For the first time since 2018, the Investec Champions Cup begins in October, with the road to the final in Lyon starting this weekend. Europe's top competition has traditionally kicked off in autumn, but 2026-27 brings an earlier start, leaving Irish provinces with just three United Rugby Championship (URC) games under their belts before continental action begins.
Leinster remain Ireland's leading light and will be among the biggest threats to Bordeaux-Begles' ambitions of a third title in a row. The 41-19 defeat in May's final is a reminder of how hard it will be to derail the reigning champions. Leo Cullen's side enter with a weaker squad after departures including James Lowe and Rieko Ioane, and Joey Carbery is yet to feature in his second stint because of injury. Leinster have won 31 consecutive pool-stage games, but they have not lifted the trophy since 2018.
Munster were another to exit last season in disappointing fashion, losing at home to Castres and dropping into the Challenge Cup. The two-time winners have struggled for consistency in the pool stages and have not secured a home knock-out tie in four seasons. A trip to the reigning champions and the absence of Jack Crowley complicate their draw, but the group should allow them to improve on last year.
Connacht, the URC's eighth and final Champions Cup qualifier, were handed a tough draw. Eight of the past 11 winners of the competition are in their pool, and Toulouse, Bordeaux-Begles and others remain favourites for Lyon. Stuart Lancaster's side have yet to find their form this season, with scrum issues and discipline among their chief concerns.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing