The Investec Champions Cup last-16 fixtures have been confirmed, setting the stage for a thrilling knockout phase across Europe. English champions Bath will host Saracens, while Leicester Tigers face the daunting challenge of travelling to top seeds Bordeaux at Stade Chaban-Delmas. Harlequins’ stunning away victory over La Rochelle has earned them a home tie against Sale Sharks, promising high-stakes clashes when the knockout stage begins on the weekend of 3–5 April 2026.
Bath Finish Pool 2 on Top
Bath, who lifted the European Cup in 1998, secured Pool 2 with an emphatic performance against Edinburgh, scoring nine tries at the Rec. The victory ensured Bath qualified as the fourth seed for the knockout stage, setting up a high-profile clash against Saracens.
“Finishing top of our pool was a great way to end the group stage. Saracens are a formidable team, but we’re ready for the challenge,” Bath captain Alfie Barbeary said.
Meanwhile, Leicester Tigers narrowly retained a spot in the competition after Harlequins’ impressive away win, meaning they now face a tough test against Bordeaux, the defending Champions Cup winners and top seeds in the 2025–26 season.
Last-16 Fixtures and Seedings
The complete Champions Cup last-16 draw is as follows:
- Bordeaux (1) v Leicester Tigers (16)
- Glasgow Warriors (2) v Bulls (15)
- Leinster (3) v Edinburgh (14)
- Bath (4) v Saracens (13)
- Northampton Saints (5) v Castres (12)
- Harlequins (6) v Sale Sharks (11)
- Toulon (7) v Stormers (10)
- Toulouse (8) v Bristol Bears (9)
The knockout ties will be played across the weekend of 3–5 April, with the higher-seeded team hosting each match.
Quarter-Final Projections
Based on seedings, the quarter-final matchups would unfold as follows:
- QF1: Winner of Bordeaux vs Leicester faces winner of Toulouse vs Bristol Bears
- QF2: Winner of Bath vs Saracens meets winner of Northampton vs Castres
- QF3: Winner of Glasgow vs Bulls faces winner of Toulon vs Stormers
- QF4: Winner of Leinster vs Edinburgh meets winner of Harlequins vs Sale Sharks
Semi-final matchups will then follow, with the higher-ranked team hosting. The next two rounds are scheduled on back-to-back weekends in April, meaning teams will need high seeding to maintain home advantage through the knockout stages.
Key Contenders and Storylines
Bordeaux, as holders and top seeds, remain strong favourites after four bonus-point wins in the pool stage. Last year, they reached the final with three comfortable knockout victories and are expected to be the side to beat once again.
Glasgow Warriors completed a clean sweep of bonus-point victories, making them the second seeds and a formidable force. Their path could potentially force Leinster, who remain unbeaten in pool play since 2018, to travel away from home in the semi-finals—an unusual scenario for the Irish giants.
Bath’s route to the later stages is challenging. Despite topping Pool 2, a previous defeat to Toulon means they could face Bordeaux in the semi-finals if results follow seedings. However, history has shown that away knockout wins are possible, as seen with Northampton defeating Leinster in Dublin last season.
Toulouse, six-time Champions Cup winners, finished second in Pool 1 and could disrupt the seedings with a potential early clash against Bordeaux. Meanwhile, Stormers, who sent a weakened side to Harlequins during the pool stage, face a tough last-16 tie against Toulon, having lost just once this season.
English Teams in the Knockouts
Seven English clubs have qualified for the last 16, highlighting the Premiership’s depth and competitiveness in European competition:
- Bath (Pool 2 winners)
- Saracens (13th seed)
- Leicester Tigers (16th seed)
- Harlequins (6th seed)
- Sale Sharks (11th seed)
- Northampton Saints (5th seed)
- Bristol Bears (9th seed)
This setup ensures at least one all-English quarter-final is likely, guaranteeing Premiership representation in the semi-finals.
Challenge Cup Last-16
Meanwhile, the Challenge Cup last-16 matchups have also been confirmed following Harlequins’ surprise win over La Rochelle. Key fixtures include:
- Montpellier (1) v Perpignan (16)
- Connacht (8) v Sharks (9)
- Stade Francais (4) v Dragons (13)
- Zebre (5) v Pau (12)
- Benetton (2) v Cardiff (15)
- Exeter (7) v Munster (10)
- Ulster (3) v Ospreys (14)
- Newcastle (6) v La Rochelle (11)
The higher-ranked team hosts each match, with quarter-finals and semi-finals following a similar format to the Champions Cup.
Looking Ahead
The Champions Cup knockout stage promises a series of high-stakes clashes, with Bordeaux, Glasgow, Bath, and Toulouse emerging as key teams to watch. Teams will need to maintain form and fitness, as the back-to-back weekend fixtures in April will test squad depth, strategy, and resilience.
Fans can expect dramatic encounters, potential upsets, and high-quality European rugby as clubs chase glory in the 2025–26 Champions Cup.
Leave a Reply