Dec 21, TBD
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Dec 21, TBD
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Dec 21, 1:00 PM UTC
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Dec 21, 1:30 PM UTC
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Dec 21, 3:00 PM UTC
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Dec 21, 3:30 PM UTC
RC Vannes vs Aviron Bayonnais
Dec 21, 3:30 PM UTC
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Dec 21, 3:30 PM UTC
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Dec 21, 3:30 PM UTC
MHR vs Racing 92
Dec 21, 5:15 PM UTC
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Dec 21, 8:05 PM UTC
Castres Olympique vs Union Bordeaux
Dec 22, 8:05 PM UTC
Lyon OU vs Stade Toulousain
Dec 26, TBD
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Dec 26, 3:00 PM UTC
Dragons vs Cardiff
Dec 26, 5:15 PM UTC
Ospreys vs Scarlets
2024 Stade Toulousain vs Ulster Rugby

Young Top 14 Talents Poised To Shine In 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup

Young Top 14 Talents Poised To Shine In 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup

The 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup will showcase rising stars from the Top 14, ready to make their marks and leave a lasting impact on the European stage.

Dec 5, 2024 by Philip Bendon
Why Should Rugby Fans Support Bordeaux?

The 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup will highlight a new wave of young talent from the French Top 14, eager to make their mark on European rugby. 

Players who have impressed at youth level and in domestic competitions are stepping into the limelight, ready to lead their teams on the European stage. 

With the combination of dynamic playmaking, raw athleticism and technical prowess, these emerging stars are poised to make an impact in one of the sport's most prestigious tournaments. 

Many of these players already have excelled in their domestic leagues and international competitions, and now they are gearing up to showcase their abilities on the grandest of stages. 

The 2024-2025 season promises to be an exciting one, with the next generation of rugby talent set to shine.

Marko Gazzotti – Bordeaux-Begles

Born in Aix-les-Bains, Marco Gazzotti is a rising star of French rugby. 

The 20-year-old Bordeaux-Bègles backrower was voted the best player of the 2023 U20 World Cup, where his explosive power and skill shone as France secured their third consecutive title. 

A versatile player capable of excelling at No. 8 or flanker, "Gazzo" has impressed for Bordeaux in the Top 14 and earned his first senior call-up under coach Fabien Galthié. 

With Lithuanian and Italian heritage, he blends speed, intelligence and physicality, drawing praise from his teammates and coaches alike. Destined for greatness, Gazzotti embodies the future of Bordeaux and Les Bleus.

Ștefan Buruiană – Castres Olympique

Ștefan Buruiană is a dynamic 21-year-old hooker and making waves in international rugby. 

Standing at 1.77 m and weighing 93 kg, Buruiană combines agility and power, qualities that have seen him excel at Castres Olympique in France. 

Known for his precision in the set piece and mobility around the field, he earned his first international cap for Romania against Canada in November 2024, marking a significant milestone in his promising career. 

With his technical skills and relentless work ethic, Buruiană represents the next generation of Romanian rugby talent, poised to become a cornerstone for both club and country.

Baptiste Jauneau – Clermont Auvergne

Baptiste Jauneau, the promising scrumhalf for AS Clermont and France, already is drawing comparisons to the legendary Antoine Dupont. 

At just 21 years old, Jauneau's quick decision making, precise passing and dynamic running game showcase the potential to fill Dupont's enormous boots. 

A key figure in France’s victorious 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship campaign, Jauneau formed a formidable partnership with La Rochelle fly-half Hugo Reus, orchestrating fluid attacking plays that overpowered their rivals. 

Many believe this duo could become Les Bleus' future halfback pairing. With Jauneau’s tactical maturity and flair, the comparisons to Dupont may soon feel inevitable.

Hugo Reus – Stade Rochelais

Born on Feb. 21, 2004, Hugo Reus is one of the most exciting young fly-halves in professional rugby. 

Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 84 kg, the La Rochelle playmaker has quickly risen through France’s age-grade system, debuting with the U18s in the 2021-2022 season. 

Reus played a pivotal role in France’s triumph at the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship and led them to another final the following year, narrowly losing to England. 

Inspired by his childhood hero, Jonny Wilkinson, Reus credits La Rochelle head coach Ronan O’Gara as the biggest influence on his career. 

His vision and leadership mark him as a future superstar, and he will be a key challenger to La Rochelle’s first-choice fly-half, Antoine Hastoy.

Davit Niniashvili – Lyon

Born on July 14, 2002, in Tbilisi, Georgia, Davit Niniashvili is one of rugby's brightest young backs. 

Starting rugby at age 8 with RC Khvamli, he made his international debut at 18 against Ireland in 2020 and has since scored seven tries in 20 appearances for Georgia. 

Joining Lyon in 2021, Niniashvili quickly became a standout, scoring 12 tries in 33 matches by the end of the 2022-2023 season. 

Twice named Player of the Match during Lyon’s 2022 European Challenge Cup triumph, his dynamic style draws comparisons to Georgian legends Mamuka Gorgodze and Merab Kvirikashvili. A rising star in world rugby.

Junior Kpoku – Racing 92

Junior Kpoku, a 19-year-old lock and blindside flanker, is a standout talent for Racing 92 and England U20s. 

After joining Racing from Exeter in November 2022, he helped England U20s secure a Six Nations and World Rugby Championship double in 2023. 

Kpoku’s stock has risen rapidly, with six consecutive starts in the 2023-2024 Top 14 season. 

Despite efforts by the RFU to bring him back to England, he extended his Racing contract until 2027. 

With eligibility for France in 2026, Kpoku could choose Les Bleus as his senior side if English rugby fails to win him back. 

In short, Kpoku is a generational talent and will no doubt be at the centre of a battle between French and English Rugby for his signature.

Setareki Turagacoke – Stade Francais

At just 18, Fijian forward Setareki Turagacoke already is making waves in international rugby. 

Hailing from Dakuinuku, Tailevu, he debuted for the Flying Fijians on November 16, 2024, against Spain, marking the occasion with a crucial lineout win and a match-sealing try. 

A graduate of Lelean Memorial School and Fiji Rugby’s High-Performance Unit, Turagacoke’s talent was recognized early, leading to a 2024 move to Stade Français Paris. 

Excelling in the Top 14 and for Fiji, his speed, strength, and skill signal a player destined for greatness. Turagacoke is a rising star of Fijian and world rugby.

Joël Merkler – Stade Toulousain

Joël Merkler, a 23-year-old front-rower, is a rising star for Stade Toulousain and the Spanish national team. 

Renowned as one of the best scrummagers in the Top 14, Merkler has been a key part of Toulouse’s squad over the past two seasons, starting in nine of his 40 appearances. 

His commitments in France prevented him from joining Spain’s campaigns in the 2023 and 2024 Rugby Europe Championships, but his return to the national setup was eagerly anticipated this year. 

With his powerful scrummaging and growing experience, Merkler is set to be a cornerstone of both club and country for years to come.

Investec Champions Cup Fixture And Rugby Schedule

Here is the complete Investec Champions Cup schedule:

Investec Champions Cup 2024-2025 Round 1

Investec Champions Cup 2024-2025  Round 2

Investec Champions Cup 2024-2025 Round 3

Investec Champions Cup 2024-2025 Round 4

Investec Champions Cup Format 

Key points of the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup:

  • A multi-pool format, as launched in the 2023-2024 season
  • 24 elite clubs - eight each from the Gallagher Premiership, URC and TOP 14 - in four pools of six
  • Sporting jeopardy, with each club playing against four different opponents, home or away, in the pool stage
  • Four highest-ranked clubs in each pool qualify for the Round of 16
  • The Investec Champions Cup will be played over eight weekends, with four pool rounds and four knockout rounds culminating in the 2025 final, which will be staged at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Saturday, May 24.

Investec Champions Cup Weekends

  • Round 1 – 6/7/8 December 2024
  • Round 2 – 13/14/15 December 2024
  • Round 3 – 10/11/12 January 2025
  • Round 4 – 17/18/19 January 2025
  • Round of 16 – 4/5/6 April 2025
  • Quarter-finals – 11/12/13 April 2025
  • Semi-finals – 2/3/4 May 2025
  • 2025 Investec Champions Cup final – Saturday, May 24, Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Champions Cup Qualifications 

Twenty-four clubs have qualified for the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup as follows:

  • United Rugby Championship (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • TOP 14 (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • Gallagher Premiership Rugby (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • If not already qualified, the winner of the 2024 Investec Champions Cup will take the place of the eighth-ranked club in its league.

Investec Champions Cup Qualifiers 

  • TOP 14 – Stade Toulousain, Union Bordeaux-Bègles, Stade Français Paris, RC Toulon, Stade Rochelais, Racing 92, Castres Olympique, ASM Clermont Auvergne
  • GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP – Northampton Saints, Bath Rugby, Sale Sharks, Saracens, Bristol Bears, Harlequins, Exeter Chiefs, Leicester Tigers
  • UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP – Glasgow Warriors, Vodacom Bulls, Munster Rugby, Leinster Rugby, DHL Stormers, Ulster Rugby, Benetton Rugby, Hollywoodbets Sharks

When Does The 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup Begin? When Is The Champions Cup Final?

The Investec Champions Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup begin Dec. 6, and the four-round pool-play action ends Jan. 19, 2025. The Round of 16 starts on April 4, while the quarterfinals are April 11-13. The semifinals are May 2-4. 

The EPCR Championships weekend is in Cardiff, Wales at Principality Stadium. There are championship games on May 23 (EPCR Challenge Cup) and May 24 (Investec Champions Cup). 

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