Investec Champions Cup semifinals preview: The final battle for a spot in Cardiff Finals

Max Deegan (Leinster Rugby) scores during the quarterfinals against Glasgow Warriors

A rematch of last season’s semifinal, featuring Leinster Rugby against Northampton Saints, at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Saturday, 3 May with new £30 tickets just released.

An all-French face-off as Union Bordeaux-Bègles takes on Stade Toulousain at Matmut ATLANTIQUE on Sunday, 4 May.

All roads now lead to the greatest weekend in club rugby and the Cardiff 2025 Finals.

The path to the 2025 Investec Champions Cup final runs through Dublin and Bordeaux, as the top clubs in the competition prepare for the semifinals.

On the 3 and 4 May, fans can expect two thrilling clashes: Leinster Rugby will face Northampton Saints on Saturday, followed by Union Bordeaux-Bègles taking on Stade Toulousain on Sunday. With a spot in the Final on the line, both matchups are set to deliver high drama ahead of the grand finale of European rugby’s most prestigious club competition in Cardiff on 24 May.

KEY MATCH INFORMATION

Leinster Rugby v Northampton Saints

Saturday, 3 May - Aviva Stadium, Dublin (17.30)

A blockbuster clash awaits at Dublin’s iconic Aviva Stadium as four-time European champions Leinster Rugby take on the reigning English Premiership titleholders, Northampton Saints.

Leinster, cheered on by a passionate sea of blue, will be looking to draw on their vast experience at this level, having reached the Final in five of the last seven seasons, but having not claimed the title since 2018.

Under the guidance of Head Coach Leo Cullen, Leinster boast a squad packed with international superstars, including the likes of Caelan Doris, Jordie Barrett, and Jamison Gibson-Park - all shortlisted for this season’s Investec Player of the Year. Their 142 unanswered points over their last three Investec Champions Cup matches show that they are more determined than ever to reclaim the European crown.

Northampton Saints arrive in Dublin full of confidence after a clinical quarterfinal victory over Castres Olympique. Led by Director of Rugby Phil Dowson, the Saints are spearheaded by dynamic players such as Fin Smith, Tommy Freeman and breakout star Henry Pollock – himself an Investec Player of the year nominee. An in-form Saints are looking to reach their first Investec Champions Cup final since 2011.

This semifinal is a repeat of last season’s dramatic encounter, where Northampton clawed back a second-half deficit to come within three points of Leinster. A crucial late turnover by Jack Conan sealed the 20-17 win for the Irish side, in what was a heart-stopping finish at Croke Park.

With the Aviva expected to be near capacity and fans from both nations descending on Dublin, this semifinal is again shaping up to be one of the matches of the season. £30 tickets are now available, and fans are encouraged to secure the last ones before the stadium sells out.

Matthieu Jalibert (Union Bordeaux-Bègles) during the quarterfinal against Munster Rugby

Union Bordeaux-Bègles v Stade Toulousain

Sunday, May 4 – Matmut ATLANTIQUE, Bordeaux (16.00)

Rugby fans are in for a thrilling all-French showdown as Union Bordeaux-Bègles take on Stade Toulousain at Matmut ATLANTIQUE in the heart of Bordeaux.

This clash between the TOP 14 heavyweights, who currently occupy the top two spots in their league, promises to be fiercely competitive. Union Bordeaux-Bègles, unbeaten this season and boasting the highest points tally in the tournament, are riding a wave of momentum. Led by Head Coach Yannick Bru, their line-up features Investec Player of the Year nominees Maxime Lucu and Damian Penaud—the latter setting a record for most tries in a single season at 12. They are now just 80 minutes away from a historic first-ever Investec Champions Cup Final appearance.

Standing in their way are tournament giants Stade Toulousain. Under the guidance of Director of Rugby Ugo Mola, Toulouse arrives with an all-star squad that includes top points scorer Thomas Ramos and powerhouse Jack Willis, both also up for Investec Player of the Year honours. Like their opponents, Stade Toulousain are unbeaten this season and bring a wealth of knockout experience as they chase a record seventh Investec Champions Cup title in Cardiff.

The two sides last met in the competition in the 2021 semifinals, with Stade Toulousain winning that encounter 21-9.

With both sides featuring a blend of homegrown talent and international stars, the stadium is already sold out with fans from across France and beyond gathering for what promises to be a spectacular celebration of European rugby.