Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup: Record-breaking start fuels Bilbao Finals momentum

With 60% of tickets already sold for the 2026 EPCR Finals Weekend in Bilbao (22 and 23 May), the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup are enjoying a standout start to the season, on and off the field. Strong ticket demand for Bilbao is emblematic of the growing excitement around this season’s competitions, underlined by impressive attendance, broadcast and digital engagement figures across the opening two rounds.

Rounds 1 and 2 of the Investec Champions Cup recorded the highest in-stadium attendances since 2019, with 452 000 fans filling venues across Europe and South Africa. Sell-out crowds in Glasgow, Toulon and Bordeaux created electric atmospheres, as the home sides all rewarded their supporters with victories.

Charles Ollivon wins a line-out against Bath Rugby in Stade Mayol.

Broadcast audiences also surged, with peak TV viewership exceeding 2 million on France Télévisions for the RC Toulon v Bath Rugby clash, reinforcing the competitions’ status as must-watch sporting event.

Digital engagement also continued its upward trajectory year on year, demonstrated by 3.65 million total digital engagements, up from 2.75 million at the same stage last season and 3 million YouTube highlight views, a 25% increase on last season.

EPCR also launched a brand-new Investec Champions Cup show, produced by Brian O’Driscoll and Craig Doyle’s 3 Rock production company and fronted by former French international Ben Kayser, celebrating the cities, culture and fans of the Investec Champions Cup - as well as the world-class Test match rugby in club colours.

Across 42 high-quality matches in Rounds 1 and 2 of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, Europe and South Africa’s leading clubs and players delivered compelling performances that set the tone for the rest of the campaign.

That exceptional standard of play is reflected in the Investec Champions Cup Player of the Month nominees, each of whom led by example and played a key role in guiding their teams to consecutive victories.

• Adam Hastings, Glasgow Warriors. Investec Player of the Match against Stade Toulousain during Glasgow’s unbelievable comeback in Round 2.

• George Hendy, Northampton Saints. Scored four tries in 2 Rounds and was Investec Player of the Match against Vodacom Bulls in Round 2.

• Paul de Villiers, DHL Stormers. Investec Player of the Match against Stade Rochelais in Round 2 and joint most turnovers so far in the competition.

• Matthieu Jalibert, Union Bordeaux Bègles. More points than any other player (28) thanks to three tries, five conversions and a penalty goal in two Rounds.

• Sione Tuipulotu, Glasgow Warriors. Hugely influential in Glasgow’s historic win against Stade Toulousain and one of the seasons’ top carriers.

Matthieu Jalibert scores a try against Scarlets in Round 2.

Fans can play a key role in celebrating the stars of the season so far by voting for their favourite at EPCR’s Game Centre.

Following the Christmas break, the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup return with renewed intensity from 9 to 11 January, as the competitions move into the final two decisive Pool stage rounds.

With packed stadiums, record digital growth, major broadcast audiences and 60% of tickets for the Bilbao Finals already sold, the early weeks of the season have confirmed the competitions’ strong momentum. All signs point to an unforgettable 2025/26 season, culminating in what promises to be a spectacular Finals weekend in Bilbao this May.