With the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the key revelations emerging from the games.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in recent years, with the previous five victors all calling home France's top flight. Yet, the opening round showcased a number of impressive wins from emerging rivals.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in this tournament the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the title now. But, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are well-positioned of winning back-to-back titles with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a challenging fixture at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the second period, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls to zero after the break.
France international machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with that pair on the edges is a threat against any competition.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup was almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have probably never been more prepared to add a second star.
The current English champions are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into Europe – particularly following a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the URC.
They marry attacking verve – earning the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their guests at arm's length when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad all over the squad, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage last season was in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
After winning a domestic championship under their belt and top domestically again, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
You will find strong teams throughout the draw, but Pool One looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the opening night might just turn out to be vital.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a valuable five points.
In doing so, they provided their prospects of qualification a positive start and, conversely, handed a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in a long time to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have promised much but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were caught out and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a key pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Equipped to Compete
Ever since the teams from South Africa joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign none of them succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with often squads not at full strength used.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with the squad and staff talking about their goals, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a team from South Africa to progress far in the competition, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did play the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant season, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
