Following the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the key revelations highlighted by the games.
Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in recent years, with the past five winners all representing France's Top 14. However, the initial stage showcased a number of impressive wins from new challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in the competition last season, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the title this year. But, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of achieving another trophy with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
Yet, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the interval.
France international aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with such firepower on the wings has a chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in Europe dates back almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been better equipped to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into continental competition – especially after a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They marry attacking verve – securing the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their opponents at a distance when they looked like mounting a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth throughout the team, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage last season occurred in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a rotated team.
After winning a Premiership title in their history and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start
There are quality outfits in every pool, but their section appears poised to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a all-important five points.
By achieving this, they handed their hopes of advancing a major lift and, in turn, handed a hefty blow to their opponents.
With the French giants – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see high-stakes drama.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in years to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be challenging at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were caught out and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a key pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge
From the moment the SA franchises 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 rotated sides selected.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with the squad and staff speaking of their aspirations, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the best bet for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the event, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did play the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was a leading candidate.
Pau have been experiencing a superb season, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
