Investec Champions Cup guide - Watch Siya Kolisi, Antoine Dupont, Maro Itoje in rugby's Champions League
The season is scheduled to run until 24 May 2025. The defending champions, France's Toulouse, will look to defend their crown against the best teams from their Top 14, England's Premiership and the United Rugby Championship (URC) featuring clubs from South Africa, Ireland, Scotland and Italy.
Previously the Heineken Cup, it is effectively the top-tier European rugby tournament - similar to football's UEFA Champions League. However, teams from South Africa have also participated since the 2022-23 season.
Season dates: 6 December 2024 - 24 May 2025
Featuring: The top clubs from England (Premiership), France (Top 14), Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa (all URC)
Number of teams: 24 - See here for all teams
Format: Pool stage & knockout - Four pools of 6 teams each; top 4 advance to round of 16
Many of the top international players from around the world will be in action. We've picked out seven for fans to watch.
Siya Kolisi (Sharks/South Africa - Flanker)
Springbok captain Kolisi rejoined the Sharks from France's Racing 92 in September. Aged 33, his time as one of the world's best players may be limited, but he is certainly not lacking any of the trademark intensity and leadership that make him such a joy to watch.
Kolisi's leadership through example was evident in the Springboks' run to the 2024 Rugby Championship title. Against the All Blacks, he played through a nasal fracture and scored the first try of the game in the 18-12 win in Cape Town.
Maro Itoje (Saracens/England - Lock)
At the time of writing, Itoje is not in the greatest form of his life. In a sense, that is all the more reason to pay attention to one of the greatest locks of his generation as he captains the Saracens.
After a difficult 2024 with England, Saracens captain Itoje will be out to prove that he is still one of the main men to be counted on ahead of the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers/South Africa - Flyhalf)
Feinberg-Mngomezulu has become a new fan favourite for the Springboks, drawing cheers from Cape Town crowds comparable to Kolisi, who also spent his formative years at the Stormers.
The likely long-term successor to Handrè Pollard at flyhalf for the Springboks, Feinberg-Mngomezulu got his international career off to a strong start. However, he irked Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus by playing through a knee injury against the All Blacks which he did not report to his team.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu appears to be back to full health now and will be looking to cement his grip on South Africa's no.10 jersey with a strong showing in the Champions Cup.