Leinster and Toulon renew their rivalry, while Bordeaux Bègles and Bath promise fireworks in a blockbuster Investec Champions Cup semi-final weekend.
On Saturday, four-time champions Leinster welcome three-time winners Toulon to the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Reigning champions Bordeaux Bègles then host English heavyweights Bath on Sunday.
The Irish giants qualified for their sixth successive semi-final when they beat the Sale Sharks, and they’ve warmed up nicely to the challenge.
Hooker Dan Sheehan has impressed across the park with his linebreaks, scores and presence in set-pieces, while captain Caelan Doris has earned himself a spot among the final five nominees for the Investec Player of the Year award thanks to his leadership and tenacity throughout the tournament.
ALSO: Leinster sweat on star forward ahead of semi
Should they progress against Toulon on Saturday, Leinster will get a shot at a coveted fifth star in Bilbao – in the same stadium where they last won the trophy.
But Toulon will be far from a pushover, as the French side have taken the competition by storm this season.
Winger Gaël Dréan has been on fine form all season long, scoring seven to top the try leaderboard alongside Bordeaux Bègles speedsters Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Salesi Rayasi.
It was Dréan’s double in the quarter-final that helped them topple the Glasgow Warriors away to book Toulon’s first semi-final since 2015.
VOTE: Investec Player of the Year
Last at this stage of the competition 11 years ago, Toulon beat Leinster thanks to a stunning Bryan Habana score in extra-time, before going on to seal their memorable three-peat.
A Bryan Habana extra time special
2015: The last semi-final RC Toulon contested… on their way to lifting the #InvestecChampionsCup for a third straight time
Same result 11 years later?
Get your tickets now to witness history live
https://t.co/17wwgScokJ pic.twitter.com/bUbN0OfGUJ
— Investec Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) April 23, 2026
Sunday’s game promises fireworks as Bordeaux Bègles welcome Bath to the Stade Atlantique Bordeaux Métropole.
The reigning champions are also the competition’s top seeds thanks to their unstoppable attack. Forty tries, 267 points and 100 linebreaks see them top the respective standings.
Investec Player of the Year nominees Matthieu Jalibert and Louis Bielle-Biarrey have led the Bordelais’ charge this year as they set their sights on a second star.
PLAY: Investec Champions Cup game centre
But Bath promise to bring their own world-class talent with the likes of Investec Player of the Year nominee Finn Russell and Henry Arundell.
Thomas du Toit and Tom Dunn have been ever-presents in the side’s formidable scrum and promise to pose a real test to Bordeaux this Sunday.
MORE: Bath’s Champions Cup hopes rest on The Tank
Back in a semi-final for the first time since 2006, the English side will be up for it as Bilbao entices the winner.
Investec Champions Cup semi-finals (SA times)
Saturday, 2 May
Leinster vs Toulon (4pm)
Sunday, 3 May
Bordeaux Bègles vs Bath (4pm)
POLL: Who will reach Champions Cup final?
Photo: Dave Winter/INPHO
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