Where to watch Round 1 of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup 2026/27

October 14, 2026
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Ultimate Rugby

Thrilling fixtures are on the menu as the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup return this Friday.

The long-awaited return of club rugby’s biggest competitions has finally arrived! The Investec Champions Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup get back under way this Friday.

Marquee fixtures, outstanding atmospheres and the best talent in rugby all on the pitch: supporters can look forward to a weekend packed with emotion.

UBB begin their title defence, Leinster hunt for a fifth star and much more…

Round 1 of the Investec Champions Cup gets off to a flying start on Friday, with back-to-back defending champions Union Bordeaux Bègles launching the defence of their crown away to Gloucester Rugby.

The English side have made a good start to their league season, boosted in particular by strong summer recruitment. A first major test therefore awaits UBB, who have at times struggled on the road since the start of the season.

On Saturday, Sale Sharks host Glasgow Warriors, while Stade Français Paris travel to South Africa to take on the Vodacom Bulls.

ASM Clermont Auvergne return to their home crowd at the Stade Marcel-Michelin to welcome four-time champions Leinster Rugby. The two sides meet again after their 2024 pool-stage clash, won 15-7 by the Irish province.

At the same time, the DHL Stormers host Bristol Bears, before three-time champions Saracens travel to Connacht Rugby.

Stade Rochelais welcome South Africa’s 10Bet Lions on Saturday afternoon for the Lions’ first-ever appearance in the Investec Champions Cup. Having extended his commitment to the club, Ronan O’Gara will want to start this new campaign with a win.

Racing 92 then travel to Munster Rugby on Saturday evening for what promises to be a thrilling clash. At the same time, Montpellier Hérault Rugby, winners of last season’s EPCR Challenge Cup, meet Bath Rugby, who lifted the same trophy in 2025.

On Sunday, Section Paloise begin their campaign against Leicester Tigers in what looks set to be a tight contest, before six-time champions Stade Toulousain return to their home crowd to face Exeter Chiefs.

Round 1 concludes with Northampton Saints against Cardiff Rugby, who return to the competition in a historic season marking the Welsh club’s 150th anniversary.

Harlequins and Newcastle Red Bulls carry English hopes, RCT head to Scotland

The EPCR Challenge Cup gets under way on Friday evening with two headline fixtures: Dragons RFC v USAP and Edinburgh Rugby v RC Toulon.

Saturday begins with the Ospreys travelling to Tbilisi to take on Black Lion, buoyed by a 38-31 win over the Dragons last weekend.

At the same time, the Hollywoodbets Sharks, champions in 2024, head to Lyon to face the 2022 winners.

Zebre Parma then host Ulster Rugby, before Newcastle Red Bulls travel to the Scarlets to close out Saturday.

Three tempting fixtures are on Sunday’s programme: Aviron Bayonnais v Toyota Cheetahs, Harlequins v RC Vannes and Castres Olympique v Benetton Rugby.

An important Round 1 for the French clubs, who will be determined to make a strong start to their Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup campaigns.