Following the first round of the 2025-26 Champions Cup concluded, we explore the major talking points emerging from the fixtures.
French dominance has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's Top 14. But, the initial stage featured several statement victories from new contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the title this season. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of securing back-to-back titles with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side including internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
Yet, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the second half, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the halftime.
French try-scoring aces Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with such firepower on the edges has a chance against any opponent.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup dates back almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way domestically after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into Europe – particularly following a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They marry creative spark – earning the try-scoring point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, keeping their opponents at arm's length when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth throughout the squad, they must be viewed as credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase a year ago came in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning a league trophy under their belt and leading in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
There are strong teams everywhere you look, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is said about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just turn out to be vital.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second period gave them a all-important maximum haul.
In doing so, they provided their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, conversely, inflicted a damaging defeat to the Sharks.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in recent memory to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be challenging at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in recent campaigns it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were surprised and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign none of them managed to make it out of the group stage, with several rotated sides used.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with the squad and staff expressing their goals, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the round-one win.
The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to go deep into the competition, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and that clash was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant season, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
