This weekend, we had another incredible weekend of European Rugby, with the Investec Champions Cup showcasing the ever growing strength in quality across the English Premiership. Weakened squads or not, having the opportunity to play against European and South African teams is no small feat.
This weekend, we had another incredible weekend of European Rugby, with the Investec Champions Cup showcasing the ever growing strength in quality across the English Premiership. Weakened squads or not, having the opportunity to play against European and South African teams is no small feat.
Here are five English players who stood out in Round 2 of the 2025-26 European Rugby Champions Cup this weekend, delivering notable performances for their clubs:
The Harlequins fly-half was the main orchestrator in their massive bonus-point win over Bayonne, controlling play with incisive kicking, accurate passing, and excellent game management. 18 points at the Stoop as Smith’s leadership and creativity were key as Quins crossed the whitewash ten times in the rout. The Marcus we love to see.
Yeah, this isn't something I'm used to either, but Harlequins ran riot this weekend, with Cadan Murley amongst the standout attackers for Harlequins, scoring a try and gaining a significant 155 metres on the outside, proving 4 clean breaks, whilst showcasing difficulty for Bayonne defenders to contain his quick feet and agility. His powerful running and finishing threat helped Quins build early momentum in this exhilarating fixture.
Another eye-catcher from the Bath Flanker, as Hill made big gains in the back row, scoring the English Champions opening try, beating 4 defenders and carrying strongly (8). There were 10 tackles made, however it wasn't to be for the England hopeful, in an intense game in the south of France. We will see more caps from Ted Hill in 2026, a ted talk or two to attend at Twickenham.
The Premiership champions Bath felt the full wrath of the 68 cap English Prop, who was on top form, with a full 80 minutes in Stade Felix Mayol. The former Harlequins prop had a moment charging towards the posts, almost reminiscent of against Australia in Japan 2019, however he was taken down before Brex strolled over. England fans can dream, right?
5. George Hendy (Northampton Saints, Winger)
Although Northampton’s opponents (Bulls) were under strength in their win, Hendy made an incredible impact at the Garden, turning up on a Sunny Sunday afternoon with a hat-trick. underlining his class as a finisher and his ability to read space in the back-three. His performance again highlights why he’s one of the Premiership’s exciting attacking prospects, alongside George Furbank and Ollie Sleightholme.
Honourable Mention. Raffi Quirke (Sale Sharks, Scrum Half)
The Scrum half knocking on the door of the England training squad, had a huge impact in the tempo of Sale Sharks Win away to Clermont Auvergne. Quirke demonstrated ingenuity with 3 clean breaks, 7 defenders beaten and 78 metres made. This away win in France for Sale Sharks isn’t one to dismiss, who were without Tom Curry, Tom Roebuck and George Ford in the starting 15, after losing to Glasgow Warriors at home last weekend.
These players showed why English clubs remain competitive in European rugby, not just through experience, but through emerging attacking talents and play makers making tangible impacts on the big stage.