European Rugby Champions Cup fixtures revealed for 2026-27 campaign

By Sam Jackson

Defending back-to-back champions Bordeaux Bègles kick off their Champions Cup title defence against Gloucester at Kingsholm on Friday, October 16.

The French side will be looking to avenge two pool-stage defeats suffered against Gloucester during the 2022/23 campaign.

Prem winners Northampton Saints will kick off their campaign at Franklin’s Gardens against Cardiff on Sunday October 18.

The men in Black, Green and Gold were drawn into Pool 4 earlier this month with Bath – who they will not face in the pool stage – Montpellier, Stade Français and Bulls.

Round One

Phil Dowson’s Saints side fell at the quarter-final stage last season with a last-minute 43-41 loss at Bath and will be hoping to go all the way this season.

Bath, who came up just short in the semi-final against the eventual champions, host Montpellier in the opening round on Saturday, October 17.

Elsewhere in round one, Sale welcome Glasgow, Bristol travel to South Africa to face Stormers, Saracens are at Connacht, Leicester travel to Pau and Exeter go to Toulouse to face the Top 14 winners.

There is then a two-month break before the second round in mid-December.

Champions: Bordeaux Bègles celebrate after beating Leinster in last season’s final
PICTURE: Getty Images