Antoine Dupont’s return, UBB head to South Africa and Bath kick off campaign vs two-time winners - 3 things to look out for in Round 1
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Union Bordeaux Bègles kick off title defence at Vodacom Bulls, Bath Rugby look to profit off momentum against two-time winners Munster Rugby and Antoine Dupont may return for Stade Toulousain - everything to watch out for in Investec Champions Cup Round 1.
Investec Champions Cup Round 1 is finally upon us, and you certainly don’t want to miss this one.
Sale Sharks, Glasgow Warriors, Aviron Bayonnais and DHL Stormers get proceedings underway on Friday night before the rest of an A-list weekend is played out on Saturday and Sunday.
A herd of trouble getting in UBB's way
Saturday sees the reigning champions in action as Union Bordeaux Bègles head to South Africa. The French side take on one of South Africa’s finest, Vodacom Bulls, in what will be a challenging opener.
Win, and UBB's title defence campaign will be off to the perfect start. But the URC finalists won't be making it each for the French side.
Renowned for their brutish pack and pacy backs, Bulls pose threats across the park. Club CEO Edgar Rathbone has urged his players to put up a big performance in the Investec Champions Cup this year too.
Three wins and three losses from six in the URC means Bulls match UBB's up-and-down form (six wins and five defeats from their opening 11).
Bath hope to build on momentum against Munster
EPCR Challenge Cup winners Bath will be keen to harness momentum from last season as they look to go and make history this term.
It would be the first time a side has won the EPCR Challenge Cup and Investec Champions Cup in back-to-back seasons, but the English side have a tough hurdle up first: Munster Rugby.
The Irish giants have gone five from six so far in the URC, including a memorable Interpro win over Leinster Rugby. Bath do top the Gallagher PREM thanks to the same set of results though - the perfect precursor to a thrilling Round 1 clash.
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Antoine Dupont's first start since January?
Sunday offers more head-turning ties as Stade Toulousain host Hollywoodbets Sharks.
Scrum-half Antoine Dupont could be in line for his first start since coming back from injury too. Having come off the bench in TOP 14 at the weekend, the French playmaker could be primed to start his first Investec Champions Cup game since January by storm.
While it’s the return of one familiar face in Dupont, Leinster’s clash with Harlequins may see a first run-out for new signing Rieko Ioane. Brought in to cover fellow All Black Jordie Barrett’s departure, the centre is in full first-team training this week ahead of Saturday’s game.
Investec Champions Cup Round 1 fixtures in full:
All times GMT
Friday 5 December 2025
Sale Sharks vs Glasgow Warriors, 20:00
Aviron Bayonnais vs DHL Stormers, 20:00
Saturday 6 December 2025
Saracens vs ASM Clermont Auvergne, 13:00
Vodacom Bulls vs Union Bordeaux Bègles, 15:15
Stade Rochelais vs Leicester Tigers, 17:30
Leinster Rugby vs Harlequins, 17:30
Scarlets vs Bristol Bears, 20:00
Bath Rugby vs Munster Rugby, 20:00
Sunday 7 December 2025
Section Paloise vs Northampton Saints, 13:00
Stade Toulousain vs Hollywoodbets Sharks, 15:15
Gloucester Rugby vs Castres Olympique, 15:15
Edinburgh Rugby vs RC Toulon, 17:30
