Are you ready for the clash?

Buy your tickets online!

Online Tickets

EPCR Challenge Cup Teams – Round of 16 qualifiers and pairings

Posted on Monday, 19 Jan 2026

EPCR Challenge Cup Teams – Round of 16 qualifiers and pairings
Following the conclusion of the EPCR Challenge Cup pool stage, please CLICK HERE for the updated tables and confirmation of the clubs that have qualified for the knockout stage of the tournament. 
   
The four highest-ranked clubs in each pool have secured their places in the Round of 16, which will be played on the weekend of 3/4/5 April. The 12 clubs are supplemented by Hollywoodbets Sharks, Munster Rugby, Stade Rochelais, and Section Paloise, who have qualified from the Investec Champions Cup. 
   
In accordance with the tournament rules, the pool winners have been ranked 1 to 3, the second-placed clubs have been ranked 4 to 6, the two highest-ranked third-placed clubs have been ranked 7 and 8, the qualifying Investec Champions Cup clubs have been ranked   9 to 12, the remaining third-placed club has been ranked 13, and the fourth-placed clubs have been ranked 14 to 16. 
   
The exact dates and kick-off times of the Round of 16 fixtures will be announced as soon as possible. 
   
EPCR CHALLENGE CUP
 
Round of 16 – 3/4/5 April 
R16 1: Montpellier Hérault   Rugby (1) v USAP (16) 
R16 2: Benetton Rugby (2) v   Cardiff Rugby (15) 
R16 3: Ulster Rugby (3) v   Ospreys (14) 
R16 4: Stade Français Paris (4)   v Dragons RFC (13) 
R16 5: Zebre Parma (5) Section   Paloise (12) 
R16 6: Newcastle Red Bulls (6)   v Stade Rochelais (11) 
R16 7: Exeter Chiefs (7) v   Munster Rugby (10) 
R16 8: Connacht Rugby (8) v   Hollywoodbets Sharks (9) 
NB The clubs ranked numbers 1   to 8 will have home venue advantage 
   
Quarter-finals – 10/11/12 April 
QF 1: Winner R16 1 v Winner R16   8 
QF 2: Winner R16 2 v Winner R16   7 
QF 3: Winner R16 3 v Winner R16   6 
QF 4: Winner R16 4 v Winner R16   5 
NB The highest-ranked clubs   from the pool stage will have home venue advantage 
   
Semi-finals – 1/2/3 May 
SF 1: Winner QF 1 v Winner QF 4   
SF 2: Winner QF 2 v Winner QF 3   
NB The highest-ranked clubs   from the pool stage will have home venue advantage 
   
2026 EPCR Challenge Cup Final –   Friday 22 May; San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao

Share this article: