EPCR Challenge Cup – Round 4 review
- EPCR Media
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
With Round of 16 qualification and valuable home advantage at stake, Round 4 of the EPCR Challenge Cup delivered a thrilling conclusion to the pool stage. Montpellier Hérault Rugby, Benetton Rugby and Ulster Rugby set the pace by topping their respective pools, securing crucial victories to claim home advantage in the knockout rounds.
They were joined by Stade Français Paris, Zebre Parma, Newcastle Red Bulls, Connacht Rugby and Exeter Chiefs, all of whom also confirmed home advantage in the Round of 16.
Elsewhere, all three Welsh representatives - Dragons RFC, Ospreys and Cardiff Rugby - successfully booked their places in the knockout phase, alongside USAP.
With Hollywoodbets Sharks, Munster Rugby, Stade Rochelais and Section Paloise qualifying after finishing fifth in their Investec Champions Cup pools, the Round of 16 line-up is now complete, setting the stage for a compelling knockout phase as clubs take the next crucial steps on the Road to the Bilbao Final.
CLICK BELOW FOR ROUND 4 REVIEW STATS
Round 4 – Top Performers
Points: 19, Sam Gilbert, Connacht Rugby
Carries: 26, Yoan Tanga, Stade Français Paris
Metres: 138, Robert Baloucoune, Ulster Rugby
Defenders beaten: 8, Juita Wainiqolo, Lyon Olympique Universitaire
Line-outs won: 12, Mikheil Babunashvili, Black Lion
Tackles: 24, Tom Christie, Newcastle Red Bulls
Round 4 – Key Stats
Paul Boyle (Connacht Rugby) tops the individual try-scoring charts with 5 this season and scored twice in the latest round (1st).
Dan Thomas (Cardiff Rugby) led the latest round in tackle turnovers won (3) and attacking ruck entries (32).
Robert Baloucoune (Ulster Rugby) gained the most metres in the latest round (138) and made the most initial breaks (4).
Gibson Popoali'i (Montauban) tops the individual standings for defenders beaten with 24 and ranks 2nd for carries (44).
Selestino Ravutaumada (Racing 92) gained the 2nd most metres in the latest round with 125 and ranks 3rd for the season with 284.
The exact dates and kick-off times of the Round of 16 fixtures will be announced as soon as possible.
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
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