The upcoming Champions Cup season is widely predicted to see a seventh consecutive French victory, with Toulouse and Bordeaux-Bègles considered the most likely contenders. Bookmakers have quoted both Top 14 teams at 13-5 each for the title, reflecting what is described as an increasingly lopsided competition.
Leinster, Bath, Northampton, and Montpellier are listed as distant challengers, with the Stormers and Glasgow also mentioned as part of a chasing group. Concerns have been raised about the 24-team competition being reduced to a handful of serious contenders before the season even begins.
The opening weekend of the tournament has been moved to October, a change made by organisers to seek better weather and greater visibility. However, this single round is noted to generate little momentum, particularly as it is placed between busy domestic league weekends.
There are suggestions that Gloucester may field a rotated team against two-time defending champions Bordeaux on the opening night. This comes despite Gloucester having previously beaten Bordeaux 26-17 less than four years ago.