Stream European Rugby Champions Cup 2026/27 free on S4C (UK) / France TV (France)Unlock your stream with NordVPN (save up to 75%)EPCR Matchday 1: Fri, Oct 16 – Sun, Oct 18 (fixtures below)Back-to-back champions Bordeaux's European Rugby Champions Cup title defense begins against early Gallagher PREM leaders Gloucester on Friday, in the first of 12 Matchday 1 ties across three days. L'Union haven't got off to the best of starts domestically, but that hasn't tended to affect their European form, whereas Jac Morgan has supercharged the Cherry and Whites.Glasgow Warriors, the only EPCR team yet to taste defeat this term, kick off their campaign at Sale on Saturday, while Top 14 leaders and competition favorites Toulouse are up against Exeter on Sunday.Leinster's quest to secure the trophy in Leo Cullen's final season begins with a trip to Clermont, while Connacht, back in Europe's top-tier tournament after a four-year absence, return to EPCR action against Saracens. Challenge Cup winners Montpellier have a chance to show they've got what it takes with an opening round showdown against Bath. There will be emotional scenes as La Rochelle host tournament debutants Johannesburg Lions barely 24 hours after the South African side's lock Hyron Andrews passed away. The 31-year-old fell after an accident at the team hotel and couldn't be revived. There will be a minute's silence to honor Andrews, after the Lions elected to play in their teammate's honorHere's how to watch European Rugby Champions Cup 2026/27 from anywhere in the world. We've also listed the Matchday 1 EPCR fixtures below.European Rugby Champions Cup 2026/27 schedule