season that offers more chances to the likes of David Strettle, Chris Ashton and Sam Tomkins.

Up front, the arrival of England international Billy Vunipola is already paying dividends. The Tonga-descended powerhouse looks set to run amok this campaign.

Clermont, Top 14

2 of 10

Clermont's 27-13 victory over Grenoble made it four wins from six for Vern Cotter's side and moved them to the top of the Top 14 standings.

France No. 8 Damien Chouly touched down twice after the interval to go with a penalty try in the first half as Clermont made amends for losing at Stade Francais a week earlier.

The French giants have also been linked with Ireland internationals Jamie Heaslip and Sean O'Brien in recent days, which will only boost their already powerful squad.

Northampton, Premiership

3 of 10

Northampton put down an early-season marker with a hard-earned 13-6 win over potential title rivals Harlequins at a particularly soggy Stoop.

The Saints remain one of only three unbeaten teams in the Premiership and scored the game's only try through new Kiwi arrival James Wilson.

Wet conditions may have favoured the visitors but already Northampton have a solid look about them that suggests they will be pushing for the title.

Glasgow, Pro 12

4 of 10

A try in the dying seconds from James Eddie gave Glasgow an impressive 13-12 victory at Ulster for their second win from two games this season.

Glasgow may not have the personnel to maintain a concerted challenge in the Pro 12 or in Europe, but club rugby is enjoying a good period in Scotland and they are only one of two teams without a loss.

Look out for Stuart Hogg to continue building his reputation.

Stade Francais, Top 14

5 of 10

Stade Francais carried on from their impressive win over Clermont with a 25-18 win over promoted Brive to move into third spot in the Top 14.

Six penalties and a conversion from full-back Jerome Porical enabled the Parisians to maintain their decent start to the season.

Stade have now won four from six, which suggests they could be one of the forces again in the Top 14 after several years of mediocrity.

Munster, Pro 12

6 of 10

Munster will face stiffer challenges this season, but they moved to the top of the Pro 12 standings with a bonus-point win at Italian outfit Zebre.

Five penalties and three conversion from J.J. Hanrahan kept the scoreboard ticking over for the visitors who are now two from two.

Munster do not quite look the force of old but such is their tradition that they will be there, or there about, come the end of the season.

Bath, Premiership

7 of 10

There is momentum building at England's sleeping giant Bath that suggests they could soon be back challenging for titles as in their glory years.

Bath downed Premiership champions Leicester 27-20 at The Rec with a powerful first-half display. Admittedly, Leicester are struggling with a long list of injuries, but Bath can only beat who is in front of them and they were too good for the Tigers.

The summer arrival of young fly-half George Ford—from Leicester no less—has certainly boosted the West Country club, and could well give England a selection headache at fly-half.

Castres, Top 14

8 of 10

Castres stunned Toulon in the final of last season's Top 14 and they did it again on Saturday with a 22-15 victory over the Heineken Cup champions.

Their star again was South African scrum-half Rory Kockott who finished with a personal haul of 17 points to knock Toulon off top spot in the standings.

Toulouse, Top 14

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Toulouse may not be the dominant force of old, but they were too good for Biarritz at the weekend as they ran in five tries for a bonus-point 31-7 win that moved them into fifth place.

Guy Noves' side have had a poor start to the season but their win over struggling Biarritz made it three wins from six and showed they have the power to be contenders this season.

Former All Black Hosea Gear looks set to be a good signing.