With the first round of matches in the 2025-26 Champions Cup all done and dusted, we take a look at what we learned from the opening weekend's fixtures.

Gloucester hold their nerve to beat Castres on their return to the Champions Cup after a two-year absence on a wild afternoon at Kingsholm.

George Hendy's try four minutes from time seals a dramatic win for Northampton Saints in an enthralling Champions Cup contest against Pau.

Ospreys fight back from 21-0 down to stun Connacht 24-21 in their European Challenge Cup opener in Bridgend.

Saracens come from behind to beat Loughborough Lightning and extend their unbeaten run in Premiership Women’s Rugby.

Exeter Chiefs get European Challenge Cup campaign off to the perfect start with a dominant display against the Cheetahs at Sandy Park.

Perpignan ease to a bonus-point win against fellow league strugglers Dragons in their European Challenge Cup opener.

Bath claim a convincing bonus-point win over Munster at a rain-lashed Recreation Ground with all but five points scored in the first half.

Louis Rees-Zammit's try proves the difference as Bristol Bears defeat Scarlets 17-16 in their Champions Cup opener.

Leinster finish strongly to hold off a spirited Harlequins and launch their latest quest for a fifth Champions Cup title with a bonus-point pool 3 win at Aviva Stadium.

Saracens run in seven tries to make the perfect start to the Champions Cup with a dominant win over Clermont Auvergne.