Ugo Monye predicts the 2026 Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup winners

European rugby is set to return this weekend with the Round of 16 in both the Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup.

The San Mames Stadium in Bilbao is the destination for both finals this May with all 32 clubs still hopeful they can reach the final to claim the respective silverware.

Bordeaux Begles will be keen to keep the title they won last season in Cardiff against Northampton Saints; however, they face fierce competition from Toulouse, who will be looking to regain their title, Leinster, who are desperate to add a fifth star to their shirt, Glasgow Warriors, who are looking to become the first Scottish club to win the trophy, and Bath, who are a force to be reckoned with.

Caelan Doris of Leinster is tackled by Max Douglas of Scarlets during the United Rugby Championship match between Leinster and Scarlets (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, in the Challenge Cup several clubs who would like to consider themselves among Europe’s elite will be keen to prove this idea, with Munster, Ulster and La Rochelle among this group.

Pundits and fans alike will have made their predictions at the start of the competition; however, things can change throughout the season due to several reason including injuries and overall performance.

One pundit to weigh in on this is Ugo Monye, the former Harlequins and England international, as he has named the clubs that will win the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup respectively.

It was not an easy prediction for the former British and Irish Lion, as he said: “Good Lord. Bordeaux to go back-to-back all day. Yeah, Bordeaux.”

Meanwhile, Monye had a more personal reason for the club he chose to as favourites to win the Challenge Cup.

Stade Rochelais head coach Ronan O'Gara is pictured during the pre game warm up before the Investec Champions Cup match between Leinster Rugby and Stade Rochelais (Getty Images)

The 2012 Premiership winner believes the two-time Champions Cup winners La Rochelle will win the competition this season with the crucial factor being Ireland legend Ronan O’Gara.

He said: “I'm going with La Rochelle.

“I love ROG (Ronan O’Gara) as well. He's my boy.”

A key reason behind this decision was the fact that the French club had dropped down from the Champions Cup and with their poor campaign in the Top 14 and the Challenge Cup may be the best opportunity for them to lift silverware this season.

Ugo Monye was speaking to SPORTbible for the Same Side campaign. Ugo is one of many sports stars using the power of sport to reshape the conversation about what it means to be a man. Find out more: http://allonthesameside.org/