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Investec Champions Cup is back for another season as the best rugby union teams from Europe and South Africa battle it out to be crowned continental champions.
Bordeaux Bagels are the defending championsafter beating northampton saints 28-20 in a tense final to claim the first major trophy in their history in May, and the French side begin their title defense with a long trip to Pretoria to take on the Bulls on Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile Northampton also began his campaign on the road, crossing the Channel to confront POW.
The road to Bilbao, where the final will take place next spring, now begins with a pool stage consisting of four groups of six each and the top four from each group progress to the last 16 – the top two in each pool get home ties, while the third and fourth placed teams play away.
french giants toulousewho host the Sharks in the first round, and leinster – who welcome Harlequins to the Aviva Stadium – are joint favorites with the bookmakers to win the competition and Bordeaux, Bath and La Rochelle are also keen to perform well.
Here’s everything you need to know:
how to see
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch every Investec Champions Cup match live on Premier Sports. Premier Sports 1, Premier Sports 2 or Premier Sports Rugby show each clash. Live streams of each game are also available through the Premier Sports website.
Full schedule of the first round of the Investec Champions Cup
Friday 5th December
Sale Sharks 21-26 Glasgow Warriors
Bayonne 17-26 Stormers
Saturday 6th December
Saracens vs Clermont Auvergne – 1pm, Premier Sports 2
Bulls vs Bordeaux Bègles – 3.15pm, Premier Sports 2
La Rochelle vs Leicester Tigers – 5.30pm, Premier Sports 2
Leinster vs Harlequins – 5.30pm, Premier Sports 1
Scarlets vs Bristol Bears – 8pm, Premier Sports 2
Bath vs Munster – 8pm, Premier Sports 1
sunday 7th december
Pau vs Northampton Saints – 1pm, Premier Sports 2
Toulouse vs Sharks – 3.15pm, Premier Sports 1
Gloucester vs Castres – 3.15pm, Premier Sports 2
Edinburgh vs Toulon – 5.30pm, Premier Sports 1