Premier Sports has confirmed its broadcast line-up for the 2025/26 Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, as the competitions prepare to kick off this weekend.
More than 80 matches will be shown live across the broadcaster’s channels, including all 63 Champions Cup fixtures and 21 games from the EPCR Challenge Cup. The new season opens on Friday, 5 December, marking the 30th anniversary of Europe’s premier club rugby tournament.
The broadcast roster features a 40-strong team of presenters, commentators and analysts from across the UK and Ireland, including former internationals with more than 1,000 caps between them.
Among the pundits are Lawrence Dallaglio, Simon Zebo, Chris Robshaw, Stephen Ferris, Andrew Trimble, Bernard Jackman, Alan Quinlan, Jon Davies and Rob Kearney.
Commentary duties will be led by Martin Gillingham, Miles Harrison, Ryle Nugent and Nick Heath, with presenting roles filled by Martin Bayfield, Ross Harries, Claire Thomas and Jenny Drummond.
The opening fixture sees Sale Sharks host Glasgow Warriors on Friday night, with Premier Sports’ coverage fronted by Bayfield alongside Dallaglio, Zebo, Barclay, Goode, Harrison and Wilson.
A full schedule of games follows across Saturday and Sunday, including several high-profile ties. Bath, fresh from last season’s EPCR Challenge Cup triumph, begin their Champions Cup campaign at home to Munster. Leinster welcome Harlequins to the Aviva Stadium, while Scarlets make their first appearance in the competition for three years when they host Bristol Bears.
Reigning champions Union Bordeaux Bègles open their title defence in Pretoria against the Vodacom Bulls.
Former Heineken Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio said he would be watching closely for teams capable of winning away from home — something he described as “the unique challenge in this competition… a real test of everything about you as a player.”
Dallaglio believes Toulouse and Bordeaux are currently setting the standard in France, while assessing Munster, Northampton Saints and Saracens among those positioned to challenge. He also tipped Bayonne as potential dark horses.
Former England captain Chris Robshaw reflected on the demands of European rugby, noting the significance of difficult away fixtures: “You get some of the toughest away experiences in the south of France, and Leinster is always a tough place to go.”
Looking ahead, ex-Scotland captain John Barclay said squad depth could be decisive, pointing to the strength of South African sides such as the Stormers, as well as Bath and Toulouse: “I quite fancy Bath or Saracens to pair up with Toulouse in the final stages of the competition.”
Investec Champions Cup – Round 1 Fixtures on Premier Sports
Fri 5 Dec – Sale Sharks v Glasgow Warriors (PS2, 7pm)
Fri 5 Dec – Bayonne v DHL Stormers (PS Rugby, 8pm)
Sat 6 Dec – Saracens v Clermont Auvergne (PS2, 12.30pm)
Sat 6 Dec – Vodacom Bulls v Bordeaux Bègles (PS2, 3pm)
Sat 6 Dec – Stade Rochelais v Leicester Tigers (PS2, 5.15pm)
Sat 6 Dec – Leinster v Harlequins (PS1, 5.15pm)
Sat 6 Dec – Scarlets v Bristol Bears (PS2, 7.40pm)
Sat 6 Dec – Bath v Munster (PS1, 7.40pm)
Sun 7 Dec – Pau v Northampton Saints (PS2, 12.30pm)
Sun 7 Dec – Toulouse v Sharks (PS1, 3pm)
Sun 7 Dec – Gloucester v Castres (PS2, 3pm)
Sun 7 Dec – Edinburgh v Toulon (PS1, 5.15pm)
Challenge Cup – Round 1 Fixtures
Fri 5 Dec – Ulster v Racing 92 (PS1, 8pm)
Sun 7 Dec – Ospreys v Connacht (PS Rugby, 5.15pm)
Sun 7 Dec – Exeter v Toyota Cheetahs (PS2, 5.30pm)
Image Credit: Premier Sports
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