How to watch Champions Cup Round 1 online for *FREE* from anywhere

Fin Smith of Northampton Saints celebrates with teammate Henry Pollock after scoring a try during the Investec Champions Cup Round of 16 match between Northampton Saints and ASM Clermont Auvergne at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens on April 04, 2025 in Northampton, England.

(Image credit: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

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Watch Champions Cup for free with a VPN
Fixtures

The Champions Cup returns for 2025-26, with Bordeaux Bègles aiming to defend their title after their maiden win last season, while the likes of Bath, Leinster, and Toulouse are sure to be in contention.

That won’t come easy, though, in rugby union’s elite European competition with sides from England, France, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and South Africa all competing.

How to watch Champions Cup round 1 live streams for free

Rugby fan from the U.S.? Dedicated streaming service FloRugby are streaming every game for free on their YouTube as part of their 12 Matches of Christmas promotion.

You won't need an account, but only Round 1 fixtures are being shown for free so make the most of it while you can.

Those outside of the U.S. at the moment should use NordVPN to make it appear as if your device is still in America for the fixtures — more on that below.

How to watch Champions Cup live streams from anywhere

Although Champions Cup coverage is available in the likes of U.K., Australia and Canada you won't be able to stream for free on FloRugby's YouTube without using a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

A VPN sets your devices to appear back in your home country, regardless of where you are in the world. It's ideal for rugby fans away on business or vacation for this week's fixtures. Our favorite is NordVPN. It's the best on the market:

Using a VPN is incredibly stress free.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance if you're in the U.K. and want to view FloRugby's YouTube service, you'd select 'United States' from the listed countries.

3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to YouTube and watch the action.

Champions Cup Round 1 Fixtures

▶︎ Friday, 5 December 2025
Sale Sharks vs Glasgow Warriors – 8:00 p.m. GMT / 3:00 p.m. ET
Bayonne vs DHL Stormers – 8:00 p.m. GMT / 3:00 p.m. ET

▶︎ Saturday, 6 December 2025
Saracens vs Clermont Auvergne – 1:00 p.m. GMT / 8:00 a.m. ET
Vodacom Bulls vs Bordeaux Bègles – 5:15 p.m. GMT / 10:15 a.m. ET
La Rochelle vs Leicester Tigers – 5:30 p.m. GMT / 12:30 p.m. ET
Leinster vs Harlequins – 5:30 p.m. GMT / 12:30 p.m. ET
Scarlets vs Bristol Bears – 8:00 p.m. GMT / 3:00 p.m. ET
Bath Rugby vs Munster Rugby – 8:00 p.m. GMT / 3:00 p.m. ET

▶︎ Sunday, 7 December 2025
Pau vs Northampton Saints – 1:00 p.m. GMT / 8:00 a.m. ET
Toulouse vs Hollywoodbets Sharks – 3:15 p.m. GMT / 10:15 a.m. ET
Gloucester Rugby vs Castres Olympique – 3:15 p.m. GMT / 10:15 a.m. ET

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Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Tom is an up and coming freelance Journalist with a first-class degree in Specialist Sports Journalism from the University of Derby. He has previously written for LeicesterFanTV and Leicester Tigers. Passionate about all sports related content, Tom specialises in Football, Rugby, F1 and UFC.

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