Gloucester and holders Bordeaux draw thriller
Gloucester and defending champions Bordeaux Begles drew 36-36 in a dramatic Champions Cup opener at Kingsholm. The result denied Bordeaux a first defeat in the competition since April 2024, while giving Gloucester a strong start after they finished bottom of their pool last season.
Both teams scored five tries in a match that repeatedly swung between them. Gloucester led 24-17 at half-time and 36-29 after replacement Will Trenholm scored twice, but Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s second try, converted by Maxime Lucu, levelled the score. Gloucester chose to kick a late penalty to touch and lost possession; Bordeaux also failed to make a late scrum count. The match began with a minute’s silence for Lions lock Hyron Andrews, who died aged 31.
- Gloucester and Bordeaux drew 36-36 in the Champions Cup opener.
- Both sides scored five tries at Kingsholm.
- Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s late try secured Bordeaux’s draw.
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The Champions Cup is a European club rugby competition, bringing together leading teams from different domestic leagues. Gloucester play in England, while Bordeaux Begles are from France and were the defending champions.
The teams compete in pool matches before the knockout rounds. Gloucester finished bottom of their pool last season, so a strong start could help their prospects; Bordeaux entered the tournament seeking to defend their title.
Rugby union matches can turn quickly as teams score tries and conversions, and a draw leaves both sides with points but no win. The match also began with a minute’s silence for Hyron Andrews, a Lions lock who had died aged 31.