The wait is over for European rugby enthusiasts. The European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) has officially unveiled the highly anticipated schedule for the 2025/26 Champions Cup and Challenge Cup seasons, promising a winter and spring packed with elite club rugby action. Mark your calendars; the journey to European glory kicks off on December 5, 2025.
After a period of eager anticipation, the structure and key dates for Europe`s premier club rugby competitions have been set. From bone-rattling group stage clashes to nerve-wracking knockout encounters, the path to the coveted trophies is now clear. The culmination of this thrilling journey will see the finals held at the iconic San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, in May 2026. A fitting venue for such grand occasions, promising an unforgettable atmosphere for players and fans alike.
Key Milestones: A Glimpse at the 2025/26 Season Calendar
The EPCR has laid out a precise timeline, ensuring fans can plan their rugby-watching escapades well in advance. The initial stages will unfold across the colder months, before the intensity significantly ramps up in the spring.
Tournament Structure & Key Dates:
- Group Stage:
- Round 1: December 5-7, 2025
- Round 2: December 12-14, 2025
- Round 3: January 9-11, 2026
- Round 4: January 16-18, 2026
- Knockout Stage:
- Round of 16: April 3-5, 2026
- Quarter-finals: April 10-12, 2026
- Semi-finals: May 1-3, 2026
- Finals in Bilbao:
- Challenge Cup Final: May 22, 2026
- Champions Cup Final: May 23, 2026
The split between the group stage and the knockouts provides a brief respite before the true intensity of championship rugby takes hold. Teams will need to navigate the tricky pool phase, secure crucial bonus points, and then steel themselves for the unforgiving nature of direct elimination.
First Whistle: Anticipating Round 1 Fixtures
The opening weekend promises a flurry of exciting matchups across both competitions, setting the tone for what is sure to be another captivating season. Here`s a look at some of the marquee clashes that will kick things off:
Champions Cup – Round 1 Highlights:
- Friday, December 5:
- Sale Sharks vs. Glasgow
- Bayonne vs. Stormers
- Saturday, December 6:
- Saracens vs. Clermont
- Bulls vs. Bordeaux
- La Rochelle vs. Leicester
- Leinster vs. Harlequins
- Scarlets vs. Bristol
- Bath vs. Munster
- Sunday, December 7:
- Pau vs. Northampton
- Toulouse vs. Sharks
- Gloucester vs. Castres
- Edinburgh vs. Toulon
Challenge Cup – Round 1 Highlights:
- Friday, December 5:
- Ulster vs. Racing 92
- Saturday, December 6:
- Lions vs. Benetton
- Stade Français vs. Cardiff
- Black Lion vs. Montpellier
- Lyon vs. Newcastle
- Zebre vs. Montauban
- Sunday, December 7:
- Perpignan vs. Dragons
- Ospreys vs. Connacht
- Exeter vs. Cheetahs
These opening fixtures alone offer a tantalizing mix of cross-border rivalries, clashes of playing styles, and early tests for teams eyeing a deep run in the competitions. From the Anglo-French battles to the burgeoning South African participation, the breadth of European club rugby talent will be on full display.
The announcement of the full schedule provides clarity and builds excitement for what promises to be a thrilling 2025/26 European rugby season. With the finals set for Bilbao, every team will be looking to plot their course to Spain and etch their name into the annals of European rugby history. Fans, get ready for another unforgettable campaign.
