Leinster’s Champions Cup Chances – Odds Put Them Third

For rugby fans, the European Rugby Champions Cup, or the Investec Champions Cup as it is currently known, is one of the most exciting tournaments in the calendar year. Since it launched under the Heineken Cup name back in 1995, it has been steadily increasing in popularity with the passing of each year, and rightly so.

Last season, the quality of rugby displayed on the field was more competitive than ever, all capped off by an unforgettable final showdown in Spain between Leinster, and reigning European champions Bordeaux. Ultimately, it was Bordeaux who took the win in fairly-emphatic fashion with a 41 – 19 victory. This time around, the venue for the finals will be the French sporting capital of Lyon, with the action set to take place Fri 21st – Sat 22nd of May, 2027.

As Round 1 gets underway for the 2026/27 tournament, Leinster fans are eager for their beloved team to finally secure that elusive fifth European trophy, and potentially usurp Toulouse as kings of Europe.

But what are Leinster’s Champions Cup chances this year? Well, current odds put them third, so let’s find out whether the team formerly known as The Lions, have what it takes to secure another Champions Cup victory.

Whilst the action last season was high octane enough, if the past weekend’s performances are anything to go by, fans this time around will be in for an incredible treat over the next several months.

As of this writing, the current favourites for the Investec Champions Cup are Toulouse, with Irish bookmakers Irishbetting.ie, showing 2/1 odds with Ladbrokes, and 21/10 with Bet365. Considering their form last season, and how they still hold more European titles than any other team, that’s probably not going to shock a lot of you.

Bordeaux, who comfortably swept Leinster aside in the final last season, are currently second favourites with the bookies, with both Bet365 and Ladbrokes offering 5/2. The action for Round 1 got underway on Friday night, when reigning champions Bordeaux Bègles took on Gloucester, who went into the game as massive underdogs. Ultimately, Gloucester pulled off what has to be considered an incredible upset, as they shared with spoils with the reigning champs, as the game finished 36 – 36.

In other news Glasgow Warriors and Montpellier Hérault Rugby also picked up very important away wins, which could very well prove crucial down the line.

Another team that was victorious on the road over the weekend was last season’s runners up Leinster. Leinster are looking to make history, and if they’re to challenge for the title, they need to make statements. Well, they most certainly did that against Clermont, securing an all-important bonus point victory and seven tries in the process.

Ultimately, the game finished 48 – 23 in Leinster’s favour, with 23-year-old fly-half Sam Prendergast looking exceptional. The first half got off to a fairly subdued start until Dan Sheehan and Tadgh Furlong lifted the crowd and secured tries for Leinster. It was the second half however, that really helped lift the fans and Leinster’s spirits, thanks largely to the fantastic Prendergast.

At the restart, Prendergast scored a brilliant try for the club, and was able to secure 16 points within two minutes. The youngster was named ‘Player of the Match’ and if he continues this form, it will be the first of many.

Leinster have won this prestigious title four times in the past, and have been runners-up five times. Only Toulouse have more European titles than them with 6 as of this writing, so you’d best believe they’re desperate to add a fifth, which would put them just one behind Toulouse.

Leinster are of course hugely successful in Europe, particularly at this tournament, but that fifth trophy just keeps eluding them. Their last Champions Cup came in 2018, and after the heartbreak of last season’s final, winning a fifth will be no small feat.

But what are Leinster’s chances, and what do the bookmakers think? Well, despite a slight dip in form over the years, you can never count out the Lions, which is why odds currently put them as third favs. Both Ladbrokes and Bet365 have Leinster at 5/1.

Considering how impressive they looked over the weekend, and with Prendergast looking like a true leader, despite his young age, Leinster are certainly in with more than a shout this time around, and at 5/1, the odds aren’t too bad at all.