Deon Fourie says the Stormers are embracing the challenge of another European adventure.
The Cape side opens its 2025-26 Investec Champions Cup campaign away to Bayonne on Friday (10pm SA time) in a clash that will set the tone for their bid to reach the playoffs, having failed to do so last season.
The Stormers’ opener is part of a blockbuster weekend for South African teams in Europe. Reigning champions Bordeaux Bègles visit the Vodacom Bulls on Saturday, while the Sharks head to six-time champions Toulouse on Sunday in a rematch of the one-sided quarter-final in 2023.
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Fourie says the Stormers are energised by the calibre of opposition they will face in the pool stage of Europe’s elite competition this season – Bayonne, two-time winners La Rochelle, Harlequins and Leicester.
“It’s a great competition and always special to play away at these great European stadiums,” he said. “We’re playing against quality sides with international stars.”
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The Stormers reached the last eight in their debut campaign in 2022-23, and Fourie believes they have the pedigree to push deeper this time.
“We’ve tasted the quarter-finals before, so to get into a semi-final is the goal,” he explained.
“For me, the most difficult game is always the semi-final; if you win that, you’re in the final – and anyone can win that. So, the goal is to get into that semi-final.”
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For Fourie, though, the focus is squarely on Bayonne and starting well in a gruelling tournament.
“It’s a long competition and every point matters,” he said. “If we want to reach that semi-final, we have to set the standard from week one.”
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The Stormers will aim to do just that in the intimidating atmosphere of Stade Jean-Dauger on Friday night.
The Investec @ChampionsCup is back this week! pic.twitter.com/5SEuSn1Uh3
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) December 1, 2025
Investec Champions Cup fixtures (Round 1, SA times)
Friday, 5 December
Bayonne vs Stormers, 10pm
Sale Sharks vs Glasgow Warriors, 10pm
Saturday, 6 December
Saracens vs Clermont, 3pm
Bulls vs Bordeaux Begles, 5:15pm
La Rochelle vs Leicester Tigers, 7:30pm
Leinster vs Harlequins, 7:30pm
Scarlets vs Bristol Bears, 10pm
Bath vs Munster, 10pm
Sunday, 7 December
Pau vs Northampton Saints, 3pm
Toulouse vs Sharks, 5:15pm
Gloucester vs Castres, 5:15pm
Edinburgh vs Toulon, 7:30pm
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
