With the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup in the books, we examine the key revelations stemming from the fixtures.
Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all hailing from France's top flight. Yet, the first weekend showcased multiple convincing performances from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the title now. However, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of winning another trophy with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a challenging fixture at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
However, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the break.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any team with those two on the flanks is a threat against any competition.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of Challenging for the Title
Bath's only triumph in this competition came almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way at home after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into Europe – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They blend attacking verve – earning the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their visitors at a distance when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad all over the team, they are surely credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the pools last season was in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a Premiership title under their belt and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
There are quality outfits in every pool, but the first group looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they handed their prospects of qualification a major lift and, in turn, inflicted 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 are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in recent memory to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it has not worked out, 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 backing up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were caught out and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and last year none of them managed to make it out of the pool phase, with often squads not at full strength fielded.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are first in the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were promising too, with the squad and staff speaking of their ambition, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers seem the strongest candidate for a South African side to have a long run in the event, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding campaign, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently runner-up in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
