Following the first round of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the major talking points highlighted by the fixtures.
Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in recent years, with the last five champions all representing France's top flight. However, the first weekend featured a number of statement victories from new rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the title this year. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are fully equipped of achieving consecutive championships with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
But, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the second half, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the break.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with such firepower on the flanks has a chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup came almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The current English champions are top of the pile at home after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into the Champions Cup – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They blend offensive flair – earning the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their guests at bay when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad throughout the team, they are surely serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase a year ago occurred in the second round, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.
Having secured a league trophy under their belt and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
There are quality outfits throughout the draw, but their section appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The team from Scotland were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second half gave them a precious maximum haul.
In doing so, they handed their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, by contrast, handed a significant setback to Sale.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in years to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would predict to be in the mix at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were surprised and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
Since the South African sides joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and last year none of them managed to make it out of the group stage, with several rotated sides used.
Will this be the campaign that changes? The Stormers are first in the URC and kicked off their continental journey with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were positive too, with players and coaches speaking of their ambition, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a South African side to have a long run in the competition, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did play formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding campaign, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently in second place in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
