Investec Champions Cup 2026-27 season begins

The 2026-27 Investec Champions Cup rugby season is set to begin on 16 October 2026. South African clubs, including the Bulls, Stormers, and Lions, are participating in the competition.

Former Springbok Schalk Brits has emphasized the necessity of maintaining strong home form for South African teams to succeed in the tournament. He noted that losing home matches against European touring sides makes advancing in the competition significantly more difficult. Brits expressed a collective desire for a South African club to become the first from the region to win the trophy.

The opening fixtures include the Bulls hosting Stade Français in Pretoria and the Stormers facing the Bristol Bears in Cape Town. Additionally, the Lions will make their debut in the competition with an away match against La Rochelle in France.