Rugby Union
Investec Champions Cup Round 1 Predictions: Leinster and Bath Backed for Winning Starts
Europe’s elite return this weekend, with the Investec Champions Cup Round One running from Friday to Sunday, and William Hill are here with predictions for the British and Irish sides.
Back-to-back champions Bordeaux open their defence at Kingsholm, while Northampton, Bath and Leinster all have big tests. Here are our tips for the key British and Irish sides.
Gloucester vs Bordeaux – Friday, 8pm
Bordeaux thrashed Leinster 41-19 in last season’s final, but Gloucester beat them twice in the 2022/23 pool stage and will back themselves again. Kingsholm on a Friday night is a tough place to start a title defence, but Bordeaux have one of the quickest and fiercest back-lines in France. Trust Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey to terrify the Gloucester defence, with Mathieu Jalibert pulling the strings at 10.
Our prediction: Bordeaux -13 Handicap Betting – 10/11
Sale Sharks vs Glasgow Warriors – Saturday, 1pm
It’s the same Round 1 fixture as last year, when Glasgow won 26-21 at Sale. Franco Smith’s side travel well and are unbeaten in their last three fixtures against strong sides in Ulster, Munster, and Connacht. With Sale having the comfort of a home advantage, we are anticipating a close, gritty, hard-fought tie, with Glasgow edging out Sale late on.
Our prediction: Glasgow Warriors -5 Handicap Betting – 10/11
Clermont vs Leinster – Saturday, 3.15pm
Leinster are still chasing a fifth star after losing in Bilbao. They’re short-priced favourites here in France, and they’ve beaten Clermont in Europe before. With a team stacked full of British and Irish Lions, Leinster should have the firepower to topple a Clermont side who currently sit 11th in the Top 14.
Our prediction: Leinster -9 Handicap Betting – 10/11
Stormers vs Bristol Bears – Saturday, 3.15pm
Bristol travel to Cape Town Stadium for a long-haul opener, and the Stormers are expected to field new signings Cheslin Kolbe and Siya Kolisi. Bristol have scored freely in Europe, hitting 61 points twice last season, but they were well beaten by Toulouse in the Round of 16. The Stormers’ home record and the travel should tip it.
Our prediction: Stormers -14 Handicap Betting – 4/5
Connacht vs Saracens – Saturday, 5.30pm
Group 2 is a tough one, with Toulouse, La Rochelle and the Lions also in it. Connacht will fancy their chances at home, but Saracens have the squad depth.
Our prediction: Saracens -3 Handicap Betting – 8/15
Bath vs Montpellier – Saturday, 8pm
Bath were semi-finalists last term and Montpellier are recent Challenge Cup winners, so this fixture may not be a gimme. Bath’s home form, and with last weekend’s rotated squad against Northampton Saints keeping their key men fresh, they should be firing on all cylinders at The Rec on Saturday night.
Our prediction: Bath -10 Handicap Betting – 10/11
Munster vs Racing 92 – Saturday, 8pm
Munster opened last season with a 40-14 defeat at Bath and will want a much better start this time. Racing are a dangerous side in attack and have a habit of making life difficult for sides at home, but Munster’s set-piece and home record should be enough to edge it.
Our prediction: Munster -11 Handicap Betting – 10/11
Pau vs Leicester Tigers – Sunday, 1pm
Leicester were beaten 64-14 by Bordeaux in last season’s Round of 16 and have a long trip to the Pyrenees. Home sides have won a big share of Champions Cup games in recent years, and Pau are no pushovers.
Our prediction: Pau -10 Handicap Betting – 10/11
Toulouse vs Exeter Chiefs – Sunday, 3.15pm
Top 14 champions and six-time European winners Toulouse start at home against a former champion in Exeter. The sides last met in the 2024/25 pool stage, when Toulouse ran out 64-21 winners. Toulouse currently lead the Top 14 in France and are arguably one of the best sides in Europe and shouldn’t run into trouble against an Exeter side who sit 8th in the Gallagher Premiership.
Our prediction: Toulouse -31 Handicap Betting – 10/11
Northampton Saints vs Cardiff Rugby – Sunday, 5.30pm
Saints are unbeaten at Franklin’s Gardens in the league since March 2025 and take on a Cardiff side that will be happy to compete for 60 minutes. Dowson’s side have the firepower to pull away.
Our prediction: Northampton Saints -21 Handicap Betting – 4/5
*Prices accurate at the time of writing – odds subject to change*
