Gloucester lead holders Bordeaux in Champions Cup opener - radio & text
Gloucester are playing reigning champions Bordeaux Begles in the opening match of the 2026-27 Champions Cup.
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.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Sport's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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