With the first round of the 2025-26 Champions Cup in the books, we explore the major talking points highlighted by the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the past five winners all hailing from France's top flight. However, the first weekend included multiple impressive wins from new contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in the competition the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the accomplishment now. However, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of winning back-to-back titles with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Handed a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the interval.
France international machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any side with that pair on the wings has a chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in this competition dates back almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been better equipped to secure another title.
The current English champions are top of the pile at home after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into continental competition – especially after a shocking early departure in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.
They blend attacking verve – securing the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their guests at a distance when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth throughout the team, they are surely genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the pools the previous year came in the second round, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.
Now with a league trophy in their history and leading the home league, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
You will find powerful sides everywhere you look, but the first group seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second period gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
In doing so, they handed their prospects of qualification a major lift and, conversely, dealt a hefty blow to Sale.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in recent memory to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Is Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after backing up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and the previous season none of them was able to progress out of the group stage, with often weakened teams selected.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are first in the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were positive too, with the squad and staff talking about their goals, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to have a long run in the event, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a superb season, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently in second place in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
