The champions cup rugby semi finals are finally upon us, and let’s be grand about it: the bracket is an absolute belter. Come the 2nd and 3rd of May, the whole of Europe will be holding its breath to see if the Leinster boys can hold the fort in Dublin or if the French flair of Bordeaux is going to spoil the party.
If you’re looking for the exact kick-off times, which channel has the match, or just a bit of expert “craic” on who’s going to come out on top, you’ve come to the right place. Grab a brew and settle in; what’s coming to the Aviva and Bordeaux isn’t for the faint-hearted.
Fixtures, Times, and Where the Magic Happens
For those of ye who don’t want to miss a single second of the action, here is the official roadmap for a weekend of pure, unadulterated rugby.
| Date | Kick-off (IST/GMT) | The Matchup | The Ground | On the Telly |
| Sat, 2 May | 10:00 | Leinster Rugby vs RC Toulon | The Aviva (Dublin) | TNT Sports, RTE, beIN |
| Sun, 3 May | 10:00 | Union Bordeaux Bègles vs Bath Rugby | Stade Atlantique (Bordeaux) | TNT Sports, Premier Sports |
Note: I spend a fair bit of my time looking at the gritty stuff—the Group 20 lads in Oz or the Woodbridge Cup—where the rugby is all heart and mud. But make no mistake, the tactical genius on display in these Champions Cup semis is a different kettle of fish altogether.
Where to Catch the Semi Finals Live
One of the worst things about the official site is they leave you wandering around in the dark trying to find a stream. Let’s cut to the chase. Depending on where you’re perched, here are your best bets for the Investec Champions Cup knockout fixtures:
- Ireland: TNT Sports is the main shout, but keep an eye on RTE for the highlights or the odd live game.
- The UK: TNT Sports and Premier Sports are the ones holding the cards here.
- South Africa: SuperSport, as per usual, has you covered.
- Global Streaming: If you’re not near a telly, epcrugby.tv is the official shout—don’t be going near those dodgy links that cut out just as a lad is crossing the whitewash.
The Expert’s Two Cents: Why These Games are Massive
Leinster vs Toulon: A Dublin Dust-up
Leinster are playing at their HQ, the Aviva. They’re coming in with five wins on the trot (five “W”s in the form guide, you love to see it) and a squad that’s basically the Irish national team in blue jerseys. Toulon, though, are coming with a point to prove. They weren’t given a prayer at the start of the season, but they’ve got a grit about them now that’s hard to ignore.
My shout: Leinster to take it, but only by a converted try. The home crowd will be the difference-maker.
Bordeaux vs Bath: Pure Filth vs English Grit
The Stade Atlantique is going to be hopping. Bordeaux are playing some “pure filth” rugby—high speed, high risk—while Bath have a tactical discipline that would frustrate a saint. —Keep an eye on the battle at the breakdown; that’s where the war will be won or lost—.
The FAQs (The Stuff Everyone’s Asking)
The big dance happens just a few weeks after these semis. If you’re looking for the live scores as they happen, the best spot is the EPCR Rugby Match Centre.
To be honest, you’d have a better chance of finding a pot of gold. If you didn’t grab them in the club pre-sale, keep a sharp eye on the official EPCR ticket portal. Don’t go buying from a lad on the street corner; it’ll only end in tears.
In the champions cup rugby semi finals, there’s no sharing the spoils. If it’s level at 80 minutes, we go to extra time. If they’re still deadlocked? It’s a place-kick shootout. Pure drama.
If this guide did the job for you, pass it on to the lads in the club group chat. Rugby is all about the community, and we’re just here to make sure you’re not the only one at the pub without a clue.
