Posted on Monday, 19 Jan 2026
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 |