The 2024 finalists head to Bristol in the last Investec Champions Cup match of the weekend.
The first weekend of European Rugby Champions Cup action is about to come to an end as the four-time champions take a trip to Ashton Gate. Here’s how to watch Bristol Bears v Leinster live streams wherever you are today on a cold, wet and windy evening in the West Country – including details of how you can use a VPN to watch your usual stream from abroad.
Kick-off: 5.30pm GMT, Sunday 8 December
Watch in the UK: Premier Sports
Bristol Bears are flying high in the Gallagher Premiership, level on points with leaders and local rivals Bath, but 2023/24’s beaten finalists Leinster have a habit of going deep in Europe. This match will see numerous stars of the recent Autumn Nations Series returning to the field, with England’s Ellis Genge and Harry Randall in action for Bristol, and no shortage of Ireland talent in the Leinster side. All Blacks star Jordie Barrett is also set to make his Leinster debut from the bench, so expect a blockbuster finale to the weekend’s rugby.
Below you’ll find all the information you need to watch Bristol Bears v Leinster live streams today, including broadcaster options around the world. You can check out which stars to look out for in 10 players you should be excited about in the Champions Cup, and you’ll find team line-ups and the officials at the end of the article.
Watch Bristol Bears v Leinster live streams in the UK
TNT Sports (previously BT Sport) has ended its long association with the European Champions Cup. The new rights holder in the UK is Premier Sports, who’ll air all 63 matches of this year’s tournament – including Bristol Bears v Leinster. Kick-off is at 5.30pm this evening.
UK viewers can subscribe to Premier Sports through the Sky, Virgin Media or Amazon platforms. It costs £15.99 per month to add Premier Sports to your existing package. With Sky you also have the option to pay £10.99 per month if you sign up for the whole year, or £120 (£10.00 per month) if you pay for 12 months up front.
You can also watch through your web browser or the Premier Sports app. Costs are £15.99 per month, £10.99 per month if you sign up for the full year, or £120 per year if you pay up front.
At present, no free UK broadcaster is confirmed for any European Rugby Champions Cup games in the 2024/25 season.
If you’re a UK resident away from home but want your usual European Rugby Champions Cup coverage, it’s best to check out NordVPN so you can watch from abroad. Find out more below.
Watch Bristol Bears v Leinster live streams from outside your country
If you want to watch Investec Champions Cup coverage from your home country’s broadcaster but are abroad, you can do so by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
A VPN is a handy piece of software that allows you to change your device’s IP address. This means you can view live or on-demand TV content as if you were sitting at home in front of your own television, even when you’re overseas (provided it complies with your service’s T&Cs, of course).
The technology experts from TechRadar love NordVPN for its strong privacy features, ease of use, and the fact it allows you to watch your favourite TV on multiple devices simultaneously. You also get a money-back guarantee, 24/7 support, and it’s currently available at a knockdown price.
Watch Bristol Bears v Leinster in Ireland
As in the UK, every game of this year’s tournament will be available to stream on Premier Sports Ireland. You can subscribe to the platform through Sky, Now and Virgin Media – costs vary by platform. Kick-off for Bristol Bears v Leinster is at 5.30pm this evening.
Live stream Bristol Bears v Leinster in South Africa
Sharks, Stormers and Bulls fans will want to check out two of the South African sides’ rivals for this season’s title – especially as Leinster are traditionally contenders. Subscription service SuperSport holds the rights to air the 2024/25 European Rugby Champions Cup, including this opening match. Kick off for Bristol Bears v Leinster is at 7.30pm SAST tonight.
There are various SuperSport packages available, whether you want to watch Bristol Bears v Leinster via DStv or stream.
Watch Bristol Bears v Leinster: live stream in the USA
FloRugby has the rights to the European Rugby Champions Cup – including Bristol Bears v Leinster live streams – for viewers in the United States. Kick-off is 12.30pm ET / 9.30am ET today.
A FloRugby monthly subscription costs $29.99 or you can take out an annual one for $150 (which works out at £12.50 per month).
Live stream Bristol Bears v Leinster from elsewhere
In France, most European Rugby Champions Cup matches will be available on subscription service beIN Sports, including Bristol Bears v Leinster.
In Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, you can watch Investec Champions Cup matches on Viaplay.
In various other European countries (including Italy), Australia, South-east Asia and the Pacific Islands, EPCR TV should be your destination. There are options to buy weekend and season passes.
In New Zealand you need to head to Sky Sport.
Bristol Bears v Leinster team line-ups
Bristol Bears
Rich Lane, Jack Bates, Benhard Janse Van Rensburg, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Gabriel Ibitoye, AJ MacGinty, Harry Randall; Ellis Genge, Harry Thacker, Max Lahiff, James Dun, Joe Owen, Santiago Grondona, Fitz Harding (captain), Viliame Mata
Replacements:
Gabriel Oghre, Jake Woolmore, Chawatama, Steven Luatua, Benjamin Grondona, Kieran Marmion, Joe Jenkins, Benjamin Elizalde
Leinster
Ciarán Frawley, Jordan Larmour, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, Jimmy O’Brien, Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Jack Boyle, Rónan Kelleher, Rabah Slimani, Joe McCarthy, James Ryan, Max Deegan, Josh Van der Flier, Jack Conan (captain)
Replacements:
Gus McCarthy, Andrew Porter, Thomas Clarkson, RG Snyman, Caelan Doris, Luke McGrath, Ross Byrne, Jordie Barrett
There‘s an all-French officiating team for today’s match. Pierre Brousset is the referee and he’ll be assisted by Vincent Blasco Baque and Julian Caulier. Tual Trainini is the TMO.
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