Gloucester and Bordeaux Bègles draw 36-36 in Champions Cup opener

Gloucester drew 36-36 with defending champions Bordeaux Bègles at Kingsholm on 16 October in the opening match of the 2026–27 Champions Cup. The hosts led by seven points at half-time and again after two tries from replacement Will Trenholm, but Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s second try and Maxime Lucu’s conversion brought Bordeaux level.

The result gave Gloucester a share of the points against a Bordeaux side seeking a third consecutive Champions Cup title. Both teams had chances to win after the final equaliser, according to BBC Sport, but neither found another score.

How Gloucester built a half-time lead

Lucu then put Bordeaux ahead with a long-range penalty from inside his own half. Gloucester’s George Barton scored a try and added a penalty, taking the home side into the interval 24-17 ahead. The Guardian reported that Gloucester had more than 60% of first-half possession and made six clean breaks to Bordeaux’s one, figures that reflected the pressure behind their lead.

Bielle-Biarrey answers Trenholm’s two tries

Bordeaux moved back in front after the restart. Bielle-Biarrey supplied the pass for Pablo Uberti’s try, then scored one himself. With Gloucester’s seven-point interval advantage gone, Trenholm came off the bench and scored twice in quick succession to turn the match again, putting the hosts 36-29 ahead midway through the second half.

Bielle-Biarrey crossed for his second try, and Lucu’s conversion made it 36-36. Gloucester and Bordeaux each had opportunities in the closing stages, but the converted try proved to be the last score. It left the defending champions with a draw rather than an opening win, while Gloucester had twice let a seven-point lead slip.

Before kick-off, the teams observed a minute’s silence for Lions lock Hyron Andrews, who died aged 31 on the Friday before the match, BBC Sport reported.