Ultimate glory is on the line this Saturday as Leinster take on Bordeaux Bègles in Bilbao’s iconic San Mamés Stadium.
It has all been building up to this. One hundred and sixty-nine days after round one kicked off on 5 December, just two sides remain in the Investec Champions Cup.
Irish giants Leinster are back on the biggest stage after a one-year hiatus, while reigning champions Bordeaux Bègles are in their second final in as many years. Having never met in a competitive match, Saturday’s decider is guaranteed to deliver.
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Leinster were unfortunate to miss out on a date with Bordeaux Bègles last year after they fell in a thrilling semi-final to the Northampton Saints.
They are unbeaten in this season’s competition, slaying serial winners such as La Rochelle and Toulon along the way.
Semi-final thriller!
Watch the instant #InvestecChampionsCup highlights on YouTube
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— Investec Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) May 2, 2026
Their trademark quick ball and formidable aerial play have often had opponents in a stranglehold as they have imposed their style of play in every outing.
Title-less since 2018, Leinster are looking to turn their four stars into five this Saturday and edge closer to all-time leaders Toulouse’s six.
They will have fond memories to draw upon, with that 2018 final taking place in the same stadium as this Saturday’s showpiece, but recent final losses will be sure to fuel their fire.
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Having come up short against La Rochelle in 2022 and 2023, before losing to Toulouse in 2024, Leinster will be looking to finally end their hoodoo against French sides in Champions Cup finals.
Nothing but a trophy will suffice for history-hungry Bordeaux Bègles, who are looking to back up last season’s triumph. Should they overcome Leinster, it would mean a second piece of silverware in as many seasons, and they would become the sixth team to achieve that feat.
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Their fans will be confident heading to Bilbao. Matching Leinster’s unbeaten form, the French side have often looked unstoppable going forward, including against some of the competition’s stiffest opposition – including Toulouse and Bath.
Sensational semi-final!
Watch the instant #InvestecChampionsCup highlights on YouTube
— Investec Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) May 3, 2026
Serial scorers Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Salesi Rayasi have had defences in tangles with their pace and footwork, breaking the line for fun.
Add to that the experience, cool heads and kicking expertise of Maxime Lucu and Matthieu Jalibert, and Bordeaux Bègles look the complete package.
Saturday’s final kicks off at 3:45pm (SA time).
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Photo: Billy Stickland/INPHO
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