The 30th edition of the Investec Champions Cup kicks off with Bath facing La Rochelle, the tournament’s recent champions. Toulouse, led by Antoine Dupont, looks to defend their title, while other French clubs like Bordeaux-Begles and Clermont Auvergne also aim for glory. Notably, several England players, currently ineligible for national selection, will showcase their skills to impress British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell ahead of the summer tour. The tournament also marks the first absence of Welsh teams, highlighting a significant shift in European rugby.