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Investec Champions Cup

Investec is proud to be the title sponsor of the Investec Champions Cup. With some of the biggest names in world rugby putting in exhilarating, high-intensity performances this tournament is truly out of the ordinary.

Investec Champions Cup

All the drama and elation of the final

Investec Champions Cup logo

Bordeaux Bègles Claim First Investec Champions Cup Title

Bordeaux Bègles secured their maiden Investec Champions Cup triumph with a 28–20 victory over Northampton Saints in a gripping final at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. In front of a crowd of over 70 000, the French side showcased tactical prowess and resilience to overcome the English challengers. 

The first half was a high-scoring affair, ending 20–20, with both teams exchanging tries and penalties. However, Bordeaux’s dominance in the second half, particularly through their forward pack and strategic kicking, kept Northampton scoreless after the break. 

Damian Penaud scored two tries in the final, bringing his total try-tally in the championship, to a recording breaking 12.  His out of the ordinary season was celebrated with the winger receiving the Investec Player of the Year award.

 

FINALS HIGHLIGHTS

1st

Investec Champions Cup title for Union Bordeaux-Bègles.

70,225

fans attended the Investec Champions Cup final, the largest attendance for a final in over a decade.

3

Champions Cups won with three different clubs for Arthur Retière (Stade Rochelais 2022, Stade Toulousain 2024, Union Bordeaux-Bègles 2025), the first player to achieve this feat.

14

tries scored by Damian Penaud (Union Bordeaux-Bègles) this season - a record.

2nd

EPCR Challenge Cup title for Bath Rugby after claiming their first in 2008.
Abey Mokgwatsane
Abey Mokgwatsane, Investec chief marketing officer

As an organisation firmly rooted in our purpose to create enduring worth, we look forward to partnering with the EPCR to create transformational value for spectators, players and communities.

 

A partnership driven by passion and purpose

Together, Investec and EPCR will focus on progressing towards a carbon-neutral tournament, advancing the women’s game and developing innovative financial solutions and wellness programmes tailored to players.

Dom McKay - EPCR Chairman
Dominic McKay , EPCR Chairman

Our combined passion for the game will enable us to deliver a new ambitious strategy for the Investec Champions Cup as we seek to grow our audiences further around the world in an intentional and sustainable way.

Investec Champions Cup – FAQs

  • What is the Heineken Cup now called?

    The Investec Champions Cup is the official name of the European Rugby Champions Cup (formerly Heineken Cup).

  • Where to watch the Investec Champions Cup:

    • The Investec Champions Cup is broadcast by:
    • TNT Sports and ITV in the UK
    • SuperSport in South Africa
    • BT Sport, RET in Ireland 
    • beIN Sports in France
    • Sky Sport, ELEVEN, and epcrugby.tv in Italy

     

  • How does the Investec Champions Cup work?

    For the 2023/24 season, 24 qualifying clubs are placed into four pools of six teams. In the pool stage, each team plays four matches (two home, two away). The four highest-ranked teams from each pool at the end of the pool stage progress to a knockout Round of 16, where 16 teams compete for 8 spots. The tournament then progresses to the quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals. 

  • When is the Investec Champions Cup Final?

    2025/26 weekends 

    • Round 1 – 05/06/07 December 2025 
    • Round 2 – 12/13/14 December 2025 
    • Round 3 – 09/10/11 January 2026 
    • Round 4 – 16/17/18 January 2026
    • Round of 16 – 03/04/05 April 2026 
    • Quarter-finals – 10/11/12 April 2026 
    • Semi-finals – 01/02/03 May 2026 2026 
    • EPCR Challenge Cup Final – San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao; Friday 22 May 
    • Investec Champions Cup Final – San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao; Saturday 23 May
  • Who has won the most Champions Cups?

    Toulouse is the most successful Champions Cup team, with five titles. 

  • Who are the current Investec Champions Cup holders?

    Bordeaux Begles

Investec's official designations

(i) “Title Partner of the Investec Champions Cup”

(ii) “Official Bank & Wealth Management Partner of the Investec Champions Cup”

(iii) “Official Bank & Wealth Management Partner of EPCR Competitions”