EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-finals: Match-by-match guide and statistics
- EPCR Media
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Four compelling fixtures await from 10 to 12 April as the EPCR Challenge Cup reaches the quarter-final stage. With places in the semi-finals - and ultimately a shot at the Bilbao 2026 Final - on the line, the intensity is set to rise across a blockbuster weekend of European rugby.
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KEY MATCH INFORMATION
Ulster Rugby v Stade Rochelais
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
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The quarter-finals begin with a standout clash between European heavyweights Ulster Rugby and Stade Rochelais.
The sides last met during the 2022/23 Champions Cup pool stage, where Stade Rochelais secured victory en route to lifting the trophy for a second consecutive season.
Ulster enter the contest with a perfect home record in this season’s competition and will look to make full use of home advantage. Ronan O’Gara’s Stade Rochelais, meanwhile, bring significant European pedigree - as two-time Champions Cup winners - to what will no doubt be a massive clash.
Montpellier Hérault Rugby v Connacht Rugby
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
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Two-time winners Montpellier Hérault Rugby - unbeaten in this season’s competition - welcome Connacht Rugby for their second meeting of the campaign, having edged their pool stage clash by just two points.
Connacht were eliminated at the quarter-final stage last season, while Montpellier exited in the Round of 16, adding extra motivation for both sides to progress further this year.
Zebre Parma v Dragons RFC
Saturday
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
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Zebre Parma host their first-ever EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final as they take on Dragons RFC.
While Zebre benefit from home advantage, Dragons will draw confidence from their away victory in the Round of 16, underlining their resilience on the road.
The sides last met in 2023 - also the last time Dragons reached the quarter-finals - when Zebre secured a narrow three-point win at home.
Benetton Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
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
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Benetton Rugby welcome Exeter Chiefs in a first-ever meeting between the clubs, bringing the quarter-final weekend to an exciting close.
Benetton are unbeaten in this season’s competition and have reached the semi-finals in both 2023 and 2024. Exeter Chiefs also boast strong European credentials, having won the Champions Cup in 2020 and making the semi-finals in 2023. Expect a fiercely contested finish to the weekend.
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