The 2025/26 Investec Champions Cup reaches its conclusion on Saturday the 23rd of May when Leinster take on Union Bordeaux Bègles at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao. Leinster are chasing a fifth European title and a first since 2018, while Bordeaux are bidding to defend the title they won last season in what will be their second straight final.
This preview will be updated with betting moves, team news, weather and a suggest bet(s) throughout the week.
Betting - Posted 17 May
Leinster 12/5
Draw 22/1
Bordeaux 4/10
Handicap: Leinster +6.5
ROUTE TO THE FINAL
Leinster
Leinster once again underlined their consistency in Europe by topping Pool 3 with a perfect four wins from four matches. They finished ahead of Harlequins, Stormers, Leicester Tigers and Bayonne, scoring 115 points and conceding just 80 in the pool phase.
Their knockout campaign has been hugely impressive. They hammered Edinburgh 49-31 in Dublin in the Round of 16 before dismantling Sale Sharks 43-13 in the quarter-finals.
The semi-final against Toulon was far tougher, but Leinster dug deep to win 29-25 at the Aviva Stadium in a high-quality contest.
This will be Leinster’s ninth Champions Cup final and remarkably their fourth final in five seasons.
Union Bordeaux Bègles
Bordeaux were outstanding in the pool phase, topping Pool 4 with four wins from four matches. They scored a massive 173 points in those four fixtures and secured the No.1 overall seed for the knockout rounds.
Their Round of 16 performance was one of the statements of the season as they crushed Leicester Tigers 64-14.
That was followed by a huge all-French quarter-final clash against Toulouse, which Bordeaux won 30-15 despite facing a side packed with international quality.
In the semi-finals they beat Bath 38-26 in front of a passionate crowd of 42,105 supporters in Bordeaux.
Early Thoughts
This feels like the final many neutrals wanted. Leinster have probably been the most consistent side in Europe over the last five years, but they have repeatedly fallen short in the biggest games, losing their last 4 finals. Bordeaux, meanwhile, have developed into an explosive attacking side capable of blowing anyone away.
I would also have priced Bordeaux as favourites but I don’t see this line moving and I will be back later in the week with any betting moves and also a look at the points lines