Deon Fourie says the Stormers are embracing the challenge of another European adventure.
The Cape side opens its 2025-26 Investec Champions Cup campaign away to Bayonne on Friday (10pm SA time) in a clash that will set the tone for their bid to reach the playoffs, having failed to do so last season.
The Stormers’ opener is part of a blockbuster weekend for South African teams in Europe. Reigning champions Bordeaux Bègles visit the Vodacom Bulls on Saturday, while the Sharks head to six-time champions Toulouse on Sunday in a rematch of the one-sided quarter-final in 2023.
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Fourie says the Stormers are energised by the calibre of opposition they will face in the pool stage of Europe’s elite competition this season – Bayonne, two-time winners La Rochelle, Harlequins and Leicester.
“It’s a great competition and always special to play away at these great European stadiums,” he said. “We’re playing against quality sides with international stars.”
The Stormers reached the last eight in their debut campaign in 2022-23, and Fourie believes they have the pedigree to push deeper this time.
“We’ve tasted the quarter-finals before, so to get into a semi-final is the goal,” he explained.
“For me, the most difficult game is always the semi-final; if you win that, you’re in the final – and anyone can win that. So, the goal is to get into that semi-final.”
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For Fourie, though, the focus is squarely on Bayonne and starting well in a gruelling tournament.
“It’s a long competition and every point matters,” he said. “If we want to reach that semi-final, we have to set the standard from week one.”
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The Stormers will aim to do just that in the intimidating atmosphere of Stade Jean-Dauger on Friday night.
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: David Rogers/Getty Images
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