EPCR Challenge Cup set for a spectacular 30th season

The EPCR Challenge Cup returns this coming weekend for what promises to be a landmark 30th season, with action kicking off from 5 to 7 December. Clubs from France, England, Wales, Georgia, South Africa, Italy and Ireland will begin their pursuit of glory as the road to the 2026 Finals in Bilbao officially begins.

The season opener will set the tone in emphatic fashion. On Friday Ulster Rugby host Racing 92 at the Affidea Stadium, as two European powerhouses prepare to bring all their experience and intensity to the first clash of the campaign.

Ulster Rugby captain Iain Henderson said: “We are really excited to get our European campaign underway at Affidea Stadium against Racing 92.

“European nights are always special for us, the fans always get behind us, and we have a big French side in town which always brings a lot of excitement. The team is buzzing at the thought and I’m sure we will see some exciting rugby!"

Racing 92 centre Gaël Fickou said: "We are delighted to kick off our Challenge Cup campaign with this opening match of the 2025-2026 season. It's a demanding start but one that the whole team is eagerly awaiting. Our ambition is clear: to reach the final stages and show Racing 92 at its best on the European stage. We are proud to represent French rugby.”

On Saturday Lyon Olympique Universitaire will be aiming to go one step further than last season in their quest for a second title, as they welcome Newcastle Red Bulls to Matmut Stadium de Gerland for a primetime showdown.

Lyon Olympique Universitaire scrumhalf Baptiste Couilloud said: “It's always interesting to play against teams from other countries. The style of play is different, it's a different kind of preparation. We're looking forward to welcoming them, especially in front of our home crowd.”

Speaking about the club’s history in the competition, Couilloud said: “Even though we have some big games coming up in the TOP 14, we are eager to start a new EPCR Challenge Cup campaign. It's a competition that means a lot to us. We won it in 2022 in Marseille against Toulon. It was a wonderful memory. The first major trophy for the club since the sport turned professional! Last year, we reached the final at the Principality Stadium, one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world. Unfortunately, we lost.”

Also on Saturday, newcomers US Montauban make their long-awaited return to European competition after 15 years away. They will be looking to make an immediate impression when they travel to Zebre Parma.

Two-time winners Montpellier Hérault Rugby begin their own campaign on the road, taking on Georgian invitees Black Lion at Tbilisi’s Avchala Stadium.

On the same day, Cardiff Rugby - another two-time winner - kick off their season with a heavyweight contest against 2017 champions Stade Français Paris at Stade Jean Bouin. Simultaneously, South Africa’s Lions host Benetton Rugby at Ellis Park in what promises to be another fiercely contested matchup.

The action continues on Sunday as USAP and Dragons RFC open the final day of Round 1. Later that afternoon, Ospreys welcome Irish challengers Connacht Rugby, before Exeter Chiefs close out the weekend at Sandy Park against South Africa’s Toyota Cheetahs. The Chiefs will be looking to carry over the momentum from their impressive Gallagher PREM form.

Dayffyd Jenkins, Exeter Chiefs lock said: "We're really looking forward to the Challenge Cup and getting to kick off our campaign at home is really important to us.

"We know it's going to be an incredibly tough competition, but we're hoping to replicate the strong form we've enjoyed in the Gallagher PREM to try to progress as far as we can in the Challenge Cup.

"Playing rugby at Sandy Park is a massive boost for us and we'd love to give our fans an exciting performance in our opening match against Toyota Cheetahs."

With EPCR Challenge Cup action just days away, fans are already eyeing the EPCR Finals Weekend in Bilbao, on 22 and 23 May 2026 - the biggest weekend in international club rugby.

Demand has been extraordinary, with over 50% of tickets sold for both the EPCR Challenge Cup and the Investec Challenge Cup before the new season even kicks off.

Bilbao is the ideal backdrop for an EPCR Finals Weekend and supporters are encouraged to act quickly to avoid missing out.