EPCR Challenge Cup – Round 3 preview

Pool 3 leaders Stade Français Paris open the weekend's action at home against Exeter Chiefs.

Round 3 of the EPCR Challenge Cup kicks off this weekend, with only two pool-stage rounds remaining and qualification for the knockout stage hanging in the balance across all three pools. With every point crucial, clubs are battling not just for progression but for home advantage in the Round of 16.

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Round 3 headlines

• Saturday opens with a blockbuster Pool 3 clash as leaders Stade Français Paris host second-placed Exeter Chiefs at Stade Jean Bouin, in a match that could shape the top of the table. Unbeaten at home since last April, Stade Français Paris have started their EPCR Challenge Cup campaign flawlessly, with both sides arriving in strong domestic form, sitting third in their respective leagues.

• In Pool 1, newcomers US Montauban and invitees Black Lion meet in a must-win encounter, with both sides still seeking their first points of the campaign.

• Newcastle Red Bulls have made a flying start in Pool 2, sitting second with two wins from two and will look to maintain momentum at home to USAP. The visitors arrive full of confidence following their recent TOP14 victory over six-time Champions Cup winners Stade Toulousain.

• Elsewhere in Pool 2, Lions and Lyon Olympique Universitaire are both chasing their first wins, while leaders Benetton Rugby look to maintain their perfect start when they take on a Dragons RFC side riding high after their Round 2 victory over Lyon and two more domestic wins before the New Year.

• At Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff Rugby welcome French heavyweights Racing 92 in a key fixture with knockout implications.

• Sunday sees Montpellier Hérault Rugby, top of Pool 1 with the maximum 10 points, host Connacht Rugby, with the visitors eager to secure their second win in a row to relieve some pressure ahead of the decisive fourth Round.

• Ospreys will target a third successive win as they travel to Zebre Parma, before the Toyota Cheetahs round off the weekend at home to Ulster Rugby, hoping home advantage can help secure their first points.