Eight clubs book EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final spots as road to Bilbao 2026 heats up

The EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 delivered high drama, with knockout rugby at its best and multiple contests going down to the wire. Eight of Europe’s leading rugby clubs are one step closer to the EPCR Challenge Cup Final in Bilbao this May, with tickets still available for fans who want to be part of the biggest weekend in international club rugby.

Connacht Rugby were the first to power into the final eight, overturning a half-time deficit to beat the Hollywoodbets Sharks 29-12 with four tries. They now face top seeds Montpellier Hérault Rugby, who ran in nine tries in a dominant 53-point victory over USAP to secure a home quarter-final.

Benetton Rugby made history early, with Tommaso Menoncello scoring after just eight seconds - the fastest try ever in the competition - on their way to an 11-try, three-point thriller against Cardiff Rugby. The Italians will host Exeter Chiefs in the quarter-finals, who held firm against a Munster Rugby comeback after a clinical first half.

Ulster Rugby held off a relentless Ospreys fightback to secure a narrow lead of just four points at the final whistle and a home quarter-final against Stade Rochelais. The French side left it late, level with a fired-up Newcastle Red Bulls until the 76th minute before two decisive scores sealed their place in what will be a blockbuster quarter-final.

It was another down-to-the wire battle in Paris, with a last grasp 79th minute try for Dragons RFC setting up an away quarter-final against Zebre Parma. The Italian’s showed real form against Section Paloise, with four tries securing them the home advantage next weekend.

CLICK BELOW FOR ROUND OF 16 REVIEW STATS

Challenge Cup R16 Review.pdf

Download PDF • 1.25MB

Round of 16 – Top Performers

• Points: 18, Jacob Umaga, Benetton Rugby

• Carries: 27, Alun Lawrence, Cardiff Rugby

• Metres: 137, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Exeter Chiefs

• Defender Beaten: 11, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Exeter Chiefs

• Line-outs wons: 7, Loic Credoz, Section Paloise

• Tackles: 37, Allesandro Ortombina, Zebre Parma

Round of 16 – Key Stats

• Leonardo Marin (Benetton Rugby) topped the competition with three try assists in the latest round, while contributing 422 metres of carry distance (1st) this season.

• Thomas Young (Dragons RFC) has won five turnovers this season (third) and two in the latest round (second).

• Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs) ranks second in metres made with 341 while averaging 9.5 meters per carry (third).

• Samuel Ezeala (Stade Français Paris) scored three tries in the latest round (first) and made four initial breaks (first).

• Stuart McCloskey (Ulster Rugby) beat six defenders and provided two try assists in the latest round (both second).

EPCR is pleased to announce the EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-finals fixture dates, venues, kick-off times and TV coverage.

QUARTER-FINALS

(Pool stage rankings in brackets - all kick-offs local times)

Friday

Quarter-final 3: Ulster Rugby (3) v Stade Rochelais (11) @ Affidea Stadium, (8pm)

Hollie Davidson (SCO)

Premier Sports/France TV/beIN SPORTS/SuperSport/FloRugby/EPCR TV

Saturday

Quarter-final 1: Montpellier Hérault Rugby (1) v Connacht Rugby (8) @ Septeo Stadium (1.30pm)

Christophe Ridley (ENG)

beIN Sports/Premier Sports/SuperSport/FloRugby/EPCR TV

Quarter-final 4: Zebre Parma (5) v Dragons RFC (13) @ Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, (9pm)

Luke Pearce (ENG)

EPCR TV/beIN SPORTS/Premier Sports/SuperSport/FloRugby

Sunday

Quarter-final 2: Benetton Rugby (2) v Exeter Chiefs (7) @ Stadio Comunale di Monigo (1.30pm)

Luc Ramos (FRA)

EPCR TV/Premier Sports/beIN SPORTS/SuperSport/FloRugby

Semi-finals – 1/2/3 May

Semi-final 1: Winner QF 1 v Winner QF 4

Semi-final 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 (9pm)