EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16: Match by-match guide as knockout stages begin
- EPCR Media
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
The EPCR Challenge Cup returns to action this weekend, 3-5 April, with the first stage of the knockouts. Round of 16 preview statistics including club and individual player performance data is available for each match below as well as a general round preview.
CLICK BELOW FOR ROUND OF 16 PREVIEW STATS
Key match information
Connacht Rugby v Hollywoodbets Sharks
Friday – Dexcom Stadium
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The knockout stage kicks off in Galway as Connacht Rugby host the Hollywoodbets Sharks in a first-ever EPCR Challenge Cup clash between URC rivals. Connacht head in confident after a strong domestic win in their last meeting.
This marks Connacht’s 14th knockout appearance as they continue their hunt for a maiden title, having reached last season’s quarter-finals. Standout performers include Sam Gilbert, who led the pool stage in points and conversions, and Paul Boyle, top try scorer for the campaign.
The Sharks are 2024 EPCR Challenge Cup winners, dropping down after finishing fifth in their Investec Champions Cup pool.
Montpellier Hérault Rugby v USAP
Saturday – Septeo Stadium
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An all-French showdown as top seeds Montpellier Hérault Rugby host USAP. Two-time EPCR Challenge Cup winners Montpellier were flawless in the pool stage, collecting maximum points, and look in dominant form.
Montpellier sit fifth in the TOP 14 and head into this clash full of momentum, while both sides were knocked out in last season’s Round of 16. No previous meeting in this competition but Montpellier held USAP pointless in their last domestic clash, so expect plenty of intensity.
Exeter Rugby v Munster Rugby
Saturday – Sandy Park
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Expect big game energy at Sandy Park as Exeter Chiefs welcome Munster Rugby in a heavyweight showdown for two previous Investec Champions Cup winners. The sides have met five times in the Investec Champions Cup, with Exeter winning the most recent clash in 2023/24.
Exeter secured home advantage with two wins and a draw in the pool stage, while Munster finished fifth in their Investec Champions Cup pool, securing a place in the EPCR Challenge Cup.
Benetton Rugby v Cardiff Rugby
Saturday – Stadio Monigo
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A repeat of the 2023 quarter-final as Benetton Rugby host Cardiff Rugby in Treviso. Benetton won that last knockout meeting - and they come in hot again, topping their pool with four wins from four.
Cardiff booked their spot with two home wins and face a huge test away from home against a Benetton side leading multiple stat categories, including points, carries, metres made, clean breaks, and defenders beaten.
Newcastle Red Bulls v Stade Rochelais
Saturday – Kingston Park
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Stade Rochelais travel to face Newcastle Red Bulls for the first time ever.
The two-time Champions Cup winners drop down after a tough pool stage exit in the Investec Champions Cup, while Newcastle arrive as sixth seeds after winning three of their four matches.
Ulster Rugby v Ospreys
Saturday – Affidea Stadium
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URC rivals collide as Ulster Rugby take on Ospreys in Belfast. Ulster topped their pool to secure third seed, while Ospreys edge into the knockouts in 14th.
Ospreys have reached the quarter-finals in the last two seasons but Ulster’s strong pool form gives them home advantage in what promises to be a tight, familiar battle.
Stade Français Paris v Dragons RFC
Sunday – Stade Jean Bouin
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2017 champions Stade Français Paris host Dragons RFC in the French capital. Both sides are chasing a deeper knockout run after Round of 16 exits in 2022/23.
Stade Français Paris - currently third in the TOP 14 - arrive as strong pool performers with three wins, while Dragons secured their place with two.
Zebre Parma v Section Paloise
Sunday – Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
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The Round of 16 wraps up in Italy as Zebre Parma welcome Section Paloise. Zebre impressed with three pool wins, showing real growth in form.
Pau - currently third in the TOP 14 - drop in from the Investec Champions Cup and bring serious quality. Their last meeting in 2024 went right down to the wire, with Pau edging it by a single point.
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