Investec Champions Cup semi-finals preview: One step from Bilbao
- EPCR Media
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
The road to the 2026 Investec Champions Cup Final runs through Dublin and Bordeaux, as Europe’s elite prepare for a decisive weekend.
On Saturday and Sunday two high-stakes clashes will determine who books a place in Bilbao. Leinster Rugby and RC Toulon go head-to-head on Saturday, before Union Bordeaux-Bègles face Bath Rugby on Sunday. With a spot in the Final on the line, both encounters promise intensity, drama and world-class rugby.
See the match-by-match preview statistics below and the general round preview BELOW.
CLICK BELOW FOR SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW STATS
Leinster Rugby v RC Toulon
Saturday 2 May - Aviva Stadium (3pm)
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A meeting of European giants, Leinster Rugby and RC Toulon boast seven titles between them – four for the Irish province, three for the French side.
Leinster enter their sixth consecutive semi-final and fifth straight with home advantage, unbeaten this season. Toulon, meanwhile, have lost just once in the campaign and return to the final four for the first time since 2015 - the year they completed a historic three-peat.
It’s been over a decade since these sides last met in the competition, with Toulon winning all four previous encounters. Leinster, however, are chasing redemption after falling short in four finals since their 2018 triumph.
Both sides know what is at stake and will be hoping for an error-free semi-final to set their sights on Bilbao.
RC Toulon’s Gaël Dréan – who has been electric this season with seven tries to sit joint top try scorer – summed it up.
"It's definitely a massive game because we haven't played a game of this calibre for a long time. A club like RC Toulon is known internationally for everything they've achieved, so it's great to be back at this level.
“We know the history. When you sign here, you know what's come before you. It's something that will forever be etched in the club's folklore."
Union Bordeaux Bègles v Bath Rugby
Sunday 3 May - Aviva Stadium (4pm)
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Two of Europe’s most exciting sides collide as Union Bordeaux Bègles and Bath Rugby meet in what promises to be a high-scoring semi-final showdown.
Bordeaux arrive as reigning champions and remain unbeaten this season, boasting world-class talent across the pitch. Among their standout performers are Investec Player of the Year nominees Matthieu Jalibert, one of the world’s leading flyhalves and Louis Bielle-Biarrey, the competition’s joint top try-scorer, both central to their impressive campaign.
Bath Rugby return to the semi-finals for the first time in 20 years, chasing a place back at the summit of European rugby. They too are packed with international quality, including two Investec Player of the Year nominees, Finn Russell - the competition’s leading points scorer - and dynamic forward Alfie Barbeary. After last season’s historic treble, including EPCR Challenge Cup success, and strong domestic form this year, Bath arrive full of momentum and belief.
With over 42 000 fans expected at a sold-out Stade Atlantique Bordeaux Métropole, this clash – which comes more than a decade since the sides last faced each other - promises a spectacle fitting of the occasion.
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