Investec Champions Cup Round of 16: Match by-match guide and statistics
- EPCR Media
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
The Investec Champions Cup is back, bringing an action-packed weekend of knockout rugby from April 3–5 with the Round of 16. Comprehensive player and team statistics are available for each match, providing an in-depth view of the performances shaping this year’s tournament.
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Key match information
Northampton Saints v Castres Olympique
Friday – cinch Stadium @ Franklin’s Gardens
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The curtain rises on a spectacular knockout weekend at cinch Stadium @ Franklin’s Gardens, where last season’s finalists Northampton Saints host Castres Olympique. Their last meeting was during last year’s quarter-final, on Saints’ run to the Final.
Currently top of the PREM Rugby standings, Northampton won three of four pool games, losing only to Union Bordeaux Bègles. Castres, meanwhile, progressed with two wins from four.
Bath Rugby v Saracens
Saturday – The Rec
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Saturday opens with a big English showdown with knockout tension added to the mix. 2025 Gallagher PREM and EPCR Challenge Cup champions Bath Rugby host Saracens at The Rec, and a statement win for Bath over Saracens two weeks ago in domestic action will have worked wonders for pre-Round of 16 momentum as the pair meet again.
Bath topped their pool, while Saracens qualified in 13th. The hosts are currently the competition’s second highest points scorers, thanks largely to Investec Player of the Year nominee Finn Russell, who amassed an impressive 51 points and 21 conversions during the pool stage. Bath have another nominee in Alfie Barbeary, while Saracens’ Tom Willis is also nominated, thanks to his strong attacking displays.
RC Toulon v DHL Stormers
Saturday – Stade Felix Mayol
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Three-time champions RC Toulon host the DHL Stormers, with the French side winning their last meeting in South Africa during last season’s pool stage. On the road to the Round of 16, both clubs secured three wins in the pool stage, setting up what will no doubt be a close encounter.
Toulon reached last year’s quarter-finals, while the Stormers return to the knockouts for the first time since 2024 aiming to go further, with a potential South African derby or clash with Glasgow Warriors awaiting if they can make it to the quarter-final.
Glasgow Warriors v Vodacom Bulls
Saturday – Scotstoun Stadium
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At Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow Warriors will host Vodacom Bulls. The Scots picked up maximum points in the pool stage and beat the Bulls at home earlier this season in the URC but both sides will be focusing on progressing to the quarter-finals.
Top of the URC, Glasgow are boosted by returning internationals, including Investec Player of the Year nominee Jack Dempsey, a standout performer in both carries and tackles so far this season.
Stade Toulousain v Bristol Bears
Saturday – Stadium de Toulouse
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Six-time champions Stade Toulousain will host the Bristol Bears in their first-ever meeting. Toulouse secured two wins during the pool stage, while Bristol impressed with three victories and will arrive full of confidence, boosted by the return of international stars Ellis Genge, Tom Jordan and Louis Rees-Zammit.
Toulouse, however, will be buoyed by their current position atop the TOP 14 standings and boast the competition’s top points scorer, Thomas Ramos. An Investec Player of the Year nominee, Ramos has racked up 53 points and was also the top overall scorer in this year’s Six Nations – where he coolly sealed France’s championship win in the final moments of the last match.
Harlequins v Sale Sharks
Saturday – Twickenham Stoop
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Saturday night sees another all-English tie as Harlequins face Sale Sharks. The sides haven’t met in the competition since 2009/10, and while Sale won convincingly in their last domestic encounter, Harlequins will back their home advantage on the European stage.
Harlequins lead the tournament for points scored (184) and have been prolific at home. Sale, with key internationals such as George Ford, Tom Roebuck and Luke Cowan-Dickie back, will look to build on their domestic win over Harlequins earlier this season.
Union Bordeaux Bègles v Leicester Tigers
Sunday – Stade Chaban-Delmas
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Reigning champions and top seeds Union Bordeaux Bègles host Leicester Tigers, having beaten them in last season’s pool stage. Leicester will aim to go beyond their Round of 16 exit last season.
Bordeaux lead the competition in tries, powered by try-scoring sensation and Investec Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey, the tournament’s top try-scorer. Playmaker Matthieu Jalibert – the top points scorer in the first two rounds – is also nominated as Investec Player of the Year.
Leinster Rugby v Edinburgh Rugby
Sunday – Aviva Stadium
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The Round of 16 concludes in Dublin, where four-time champions Leinster Rugby host Edinburgh Rugby. Leinster, chasing a fifth star, topped their pool with four wins from four, led by captain by Investec Player of the Year nominee Caelan Doris. Edinburgh qualified 14th and return to the knockouts for the first time since 2022/23. Despite their European histories, this is their first meeting in the competition since 2008/09.
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