Glasgow Warriors Secure Champions Cup Knockout Stage with Dominant Win Over Clermont Auvergne

11 January 2026 Rugby Matches

Warriors Book Last-16 Spot with Commanding Performance

Glasgow Warriors booked a spot in the last 16 of the Investec Champions Cup with an outstanding bonus-point win at Clermont Auvergne on Saturday, 10 January 2026. The Scottish side’s 33-21 victory at Stade Marcel-Michelin marked their third consecutive bonus-point win in the pool stage, cementing their position as one of the tournament’s form teams.

First-Half Dominance Sets the Tone

Glasgow delivered a clinical first-half display that left the French hosts reeling. Euan Ferrie, Huw Jones, Kyle Steyn and Jack Dempsey crossed in the first half for Glasgow to lead 26-7 at the break, with George Moala’s try the solitary Clermont response. The Warriors’ attacking prowess was matched by their defensive organisation, as they overwhelmed a Clermont side struggling to find any rhythm in their European campaign.

Clermont’s Fightback Falls Short

The second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum as Clermont threatened an unlikely comeback. The hosts added a penalty try, Glasgow lost two men to the sin-bin and Irae Simone crossed as the French side threatened a comeback, but Steyn’s second try ensured Glasgow made it three bonus-point wins from three in the pool stage. Despite the pressure, the Warriors demonstrated composure and game management to seal a crucial victory.

Implications for Both Sides

The result has vastly different consequences for the two teams. Warriors host Saracens at Scotstoun next weekend knowing a victory will ensure top spot in Pool 1, while Clermont face Sharks in Durban seeking their first points in the competition. For Clermont, the result leaves them at the bottom of the standings without a single point, with elimination now almost inevitable.

Glasgow’s victory not only secures their progression but also demonstrates their credentials as genuine contenders in this year’s Champions Cup. Their ability to weather Clermont’s second-half surge whilst maintaining attacking threat positions them strongly for the knockout stages ahead.