Magnificent Union Bordeaux Bègles retain Investec Champions Cup – Final and Season review and statistics

Union Bordeaux Bègles secured back-to-back Investec Champions Cup titles this weekend with a clinical and captivating display, extending Leinster Rugby’s agonising wait for a fifth European star at Bilbao’s iconic San Mamés Stadium.

In front of a sold-out crowd, with the Basque sun blazing down, the French side completed an unbeaten campaign in style to lift club rugby’s most coveted trophy for the second consecutive season.

Led by captain Maxime Lucu, Bordeaux’s route to glory underlined their status as the new powerhouse of European rugby. On their way to retaining the title, they defeated the reigning champions of France, England and the United Rugby Championship in successive knockout rounds - overcoming Stade Toulousain, Bath Rugby and finally Leinster Rugby in a sensational run to the crown.

Five electrifying first-half tries - the joint most ever scored in a final that included a brilliant double from Louis Bielle-Biarrey - all but sealed the final before the break, as Bordeaux overwhelmed Leinster on their way to a commanding 41-19 victory. Only five teams had previously scored more than 30 points in a Champions Cup Final and Bordeaux become only the second to score more than 40 - Leinster Rugby scored 42 points in their 2012 victory over Ulster Rugby.

Bielle-Biarrey’s two tries in Bilbao took his tally for the season to 10, confirming him as the competition’s leading try scorer. The winger was deservedly rewarded with the Investec Player of the Year award following a remarkable individual campaign.

The victory also marks a sixth consecutive Champions Cup triumph for French clubs, with Stade Rochelais and Stade Toulousain each lifting the trophy twice since 2021. Bordeaux now become only the sixth club in history to successfully defend their European crown with back-to-back titles.

After winning the Champions Cup in 2003 and 2005 playing for Stade Toulousain, Yannick Bru adds another trophy to his collection with back-to-back wins as Union Bordeaux Bègles Head Coach.

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Final – Top Performers

• Points: 21, Maxime Lucu, Union Bordeaux Bègles

• Carries: 18, Caelan Doris, Leinster Rugby

• Metres: 87, Yoram Moefana, Union Bordeaux Bègles

• Defenders beaten: 4, Salesi Rayasi, Pablo Uberti, Matthieu Jalibert Union Bordeaux Bègles/Ciaran Frawley, Leinster Rugby

• Offloads: 3, Jamison Gibson-Park, Leinster Rugby

• Tackles: 16, Yoram Moefana, Boris Palu, Pierre Bochaton, Union Bordeaux Bègles

Final – Key Stats

• Maxime Lucu scored 21 points - including a try - was 100% off the tee and made 441 kick in play metres in the Final.

• Louis Bielle-Biarrey led the competition with 10 tries this season and scored 2 tries in the Final (1st).

• Union Bordeaux Bègles secured the most turnovers won (68) and tackle turnovers (21) this season, with Yoram Moefana contributing 2 interceptions in the Final (most in round).

• Matthieu Jalibert topped the tournament for both defenders beaten (38) and carries (115) this season, showcasing his all-around attacking threat.

• Ben Tameifuna won two turnovers in his 31 minutes off the bench - as many as any other player in the match.