Investec Champions Cup - Round 4 review
- EPCR Media
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
16 clubs took one step closer to the Investec Champions Cup Final in Bilbao this weekend, with it coming down to the very last match to determine the final qualifiers.
With qualification and crucial home advantage on the line, the drama was relentless. Glasgow Warriors, Bath Rugby, Leinster Rugby and Union Bordeaux Bègles rose to the challenge, winning their matches to top their pools and lock in home advantage for the Round of 16.
The remaining four home advantage spots were split between England and France, as Northampton Saints, Harlequins, RC Toulon and Stade Toulousain also earned the right to home advantage.
That leaves Bristol Bears, DHL Stormers, Sale Sharks, Castres Olympique, Saracens, Edinburgh Rugby, Vodacom Bulls and Leicester Tigers facing the challenge of the road when the knockout stages begin in April.
The final 16 are packed full of history and pedigree, with eight former Champions Cup winners, including reigning champions Union Bordeaux Bègles, six-time winners and record holders Stade Toulousain, and four-time champions Leinster Rugby. All signs now point to a blockbuster run-in to the Bilbao Final this May.
CLICK BELOW FOR ROUND 4 REVIEW STATS
Round 4 – Top Performers
Points: 27, Thomas Ramos, Stade Toulousain
Carries: 22, Ben Earl, Saracens
Metres: 171, Matthis Lebel, Stade Toulousain
Defenders beaten: 12, Thaakir Abrahams, Munster Rugby
Offloads: 5, Tom Farrell, Munster Rugby
Tackles: 24, Nizaam Carr, Vodacom Bulls
Round 4 – Key Stats
Thomas Ramos (Stade Toulousain) scored a round-high 27 points at the weekend. He was flawless off the tee, made three clean breaks, and scored a try.
Louis Bielle-Biarrey (Union Bordeaux Bègles) scored a hattrick at the weekend. He now leads the competition for tries scored with six in total.
Matthis Lebel (Stade Toulousain) made a round-high 171 metres and nine clean breaks in Round 4.
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins) won three turnovers at the weekend - as many as any other player.
Freddie Douglas (Edinburgh Rugby) won three turnovers in Round 4 (joint-most), after winning five in a match last weekend. He has won 12 turnovers in his last three competition appearances.
The exact dates and kick-off times of the Round of 16 fixtures will be announced as soon as possible.
Round of 16 - 3/4/5 April
R16 1: Union Bordeaux Bègles (1) v Leicester Tigers (16)
R16 2: Glasgow Warriors (2) v Vodacom Bulls (15)
R16 3: Leinster Rugby (3) v Edinburgh Rugby (14)
R16 4: Bath Rugby (4) v Saracens (13)
R16 5: Northampton Saints (5) v Castres Olympique (12)
R16 6: Harlequins (6) v Sale Sharks (11)
R16 7: RC Toulon (7) v DHL Stormers (10)
R16 8: Stade Toulousain (8) v Bristol Bears (9)
NB The clubs ranked numbers 1 to 8 will have home venue advantage
Quarter-finals – 10/11/12 April
QF 1: Winner R16 1 v Winner R16 8
QF 2: Winner R16 2 v Winner R16 7
QF 3: Winner R16 3 v Winner R16 6
QF 4: Winner R16 4 v Winner R16 5
NB The highest-ranked clubs from the pool stage will have home venue advantage
Semi-finals – 1/2/3 May
SF 1: Winner QF 1 v Winner QF 4
SF 2: Winner QF 2 v Winner QF 3
NB The matches will be played in Europe and where relevant the highest-ranked clubs from the pool stage will have home country advantage
2026 Investec Champions Cup Final - Saturday 23 May; San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao
Comments