The Investec Champions Cup returns with a blockbuster opening weekend for the Vodacom Bulls and Sharks.
Johan Ackermann’s men host defending champions Bordeaux Bègles, while John Plumtree’s Sharks travel to six-time winners Toulouse.
The competition kicks off on Friday night with a match between Bayonne and the Stormers at Stade Jean-Dauger.
The focus then shifts to Pretoria on Saturday, where the Bulls welcome a Bordeaux outfit arriving with both pedigree and confidence.
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However, despite being defending Champions Cup holders, Bordeaux loose forward Lachlan Swinton underscored the scale of the challenge in the competition, saying: “There are going to be no easy matches. Especially travelling to South Africa in round one – that will be very physical.”
Swinton believes the champions are relishing the prospect of a demanding opening assignment.
“It’s a very exciting opportunity to get away as a team. It brings everyone together from a tour perspective, but there is also the challenge that we know the Bulls and South African rugby bring, which is a physical brand of rugby,” he said.
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The Australian added that the contrasting styles will make for compelling viewing.
“It’s going to be a really interesting match. You’ve got the French brand and the South African brand colliding at club level, in South Africa – it’s going to be a pretty awesome experience for everyone, including the South Africans.”
Meanwhile, the Sharks face an equally daunting task against European giants Toulouse at Stade Ernest-Wallon on Sunday.
The French heavyweights were beaten finalists in 2024 and remain one of the most formidable forces in world club rugby, boasting unmatched Champions Cup pedigree.
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In previous meetings between the sides, Toulouse recorded a thumping 54-20 win at home in the 2023 quarter-final and won 20-8 during the pool stage in Durban last season.
Toulouse also received a massive lift over the weekend as France star Antoine Dupont made a triumphant return to rugby after nine months out injured in his side’s 48-24 victory over Racing 92.
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For the Bulls and Sharks, the opening weekend offers a critical test of their European ambitions – and a chance to set the tone against the very best that club rugby has to offer.
The Investec @ChampionsCup is back this week! pic.twitter.com/5SEuSn1Uh3
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) December 1, 2025
Investec Champions Cup fixtures (Round 1, SA times)
Friday, 5 December
Bayonne vs Stormers, 10pm
Sale Sharks vs Glasgow Warriors, 10pm
Saturday, 6 December
Saracens vs Clermont, 3pm
Bulls vs Bordeaux Begles, 5:15pm
La Rochelle vs Leicester Tigers, 7:30pm
Leinster vs Harlequins, 7:30pm
Scarlets vs Bristol Bears, 10pm
Bath vs Munster, 10pm
Sunday, 7 December
Pau vs Northampton Saints, 3pm
Toulouse vs Sharks, 5:15pm
Gloucester vs Castres, 5:15pm
Edinburgh vs Toulon, 7:30pm
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
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