The DHL Stormers are bringing out the big guns for their European opener, and one of their most dangerous forwards is finally back in action.
Springbok No. 8 Evan Roos will make his first appearance of the season Saturday, Oct. 17, when the Stormers welcome Bristol Bears to DHL Stadium in Cape Town for Round 1 of the 2026-27 Investec Champions Cup. Roos returns from a hamstring injury, joining a starting lineup featuring Siya Kolisi, Damian Willemse, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Cobus Reinach.
- Sign Up To Watch Champions Cup Rugby On FloRugby
- This Week On FloRugby: Champions Cup, Challenge Cup Oct. 16-18
- How To Watch The 2026-27 Investec Champions Cup On FloRugby
The Stormers enter the matchup following a 39-22 United Rugby Championship victory over the Sharks. Director of rugby John Dobson has retained his starting backline but introduced an entirely new front row, while Roos replaces Hacjivah Dayimani, who is sidelined with a concussion.
Bristol arrives following a 30-7 Gallagher PREM defeat to Saracens, with Kieran Marmion captaining a youthful side. Sam Worsley starts at fly-half, Matias Moroni features in midfield and Tobi Wilson lines up at fullback as the Bears prepare for a demanding trip to South Africa.
Here are the confirmed lineups, kickoff details and how to watch Saturday's Champions Cup matchup.
Stormers vs. Bristol Bears Kickoff Time
Date: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
Kickoff: 10:15 a.m. ET
Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa
Competition: Investec Champions Cup, Round 1
How To Watch Stormers vs. Bristol Bears
DHL Stormers vs. Bristol Bears will stream live on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States.
Kickoff is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 17. Fans can watch live or on demand with a FloRugby subscription.
DHL Stormers Starting Lineup vs. Bristol Bears
Vernon Matongo
JJ Kotze
Sazi Sandi
Adre Smith
JD Schickerling
Paul de Villiers
Siya Kolisi
Evan Roos
Cobus Reinach
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Leolin Zas
Jonathan Roche
Ruhan Nel (c)
Seabelo Senatla
Damian Willemse
Stormers Replacements
Andre-Hugo Venter
Ntuthuko Mchunu
Zachary Porthen
Connor Evans
Riley Norton
Deon Fourie
Haashim Pead
Warrick Gelant
Bristol Bears Starting Lineup vs. Stormers
Jake Woolmore
Tomas Gwilliam
Jimmy Halliwell
Pedro Rubiolo
Josh Caulfield
Joe Owen
Kenzie Jenkins
Luka Ivanishvili
Kieran Marmion (c)
Sam Worsley
Aidan Boshoff
Jack Bates
Matias Moroni
Max Pepper
Tobi Wilson
Bristol Bears Replacements
Sol Moody
Andrew Turner
Sam Scott
Harry Wells
Paddy Pearce
Ollie Harris
James Williams
Victor Worsnip
Can I Watch Rugby All Year On FloRugby?
Yes. FloRugby provides live and on-demand rugby coverage throughout the year, including major club and international competitions. Availability varies by competition and region due to broadcasting rights.
What Rugby Competitions Can I Watch On FloRugby?
FloRugby streams competitions including the Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, United Rugby Championship, Gallagher PREM Rugby and Top 14, subject to regional availability.
Visit the FloRugby schedule to see upcoming matches.
Where Can I Find Rugby News, Schedules And Results?
Visit FloRugby for the latest rugby news, match schedules, results, rankings and analysis from competitions around the world.
Watch Rugby Live On FloRugby
Stream rugby live and on demand on FloRugby and the FloSports app. Watch on your computer, mobile device or connected TV.
Sign Up To Watch Rugby On FloRugby
Where Can I Follow FloRugby?
Follow FloRugby across social media for the latest rugby news, highlights and updates.