With the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the major talking points emerging from the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all calling home France's elite division. But, the opening round featured several statement victories from new contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe last season, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the accomplishment this year. However, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of securing consecutive championships with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a challenging fixture at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
However, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the second period, fighting back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the break.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with such firepower on the edges has a chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in Europe dates back almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been better equipped to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into continental competition – particularly following a unexpected elimination the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the URC.
They combine offensive flair – securing the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their guests at arm's length when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad across the squad, they have to be considered serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage the previous year occurred in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a Premiership title in their history and leading domestically again, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
You will find powerful sides throughout the draw, but the first group looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a precious maximum haul.
By achieving this, they handed their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, conversely, dealt a significant setback to their opponents.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in years to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were ambushed and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
Since the South African sides entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with plenty of weakened teams used.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with players and coaches expressing their aspirations, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers look the best bet for a SA franchise to progress far in the event, yet write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding season, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
