Northampton and Bath face a challenging Champions Cup pool alongside the Bulls and Montpellier, while other teams also gear up for tough matchups.
New Delhi, India Jul 2, 2026 ALN: Northampton and Bath will compete for points in the same tough Champions Cup pool next season, having been drawn alongside the Pretoria-based Bulls and Top 14 runners-up Montpellier.
The Champions Cup, established in 1995, is the premier club tournament in Europe, featuring the best teams from the top leagues in England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. This prestigious competition has grown significantly over the years, with teams vying not only for national dominance but also for European glory. The draw for the 2026-27 season has set the stage for a highly competitive tournament, particularly for Northampton and Bath, who will face formidable opponents in Pool Four.
The Bulls, based in Pretoria, South Africa, are a powerhouse in the United Championship (URC). They reached the final of the URC in June, where they faced Leinster, one of the most successful teams in European history. Although they fell short in that match, their performance throughout the season showcased their strength and resilience. The Bulls are known for their physical style of play and have a rich history in South African , which adds an intriguing dynamic to their matchups in the Champions Cup.
Montpellier, on the other hand, has established itself as a force in French . They were the runners-up in the Top 14, France's elite league, narrowly losing to Toulouse in the final. Toulouse, having clinched their fourth consecutive title, is another example of the high level of competition in French . Montpellier’s squad is filled with international talent, and their experience in high-pressure matches will be crucial as they compete against Northampton and Bath.
Stade Francais, who reached the Top 14 semi-finals, and Cardiff, the top-ranked Welsh side in the URC, round out the competitive Pool Four. Stade Francais, based in Paris, has a storied history and a passionate fan base. Their ability to perform in critical matches makes them a dangerous opponent. Cardiff, with its strong tradition, will bring a mix of youth and experience, making the pool even more unpredictable.
Elsewhere in the draw, Bristol will face Gloucester and Munster in Pool Three, along with the defending champions Bordeaux-Begles. Bristol's previous encounters with Bordeaux-Begles have been closely contested, with the French side narrowly winning their last meeting at Ashton Gate in January. This rivalry adds an extra layer of excitement to their upcoming matches, as both teams will be eager to assert their dominance in the pool.
Leinster, a perennial powerhouse in European , will take on Leicester, Sale, and Glasgow in Pool One. Leinster's track record in the Champions Cup is remarkable, having won the tournament multiple times. Their depth of talent, tactical acumen, and experience in knockout scenarios will make them a formidable opponent for any team. Toulouse, who recently secured their fourth consecutive French title, will face Saracens, Exeter, and Connacht in Pool Two. Toulouse's consistency and ability to perform under pressure make them a team to watch in this competition.
In the second-tier Challenge Cup, Harlequins have been drawn alongside three-time Champions Cup winners Toulon, as well as Edinburgh and Ospreys. The Challenge Cup, while not as prestigious as the Champions Cup, still features competitive teams eager to prove themselves on the European stage. Newcastle will find themselves in Pool Two with Scarlets, Benetton, and Sharks, while Ulster competes against Bayonne, Perpignan, and Dragons in Pool Three. Each of these pools presents unique challenges, and the teams will need to navigate them carefully to progress to the knockout stages.
The fixture list, which will detail the dates and venues for each match, is set to be announced later this month. This announcement will be crucial for the teams as they prepare for the upcoming season. Home advantage can often play a significant role in the outcome of matches, particularly in knockout scenarios where the pressure is intensified.
In the Champions Cup, each team plays four matches in the pool stages, taking on teams from their group that they typically do not face in their domestic leagues. This format allows for a diverse range of matchups and challenges, testing each team's adaptability and strategic planning. The top three teams in each of the four pools will progress to the knockout stage, with a top-two finish also guaranteeing home advantage in the Round of 16. This home advantage can be pivotal, as teams often perform better in familiar surroundings, supported by their home fans.
The final four spots in the first knockout stage will be allocated to the teams from across the four pools that have accumulated the most points in the standings. This structure ensures that even teams that may not finish in the top two of their pools can still have a chance to advance based on their overall performance.
In the Challenge Cup, teams also play four matches in the pool stages, generally avoiding matchups against teams from their usual domestic leagues. This format mirrors that of the Champions Cup, with the top three teams in each of the three pools progressing to the last 16. They will be joined by the three teams with the next best records across the pools, as well as four teams that do not make the knockout stages of the Champions Cup. This setup provides a pathway for teams to compete at a high level, regardless of their standing in their domestic competitions.
Both tournaments have secured an earlier starting slot next season, with the first pool-stage games scheduled for the weekend of 16-18 October. This earlier kickoff allows teams to gain momentum as they head into the winter months, which are often crucial for player performance and team cohesion. The competitions are set to culminate in a finals weekend in May, to be held in the French city of Lyon. This city, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, will serve as a fitting backdrop for the climax of the European season.
Pool One: Leinster, Glasgow, Pau, Sale Sharks, Leicester, Clermont
Pool Two: Toulouse, Lions, Saracens, La Rochelle, Exeter Chiefs, Connacht
Pool Three: Bordeaux Begles, Stormers, Racing 92, Munster, Bristol Bears, Gloucester
Pool Four: Northampton, Bath, Cardiff, Montpellier, Stade Francais, Bulls
Pool One: Cheetahs, Ulster, Perpignan, Dragons, Bayonne, Zebre
Pool Two: Benetton, Lyon, Newcastle Red Bulls, Sharks, Castres Olympique, Scarlets
Pool Three: Ospreys, Edinburgh, Black Lion, Harlequins, Toulon, Vannes
The upcoming Champions Cup and Challenge Cup seasons promise to deliver thrilling action, with teams across Europe competing for the ultimate prize. With the draw complete and the fixtures set to be announced, anticipation is building among fans and players alike as they prepare for what could be a historic season in European .
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