Fixtures revealed: Lions' tough first taste of Champions Cup
NEWS: South Africa’s franchises have learned who they will face in the opening rounds of the 2026/27 Champions Cup.
The Lions have been handed a daunting opening assignment, travelling to France to take on Stade Rochelais on Saturday, October 17.
Meanwhile, the Bulls and Stormers will enjoy home advantage in Round 1, hosting Stade Français Paris and Bristol Bears, respectively, on Saturday, October 17.
Defending back-to-back champions Union Bordeaux Bègles will launch their title defence away to Gloucester Rugby at Kingsholm Stadium on Friday, October 16. The French giants will be eager to avenge the two pool-stage defeats they suffered against Gloucester during the 2022/23 campaign.
A blockbuster Round 2 showdown awaits Bordeaux as they host the Stormers at Stade Chaban-Delmas. The Cape side is expected to feature a star-studded squad, including Springbok world champions Cheslin Kolbe and Siya Kolisi, alongside exciting young talent Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
In the same pool, Racing 92’s Round 2 clash with Gloucester Rugby will mark the end of an era, with the French club set to host its final EPCR match at Paris La Défense Arena on December 13.
TOP 14 champions and six-time Champions Cup winners Stade Toulousain begin their campaign at the iconic Stadium de Toulouse against former champions Exeter Chiefs on October 18 before making their first-ever trip to Johannesburg to face the Lions. They then travel to Connacht Rugby, whom they last met in 2020, before hosting Saracens in Round 4 in a rematch of last season’s pool-stage encounter.
URC champions and last season’s runners-up Leinster begin their quest for a fifth Champions Cup title away to ASM Clermont Auvergne on October 17, having last met the French side during the 2024/25 pool stages. They then host Sale Sharks in a quarter-final rematch before taking on Section Paloise for the first time since 1996. Their pool campaign concludes with a trip to Leicester Tigers.
Pool 4 could prove to be the competition’s toughest, with a blockbuster opening weekend in store. Premiership champions Northampton Saints begin at home against Cardiff on October 18, while Bath host EPCR Challenge Cup holders and TOP 14 finalists Montpellier Hérault at The Rec on October 17.
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Click HERE for the 2026/27 Investec Champions Cup fixtures
Meanwhile, the 2026/27 EPCR Challenge Cup gets underway on Friday, October 16, with two massive encounters.
Last season’s semifinalists Dragons RFC will launch their campaign at home at Rodney Parade against USAP, while two European heavyweights will collide as Edinburgh host 2023 champions RC Toulon at Hive Stadium.
2026 finalists Ulster open their European journey away to Zebre Parma on 17 October, before a blockbuster run of fixtures against French duo Aviron Bayonnais and USAP in Rounds 2 and 3, then wrapping up the pool stage against Dragons RFC at the Affidea Stadium.
Pool 2 serves up massive showdowns from the very first round as 2022 winners LOU Rugby welcome 2024 winners Sharks on October 17. With this season’s Final set to take place in their home city, the French side will be eager to book a place in the showpiece.
LOU then travel to Stadio Comunale di Monigo to take on Benetton in another standout fixture before facing Scarlets away from home. Their pool-stage campaign concludes with a renewed rivalry against Newcastle Red Bulls in Round 4, in a repeat of last season’s pool-stage encounter.
Pool 3 is packed with European pedigree and rising challengers. Three-time Challenge Cup winners Harlequins – the competition’s joint most successful club – welcome RC Vannes to Twickenham Stoop on October 18 as the French side return to the tournament after their 2024/25 season debut.
Click HERE for the Investec Champions Cup pools
