CREAM OF RUGBY HOSTED AT THE WHARF AND THE LENSBURY, TEDDINGTON
Teddington favourites The Wharf and The Lensbury hosted EPCR, tournament organisers of the Investec Champions Cup, and players and referees from across Europe and South Africa on Tuesday night and Wednesday as they prepare for the upcoming 2026/27 season.
Despite the air traffic control issues creating chaos for clubs travelling in and out, 19 of the 24 Investec Champions Cup clubs were able to gather in Teddington for the event.
Players from the Investec Champions Cup clubs – which include Northampton Saints, Bath, Saracens, Racing 92, Leinster, Glasgow Warriors and DHL Stormers – were hosted at the Wharf for a splendid meal on Tuesday evening, and reconvened at the Lensbury on Wednesday for a day of fun content and challenges set by EPCR partners.
International names in attendance included England stars Ben Earl (Saracens), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints), Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby), Stade Rochelais and Australia star Will Skelton and Leinster and Ireland’s Jack Conan.
Ruan Ackermann (DHL Stormers), Nizaam Carr (Vodacom Bulls) and Francke Horn (10Bet Lions) all travelled up from South Africa to take part.
International referees also joined in – including England’s Luke Pearce, Ireland’s Eoghan Cross and France’s Kevin Bralley.
Blue-chip companies including Investec, Emirates and DHL were joined by the Gallagher PREM, TOP14, United Rugby Championship, Six Nations and British & Irish Lions were on-hand to keep the players challenged and entertained as EPCR, their partners and clubs prepare for the 2026/27 season, which kicks-off on Friday 16 October when Gloucester Rugby take on current champions Union Bordeaux Bègles.