The 2026-27 Investec Champions Cup kicked off on a sombre note on Friday night following the death of Lions lock Hyron Andrews.
A minute’s silence was observed as the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup competitions began.
Local authorities told AFP that Andrews was found in cardiac arrest and died ahead of the Lions’ match against La Rochelle in France. The Lions have decided to go ahead with the match in honour of Andrews.
The tragedy came 10 years to the day after the death of former Munster coach Anthony Foley, who died in his sleep, aged 42, from a heart rhythm disorder hours before his team were due to face Racing 92 in Paris. Munster are set to pay tribute to Foley when they host Racing on Saturday.
MORE: French police probe Lions tragedy
On the field, Champions Cup holders Bordeaux Bègles and Gloucester served up a 36-36 draw in a 10-try thriller.
Bordeaux had taken an early lead through scrumhalf Martin Page-Relo, but Gloucester hit back with tries from lock Arthur Clark and centre Max Llewellyn.
Prop Sipili Falatea crossed for the visitors before fullback George Barton’s try and late first-half penalty gave the hosts a seven-point advantage at the break.
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Bordeaux struck back after half-time, with Pablo Uberti scoring before opposite wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey raced clear for the first of his two tries.
Gloucester responded with two tries in three minutes from replacement loose forward Will Trenholm, but Bielle-Biarrey crossed again to level the scores.
The hosts turned down a kickable penalty in a frantic finish, opting for a lineout, only for Bordeaux to steal possession. The visitors then fumbled the ball close to the Gloucester line, bringing the contest to an end.
“ A lot of frustration,” said Bordeaux flyhalf Maxime Lucu after the match. “But a lot of pleasure also in playing this game tonight.”
– AFP
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
The post Bordeaux held in emotional Champions Cup opener appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The 2026-27 Investec Champions Cup kicked off on a sombre note on Friday night following the death of Lions lock Hyron Andrews.
The post Bordeaux held in emotional Champions Cup opener appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
