Opponents confirmed for 2026/27 Investec Champions Cup

Glasgow Warriors were drawn in Pool 1 this afternoon for next season’s Investec Champions Cup.

Section Paloise last faced Glasgow Warriors in 2000, a year after they won the Challenge Cup.  The French side finished fourth in the Top14 this season.

Glasgow Warriors traveled to ASM Clermont Auvergne in the pool stages of the Champions Cup last year and came away with a bonus point win.

Leicester Tigers are two time European Champions and most recently fced Glasgow in the Round of 16 at Scotstoun on 2025. In 2017, the Glasgow side recorded one of it’s most famous results in club history with a 43-0 win at Welford Road.

Sale Sharks are a familiar opposition to Glasgow, having faced them in back-to-back seasons with Glasgow coming away with the win both times.

Leinster were also drawn in the Pool cannot face Glasgow due to competition rules.

Franco Smith spoke to glasgowwarriors.org following the draw to share his thoughts.

“The Investec Champions Cup is where you want to be testing yourself against some of the best clubs in world rugby, and this draw gives us exactly that opportunity.

Each of these teams will present a different challenge. Leicester Tigers have a proud history in this competition and continue to represent one of the biggest clubs in English rugby. Sale Sharks are a side we know well from recent seasons, and we know the physical challenge they bring every time we meet.

Section Paloise will be another great experience for our players and supporters, whilst Clermont have consistently shown the quality they possess on the European stage over many years. Every fixture will demand our very best if we want to be successful.

We have spoken throughout the last few seasons about continuing to challenge ourselves against the highest level of opposition. These are the occasions that allow our players to grow, both individually and collectively, and they are the matches that everyone at our club looks forward to.

We know the quality of the teams in our pool, but we’re excited by the opportunity to represent Glasgow Warriors in Europe once again and to compete against some outstanding opponents.”

Fixture dates, kick-off times and venues will be confirmed in due course by EPCR. Two matches will be played at home, and two matches will be played away – the club’s two home pool stage matches are included in a 2026/27 Season Ticket.

Round 1 – 16/17/18 October 2026 
Round 2 – 11/12/13 December 2026
Round 3 – 8/9/10 January 2027
Round 4 – 15/16/17 January 2027
Round of 16 – 2/3/4/ April 2027
Quarter-finals – 9/10/11/ April 2027
Semi-finals – 30 April/1/2/ May 2027

EPCR Challenge Cup Final – Friday 21 May 2027

Investec Champions Cup Final – Saturday 22 May 2027