Danny Care Calls English Champions Cup Victory 'Miraculous' Amid Tough Competition

Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care has expressed that it would be "miraculous" for an English team to clinch the Investec Champions Cup this season. With five Premiership clubs advancing to the knockout stages, only Northampton Saints have secured a home draw in the round of 16.

Harlequins are set to face a challenging schedule, including league matches against Saracens and Bath, before taking on four-time Champions Cup winners Leinster in Dublin. Care, a former England international, highlighted the difficulty of competing against the French and Irish powerhouses, describing last year's semi-final achievements by Harlequins and Northampton as "remarkable."

Since the tournament's inception in 1995-96, English clubs have won the Champions Cup 10 times. However, the last English victory was in 2019-20 by Exeter Chiefs. Since then, French clubs have dominated, with no English finalists in the past four years.

Harlequins, who have never won the tournament, are currently sixth in the Premiership table, three points behind fourth-placed Leicester with seven matches remaining. Care, who has announced he will remain with Harlequins for his 20th season, expressed his desire to help the club lift another trophy before retiring.

"I'd love to help the club lift another trophy before I stop. Whether that be this year or next year, I'm not sure but I'll try my best to help these young lads reach their goals and reach their dreams," Care added.