The pinnacle of European club rugby returns this weekend as the Investec Champions Cup begins its new campaign. Defending champions Bordeaux Begles start their title defence with a challenging trip to South Africa, while last season's runners-up, Northampton Saints, also begin their quest for redemption on French soil.
Champions Cup Returns with Bordeaux Aiming to Defend Crown
Rugby union's premier continental competition is back, featuring the top clubs from Europe and South Africa. The road to the final in Bilbao next spring begins now with the pool stage. Bordeaux Begles are the reigning champions, having made history by winning the first major trophy in their existence last May. They secured the title with a 28-20 victory over Northampton Saints in a gripping final.
The French side face a tough start to their defence, travelling to Pretoria to play the Bulls on Saturday, 6 December. Northampton Saints, meanwhile, launch their campaign with a trip to face Pau on Sunday, 7 December. The tournament format sees four groups of six teams, with the top four from each group advancing to the knockout last 16. Securing a top-two pool finish guarantees a valuable home tie in the first knockout round.
How to Watch Every Match Live in the UK
For viewers in the United Kingdom, Premier Sports holds the exclusive broadcast rights for the Investec Champions Cup. Every single match of the tournament will be shown live across their channels.
Coverage will be split between Premier Sports 1, Premier Sports 2, and Premier Sports Rugby. If you prefer to stream, a live stream of every game is available through the Premier Sports website, ensuring you won't miss a moment of the action wherever you are.
Full Round One Fixture Schedule and Favourites
The opening round features a host of tantalising clashes. French giants Toulouse, who host the Sharks, and Irish powerhouse Leinster, who welcome Harlequins to the Aviva Stadium, are installed as the joint favourites by bookmakers to lift the trophy. Other strong contenders include champions Bordeaux, England's Bath, and 2023 winners La Rochelle.
Friday 5 December
Sale Sharks 21-26 Glasgow Warriors
Bayonne 17-26 Stormers
Saturday 6 December
Saracens v Clermont Auvergne - 1pm, Premier Sports 2
Bulls v Bordeaux Begles - 3.15pm, Premier Sports 2
La Rochelle v Leicester Tigers - 5.30pm, Premier Sports 2
Leinster v Harlequins - 5.30pm, Premier Sports 1
Scarlets v Bristol Bears - 8pm, Premier Sports 2
Bath v Munster - 8pm, Premier Sports 1
Sunday 7 December
Pau v Northampton Saints - 1pm, Premier Sports 2
Toulouse v Sharks - 3.15pm, Premier Sports 1
Gloucester v Castres - 3.15pm, Premier Sports 2
Edinburgh v Toulon - 5.30pm, Premier Sports 1
The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in European rugby's top club competition. With the broadcast details clear and the schedule packed with premium fixtures, fans across the UK can settle in for a spectacular weekend of rugby union.
