With the first round of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the key revelations emerging from the games.
French dominance has defined the competition in recent years, with the last five champions all hailing from France's Top 14. But, the first weekend included a number of impressive wins from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in the competition a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the feat this season. However, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of winning back-to-back titles with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
Yet, as champions do, they showed their quality in the second period, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls to zero after the interval.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with such firepower on the wings stands a good chance against any competition.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup came almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have probably never been better equipped to secure another title.
The current English champions are leading the way in the league after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into Europe – especially after a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They blend attacking verve – earning the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their guests at arm's length when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad across the roster, they have to be considered serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase the previous year was in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a league trophy under their belt and top in England once more, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
You will find powerful sides throughout the draw, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The Scottish side were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a valuable five points.
By achieving this, they gave their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, in turn, dealt a hefty blow to the Sharks.
With the French giants – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in a long time to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat the previous campaign after backing up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were caught out and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a scoring pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and in the last campaign no South African side was able to progress out of the pool phase, with often weakened teams used.
Will this be the campaign that is different? The Stormers are first in the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were encouraging too, with individuals involved speaking of their aspirations, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a South African side to progress far in the event, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did face formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and this one was right up there.
Pau have been having a outstanding campaign, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
