Why Bordeaux Won’t Retain The Champions Cup

Union Bordeaux Bègles started the defence of their Champions Cup title with a 36-36 draw away to Gloucester. Can the side from France make it three Champions Cup trophies in a row? Meanwhile, it was a poor weekend of results in the competition for the English clubs. Alfie Reynolds is joined by Will Kelleher and Elgan Alderman on this episode of The Ruck podcast to reflect on the weekend’s matches. Spain have launched their bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup. The Spanish Federation’s president Juan Carlos Martín 'Hansen' speaks to Alfie, Will and Elgan about why hosting the World Cup would be transformative for rugby in the country. And the Red Roses have finally lost a match, losing 24-21 to Canada in the WXV Global Series. Will John Mitchell's remain a dominant team going forward following that defeat? 00:00 Intro 01:37 World Cup pools system 02:12 Quiz question 03:30 Champions Cup opening round 05:50 Gloucester 36-36 Bordeaux Bègles 10:05 Bath 14-32 Montpellier 11:52 Northampton Saints 28-12 Cardiff 12:32 How far can Gloucester go in the Champions Cup? 14:33 Connacht 45-36 Saracens 15:50 Leinster and Glasgow Warriors 17:20 Toulouse 43-40 Exeter Chiefs 20:07 Bristol Bears v Exeter Chiefs 22:45 Juan Carlos Martin ‘Hansen’ interview 44:48 Canada 24-21 England 50:59 New Zealand 81-12 France 51:37 Answer to the quiz question Thumbnail photo: David Rogers/Getty Images. #ChampionsCup #Rugby #RugbyUnion #podcast #RedRoses #England #Canada #Bordeaux Read the best of our journalism: https://www.thetimes.com/sport Subscribe to the Times Sport YouTube channel:    / @thetimessport   Find us on X: https://x.com/TimesSport Find us on Instagram:   / timessport