The South African contenders face daunting assignments in the 2025 Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup following Tuesday’s official draw.
In the Champions Cup, the Vodacom Bulls, Stormers, and Sharks have all landed in heavyweight pools.
The Bulls have arguably the toughest path, drawn in Pool 4 alongside reigning European champions Bordeaux, English contenders Bristol Bears and Northampton Saints, Welsh outfit Scarlets, and France’s Section Paloise. It’s a challenging road made even tougher by off-field uncertainty surrounding the future of Jake White.
The Sharks feature in Pool 1 and will battle it out with French giants Toulouse and Clermont, English powerhouses Saracens and Sale Sharks, as well as Scottish hopefuls Glasgow Warriors.
Meanwhile, the Stormers – quarter-finalists last season – face another uphill battle in Pool 2. John Dobson’s charges must win a race to the playoffs against URC champions Leinster, English duo Harlequins and Leicester Tigers, and the French sides Bayonne and La Rochelle.
Though fixtures have yet to be announced, the Bulls will play Bordeaux, Bristol, Northampton and Paul (two at Loftus, two away), the Sharks will take on Toulouse, Clermont, Saracens and Sales (two at Kings Park, two away), and the Stormers face Quins, Tigers, Bayonne and La Rochelle (two at Cape Town Stadium, two away).
The top four teams in each of the four pools advance to the round of 16.
We’ll be facing Leicester Tigers, Stade Rochelais, Harlequins and Bayonne in Pool Three of the 25/26 Investec Champions Cup. Dates, times and venues to be confirmed. #iamastormer #InvestecChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/ab0qjz10fK
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) July 1, 2025
In the EPCR Challenge Cup, the Cheetahs and Lions fly the South African flag.
The Lions are in Pool 2 with Benetton, Dragons, Lyon, Newcastle and Perpignan, while the Cheetahs in Pool 3 are contending with Cardiff, Exeter Chiefs, Racing, Stade Francais and Ulster.
The four highest-ranked clubs in each of the three Challenge Cup pools, and the fifth-ranked clubs from each of the four Champions Cup pools qualify for the round of 16.
🚨 Your 2025/26 #InvestecChampionsCup Pools 🚨
Some big clashes to come in the opening rounds of the competition 💪
Which game are you looking forward to? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/ObBg3hGs4v
— Investec Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) July 1, 2025
🚨Your 2025/26 #ChallengeCupRugby Pools 🚨
Some HUGE games to look forward to next season, which match will provide the most drama? 👀 pic.twitter.com/0XuZtFoCOw
— EPCR Challenge Cup (@ChallengeCup_) July 1, 2025
Photo: Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images