Investec Champions Cup - Round 1 preview
The 2026/27 Investec Champions Cup gets underway this weekend, with 24 of Europe and South Africa’s leading clubs beginning their quest to lift club rugby’s biggest prize.
The Round 1 preview is now available, featuring the full fixture list, pool tables, match officials, and selected club and player performance data.
CLICK BELOW FOR ROUND 1 PREVIEW
Round 1 notes
Round 1 will take place from 16 to 18 October, with the competition featuring the top eight clubs from the 2025/26 United Rugby Championship, TOP 14 and Gallagher PREM.
All 24 clubs will play four pool stage matches, facing four different opponents, with two matches at home and two away.
There are two rule changes for the 2026/27 season designed to increase competitiveness and jeopardy until the final whistle.
Round of 16 qualification: The top three clubs in each pool will automatically qualify, while the remaining four places will be awarded to the four clubs with the highest number of match points across all four pools, regardless of which pool they are in.
Offensive Bonus Point: A team will now be awarded an attacking bonus point when it scores three or more tries than its opponent.
The Investec Champions Cup will span eight weekends, comprising four pool rounds followed by four knockout rounds, culminating in the 2027 Final at OL Stadium in Lyon on Saturday, 22 May.
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