Champions Cup Betting Preview: Best Bets, Value Picks and Longshots
Who will win the Champions Cup? Explore the favourites, value selections and longshot outsiders with in-depth betting insight and key stats.
Credit: Stefano Delfrate
It is only a matter of days until the Champions Cup resumes. Europe’s best will go toe-to-toe for the prestigious trophy. There are many hungry teams on the hunt. This leaves the door open for some exciting betting options to explore. Let’s dive into them.
Best Bet: Toulouse
It will come as no surprise that Toulouse are favourites at 5/2 to lift the trophy in May. With Antoine Dupont recently returning from injury, the French juggernaut will look to be even stronger heading into the competition, where they have had so much success in the past. Of course, they took home the trophy in 2023 and just missed out in a narrow defeat to Bordeaux last year. With redemption on their minds, they will be looking to reclaim the crown.
Toulouse currently sit top of the Top 14, and have recorded the most tries so far this season in that competition. Their recent 48–24 win over Racing 92 was imposing. It marked the return of Dupont, as he came off the bench for 30 minutes. Matthis Lebel was a player who truly stood out, making three line breaks, and Emmanuel Meafou was highly productive, carrying the ball 16 times. They will look to build on this momentum as they kick off their campaign by taking on the Sharks, before making the trip to Glasgow. When at their best, it is hard to stop them, which is why they come into the competition as clear favourites.
Value Bet: Bordeaux
Bordeaux will be looking to defend their crown this season. The French side toppled the Northampton Saints at the Principality Stadium in last year’s final. There is value in them at 3/1 because, like Toulouse, when they are in full flow, Bordeaux are almost impossible to stop. The side has a tremendous amount of talent within its squad. Players like Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Damian Penaud, and Cameron Woki will look to help the team secure back-to-back titles. Last season, they dominated the numbers across the board, lighting up the competition with 53 tries and 370 points. With 1,270 tackles and 237 kicks, the intent was clear, while Penaud led the way as the top try scorer with 14 scores. If Bordeaux hit the same levels of performance as they did last year, then there is no reason they can’t go all the way yet again. Bordeaux will start their defence by heading to South Africa to take on the Vodacom Bulls.
Longshot Bet: Bath
Bath are clearly the best team in England right now. The club has looked like a true force so far this year. They will look to build on this for Champions Cup success. Of course, last year they relished European glory, taking home the Challenge Cup, but this year they will have bigger ambitions. With talent such as Finn Russell, Ollie Lawrence, and Ben Spencer, there is no doubt they have the firepower to compete with the very best. This season, they picked up right where they left off, sitting at the top of the league and looking on course to do the double. Their attack is lethal, as they have scored 209 points from 80 tries. They have made 2,771 metres from 779 carries and left 162 defenders in the dust. They are also steadfast in defence, which is why they are incredibly hard to get the better of. The squad is full of young, hungry players with big ambitions in rugby, and if you like a high-risk, high-reward scenario, you could see a favourable return on Bath at 8/1 odds. They will welcome Munster to the Rec this Saturday to kick off their campaign.
The title race is wide open, with contenders rising through every corner of the competition. Now all that remains is the spark that sets it alight.
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“I Just Want to Keep Learning and Improving”: Tom Florence’s Journey
From Bridgend to the professional stage with the Ospreys, Tom Florence’s journey reflects the enduring passion of Welsh rugby.
Noah Kahan’s “Everywhere, Everything” unintentionally echoes the emotions of Welsh rugby fans through the years. Originally about a romantic renaissance, the stanza now encapsulates the euphoria and pride coursing through Welsh rugby for decades. Past successes seem distant, but while results have dwindled, the passion remains. Ospreys’ Tom Florence embodies that relentless drive. His journey is interesting from start to finish.
Born and bred in Bridgend
Florence’s hometown of Bridgend was where he built the bedrock of his career. In Bridgend, rugby isn’t just a sport; its history is woven into the town, producing generations of top-class players. The Bridgend Ravens are the team most associated with Bridgend. However, the Brewery Field isn’t where the young back took his first steps in rugby.
Instead, you must look to Newbridge Fields, just three minutes down the road. His love for the game began with Bridgend Sports. By 12, he had moved to the Athletic. That step would shape his rugby path. Whether it was for Bridgend Sports, Bridgend Athletic, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd, Brynteg, or Bridgend, Florence’s journey is synonymous with the county of Bridgend. He talks through his early rugby life.
“It’s really special to have played for the Sports, the Ath, Brynteg, and now the Ravens, all clubs and teams that mean a lot to me and to everyone in Bridgend. My dad first took me down to play for Bridgend Sports when I was seven, alongside a few of my mates, which was really enjoyable.
“I moved over to Bridgend Athletic at under-12s and stayed there through to youth rugby. I loved my time with the Ath, playing alongside my mates every week and learning from some brilliant people. We had a great run as a team and reached the Ospreys under-16s final, where we lost to Gowerton. I played against one of my Ospreys teammates and now close friends, Cam Jones, that day. He still reminds me of it now.
“We had some top players in that team, with Ryan Neagle setting the example as captain, and some brilliant coaches who made a real impact on me. We finished that season with a tour to Amsterdam, which I’ll never forget.
“I started my school rugby in Llangynwyd, and I’ve got great memories from that time, especially in Year 11 when we went on an unbeaten run until the quarter-finals with Owain Tudur and Josh Hughes coaching us.
“Moving to Brynteg for sixth form was another amazing experience. Playing under Adam Rosser, we played a really exciting brand of rugby, and I got to be part of a team full of quality players, again captained by Ryan Neagle. Gus Patterson and I had a great centre partnership, and we reached the Welsh Cup semi-finals before COVID hit. We all believed we could have gone on to win it, and we were gutted when it got cut short.
“Playing for Bridgend Ravens at 18 was a huge moment for me and my family, especially my dad. Making my debut and scoring in the corner away at Llanelli is something I’ll never forget. We had some great wins that season, and being able to play alongside boys like Harri Deaves and Morgan Strong made a massive difference. Representing my hometown club and wearing that jersey means a lot. I’m really proud to come from Bridgend and to have come through all those teams along the way.”
After establishing a steadfast foundation in Bridgend, Florence reached a key transition point as he moved on to university life. Swansea University was the next chapter in his journey.
Swansea University
Nowadays, many of the country’s young talents compete on Wednesday for their chosen university. Swansea University is where Florence studied Sport Science and played in Super BUCS. It was a fruitful time for the university, which included a varsity day victory. Swansea beat rivals Cardiff University. Florence elaborates on his time in university and gives a shout-out to Nottingham’s Gwyn Parks.
“My time at Swansea Uni was a great experience and a really important part of my development. Playing BUCS rugby in my first season was a big learning curve. You’re up against quality teams and players every week, so it definitely helped me improve my game. Playing alongside boys like Gwyn Parks was brilliant too; he’s a top player and a great person.
“Winning Varsity at the Swansea.com Stadium has to be my favourite moment from my time there. The atmosphere, the build-up, and getting the win made it a day I’ll never forget.
Following his university years, Florence continued his development and earned a call-up to Wales U20s, signifying the next step in his rugby career.
Wales U20s
The 22-year-old was a constant figure throughout his time with Wales U20. He participated in three Six Nations championships. He cut his teeth against the finest young talent in the game. Playing for Wales U20s puts Florence in some esteemed company. The centre talks about how much it meant to him.
“Representing Wales U20s was a massive honour and something I’ll always be proud of. My first campaign was during COVID in 2021 at the Arms Park. Playing in an empty stadium was strange, but still a great honour, and it was brilliant that my parents could attend. I’ll always be grateful to Ioan Cunningham for giving me my first cap, which came against France. That whole campaign gave me some great memories.
“Getting the chance to go to the Junior World Cup in South Africa was another huge honour. To play against the best players in the world at that age, represent my country on that stage, and experience that environment was something really special.”
After his tenure with Wales U20s and rising through the Ospreys pathway, Florence made his senior debut in Durban against the Sharks in November 2022, marking the beginning of his professional club career.
Ospreys
“Playing for the Ospreys means a lot to me, especially getting the chance to play down the Brewery Field, the same ground where I grew up watching rugby. I’ve really enjoyed playing for the region I supported growing up. It’s a bit surreal running out there in an Ospreys jersey.”
Florence is a deeply proud member of the Ospreys family, as the quote above illustrates. There is a wealth of talent in the Ospreys’ midfield. Kieran Williams, Owen Watkin, Evardi Boshoff, and Phil Cokanasiga are phenomenal talents. Florence had to bide his time. The Welshman has shown he has all the tools to perform at the highest level.
His start in the fiery Welsh derby against the Dragons was a moment to remember. Then came a crisp October evening at the Brewery Field in 2024, where he helped the Ospreys overcome a star-laden Edinburgh side. The centre’s quality was on full display at Kingspan, where he sent the ball through the bitter Northern Irish wind into Keelan Giles’s hands (check out 04:06) , setting up a picturesque score against Ulster. Florence’s future shines with promise. More recently, he started against Glasgow Warriors under the Brewery Field lights. It wasn’t the result the Ospreys wanted, but for Florence, it was a special moment, playing for the Ospreys in his hometown. He discussed the game and reaffirmed his love for the club.
“Playing against the likes of Sione Tuipulotu for Glasgow was a great experience, a real test, and a brilliant learning opportunity. I love being part of this group too. Some of my best mates are at the club, which makes coming into training every day something I really look forward to. Players like Owen Watkin have been a massive help in my development. Learning off an international centre like him has been great, and he’s always willing to help me.”
With an eye towards the future, Florence’s mindset is straightforward: he plans to pursue improvement and relish every moment.
“My goals are to keep learning from the players around me, keep my head down and work hard, while enjoying the experience of playing professional rugby and improving every season.”
It will be fascinating to see what the future holds for Florence.
“Rugby means a lot to me as it’s something I love playing and that I’ve grown up with. My grandad and dad both supported Bridgend and loved going down to watch them at the Brewery Field. I’ve always been around the game. Some of my earliest memories are of watching matches there with my dad and friends on a Saturday. Just being part of that atmosphere meant a lot.” Florence’s journey is full of passion and hunger to be the best version of himself. His story is still being written. Florence’s drive is formidable as he looks to make his mark on the game.
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