Gloucester and holders Bordeaux draw thriller
Gloucester and holders Bordeaux Begles begin this season's Champions Cup with a thrilling 36-36 draw at Kingsholm.
Gloucester and Champions Cup holders Bordeaux shared a memorable 36-36 draw at Kingsholm in their season opener. The French team, aiming for their third consecutive title, had feared their first defeat since a quarter-final loss to Harlequins in April 2024. Gloucester took an early lead but Bordeaux closed the gap before the interval, eventually leading 36-29.
Gloucester secured a crucial win with two tries from replacement Will Trenholm midway through the second half. However, Bordeaux's Louis Bielle-Biarrey equalized with his own try, converting it himself. Despite efforts to win, neither side could secure a victory in an intense finish. Before the game, a silent tribute was held for Lions lock Hyron Andrews, who passed away at 31.
A match in his honor is planned for Saturday, with additional tributes across the opening round of matches.
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