The Champions Cup makes it's long awaited return this weekend, almost six months since Bordeaux edged out Northampton in Cardiff.
This time all roads lead to Bilbao and you can watch European Champions Cup 2025-26 live streams from anywhere with a VPN.
▶︎ Champions Cup Dates: Friday, December 5 → Saturday, 23 May
• FREE STREAM — FloRugby's YouTube (U.S.) / France TV (FRA)
• U.K. — Premier Sports
• Watch anywhere — Try NordVPN 100% risk free
With the updated Champions Cup format, 24 teams from England, France, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and South Africa are split across four groups. The top four teams in each group progress to the round of 16, before the field is narrowed down to the final two who will face off in Bilbao.
Antoine Dupont’s Toulouse enter as favourites this year, with the six-time champions aiming to lift the trophy for the third time in six seasons. Challenges will come from their Top 14 rivals, such as Bordeaux and La Rochelle, clubs that, alongside Toulouse, have shared the last five Champions Cup titles.
Don’t rule out contenders from outside France, though. The powerhouse of Irish rugby, Leinster, remain formidable, and it would be a surprise not to see them at least reach the semi-finals. English side Bath will also expect to mount a serious challenge, with stars like Finn Russell, Ollie Lawrence, and Thomas du Toit driving them forward. And don't forget about the three South African sides either, although they may struggle away from home soil.
It promises to be a thrilling 2025–26 Champions Cup, and with 63 matches to watch, you’ll want to know exactly where and how to follow the action. Read on as we explain how to watch the 2025–26 Champions Cup from anywhere in the world.
How to watch Champions Cup 2025-26 for free
U.S. rugby fans are in luck as round 1 of the Champions Cup will be broadcast for free on FloRugby's YouTube channel.
France TV will also have two free games a week. That includes Bulls vs Bordeaux and Toulouse vs Sharks for round 1.
Outside either the U.S. or France right now? Use NordVPN to access your free streams from anywhere — more on that below.
How to watch Champions Cup 2025-26 from anywhere
Unable to watch the Champions Cup 2025-26 on your usual streaming platforms due to geo-blockers?
No need to worry, you can still watch your usual rugby live streams thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software makes your devices to appear to be back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. Ideal for rugby fans away on vacation looking to stream the Champions Cup. Our favorite is NordVPN. It's the best on the market:
It's really easy to use a VPN to watch Champions Cup action.
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 example, if you want to watch your France TV stream choose 'France' from the listed countries.
3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to France TV and enjoy their coverage free of charge.
How to watch Champions Cup 2025-26 live streams in the U.S.
As alluded to, FloRugby's YouTube will broadcast every single game for free from Round 1.
Normally, you will need a FloRugby subscription to watch the action. Prices start at $29.99/month, but sign-up for an annual subscription and you will essentially get seven months for free.
Traveling outside the U.S. at all during the tournament? You can live stream the Champions Cup by using a trusted VPN.
How to watch Champions Cup 2025-26 live streams in Canada
Those in Canada can also stream all the Champions Cup action via FloRugby.
Prices remain the same which means when converting to Canadian dollars it comes in at CA$41.90/month.
Outside of Canada? You can watch any Champions Cup stream using NordVPN.
How to watch Champions Cup 2025-26 live streams in the U.K.
Premier Sports will be broadcasting the 2025-26 Champions Cup in the U.K..
It is £16.99/month for a flexible monthly subscription with an annual plan costing £120.
Outside the country to watch your Champions Cup team? Stream from anywhere in the world using a VPN.
How to watch Champions Cup 2025-26 live streams in Australia & New Zealand
The Champions Cup is broadcast on dedicated streaming service EPCR TV in Australia.
Every match will be available on the platform and a season pass is available for €49.99 (AU$88.29/NZ$101.16).
Outside either Australia or New Zealand during the tournament? You can use a VPN such as NordVPN to watch the full tournament from anywhere in the world.
How to watch Champions Cup 2025-26 live streams in South Africa
SuperSport will broadcast Champions Cup action in South Africa.
You'll need a DStv access package to watch the rugby tournament on SuperSport, with prices starting at R99 ($5.66) per month.
Can't access DStv from abroad? Just use a VPN to tell your device that you're back home.
Champions Cup 2025-26 Round 1 Fixtures
Fixture | Eastern Time | Greenwich Mean Time |
|---|---|---|
Sale Sharks vs Glasgow Warriors | 3 p.m. | 8 p.m. |
Bayonne vs. DHL Stormers | 3 p.m. | 8 p.m. |
Saracens vs. Clermont Auvergne | 8 a.m. | 1 p.m. |
Vodacom Bulls vs. Bordeaux-Bègles | 10:15 a.m. | 3:15 p.m. |
La Rochelle vs. Leicester Tigers | 12:30 p.m. | 5:30 p.m. |
Leinster Rugby vs. Harlequins | 12:30 p.m. | 5:30 p.m. |
Scarlets vs. Bristol Bears | 3 p.m. | 8 p.m. |
Bath Rugby vs. Munster Rugby | 3 p.m. | 8 p.m. |
Pau vs. Northampton Saints | 8 a.m. | 1 p.m. |
Toulouse vs. Hollywoodbets Sharks | 10:15 a.m. | 3:15 p.m. |
Gloucester Rugby vs. Castres Olympique | 10:15 a.m. | 3:15 p.m. |
Edinburgh Rugby vs. Toulon | 12:30 p.m. | 5:30 p.m. |
More from Tom's Guide
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