EPCR confirms European Cup fixtures for 2026/27 season

EPCR has confirmed the full pool stage fixture schedule for the 2026/27 Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, with the Road to Lyon beginning across the weekend of October 16-18.

Investec Champions Cup Fixtures Confirmed

The Investec Champions Cup will open on Friday, October 16, with 24 clubs beginning their campaigns in Europe’s premier club competition.

Defending champions Union Bordeaux Bègles will start their title defence away to Gloucester Rugby at Kingsholm Stadium. Bordeaux will then host DHL Stormers in Round 2, with the South African side expected to bring a squad featuring major Springbok talent.

Racing 92 will also stage a significant fixture in Round 2, with their match against Gloucester set to be the French club’s final EPCR game at Paris La Défense Arena.

Toulouse And Leinster Begin European Campaigns

TOP 14 champions Stade Toulousain will begin their campaign at Stadium de Toulouse against Exeter Chiefs on October 18. The six-time European champions will later travel to the Lions in Johannesburg before facing Connacht Rugby and Saracens.

URC champions Leinster Rugby will start their search for a fifth Champions Cup title away to ASM Clermont Auvergne on October 17. They will then host Sale Sharks in a repeat of last season’s quarter-final before meetings with Section Paloise and Leicester Tigers.

EPCR Road To Lyon Starts In October

Pool 4 is set for a demanding opening weekend, with Northampton Saints hosting Cardiff Rugby, Bath Rugby facing Montpellier Hérault Rugby and Vodacom Bulls taking on Stade Français Paris at Loftus Versfeld.

The 2026/27 season will conclude with the EPCR Finals Weekend at Lyon’s OL Stadium on May 21 and 22, 2027.

Click HERE for the 2026/27 Investec Champions Cup fixtures

Click HERE for the 2026/27 EPCR Challenge Cup fixtures