South African rugby fans can look forward to a blockbuster opening weekend in the 2026/27 Investec Champions Cup, with the Bulls, Stormers and Lions all set for action in Round 1.
The tournament begins on Friday, 16 October, as defending champions Union Bordeaux Bègles travel to face Gloucester Rugby. Saturday brings the first fixtures for the three South African sides, with the Bulls hosting Stade Français Paris, the Stormers welcoming Bristol Bears to Cape Town, and the Lions travelling to France to take on La Rochelle.
All kick-off times below are listed in South African time (SAST).
Champions Cup Round 1 fixtures and kick-off times
Friday, 16 October 2026
- Gloucester Rugby vs Union Bordeaux Bègles — 21:00
Saturday, 17 October 2026
- Sale Sharks vs Glasgow Warriors — 14:00
- Bulls vs Stade Français Paris — 14:00
- ASM Clermont Auvergne vs Leinster Rugby — 16:15
- Stormers vs Bristol Bears — 16:15
- Connacht Rugby vs Saracens — 18:30
- La Rochelle vs Lions — 18:30
- Bath Rugby vs Montpellier Hérault Rugby — 21:00
- Munster Rugby vs Racing 92 — 21:00
Sunday, 18 October 2026
- Section Paloise vs Leicester Tigers — 14:00
- Stade Toulousain vs Exeter Chiefs — 16:15
- Northampton Saints vs Cardiff Rugby — 18:30
The Bulls and Stormers will have home advantage in their opening matches, while the Lions face a challenging away assignment against La Rochelle. With European heavyweights also taking to the field, the first round promises a demanding start to the campaign.
Bulls name a 42-man squad for Europe
The Bulls have confirmed a 42-player squad for their Champions Cup campaign, including 14 Springboks.
Flyhalf is among the most competitive positions, with World Cup winner Handré Pollard joined by Curwin Bosch and young prospect Luan Giliomee. Giliomee’s ability to cover flyhalf and fullback adds flexibility to the squad, alongside specialist fullbacks Willie le Roux and Hakeem Kunene.
The Pretoria side have also selected 10 specialist front-rowers, giving them options to handle the physical demands of European rugby.
Bulls squad
Forwards: Nizaam Carr, Marcell Coetzee, Jean Erasmus, Jaco Grobbelaar, Johan Grobbelaar, Cameron Hanekom, Francois Klopper, Hanro Liebenberg, Elrigh Louw, Reinhardt Ludwig, Khuta Mchunu, Jeandré Rudolph, Sti Sithole, Dylan Smith, Mornay Smith, Gerhard Steenekamp, Alu Tshakweni, JF van Heerden, Akker van der Merwe, Marco van Staden, Ruan Vermaak, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese and Hencus van Wyk.
Backs: Curwin Bosch, Sebastian de Klerk, Paul de Wet, Demetri Erasmus, Stedman Gans, Luan Giliomee, Stravino Jacobs, Keagan Johannes, Cheswill Jooste, Hakeem Kunene, Willie le Roux, Dylan Maart, Pieter van der Merwe, Canan Moodie, Embrose Papier, Handré Pollard, Harold Vorster and Sango Xamlashe.
Can South Africa’s sides make a winning start?
The Bulls and Stormers will look to make home advantage count, while the Lions aim to make their mark on the road. With tough opposition waiting across the opening round, South African supporters will have plenty to follow throughout the weekend.
Which South African team will make the strongest start to the Champions Cup — the Bulls, Stormers or Lions? Share your prediction.
