2025/26 Investec Champions Cup – Round 2 Preview

Round 2 kicks off on Friday as the Leicester Tigers look to secure their first points of the competition at home against European giants Leinster Rugby. The same applies to the Durban-based Sharks, who will be seeking their first points when they host English powerhouse Saracens in Durban.

The DHL Stormers return south on Saturday to face Pool 3 leaders Stade Rochelais. John Dobson says his side are “starting to dream” after a big Round 1 win — but Uini Atonio’s return and Ronan O’Gara’s stacked squad make this a serious test.

Hollywoodbets Sharks also chase their first points at home, with Saracens arriving in South Africa after a ruthless Round 1 win over ASM Clermont Auvergne. Clermont, meanwhile, look to bounce back against Sale Sharks on home turf, with both looking for their first win of the season.

Last year’s champions Union Bordeaux Bègles will be full of confidence going into their home clash with Scarlets, while Munster Rugby need a home win over Gloucester Rugby to climb off the bottom of Pool 2.

On Saturday night, six-time champions Stade Toulousain head to Glasgow Warriors. The Scots overcame a strong Sale Sharks side in Round 1, but facing the likes of Ange Capuozzo, Antoine Dupont, Kalvin Gourgues and Julien Marchand will present a formidable challenge.

Two interesting match-ups get Sunday underway, with Harlequins hosting Aviron Bayonnais – both seeking their first win – while Edinburgh Rugby make the trip to Castres Olympique.

Northampton Saints vs Vodacom Bulls promises fireworks at cinch Stadium @ Franklin’s Gardens, with the Bulls fired up after their feisty Round 1 loss to Union Bordeax Bègles.  

Pool 2 table-toppers Bath Rugby travel to RC Toulon on Sunday afternoon, and despite the French team’s defeat to Edinburgh Rugby last weekend, a home match at Stade Mayol certainly gives Toulon a fighting chance.

Bristol Bears host Section Paloise at Ashton Gate to close the weekend. Fresh off a gritty Round 1 away win, the Bears will be glad to be home, meanwhile Section Paloise arrive fired up, eager to make amends after narrowly losing to Northampton Saints.

Upcoming Fixtures

12 December 2025

• 20:00 | Pool 3 – Leicester Tigers vs Leinster Rugby, Mattioli Woods Welford Road

13 December 2025

• 15:00 | Pool 3 – DHL Stormers vs Stade Rochelais, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
• 16:15 | Pool 1 – ASM Clermont Auvergne vs Sale Sharks, Stade Marcel-Michelin
• 17:15 | Pool 1 – Hollywoodbets Sharks vs Saracens, Hollywoodbets Kings Park
• 17:30 | Pool 2 – Munster Rugby vs Gloucester Rugby, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh
• 18:30 | Pool 4 – Union Bordeaux Bègles vs Scarlets, Stade Chaban-Delmas
• 20:00 | Pool 1 – Glasgow Warriors vs Stade Toulousain, Scotstoun Stadium

14 December 2025

• 13:00 | Pool 3 – Harlequins vs Aviron Bayonnais, Twickenham Stoop
• 14:00 | Pool 2 – Castres Olympique vs Edinburgh Rugby, Stade Pierre-Fabre
• 15:15 | Pool 4 – Northampton Saints vs Vodacom Bulls, cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens
• 16:15 | Pool 2 – RC Toulon vs Bath Rugby, Stade Félix Mayol
• 17:30 | Pool 4 – Bristol Bears vs Section Paloise, Ashton Gate