The Investec Champions Cup Final takes place on Saturday 23 May 2026 at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain. Europe’s premier club rugby union competition reaches its climax as the two best sides on the continent battle for the most coveted trophy in the European club game. Defending champions Bordeaux-Bègles will be hoping to retain the title they won for the first time in 2025.
What is the Investec Champions Cup Final?
The Investec Champions Cup Final is the showpiece match of the European Rugby Champions Cup, the top tier of club rugby union competition in Europe. Organised by European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), the tournament brings together the leading clubs from the Premiership, Top 14, United Rugby Championship, and other qualifying leagues. The 2025-26 season features 24 clubs competing through a pool stage, Round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals before two teams emerge for the final in Bilbao. The competition has been running since 1995-96, initially as the Heineken Cup before being rebranded as the Champions Cup in 2014.
When is the Investec Champions Cup Final?
The final takes place on Saturday 23 May 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 p.m. local time (3:00 p.m. BST). It forms part of the EPCR Finals Weekend in Bilbao, with the Challenge Cup Final held the previous evening on Friday 22 May. The semi-finals are scheduled for the weekend of 1-3 May 2026, after which the two finalists will be confirmed.
Where is the Investec Champions Cup Final?
The 2026 final is being held at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, the capital of the Basque Country in northern Spain. Known as “La Catedral” (The Cathedral), San Mamés is the home of Athletic Club Bilbao and has a capacity of 53,331. The stadium, which opened in 2013, is widely regarded as one of Europe’s finest modern sporting venues. It previously hosted the EPCR Finals Weekend in 2018, proving itself an outstanding rugby venue with a vibrant atmosphere. Bilbao is well served by international flights and offers an excellent food and cultural scene for travelling supporters.
Key Contenders
Bordeaux-Bègles are the defending champions after their maiden triumph in 2025, when they defeated Northampton Saints 28-20 in the final in Cardiff. The French club topped Pool 4 in the 2025-26 campaign with maximum points and will be among the favourites to retain their crown. Six-time champions Toulouse, the most decorated club in the competition’s history, remain perennial contenders and won the Round of 16 emphatically, thrashing Bristol Bears 59-26. Four-time winners Leinster are always dangerous in the knockout stages, while Bath, Glasgow Warriors, and Northampton Saints have all shown strong form this season. Toulon, Sale Sharks, and a number of other former champions also reached the last 16, ensuring a fiercely competitive knockout phase.
How to Watch
In the United Kingdom, Premier Sports holds exclusive broadcast rights to all 63 Champions Cup matches for the 2025-26 season, available via Sky, Virgin Media, or Amazon platforms from £12.99 per month on an annual contract or £17.99 monthly. Selected matches are available free on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer. In Ireland, Premier Sports Ireland is accessible through Sky Sports Extra or Now Sports Extra from €11.99 per month. In France, beIN Sports carries full coverage, with France TV broadcasting two free-to-air games per round. In the United States, FloRugby streams all matches, with subscriptions from $39.99 per month or $155.88 annually. In South Africa, SuperSport provides coverage via DStv. For viewers in Australia, New Zealand, and other territories, EPCR TV offers weekend and season passes.
History and Records
Toulouse hold the record for the most European titles with six, won in 1996, 2003, 2005, 2010, 2021, and 2024. Leinster are second on the all-time list with four titles, followed by Toulon and Saracens on three apiece. Toulon remain the only club to have won three consecutive titles, achieving the feat between 2013 and 2015. French clubs lead the overall winners’ tally with 13 titles, ahead of English clubs on 10 and Irish clubs on seven. Notable clubs who have reached multiple finals without winning include Clermont Auvergne and Racing 92, each having lost three finals. The competition was first held in 1995-96 when Toulouse defeated Cardiff in the inaugural final.
Tickets and Attendance
Single-day tickets for the 2026 final are on sale through the official EPCR ticketing portal at epcrugby.com. Over 60% of tickets have already been sold, so availability is limited. Hospitality packages are available through the Destination Champions Club, and several travel operators, including World Choice Sports and Rugby Travel Ireland, offer packages combining match tickets with flights and hotel accommodation. With San Mamés holding over 53,000 spectators, the atmosphere for the final is expected to be exceptional.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Investec Champions Cup Final start?
The final kicks off at 4:00 p.m. local time (3:00 p.m. BST) on Saturday 23 May 2026.
Where is the Investec Champions Cup Final being held?
San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, home of Athletic Club Bilbao with a capacity of 53,331.
How can I watch the Investec Champions Cup Final?
In the UK, the final is live on Premier Sports. In Ireland, Premier Sports Ireland carries the coverage. In France, beIN Sports broadcasts the match. In the US, FloRugby streams it live. EPCR TV covers other international territories.
Who won the Investec Champions Cup last year?
Bordeaux-Bègles won their first Champions Cup title in 2025, defeating Northampton Saints 28-20 in the final in Cardiff.