Tough Champions Cup Draw for UBB and Pau; Toulouse Faces Saracens Rematch

The draw for the 2026-2027 Champions Cup has set the stage for a challenging tournament, with French clubs UBB and Pau facing formidable opponents.

Defending champions Union Bordeaux-Bègles (UBB) will potentially face a demanding schedule, including trips to South Africa to play the Stormers. They are also grouped with Munster, Bristol, and Gloucester. Similarly, Toulouse faces a tough draw, with potential matches against the South African Lions, Saracens, Exeter, and Connacht.

Other French teams also have difficult paths. Clermont and Pau are in a challenging pool with Leinster, Glasgow, Sale, and Leicester. Montpellier and Stade Français will face English powerhouses Northampton and Bath, with a possible trip to Pretoria to play the Bulls.

For the upcoming season, the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) has introduced significant rule changes. The top three teams from each pool will automatically advance to the knockout stage. The remaining spots will be filled by the highest-ranked clubs based on match points, with others relegated to the Challenge Cup. Bonus points will now be awarded only if a team scores at least three more tries than its opponent, a change intended to maintain intensity throughout matches. The EPCR stated these changes aim to enhance competitiveness and ensure games remain engaging until the end.

The Champions Cup final is scheduled for May 22, 2027, at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon.