One week to go until Investec Champions Cup season ignites
Just one week remains until the 2026/27 EPCR season kicks off, with the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup set to bring together the best of European and South African club rugby from 16 to 18 October.
With 114 matches ahead across the two competitions and a place at the EPCR Finals Weekend in Lyon on 21 and 22 May 2027 the ultimate prize, the race for club rugby’s biggest trophies begins now.
And with the introduction of important tournament rule changes designed to keep matches competitive for longer, teams will have more to play for in every match, creating additional jeopardy, intensifying the race for Round of 16 qualification and adding another layer of excitement for players and supporters alike.
The Investec Champions Cup features 24 clubs, including 10 former champions who have won 24 titles between them, setting the stage for a season packed with heavyweight clashes, emerging contenders and rivalries renewed.
Back-to-back champions Union Bordeaux Bègles open their title defence at Gloucester Rugby on Friday 16 October, with the hosts arriving on the back of an impressive start to their Gallagher PREM campaign.
Bordeaux prop Ben Tameifuna is relishing the challenge: “There’s a bit of pressure, not only to perform but take control of the competition straight away. We’re really excited for it … when Round 1 comes around, we’ll be flying.
“The rule changes are going to push us to play more running rugby … it’s right up our street because we love to play running rugby and throw the ball around. You just kick the ball and let Louis Bielle-Biarrey chase it.”
Saturday gets under way with Sale Sharks v Glasgow Warriors, while Stade Français Paris travel to South Africa to face Vodacom Bulls.
Bristol Bears also head south for their first Investec Champions Cup meeting with DHL Stormers, while last season’s runners-up Leinster Rugby begin their campaign away to ASM Clermont Auvergne.
Leinster’s Jordan Larmour is eager to turn the lessons of last season into another title challenge: “We got some really good learning off the back of (last year’s Final). We had some really honest conversations as a group and we’re trying to take as many learnings forward as possible into this season.
“The Investec Champions Cup is massive. It’s such a special tournament – it’s probably the best club competition that you can be involved in … everyone’s chasing that star, everyone in this competition wants to win it.”
There is also a landmark moment for 10bet Lions, who make their Investec Champions Cup debut away to Stade Rochelais. The Johannesburg side arrive with two wins from two in the URC and are ready to test themselves against some of the biggest names in club rugby.
Reinhard Nothnagel said: “Playing against Stade Rochelais and Stade Toulousain – arguably some of the best clubs in the world – will definitely be a big challenge for us, but a challenge we look forward to.
“It’s our first season playing in the Investec Champions Cup, so it’s a massive honour and privilege … it’s probably the biggest club competition in the world.
“You always want to measure yourself against the best in the world, so this is a great platform to do that.”
Saturday night brings two more heavyweight encounters as Bath Rugby host EPCR Challenge Cup holders Montpellier Hérault Rugby, while Munster Rugby welcome Racing 92 to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Munster flyhalf Jack Crowley knows exactly what the competition means to the club: “The Investec Champions Cup is everything. It’s what I grew up watching Munster Rugby being a part of – winning trophies, knockout stages, semi-finals.
“When you look at the calendar… you’re into Investec Champions Cup – it’s class that it comes around so quickly! It gets the buzz going straight away. You’ve got to be ready.”
Sunday sees Section Paloise host Leicester Tigers, before six-time champions Stade Toulousain begin their campaign at home against Exeter Chiefs.
Toulouse centre Pierre-Louis Barassi knows there will be no room for error: “We’re going to need to tighten up and be more consistent in the pool stages this year to give ourselves the best possible chances of playing at home throughout the knockout stages.
“We’re well aware that Saracens and Exeter Chiefs are two really competitive sides … But so is every side that’s in this competition, which gives you so little room for error.”
Round 1 concludes with Northampton Saints, the reigning Gallagher PREM champions, hosting Cardiff Rugby, who arrive with two wins from two in the URC.
Cardiff’s Ioan Lloyd is particularly excited to be part of a landmark year for the club: “It’s massive for the club. It’s our 150th year, so to play top-level Investec Champions Cup in that year is really exciting.
“It’s my home club … watching when I was younger, these are the sorts of games you remember – the Champions Cup. I’m really excited to get going.”
EPCR Chairman Dominic McKay said: “We are just one week away from the start of what promises to be another outstanding EPCR season. The Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup bring together the best clubs and players from across Europe and South Africa, and there is an incredible sense of anticipation ahead of Round 1.
“Last season delivered some unforgettable moments, and with new rivalries, emerging talent and some of the biggest names in club rugby ready to go again, we can’t wait to see the action unfold. The road to Lyon starts next weekend and we’re looking forward to welcoming fans around the world for what promises to be a thrilling season.”
With the countdown almost over, fans around the world can follow every twist and turn of the 2026/27 EPCR season through comprehensive broadcast coverage.
Live coverage is available on Premier Sports in the UK and Ireland, beIN SPORTS in France, SuperSport in South Africa, FloRugby in the USA and Canada, and FOX Latin America, with free-to-air coverage on France Télévisions. Fans can also follow the action on EPCR’s OTT platform, EPCRugby.TV.
While the season is yet to begin, fans are already looking ahead to the EPCR Finals Weekend at Lyon’s OL Stadium.
Demand has been extraordinary, with more than 50% of tickets already sold ahead of the opening round.
The countdown is on. The rivalries are ready. The trophies are waiting.
One week to go. The road to Lyon starts here.
Comments