Champions Cup six to watch led by Tuipulotu, Smith and new faces in France
Scotland centre Sione Tuipulotu heads six players to watch as the Investec Champions Cup returns this October. The list comes from former England international and pundit Ugo Monye in a Guardian preview ahead of the opening round. The Guardian
The Champions Cup is Europe's top club tournament, played alongside the second-tier Challenge Cup in the 2026/27 season. Holders Union Bordeaux Begles return after back-to-back titles. The new campaign starts in October, with the final set for Lyon. BBC Sport EPCR
Tuipulotu plays centre for Glasgow Warriors, the midfield role built on strong carrying and quick distribution. He helped Glasgow reach last season's quarter-finals, where they pushed Toulon all the way. Glasgow were among the best performers in the pool stages.
A chest injury left his place on last year's British & Irish Lions tour of Australia in doubt. He recovered to lead Scotland through the summer fixtures. He captained a win over Argentina and a defeat by South Africa, and helped beat Fiji.
Northampton Saints fly-half Fin Smith is another pick. The fly-half wears 10 and directs the attack with pass and kick. He toured Australia with the Lions, came home out of form and out of the England side, then won the England jersey back.
Northampton showed their attacking punch in a 71-48 win over Bath. It was loose. It was fast. Smith sits at the heart of it.
Italy centre Tommaso Menoncello features after signing for French side Toulouse. He steps into a midfield reshaped by Pita Ahki's departure. Menoncello scored a try in Italy's first victory over England in March.
England back-rower Tom Willis joins Bordeaux after his move across the Channel. The back row covers the loose forwards who carry hard and make tackles around the field. Bordeaux are led by captain Maxime Lucu, the scrum-half who passes from the base of the ruck and sets the tempo. There is a family edge, with Willis's brother Jack playing for Toulouse.
Fixture details for both the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup are now confirmed. The pool draws for the 2026/27 tournaments were staged at the Premier Sports studios in Dublin.
What makes this stand out is movement and timing. Menoncello and Willis are testing themselves in France. Tuipulotu and Smith arrive with Test leadership and regained form behind them. Europe will test all of it.
