Following the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the major talking points stemming from the games.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all hailing from France's Top 14. Yet, the opening round featured several statement victories from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in the competition last season, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the feat this season. But, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of achieving another trophy with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a challenging fixture at Loftus Versfeld against a powerful Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the second half, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the break.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any team with such firepower on the edges stands a good chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup was almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been more prepared to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into continental competition – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the URC.
They marry offensive flair – earning the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, keeping their guests at a distance when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves across the squad, they have to be considered serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase a year ago came in the second round, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.
Now with a domestic championship in their history and leading the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
You will find powerful sides in every pool, but the first group looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just turn out to be vital.
The team from Scotland were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a valuable five points.
With this result, they provided their chances of progressing a positive start and, by contrast, handed a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in years to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in recent campaigns it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were ambushed and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and the previous season no South African side was able to progress out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams used.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are first in 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 encouraging too, with players and coaches talking about their ambition, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to go deep into the competition, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding campaign, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently in second place in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
