The 2025 Investec Champions Cup kicks off with a bang for South Africa’s top franchises, as all three sides open their campaigns with blockbuster clashes against European heavyweights.
The tournament kicks off on 5 December and the Stormers will be the first SA team in action when they take on French outfit Aviron Bayonnais under the lights at Stade Jean-Dauger. Bayonne may be newcomers to the competition, but they’ll be a tough test at home, where they’ve built a fortress in the Top 14.
EPCR draw: Bulls battle champs, Sharks face Toulouse
The Vodacom Bulls welcome reigning champions Bordeaux Bègles to Loftus Versfeld. The French giants claimed their maiden title last season and head to Pretoria for a sizzling 17:15 kickoff that could set the tone for Pool A.
Rounding out the weekend, the Sharks face arguably the toughest assignment of the lot – a Sunday showdown in Toulouse against six-time champions Stade Toulousain. The star-studded clash at Stade Ernest Wallon kicks off at 16:15 (local time), and promises fireworks with Springbok and French internationals set to collide.
The tournament features 24 clubs from top leagues across Europe and South Africa, including 10 former champions and a total of 25 previous titles between them.
2025/26 FIXTURES
Get your weekends booked in, here are the #InvestecChampionsCup fixtures
https://t.co/layRL1fLRb
Which match are you going to?
pic.twitter.com/3RCP5wRNIG
— Investec Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) July 15, 2025
In the EPCR Challenge Cup, the Lions host Benetton at Ellis Park while the Cheetahs travel to Exeter to take on the Chiefs.
The countdown to the start of the season is on, which #ChallengeCupRugby match will you be going to?
— EPCR Challenge Cup (@ChallengeCup_) July 15, 2025
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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