European Cup Record

Bordeaux-Bègles have never played in a European Cup final, but the French side came very close last season in the Challenge Cup when they fell to eventual winners Bristol Bears at the semi-final stage after a dramatic 37-20 extra time defeat at Ashton Gate. Bordeaux previously qualified for the Heineken Champions Cup in both the 2015/16 and 2016/17 seasons, finishing runners-up in the pool stages – behind Exeter Chiefs and ASM Clermont Auvergne respectively.

Last season

Bordeaux-Bègles had an impressive 2019/20 Challenge Cup campaign, finishing in first place in Pool 3 with a total of 26 points – five wins and a draw. After securing a draw and a victory over Edinburgh in the pool stage, the two teams met again in the quarter-finals – the French side winning 23-14 before falling to Bristol in the semi-final.

Director of Rugby

Christophe Urios arrived at the Stade Chaban-Delmas in 2018/19 from Castres Olympique, after guiding his former side to the TOP 14 title in 2018. In 2013, he also helped Oyonnax to the PRO D2 title.

Key players

Even though they lost centre Semi Radradra during last season, Bordeaux can rely on a solid forward line including prop Jefferson Poirot and number 8 Marco Tauleigne. In the backs they have international fly half Matthieu Jalibert and two fiery wingers - the Argentine Santiago Cordero and the New Zealander Ben Lam.

Pool Fixtures

Bordeaux-Bègles have been drawn in Pool A against Gallagher Premiership side Northampton Saints and Guinness PRO14 outfit Dragons. Bordeaux have previously faced off against the Welsh side in both the 2013/14 and 2017/18 Challenge Cup pool stages – the French side winning just one of their four meetings to date.

Today we will be having an in-depth look at 2020 Challenge Cup semi-finalists Bordeaux-Bègles, who will be returning to the Heineken Champions Cup for the 2020-21 campaign.