Now that the opening salvo of the 2025-26 Champions Cup in the books, we explore the key revelations stemming from the games.
French dominance has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all representing France's top flight. However, the initial stage included multiple convincing performances from new contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their capacity to retain the accomplishment this season. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of securing another trophy with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Handed a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
However, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the second half, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls to zero after the interval.
France international machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with that pair on the flanks is a threat against whoever they face.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in this competition dates back almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been more prepared to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into Europe – especially after a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They combine creative spark – securing the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, keeping their opponents at a distance when they attempted a dramatic comeback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad throughout the team, they have to be considered genuine challengers for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the pools the previous year was in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a domestic championship under their belt and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
There are quality outfits everywhere you look, but their section seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second period gave them a all-important five points.
With this result, they provided their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, by contrast, dealt a significant setback to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in a long time to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?
If there's one team you would predict to be challenging at the business end of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign after backing up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were ambushed and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a scoring pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and last year not a single one managed to make it out of the pool phase, with often rotated sides used.
Will this be the campaign that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with individuals involved expressing their ambition, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a South African side to have a long run in the event, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Saints and Pau Produce a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant season, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
