European rugby's elite club competition returns this weekend as the Investec Champions Cup kicks off its new season. The continent's top sides, alongside powerful South African teams, will commence their battle for supremacy, with the final destination set for Bilbao next spring.
Defending Champions Begin Title Defence
All eyes will be on the reigning champions, Bordeaux Begles, who etched their name into history last May. They secured their first major trophy by defeating Northampton Saints 28-20 in a gripping final. Their title defence begins with a formidable challenge: a long-haul trip to Pretoria to face the Bulls on Saturday afternoon.
Last year's runners-up, Northampton Saints, also start their campaign on the road. They make the short journey across the Channel to take on French side Pau on Sunday. The tournament structure sees four pools of six teams, with the top four from each group advancing to the last 16. Securing a top-two pool finish guarantees a precious home tie in the knockout stages.
Tournament Favourites and Key Fixtures
Bookmakers have installed French giants Toulouse and Irish powerhouse Leinster as joint favourites for the crown. Toulouse host the Sharks in their opening match, while Leinster welcome Harlequins to Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening. Other fancied contenders include Bath and La Rochelle, who face Munster and Leicester Tigers respectively in a blockbuster round one.
How to Watch Every Match Live
For viewers in the United Kingdom, Premier Sports holds exclusive live broadcasting rights for the entire Investec Champions Cup. Every single match will be shown live across their channels: Premier Sports 1, Premier Sports 2, or Premier Sports Rugby. Additionally, a live stream of every game is available directly through the Premier Sports website.
Below is the full schedule for the opening round of fixtures:
Friday 5 December
- Sale Sharks v Glasgow Warriors - 8pm, Premier Sports 2
- Bayonne v Stormers - 8pm, Premier Sports Rugby
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 road to Bilbao is now open, promising a weekend of high-stakes, cross-border rugby action as Europe's finest clubs begin their quest for the ultimate prize.
