Team News: Champions Cup Round 4 - How does your club line-up in the hunt for knock-out places

Friday, 16 January 2026 at 17:28

byTom Sansom

The 2025/26 Investec Champions Cup rallies onward this weekend, with another stacked schedule of the finest European (and South African) club rugby on offer. Tonight marks the commencement of Round 4 within the pool stages, in what is the final act for the 24 competiting sides to secure their space in the upcoming knock-out Round of 16.

So far, seven clubs have managed to book themselves a space in the knock-out stage, however the all-important home field advantage is set to be decided for the upcoming round. As it stands, Northampton Saints, Harlequins, Leinster, Bordeaux-Begles, Glasgow Warriors, Sale Sharks and Bristol Bears have all qualified for the Round of 16, with a handful of the world's most decorated clubs yet to confirm a spot.

The likes of six-time Champions Cup winners Stade Toulousain, three-time winners Saracens, reigning Premiership champions Bath and defending URC title-holders the Stormers, are all still searching for one last win that will solidify their place in the knock-out rounds. It has certainly been the tightest Champions Cup campaign in recent memory, and we have a full run-down of the action ready for you to dive into, as we gear up for the fourth and final round of the pool stages.

PREVIEW: 2025/26 INVESTEC CHAMPIONS CUP ROUND 4 (POOL STAGE)

Friday 16th January

Bath vs Edinburgh - 20:00 KO, The Rec

We commence with a hotly anticipated clash in the English West Country, as Bath host Edinburgh down at the Rec. There are plenty of personal bragging rights on the line for Scotland fly half Finn Russell, who is set for a reunion with his compatriots ahead of the upcoming 2026 Six Nations camp. Russell takes the helm at 10 for the men in blue, black and white, with Bath eager to build upon their pool stage victories over Munster and Castres to solidify a knock-out spot.

Edinburgh enter the fold just one point adrift of pool topping Bath, yet both 1st and 2nd seeded sides know that a slip-up could well prove costly in the tightly contested Pool 2. RC Toulon are hot on the heels of the capital city club, with Edinburgh looking to extend their run of two wins on the bounce, following hard-fought victories over Benetton and Gloucester. England internationals Ollie Lawrence, Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill start for Bath, with Edinburgh wing Winger Malelili Satala set for his debut following the calf injury sustained by Duhan van der Merwe.

BATH: 15. Tom De Glanville 14. Joe Cokanasiga 13. Max Ojomoh 12. Ollie Lawrence 11. Henry Arundell 10. Finn Russell 9. Ben Spencer (capt) 1. Beno Obano 2. Tom Dunn 3. Thomas Du Toit 4. Quinn Roux 5. Ross Molony, 6. Guy Pepper, 7. Sam Underhill, 8. Alfie Barbeary.

REPLACEMENTS 16. Dan Frost 17. Francois Van Wyk, 18. Archie Griffin 19. Ted Hill 20. Miles Reid 21. Tom Carr-Smith 22. Santi Carreras 23. Cameron Redpath

EDINBURGH: 15. Harry Paterson 14. Darcy Graham 13. Piers O'Conor 12. James Lang 11. Malelili Satala 10. Ross Thompson 9. Ben Vellacott 1. James Whitcombe 2. Ewan Ashman 3. Ollie Blyth-Lafferty 4. Callum Hunter-Hill 5. Glen Young 6. Tom Dodd 7. Freddy Douglas 8. Ben Muncaster

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Harri Morris 17. Mikey Jones 18. Paul Hill 19. Euan McVie 20. Connor Boyle 21. Charlie Shiel 22. Ben Healy 22. Jack Brown.

Section Paloise vs Vodacom Bulls - 20:00 KO, Stade de Hameau

Also kicking off under the fabled Friday night lights, is a Pool 4 clash between Pau and the Bulls. It has been another tough ride in Europe for the men from Pretoria, as the Bulls sit at the bottom of their respective pool following three consecutive Champions Cup defeats to defending title holders Union Bordeaux-Begles, last year's runners-up Northampton Saints, and the high-flying Bristol Bears.

Despite having a squad loaded with star-studded Springboks, the Pretoria side have failed to make it click in the Champions Cup and face an early tournament exit should they falter in their trip to France. A win for the Bulls and a defeat elsewhere for the Scarlets would be enough to drop down into the EPCR Challenge Cup for the knock-out stage.

Pau currently sit at fourth in the pool, with an away draw currently on the cards for the next round. The French side was also defeated by the PREM duo of Northampton and Bristol, with their sole tournament win over the Scarlets keeping them in contention for the next round.

PAU: 15. Jack Maddocks, 14. Theo Attissogbe 13. Nathan Decron 12. Quentin Valentino 11. Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang 10. Clement Mondinat 9. Dan Robson 1. Daniel Bibi-Biziwu 2. Lucas Rey 3. Guram Papidze 4. Hugo Auradou 5. Jimi Maximin 6. Luke Whitelock 7. Loic Credoz 8. Carwyn Tuipulotu

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Julian Montoya 17. Remi Seneca 18. Thomas Laclayat 19. Thomas Jolmes 20. Remi Picquette 21. Facundo Isa 22. Thomas Souverbie 23. Fabien Brau-Boirie

BULLS: 15. Willie Le Roux 14. Cheswill Jooste 13. Sebastian de Klerk 12. Harold Vorster 11. Kurt-Lee Arendse 10. Handre Pollard 9. Zak Burger 1. Jan-Hendrik Wessels 2. Akker van der Merwe 3. Mornay Smith 4. Ruan Vermaak 5. Reinhardt Ludwig 6. Marcell Coetzee 7. Mpilo Gumede 8. Nizaam Carr

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Marco van Staden 17. Alu Tshakweni 18. Francois Klopper 19. Cobus Wiese 20. Ruan Nortje 21. Keagan Johannes 22. David Kriel 23. Jeandre Rudolph

Saturday January 17th

Sharks vs Clermont Auvergne - 13:00 KO, Kings Park Stadium

The Hollywoodbets Sharks round off their Investec Champions Cup pool campaign with qualification firmly in their sights as they welcome Clermont Auvergne to Durban on Saturday afternoon. A victory at Kings Park could be enough to secure a place in the Round of 16, following December’s impressive 28–23 home win over Saracens, with JP Pietersen’s side eager to turn European promise into knock-out progression.

Clermont arrive in KwaZulu-Natal playing largely for pride, having endured a difficult campaign so far. Defeats to Saracens, Sale and Glasgow have left the Top 14 outfit without a win, but Christophe Urios has still named a competitive side blending youth and experience, with skipper Killian Tixeront leading an energetic back row and several emerging talents handed valuable European minutes.

Pietersen has restored several senior figures for the occasion. World Cup winners Ox Nche and Bongi Mbonambi anchor the scrum, while Aphelele Fassi marshals the backfield. Brothers Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse continue their half-back partnership, and captain Nick Hatton once again leads by example from the back row as the Sharks look to control proceedings on home soil.

SHARKS: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Le Roux Malan, 12 Jurenzo Julius, 11 PK Sobahle, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 1 Ox Nche, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 4 Corne Rahl, 5 Jason Jenkins, 6 Matt Romao, 7 Manu Tshituka, 8 Nick Hatton (c).

Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Phatu Ganyane, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Ross Braude, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Hakeem Kunene.

CLERMONT: 15 Kylan Hamdaoui, 14 Joris Jurand, 13 Timéo Frier, 12 Alivereti Loaloa, 11 Yerim Fall, 10 Irae Simone, 9 Lucas Zamora, 1 Mathéo Frisach, 2 Cristian Ojovan, 3 Etienne Fourcade, 4 Léo Michaux, 5 Thibaud Lanen, 6 Killian Tixeront (c), 7 Lucas Dessaigne, 8 Anthime Hemery.

Replacements: 16 Seilala Lam, 17 Giga Tutisani, 18 Giorgi Dzmanashvili, 19 Baptiste Veschambre, 20 Pio Muarua, 21 Niek Doornenbal, 22 Tom Raffy, 23 Axel Guillaud.

Bayonne vs Leinster - 15:15 KO, Stade Jean Dauger

Attention shifts to the Basque Country on Saturday afternoon as Bayonne welcome Leinster to Stade Jean-Dauger in a fixture that carries significant implications at both ends of the pool. Leinster arrive knowing that their qualification fate is firmly in their own hands, while Bayonne will be keen to make home advantage count against one of Europe’s most consistent performers.

The Irish province have been handed a timely boost with the return of several senior internationals. RG Snyman, Jimmy O’Brien and Garry Ringrose are all set to make their first appearances of 2026, while Tadhg Furlong’s return to the front row offers much-needed stability after a testing run of injuries. Harry Byrne is rewarded for his decisive contribution against La Rochelle with a start at fly-half, and James Ryan brings up a major milestone as he makes his 50th Champions Cup appearance in the second row.

Leinster’s permutations are clear-cut: a win, a draw, or even a defeat coupled with both a losing bonus point and a try bonus point would be enough to secure top spot in the pool. Even if they fall short of first place, Leo Cullen’s side remain firmly in contention for a top-two seeding and home advantage throughout the knockout stages.

Bayonne, meanwhile, field a powerful and streetwise side built to exploit the intensity of Jean-Dauger. Manu Tuilagi partners the destructive Sireli Maqala in midfield, with former Springbok scrum-half Herschel Jantjies pulling the strings. Skipper Arthur Iturria leads an experienced pack that will look to unsettle Leinster at the breakdown and through set-piece pressure.

BAYONNE: 15 Cheikh Tiberghien, 14 Tom Spring, 13 Sireli Maqala, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Yohan Orabe, 10 Joris Segonds, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 1 Ignacio Calles, 2 Lucas Martin, 3 Luke Tagi, 4 Ewan Johnson, 5 Lucas Paulos, 6 Alexandre Fischer, 7 Arthur Iturria, 8 Nike Lomidze.

Replacements: 16 Facundo Bosch, 17 Emosi Tumania, 18 Emerick Setiano, 19 Alvaro Farcia Landolino, 20 Baptiste Heguy, 21 Manex Ariceta, 22 Guillaume Martocq, 23 Victor Hannoun.

LEINSTER: 15 Jimmy O’Brien, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Joshua Kenny, 10 Harry Byrne, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 1 Jack Boyle, 2 Rónan Kelleher, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 4 RG Snyman, 5 James Ryan, 6 Max Deegan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris (c).

Replacements: 16 Dan Sheehan, 17 Jerry Cahir, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Joe McCarthy, 20 Scott Penny, 21 Luke McGrath, 22 Sam Prendergast, 23 Rieko Ioane.

DHL Stormers vs Leicester Tigers - 15:15 KO, DHL Stadium

A place in the knockout stages of the Investec Champions Cup is firmly on the line in Cape Town on Saturday afternoon as the DHL Stormers welcome Leicester Tigers to DHL Stadium. With Round Four of the pool stage finely poised, both sides know that victory here could define the trajectory of their European campaigns heading into the latter stages.

The Stormers are forced into notable leadership and positional changes, with regular captain Salmaan Moerat unavailable and both Warrick Gelant and Damian Willemse sidelined under concussion protocols. In their absence, fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu assumes the captaincy for the first time at senior level, a significant vote of confidence in one of South African rugby’s brightest young talents.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu partners Stefan Ungerer at half-back, while Wandisile Simelane shifts to fullback, linking up with wings Leolin Zas and Dylan Maart. Jonathan Roche returns from injury in midfield alongside Suleiman Hartzenberg, as the Stormers look to maintain attacking fluency despite the disruption.

Up front, the hosts are boosted by the reunion of their powerful loose trio, with Evan Roos, Ben-Jason Dixon and Paul de Villiers combining once more. The second row pairing of Ruben van Heerden and JD Schickerling provides continuity, while a strong replacement bench includes the returning JJ Kotzé and impact forwards Connor Evans and Marcel Theunissen. Director of Rugby John Dobson has been clear in his messaging: a home win is non-negotiable if the Stormers are to extend their European journey.

Leicester Tigers arrive in Cape Town under the leadership of Olly Cracknell, who captains the side from number eight in a youthful but combative Tigers pack. The back row, featuring Joaquin Moro and Sam Williams, will be tasked with disrupting the Stormers’ rhythm at the breakdown.

In the backline, Ollie Hassell-Collins returns to the starting XV, with Gabriel Hamer-Webb switching wings and George Pearson continuing his run at fullback following encouraging European performances. Billy Searle directs operations from fly-half, with Tom Whiteley providing experience at scrum-half. While Tigers face a formidable challenge away from home, Geoff Parling’s side will relish the opportunity to test themselves against one of the competition’s most dangerous outfits.

STORMERS: 15 Wandisile Simelane, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (c), 9 Stefan Ungerer, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 JD Schickerling, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.

REPLACEMENTS: 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Imad Khan, 22 Luke Burger, 23 JC Mars.

LEICESTER TIGERS: 15 George Pearson, 14 Gabriel Hamer-Webb, 13 Will Wand, 12 Joseph Woodward, 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10 Billy Searle, 9 Tom Whiteley, 1 Tarek Haffar, 2 Jamie Blamire, 3 Will Hurd, 4 James Thompson, 5 Harry Wells, 6 Joaquin Moro, 7 Sam Williams, 8 Olly Cracknell (c).

REPLACEMENTS: 16 Finn Theobold-Thomas, 17 Archie Van Der Flier, 18 Ale Loman, 19 Tom Manz, 20 Emeka Ilione, 21 Ollie Allan, 22 Orlando Bailey, 23 Ryan Crowley.

Munster vs Castres Olimpique - 17:30 KO, Thomond Park

A defining night in Pool 2 awaits at Thomond Park on Saturday evening as Munster welcome Castres Olympique knowing that the margins for error in this year’s Investec Champions Cup are razor-thin. With both sides still firmly in the hunt for knockout qualification, the contest carries the familiar weight and intensity that has long defined European rugby under the Limerick lights.

Munster are led by Tadhg Beirne on a landmark occasion, with the Ireland international captaining the province for the 100th time. Clayton McMillan's side show three changes from last weekend’s narrow defeat away to Toulon, as Thaakir Abrahams, Niall Scannell and Jean Kleyn all return to the starting XV.

Abrahams adds pace and incision to a back three that also includes Shane Daly and academy graduate Ben O’Connor, while the midfield pairing of Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell continues to grow in cohesion. Craig Casey is passed fit to partner Jack Crowley at half-back, a key boost as Munster look to impose tempo and territorial control.

Up front, the hosts lean heavily on familiarity and leadership. Kleyn slots into the second row alongside Fineen Wycherley, while an unchanged back row of Beirne, Jack O’Donoghue and Gavin Coombes provides physicality, breakdown nous and carrying threat. The bench offers a blend of experience and youth, with Oli Jager returning to the matchday squad and Edwin Edogbo primed to make an impact late on.

Castres arrive in Limerick knowing that Thomond Park is among the most unforgiving venues in European rugby. Their side is packed with Top 14 experience and power, led by skipper Baptiste Delaporte in the back row. With dangerous finishers out wide and a traditionally abrasive pack, the French visitors will look to disrupt Munster’s rhythm and turn the contest into a battle of set-piece and territory.

MUNSTER: 15 Shane Daly, 14 Thaakir Abrahams, 13 Tom Farrell, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Ben O’Connor, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Craig Casey, 1 Jeremy Loughman, 2 Niall Scannell, 3 Michael Ala’alatoa, 4 Jean Kleyn, 5 Fineen Wycherley, 6 Tadhg Beirne, 7 Jack O’Donoghue, 8 Gavin Coombes

REPLACEMENTS: 16 Lee Barron, 17 Michael Milne, 18 Oli Jager, 19 Edwin Edogbo, 20 Brian Gleeson, 21 Ethan Coughlan, 22 JJ Hanrahan, 23 Dan Kelly

CASTRES: 15 Theo Chabouni, 14 Christian Ambadiang, 13 Vuate Karawalevu, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 Geoffrey Palis, 10 Pierre Popelin, 9 Jeremy Fernandez, 1 Atunaisa Sokobale, 2 Loris Zarantonello, 3 Will Collier, 4 Gauthier Maravat, 5 Tom Staniforth, 6 Baptiste Delaporte, 7 Baptiste Cope, 8 Florent Vanverberghe

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Teddy Durand-Pradere 17. Antoine Tichit 18. Aurelien Azar 19. Leone Nakarawa 20. Tyler Ardron 21. Santiago Arata 22. Enzo Herve 23. Atu Manu

Toulouse vs Sale Sharks - 17:30 KO, Stade Ernest-Wallon

A must-win European heavyweight clash awaits in the south of France as six-time champions Toulouse host Sale Sharks at Stade Ernest-Wallon with their Investec Champions Cup hopes hanging in the balance. Antoine Dupont’s side find themselves in unfamiliar territory, sitting fourth in Pool 1 after losing two of their opening three matches, including a sobering 20–14 defeat away to Saracens last weekend. Anything less than a full five-point victory could spell the end of Toulouse’s pursuit of a record-extending seventh title.

Dupont has been forthright in his assessment of the task facing the reigning Top 14 champions, acknowledging that Toulouse “do not have a choice” but to win – and to do so with a try bonus point. The French giants are stacked with international quality, particularly in the pack, where Cyril Baille, Julien Marchand, Thibaud Flament and Emmanuel Meafou provide power and set-piece authority.

Blair Kinghorn continues at fly-half, with Thomas Ramos marshalling the backfield, as Toulouse look to rediscover the fluency and control that has underpinned their European dominance in recent years.

Sale Sharks travel to France as underdogs, but with nothing to lose and everything to gain. Alex Sanderson has rung the changes following last weekend’s win over the Hollywoodbets Sharks, naming a youthful side that features nine alterations and a strong academy presence. Marius Louw captains the side for the first time, anchoring the midfield alongside Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, while Ollie Davies and Jos Gilmore are handed their first Champions Cup starts in what represents a significant statement of faith from the coaching staff.

The Sharks’ selection blends promise with physicality. An unchanged front row lays the platform, while the second-row pairing of Tom Burrow and Hyron Andrews brings size and lineout presence. The all-academy back row of Gilmore, Tristan Woodman and Sam Dugdale will be severely tested, but their work rate and cohesion could prove vital if Sale are to disrupt Toulouse’s rhythm. In the back three, Davies starts at full-back after impressing on debut, with pace and power out wide in Obi Ene and Alex Wills.

TOULOUSE: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Dimitri Delibes, 13 Kévin Gourdon, 12 Santiago Chocobares, 11 Matthis Lebel, 10 Blair Kinghorn, 9 Antoine Dupont, 1 Cyrille Baille, 2 Julien Marchand, 3 Dorian Aldegheri, 4 Thibaud Flament, 5 Emmanuel Meafou, 6 Léo Banos, 7 Jack Willis, 8 Anthony Jelonch

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Peato Mauvaka 17. Rodrigue Neti 18. Paul Mallez 19. Joshua Brennan 20. Alexandre Roumat 21. Francois Cros 22. Paul Graou Teddy Thomas

SALE: 15 Ollie Davies, 14 Obi Ene, 13 Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Alex Wills, 10 Tom Curtis, 9 Gus Warr, 1 Bevan Rodd, 2 Nathan Jibulu, 3 James Harper, 4 Tom Burrow, 5 Hyron Andrews, 6 Jos Gilmore, 7 Tristan Woodman, 8 Sam Dugdale

REPLACEMENTS: 16 Ethan Caine, 17 Si McIntyre, 18 Patreece Bell, 19 Patrick Hogg, 20 Reuben Logan, 21 Dom Hanson, 22 Joe Bedlow, 23 Regan Grace

Gloucester vs RC Toulon - 20:00 KO, Kingsholm Stadium

Gloucester Rugby close out their pool stage campaign in the Investec Champions Cup with a home clash against RC Toulon at Kingsholm Stadium. With progression to the knockout stages already determined, the cherry-and-white will be looking to finish the pool on a high, maintaining momentum ahead of the festive domestic schedule. Toulon, meanwhile, travel to England seeking a victory to salvage pride after a mixed European campaign.

Gloucester make a handful of changes to their lineup, including the return of captain Tomos Williams at scrum-half. He partners Charlie Atkinson in the half-backs, with Seb Atkinson and Will Butler forming the midfield axis. The back three sees Jack Cotgreave, Josh Hathaway, and George Barton completing the attack, offering a combination of pace and finishing prowess.

Up front, Dian Bleuler and Nepo Laulala start as the props, with Will Crane at hooker. The engine room features second-row pairing Danny Eite and Matias Alemanno, while the back row is composed of Will Trenholm, Lewis Ludlow, and Jack Clement, providing both mobility and power around the park.

Gloucester’s bench balances experience and impact, with George Knowles, Val Rapava Ruskin, Ciaran Knight, Deian Gwynne, and James Venter covering the forwards. Mikey Austin, Ross Byrne, and Jake Morris provide reinforcement options in the backs.

RC Toulon bring a strong contingent of internationals to Kingsholm, including Charles Ollivon and Zach Mercer in the back row, with the French club seeking to finish the group stage on a high after previous defeats to Bath and Munster.

GLOUCESTER: 15 George Barton, 14 Josh Hathaway, 13 Will Butler, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Jack Cotgreave, 10 Charlie Atkinson, 9 Tomos Williams, 1 Dian Bleuler, 2 Will Crane, 3 Nepo Laulala, 4 Danny Eite, 5 Matias Alemanno, 6 Will Trenholm, 7 Lewis Ludlow, 8 Jack Clement

REPLACEMENTS: 16 George Knowles, 17 Val Rapava Ruskin, 18 Ciaran Knight, 19 Deian Gwynne, 20 James Venter, 21 Mikey Austin, 22 Ross Byrne, 23 Jake Morris

RC TOULON: 15 Marius Domon, 14 Gaël Dréant, 13 Ignacio Brex, 12 Oliver Cowie, 11 Mathis Ferté, 10 Tomás Albornoz, 9 Ben White, 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 2 Teddy Baubigny, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 4 David Ribbans, 5 Brian Alainu’uese, 6 Lewis Ludlow, 7 Charles Ollivon, 8 Zach Mercer

REPLACEMENTS: 16 Jérémy Toevalu, 17 Léo Ametllac, 18 Dany Priso, 19 Giorgi Javakhia, 20 Esteban Abadie, 21 Baptiste Serin, 22 Matéo Garcia, 23 Jérémy Sinzelle

Sunday January 18th

Bristol Bears vs Bordeaux-Begles - 13:00 KO, Ashton Gate

Bristol Bears welcome back a trio of internationals for Sunday’s Investec Champions Cup Pool Four showdown with reigning champions Bordeaux-Bègles at Ashton Gate. British & Irish Lion Ellis Genge returns at loosehead prop, Harry Randall starts at scrum-half, and Welsh flyer Louis Rees-Zammit comes in at full-back, giving Pat Lam’s side a significant boost ahead of the 1pm kickoff, live on Premier Sports.

The Bears carry strong momentum after last weekend’s record-breaking victory over Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld. Winger Noah Heward continues on the left, fresh from a hat-trick performance, while Kalaveti Ravouvou joins him on the right. In the centre, James Williams and Benhard Janse van Rensburg pair up to provide both creativity and defensive steel. The half-back axis sees Tom Jordan at fly-half alongside Randall at scrum-half, orchestrating the Bears’ attacking plays.

The back row combines experience and leadership, with captain Fitz Harding leading from openside, Santiago Grondona at blindside, and Viliame Mata anchoring at number eight. This trio is supported by a replacements bench that includes academy prospects Jimmy Halliwell and Sam Worsley, alongside experienced campaigners Harry Thacker, Max Lahiff, Joe Owen, Benjamin Grondona, and Kieran Marmion.

Bordeaux-Bègles make minimal changes from their previous group-stage outing, with Boris Palu partnering Adam Coleman in the second row and Romain Buros returning at full-back. The French side will look to close out the pool stage strongly as they travel to Bristol. This final pool-stage clash represents a high-stakes finale for both sides, with Bristol looking to consolidate second place in Pool Four, while Bordeaux-Bègles aim to finish the group on a victorious note.

BRISTOL BEARS: 15 Louis Rees-Zammit, 14 Noah Heward, 13 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 12 James Williams, 11 Kalaveti Ravouvou, 10 Tom Jordan, 9 Harry Randall, 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Gabriel Oghre, 3 George Kloska, 4 Pedro Rubiolo, 5 Joe Batley, 6 Santiago Grondona, 7 Fitz Harding (c), 8 Viliame Mata

REPLACEMENTS: 16 Harry Thacker, 17 Max Lahiff, 18 Jimmy Halliwell, 19 Joe Owen, 20 Benjamin Grondona, 21 Kieran Marmion, 22 Sam Worsley, 23 Matias Moroni

BORDEAUX-BÈGLES: 15 Romain Buros, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Nicolas Depoortère, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Martin Page-Relo, 1 Jefferson Poirot, 2 Maxime Lamothe, 3 Carlü Sadie, 4 Boris Palu, 5 Adam Coleman, 6 Jean-Luc Du Preez, 7 Cameron Woki, 8 Temo Matiu

REPLACEMENTS: 16 Harry Thacker, 17 Ugo Boniface, 18 Ben Tameifuna, 19 Cyril Cazeaux, 20 Bastien Vergnes-Taillefer, 21 Joey Carbery, 22 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 23 Salesi Rayasi

La Rochelle vs Harlequins - 15:15 KO, Stade Marcel Deflandre

Harlequins make one change to the starting XV as they travel to Stade Marcel-Deflandre on Sunday for their final Pool C Investec Champions Cup fixture. Having secured qualification to the knockout stages with a commanding victory at The Stoop last weekend, Quins now aim to lock in second place in the group.

The sole alteration comes in the second row, where Joe Launchbury – set to earn his 50th appearance – partners Los Pumas stalwart Guido Petti Pagadizábal in the engine room. The front row remains unchanged with Simon Kerrod, Jack Walker, and Pedro Delgado set to face the French pack, while the back row of Chandler Cunningham-South, Jack Kenningham, and captain Alex Dombrandt continues in their all-action roles.

In the backs, Lucas Friday continues at scrum-half, directing play alongside fly-half Marcus Smith. The centre pairing of Bryn Bradley and Luke Northmore remain unchanged, while Cadan Murley, Nick David, and Tyrone Green complete the starting line-up. Coach Jason Gilmore has opted for a 6–2 split on the replacements bench, reflecting the physicality expected in La Rochelle.

Front-row cover comes from Will Hobson, Sam Riley, and Harry Williams, with depth across the engine room and back five provided by Kieran Treadwell, Zach Carr, and Tom Lawday – who will mark his 100th club appearance when introduced. Max Green and Jarrod Evans complete the wider squad.

HARLEQUINS: 15 Tyrone Green, 14 Nick David, 13 Luke Northmore, 12 Bryn Bradley, 11 Cadan Murley, 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Lucas Friday, 1 Simon Kerrod, 2 Jack Walker, 3 Pedro Delgado, 4 Joe Launchbury, 5 Guido Petti Pagdizábal, 6 Chandler Cunningham-South, 7 Jack Kenningham, 8 Alex Dombrandt (c)

REPLACEMENTS: 16 Sam Riley, 17 Will Hobson, 18 Harry Williams, 19 Kieran Treadwell, 20 Zach Carr, 21 Tom Lawday, 22 Max Green, 23 Jarrod Evans

STADE ROCHELAIS: 15. Dillyn Leyds, 14 Davit Niniashvili, 13 Ulupano Seuteni, 12 Simeli Daunivucu, 11 Nathan Bollengier, 10 Ihaia West 9. Thomas Berjon 1 Alexandre Kaddouri 2. Tolu Latu, 3 Uini Atonio, 4 Charles Kanté-Samba, 5 Paul Boudehent, 6 Oscar Jegou 7 Levani Botia 8 Judicaël Cancoriet

REPLACEMENTS: 16 Quentin Lespiaucq, 17 Reda Wardi, 18 Joel Sclavi, 19 Aleksandre Kuntelia, 20 Gregory Alldritt, 21 Kirill Fraindt, 22 Jules Favre, 23 Jack Nowell

Northampton Saints vs Scarlets - 15:15 KO, Franklin's Gardens

Northampton Saints welcome Scarlets to Franklin’s Gardens for the final round of Pool 4 in the Investec Champions Cup, with captain Fraser Dingwall leading the side from the centres. Saints enter the fixture third in the pool after a 50-28 defeat in France to Union Bordeaux-Bègles, but still aim to secure a home Round-of-16 tie with maximum points on Sunday.

Dingwall partners British & Irish Lion Tommy Freeman in midfield, with England’s Ollie Sleightholme and Italy’s Edoardo Todaro on the wings. James Ramm returns at fullback for the first time this season. The half-back pairing of Anthony Belleau and Alex Mitchell remains unchanged. In the pack, Emmanuel Iyogun, Robbie Smith, and Trevor Davison form the front row, with Chunya Munga and JJ Van Der Mescht in the second row. The back row is completed by Josh Kemeny, Sam Graham, and No.8 Henry Pollock.

Among the replacements, Tom Lockett could mark both his return from injury and his 50th Saints appearance, while James Pater is poised for his European debut.

Scarlets make three personnel changes from their previous round defeat to Section Paloise, with Sam Costelow returning at fly-half after an ankle injury. Joe Hawkins and Eddie James move into the midfield following injuries, while Jac Davies starts at fullback. The rest of the back three sees Blair Murray on the left wing and Ellis Mee on the right. Archie Hughes continues at scrum-half.

In the pack, the front row of Kemsley Mathias, Ryan Elias, and Henry Thomas remains unchanged. Max Douglas partners Jake Ball in the second row after returning from suspension, with the back row of Taine Plumtree, Fletcher Anderson, and captain Josh Macleod unchanged.

NORTHAMPTON: 15 James Ramm, 14 Edoardo Todaro, 13 Tommy Freeman, 12 Fraser Dingwall (c), 11 Ollie Sleightholme, 10 Anthony Belleau, 9 Alex Mitchell, 1 Emmanuel Iyogun, 2 Robbie Smith, 3 Trevor Davison, 4 Chunya Munga, 5 JJ Van Der Mescht, 6 Josh Kemeny, 7 Sam Graham, 8 Henry Pollock

REPLACEMENTS: 16 Craig Wright, 17 Danilo Fischetti, 18 Elliot Millar Mills, 19 Tom Lockett, 20 Callum Chick, 21 Archie McParland, 22 James Pater, 23 George Hendy

SCARLETS: 15 Jac Davies, 14 Ellis Mee, 13 Eddie James, 12 Joe Hawkins, 11 Blair Murray, 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Archie Hughes, 1 Kemsley Mathias, 2 Ryan Elias, 3 Henry Thomas, 4 Max Douglas, 5 Jake Ball, 6 Taine Plumtree, 7 Josh Macleod (c), 8 Fletcher Anderson

REPLACEMENTS: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Alec Hepburn, 18 Harri O’Connor, 19 Jarrod Taylor, 20 Dan Davis, 21 Gareth Davies, 22 Macs Page, 23 Tomi Lewis

Glasgow Warriors vs Saracens - 17:30 KO, Scotstoun Stadium

Glasgow Warriors host Saracens at Scotstoun Stadium in the final round of Pool One in the Investec Champions Cup, with a win guaranteeing the Warriors top spot after a perfect 15-point haul from the opening three rounds. Head Coach Smith has named a largely unchanged starting XV, with the only alteration to the pack seeing Rory Darge come in at blindside flanker, joining Jack Dempsey and Matt Fagerson in the loose forwards.

The Warriors front row remains intact, with Gregor Hiddleston between Patrick Schickerling and Zander Fagerson, while Alex Craig and Scott Cummings form the second-row partnership. Half-backs George Horne, set to reach 150 appearances for the club, and Dan Lancaster retain their roles, with Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones again in midfield. Ollie Smith starts on the wing, replacing Jamie Dobie, to complete the back three with Kyle Rowe and captain Kyle Steyn.

On the replacements bench, Euan Ferrie makes way for Darge, while Seb Stephen, Max Williamson, Rory Sutherland, Sam Talakai, Gregor Brown, Stafford McDowall, and Ben Afshar provide cover across the forwards and backs.

Saracens travel to Scotland aiming to back up last weekend’s victory over Toulouse and keep control of Pool One. Director of Rugby Mark McCall has made four changes to the side that beat the French champions, including the introduction of British & Irish Lion Ben Earl at number eight. The front row sees Eroni Mawi, Jamie George, and Marcus Street continue, while Maro Itoje and Hugh Tizard remain the engine room. Theo McFarland and Juan Martin Gonzalez complete the back row.

Ivan van Zyl and Fergus Burke retain the half-back pairing, with Owen Farrell and Lucio Cinti partnered in the centres for the first time this season. Rotimi Segun and Max Malins occupy the wings, with Elliot Daly at fullback. Replacements feature a mix of youth and experience, including Marco Riccioni, Noah Caluori, and Olly Hartley.

A crucial clash awaits at Scotstoun, with the Warriors looking to remain unbeaten in the pool and Saracens targeting a victory to secure home advantage in the Round of 16. Both sides bring a potent mix of experience and international quality to a high-stakes encounter.

GLASGOW: 15 Kyle Rowe, 14 Ollie Smith, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Kyle Steyn (c), 10 Dan Lancaster, 9 George Horne, 1 Patrick Schickerling, 2 Gregor Hiddleston, 3 Zander Fagerson, 4 Alex Craig, 5 Scott Cummings, 6 Matt Fagerson, 7 Rory Darge, 8 Jack Dempsey

REPLACEMENTS: 16 Seb Stephen, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Max Williamson, 20 Gregor Brown, 21 Euan Ferrie, 22 Stafford McDowall, 23 Ben Afshar

SARACENS : 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Max Malins, 13 Lucio Cinti, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Rotimi Segun, 10 Fergus Burke, 9 Ivan van Zyl, 1 Eroni Mawi, 2 Jamie George, 3 Marcus Street, 4 Maro Itoje (c), 5 Hugh Tizard, 6 Theo McFarland, 7 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 8 Ben Earl

REPLACEMENTS: 16 James Hadfield, 17 Rhys Carre, 18 Marco Riccioni, 19 Andy Onyeama-Christie, 20 Tom Willis, 21 Charlie Bracken, 22 Olly Hartley, 23 Noah Caluori