Old Stars Shine: 5 Players Over 35 to Watch in The Investec Champions Cup

Posted by The News Pulse December 04, 2025 Post a Comment

Rugby fans around the world witnessed the end of an era last year as several iconic players retired following the club season. Age, rather than injuries or even unusual events like meteor showers and zombie attacks, has become the primary reason for the conclusion of many careers. Among those who have stepped away from the sport are Munster legend Peter O’Mahony and Leinster legend Cian Healy. Additionally, Harlequins and England star Joe Marler, along with his friend Dan Cole, also called time on their playing careers.

For those interested in following the Investec Champions Cup, there are numerous ways to stay updated. The News Pulse offers free streaming of every match in the Investec Champions Cup Round 1 on its YouTube channel. Fans can also check out more Investec Champions Cup news for the latest updates.

While the EPCR’s best player 35 years or older might not be competing in the Investec Champions Cup, they could be found in the EPCR Challenge Cup. One such player is 35-year-old Irish star Bundee Aki. However, the Champions Cup still features players who may be playing their final matches after legendary careers. One of these players is Levani Botia, known as the "Demolition Man" for his exceptional skills on the field.

Here are the five best players over 35 playing in the Investec Champions Cup:

Deon Fourie | DHL Stormers

At 39, Deon Fourie is a forward who plays hooker or flanker, known for his relentless work rate and tenacity at the breakdown. A late bloomer, he made history in 2022 as the oldest player ever to debut for the Springboks at 35. He proved his worth immediately at the highest level.

Fourie was part of South Africa’s squad that won the 2023 Rugby World Cup, playing 76 minutes in the final victory at age 37. Domestically, he has been a stalwart for the Stormers, captaining Western Province to a Currie Cup title in 2012 and contributing to the Stormers’ URC championship in 2022.

Known as a tireless “fetcher,” he brings physicality in contact and leadership on and off the field. In recent seasons, Fourie has battled significant injuries, including a torn ACL in 2024 and a leg break in 2025, which forced lengthy layoffs. However, he dispelled any retirement talk by signing a contract extension into 2026.

Coach John Dobson praises Fourie as a “true warrior” whose experience and never-say-die attitude remain invaluable to the Stormers. Fourie’s resilience and versatility continue to inspire as he aims to finish his career on his own terms.

Levani Botia | La Rochelle

Levani Botia, 36, is a Fijian legend nicknamed “Le Démolisseur” (“The Demolition Man”) for his destructive tackling and turnover prowess. Remarkably versatile, he transitioned from a hard-running centre to a bruising flanker (and can even fill in on the wing), making him one of the game’s best hybrid players.

Botia brings ferocious intent both at the breakdown and with ball in hand — he’s a fearsome carrier who regularly knocks back defenders. A selfless workhorse with a high rugby IQ, he’s regarded as the ultimate team player by coaches and teammates.

Botia has been central to La Rochelle’s rise, playing a key role in their consecutive Champions Cup triumphs in 2022 and 2023 (adding to a runner-up medal in 2021). Internationally, he has earned 30 caps for Fiji, appearing in three Rugby World Cups (2015, 2019, 2023). Despite dealing with injuries over the years (including knee issues), Botia’s form has endured. His blend of power, skills and grit — honed from a humble start as a prison officer and Fiji Sevens star — continues to pose a huge threat to opponents and has made him a fan favorite in La Rochelle.

Uini Atonio | La Rochelle

Atonio is a 35-year-old France international prop known for his colossal size and scrummaging might. Standing about 1.96m tall and weighing roughly 150kg (6-foot-5, 320 pounds), he is reportedly the heaviest player ever to feature in the Six Nations, and he uses that bulk to anchor the scrum and dominate collisions.

Atonio moved from New Zealand to France in 2011 and has since become a cornerstone of La Rochelle — amassing more than 300 club appearances and captaining the team to an epic Champions Cup final win in 2022 (he also lifted a second European Cup in 2023).

He qualified for France via residency and debuted in 2014, earning 68 caps by 2025. Renowned for his power in the scrum, heavy tackling and surprisingly deft ball-handling, Atonio has been integral to France’s pack — starting every match of the 2022 Grand Slam campaign and appearing in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Despite a brief suspension in the 2023 Six Nations, he has largely avoided major injury. Over a decade into his elite career, Atonio remains a force of nature in the front row, his presence guaranteeing France and La Rochelle a literal heavyweight advantage in the set piece.

Jamie George | Saracens

George, 35, is an accomplished hooker who has been a linchpin for both Saracens and England. A product of the Saracens academy, he has spent his entire career at the club, racking up more than 270 appearances and winning a haul of major trophies — including six Premiership titles and three European Champions Cups.

George is lauded for his precise line-out throwing, intelligent link play and high work rate around the pitch. Internationally, he has amassed 102 England caps. He was part of three Six Nations–winning squads (highlighted by a Grand Slam in 2016) and started for England in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, as well as the 2023 World Cup semi-final against South Africa.

In the 2024–25 period, George even captained England, reflecting his veteran leadership role. A two-time British & Irish Lion (2017 and 2021), he uniquely made a Lions Test start before his first England start — underlining the esteem in which he’s held.

As of 2025, George remains Saracens’ first-choice hooker and a mentor to younger players, his form and experience showing no sign of waning.

John Ryan | Munster Rugby

Ryan is a 37-year-old tighthead prop and one of Munster’s most seasoned campaigners, with 245 caps for the province since his 2009 debut. A dependable scrummager with a low-key but effective style, Ryan’s journey is notable for its twists:

After over a decade at Munster, he signed with Wasps in 2022 only to see the club go into administration weeks later. He returned to Munster on a short-term deal and contributed to the 2022–23 URC season (earning a winner’s medal as part of the squad).

In early 2023, Ryan took an unusual opportunity in New Zealand, joining the Chiefs — where his strong performances (six matches, including four starts) helped the team reach the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific Final. Munster then re-signed him for 2023–24, and he has since extended his contract twice, now committed through 2026.

Internationally, Ryan earned 24 caps for Ireland and was part of the 2018 Grand Slam squad. After an elbow issue delayed his start to the current season, he has regained the No. 3 jersey, proving his enduring value to Munster’s pack.

Ryan openly admits he is “hungry for silverware” and continues playing largely to chase an elusive trophy he can call his own. Still performing at a high level and mentoring Munster’s younger front-rowers, Ryan’s resilience and dedication exemplify the longevity possible in front-rowers.

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Investec Champions Cup Round 1

Friday, Dec. 5 - 3 p.m. ET: Sale Sharks vs. Glasgow Warriors, Salford Community Stadium - 3 p.m. ET: Bayonne vs. DHL Stormers, Stade Jean Dauger

Saturday, Dec. 6 - 8 a.m. ET: Saracens vs. Clermont Auvergne, StoneX Stadium - 10:15 a.m. ET: Vodacom Bulls vs. Bordeaux-Bègles, Loftus Versfeld - 12:30 p.m. ET: La Rochelle vs. Leicester Tigers, Stade Marcel Deflandre - 12:30 p.m. ET: Leinster Rugby vs. Harlequins, TBD - 3 p.m. ET: Scarlets vs. Bristol Bears, Parc y Scarlets - 3 p.m. ET: Bath Rugby vs. Munster Rugby, The Rec

Sunday, Dec. 7 - 8 a.m. ET: Pau vs. Northampton Saints, Stade du Hameau - 10:15 a.m. ET: Toulouse vs. Hollywoodbets Sharks, Stade Ernest Wallon - 10:15 a.m. ET: Gloucester Rugby vs. Castres Olympique, Kingsholm - 12:30 p.m. ET: Edinburgh Rugby vs. Toulon, Hive Stadium

Investec Champions Cup Round 2

Friday, Dec. 12 - 3 p.m. ET: Leicester Tigers vs. Leinster Rugby, Mattioli Woods Welford Road

Saturday, Dec. 13 - 8 a.m. ET: DHL Stormers vs. La Rochelle, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - 10:15 a.m. ET: Hollywoodbets Sharks vs. Saracens, Hollywoodbets Kings Park - 10:15 a.m. ET: Clermont Auvergne vs. Sale Sharks, Stade Marcel-Michelin - 12:30 p.m. ET: Bordeaux-Bègles vs. Scarlets, Stade Chaban-Delmas - 12:30 p.m. ET: Munster Rugby vs. Gloucester Rugby, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh - 3 p.m. ET: Glasgow Warriors vs. Toulouse, Scotstoun Stadium

Sunday, Dec. 14 - 8 a.m. ET: Harlequins vs. Bayonne, Twickenham Stoop - 8 a.m. ET: Castres Olympique vs. Edinburgh Rugby, Stade Pierre-Fabre - 10:15 a.m. ET: Toulon vs. Bath Rugby, Stade Félix Mayol - 10:15 a.m. ET: Northampton Saints vs. Vodacom Bulls, cinch Stadium @ Franklin’s Gardens - 12:30 p.m. ET: Bristol Bears vs. Pau, Ashton Gate

Investec Champions Cup Round 3

Friday, Jan. 9 - 3 p.m. ET: Castres Olympique vs. Bath Rugby, Stade Pierre-Fabre - 3 p.m. ET: Edinburgh Rugby vs. Gloucester Rugby, TBD

Saturday, Jan. 10 - 8 a.m. ET: Vodacom Bulls vs. Bristol Bears, Loftus Versfeld - 10:15 a.m. ET: Clermont Auvergne vs. Glasgow Warriors, Stade Marcel-Michelin - 12:30 p.m. ET: Leinster Rugby vs. La Rochelle, TBD - 12:30 p.m. ET: Sale Sharks vs. Hollywoodbets Sharks, Salford Community Stadium - 3 p.m. ET: Scarlets vs. Pau, Parc y Scarlets - 3 p.m. ET: Leicester Tigers vs. Bayonne, Mattioli Woods Welford Road

Sunday, Jan. 11 - 8 a.m. ET: Harlequins vs. DHL Stormers, Twickenham Stoop - 8 a.m. ET: Toulon vs. Munster Rugby, Stade Félix Mayol - 10:15 a.m. ET: Bordeaux-Bègles vs. Northampton Saints, Stade Chaban-Delmas - 12:30 p.m. ET: Saracens vs. Toulouse, StoneX Stadium

Investec Champions Cup Round 4

Friday, Jan. 16 - 3 p.m. ET: Pau vs. Vodacom Bulls, Stade du Hameau - 3 p.m. ET: Bath Rugby vs. Edinburgh Rugby, The Rec

Saturday, Jan. 17 - 8 a.m. ET: Hollywoodbets Sharks vs. Clermont Auvergne, Hollywoodbets Kings Park - 10:15 a.m. ET: Bayonne vs. Leinster Rugby, Stade Jean Dauger - 10:15 a.m. ET: DHL Stormers vs. Leicester Tigers, DHL Stadium - 12:30 p.m. ET: Toulouse vs. Sale Sharks, Stade Ernest Wallon - 12:30 p.m. ET: Munster Rugby vs. Castres Olympique, Thomond Park - 3 p.m. ET: Gloucester Rugby vs. Toulon, Kingsholm

Sunday, Jan. 18 - 8 a.m. ET: Bristol Bears vs. Bordeaux-Bègles, Ashton Gate - 10:15 a.m. ET: Northampton Saints vs. Scarlets, cinch Stadium @ Franklin’s Gardens - 10:15 a.m. ET: La Rochelle vs. Harlequins, Stade Marcel Deflandre - 12:30 p.m. ET: Glasgow Warriors vs. Saracens, Scotstoun Stadium

Investec Champions Cup Fixtures By Pool

Investec Champions Cup Pool 1

Round 1 - Friday, Dec. 5 – 3 p.m. ET: Sale Sharks vs. Glasgow Warriors, Salford Community Stadium - Saturday, Dec. 6 – 8 a.m. ET: Saracens vs. Clermont Auvergne, StoneX Stadium - Sunday, Dec. 7 – 10:15 a.m. ET: Toulouse vs. Hollywoodbets Sharks, Stade Ernest Wallon

Round 2 - Saturday, Dec. 13 – 10:15 a.m. ET: Hollywoodbets Sharks vs. Saracens, Hollywoodbets Kings Park - Saturday, Dec. 13 – 10:15 a.m. ET: Clermont Auvergne vs. Sale Sharks, Stade Marcel-Michelin - Saturday, Dec. 13 – 3 p.m. ET: Glasgow Warriors vs. Toulouse, Scotstoun Stadium

Round 3 - Saturday, Jan. 10 – 10:15 a.m. ET: Clermont Auvergne vs. Glasgow Warriors, Stade Marcel-Michelin - Saturday, Jan. 10 – 12:30 p.m. ET: Sale Sharks vs. Hollywoodbets Sharks, Salford Community Stadium - Sunday, Jan. 11 – 12:30 p.m. ET: Saracens vs. Toulouse, StoneX Stadium

Round 4 - Saturday, Jan. 17 – 8 a.m. ET: Hollywoodbets Sharks vs. Clermont Auvergne, Hollywoodbets Kings Park - Saturday, Jan. 17 – 12:30 p.m. ET: Toulouse vs. Sale Sharks, Stade Ernest Wallon - Sunday, Jan. 18 – 12:30 p.m. ET: Glasgow Warriors vs. Saracens, Scotstoun Stadium

Investec Champions Cup Pool 2

Round 1 - Saturday, Dec. 6 – 3 p.m. ET: Bath Rugby vs. Munster Rugby, The Rec - Sunday, Dec. 7 – 10:15 a.m. ET: Gloucester Rugby vs. Castres Olympique, Kingsholm - Dec. 7–9 (TBD): Edinburgh Rugby vs. Toulon, TBD

Round 2 - Saturday, Dec. 13 – 12:30 p.m. ET: Munster Rugby vs. Gloucester Rugby, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh - Sunday, Dec. 14 – 8 a.m. ET: Castres Olympique vs. Edinburgh Rugby, Stade Pierre-Fabre - Sunday, Dec. 14 – 10:15 a.m. ET: Toulon vs. Bath Rugby, Stade Félix Mayol

Round 3 - Friday, Jan. 9 – 3 p.m. ET: Castres Olympique vs. Bath Rugby, Stade Pierre-Fabre - Friday, Jan. 9 – 3 p.m. ET: Edinburgh Rugby vs. Gloucester Rugby, TBD - Sunday, Jan. 11 – 8 a.m. ET: Toulon vs. Munster Rugby, Stade Félix Mayol

Round 4 - Friday, Jan. 16 – 3 p.m. ET: Bath Rugby vs. Edinburgh Rugby, The Rec - Saturday, Jan. 17 – 12:30 p.m. ET: Munster Rugby vs. Castres Olympique, Thomond Park - Saturday, Jan. 17 – 3 p.m. ET: Gloucester Rugby vs. Toulon, Kingsholm

Investec Champions Cup Pool 3

Round 1 - Friday, Dec. 5 – 3 p.m. ET: Bayonne vs. DHL Stormers, Stade Jean Dauger - Saturday, Dec. 6 – 12:30 p.m. ET: La Rochelle vs. Leicester Tigers, Stade Marcel Deflandre - Saturday, Dec. 6 – 12:30 p.m. ET: Leinster Rugby vs. Harlequins, TBD

Round 2 - Friday, Dec. 12 – 3 p.m. ET: Leicester Tigers vs. Leinster Rugby, Mattioli Woods Welford Road - Saturday, Dec. 13 – 8 a.m. ET: DHL Stormers vs. La Rochelle, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - Sunday, Dec. 14 – 8 a.m. ET: Harlequins vs. Bayonne, Twickenham Stoop

Round 3 - Saturday, Jan. 10 – 12:30 p.m. ET: Leinster Rugby vs. La Rochelle, TBD - Saturday, Jan. 10 – 3 p.m. ET: Leicester Tigers vs. Bayonne, Mattioli Woods Welford Road - Sunday, Jan. 11 – 8 a.m. ET: Harlequins vs. DHL Stormers, Twickenham Stoop

Round 4 - Saturday, Jan. 17 – 10:15 a.m. ET: Bayonne vs. Leinster Rugby, Stade Jean Dauger - Saturday, Jan. 17 – 10:15 a.m. ET: DHL Stormers vs. Leicester Tigers, DHL Stadium - Sunday, Jan. 18 – 10:15 a.m. ET: La Rochelle vs. Harlequins, Stade Marcel Deflandre

Investec Champions Cup Pool 4

Round 1 - Saturday, Dec. 6 – 10:15 a.m. ET: Vodacom Bulls vs. Bordeaux-Bègles, Loftus Versfeld - Saturday, Dec. 6 – 3 p.m. ET: Scarlets vs. Bristol Bears, Parc y Scarlets - Sunday, Dec. 7 – 8 a.m. ET: Pau vs. Northampton Saints, Stade du Hameau

Round 2 - Saturday, Dec. 13 – 12:30 p.m. ET: Bordeaux-Bègles vs. Scarlets, Stade Chaban-Delmas - Sunday, Dec. 14 – 10:15 a.m. ET: Northampton Saints vs. Vodacom Bulls, cinch Stadium @ Franklin’s Gardens - Sunday, Dec. 14 – 12:30 p.m. ET: Bristol Bears vs. Pau, Ashton Gate

Round 3 - Saturday, Jan. 10 – 8 a.m. ET: Vodacom Bulls vs. Bristol Bears, Loftus Versfeld - Saturday, Jan. 10 – 3 p.m. ET: Scarlets vs. Pau, Parc y Scarlets - Sunday, Jan. 11 – 10:15 a.m. ET: Bordeaux-Bègles vs. Northampton Saints, Stade Chaban-Delmas

Round 4 - Friday, Jan. 16 – 3 p.m. ET: Pau vs. Vodacom Bulls, Stade du Hameau - Sunday, Jan. 18 – 8 a.m. ET: Bristol Bears vs. Bordeaux-Bègles, Ashton Gate - Sunday, Jan. 18 – 10:15 a.m. ET: Northampton Saints vs. Scarlets, cinch Stadium @ Franklin’s Gardens

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