From Montpellier's storming victory at Bath to Bordeaux's Kingsholm thriller, the opening weekend of the Champions Cup gave Mark Ashcroft plenty of evidence to revisit one of European rugby's oldest debates

As the Champions Cup returns, Mark Ashcroft considers the changing fortunes of French rugby on the road, the Willis brothers, Pau’s remarkable start to the season and the growing Iberian influence in the Top 14.

Five rounds in, the Top 14 is starting to take shape. Toulouse lead the way, Pau keep defying expectations and Tom Willis is making waves at Bordeaux, while France’s elite competition offers fresh clues ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027.

Jack Willis has been named Top 14 Player of the Year for a second straight season after helping Toulouse win a fourth consecutive title.

Toulouse hit back in style, Pau surge to the top and La Rochelle remain unbeaten as the Top 14 delivers another dramatic weekend of French club rugby.

Ronan O'Gara signs a La Rochelle deal until 2031, effectively ruling him out of the race to succeed Leo Cullen at Leinster.

The Top 14 returns this weekend and Talking Rugby Union begins a new regular look across the Channel; not simply at results, but at the players, trends and ideas shaping arguably the strongest domestic rugby competition in the world.

France full-back Thomas Ramos will leave Toulouse for Racing 92 on a three-year contract ahead of the 2027-28 Top 14 season.

Lyon sign South African playmaker Sanele Nohamba from Shizuoka Blue Revs on a two-year deal ahead of the 2026/27 Top 14 season.

Salesi Rayasi signs new contract with Bordeaux until 2028.

Antonie Dupont is expected to return to action this weekend as Stade Toulousain face Racing 92 at home in the TOP 14.

Ma’a Nonu signs one-year extension with Toulon, set to play Top 14 rugby at age 44.

Suliasi Vunivalu leaves Wallabies for La Rochelle, marking a new chapter in his rugby career with a Top 14 move.

La Rochelle have announced the signing of scrum-half Nolann le Garrec ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Toulon have announced that they have temporarily suspended fullback Melvyn Jaminet following his racist comment.

Bordeaux have announced the signing of former South Africa international Shaun Sowerby as an assistant coach ahead of the 2024/25 season.

One of Portugal's stars at last year's World Cup has recently signed for Montpellier and is set to feature for Os Lobos against Namibia and South Africa this summer.

Bordeaux have announced the signing of Ireland international Joey Carbery ahead of the 2024/25 season.

French Top 14 team Toulon announced on Tuesday their decision to appeal a €500,000 fine imposed by the National Rugby League for failing to maintain transparency and cooperation during the 2022/23 season.

Toulouse have confirmed that France international Peato Mauvaka has signed a contract extension with the Top 14 club.