EPCR confirms match official appointments for Round 1 of Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup
EPCR has confirmed the teams of match officials who will take charge of the opening 21 fixtures of the 2026/27 Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, with just over two weeks to go until the new season gets underway.
Referees from seven unions have been appointed for a blockbuster opening round from 16 to 18 October, that will feature reigning champions, former winners and some of the biggest names in club rugby.
The Appointments have been made by a selection committee chaired by EPCR Head of Match Officials, Tony Spreadbury, based on performance and a commitment to the highest standards of Officiating.
Spreadbury said: “We are delighted with the high standards of Officiating and the performances of our match officials last season. These appointments reflect their consistency, professionalism and commitment to excellence across EPCR competitions.
“We are looking forward to seeing the officials take charge of some outstanding fixtures in Round 1 and to maintaining those high standards throughout the pool stage.”
Investec Champions Cup Round 1 Match Official highlights
The new Investec Champions Cup season bursts into life on Friday 16 October as back-to-back champions Union Bordeaux Bègles begin their title defence away to Gloucester Rugby at Kingsholm Stadium, with Italy’s Gianluca Gnecchi appointed referee.
There is a return to EPCR duty for Karl Dickson (ENG) on Saturday 17 October. Following his appointment to the Investec Champions Cup Final last season, Dickson will referee as Munster Rugby host Racing 92.
Matthew Carley (ENG) - who refereed the EPCR Challenge Cup Final last season – will be in charge as URC champions Leinster Rugby, last season’s Investec Champions Cup runners-up, begin their quest for a fifth title away to ASM Clermont Auvergne.
At The Rec, Andrea Piardi (ITA), will take charge as Bath Rugby host EPCR Challenge Cup holders and TOP 14 finalists Montpellier Hérault Rugby in another headline clash.
On Sunday 18 October, Hollie Davidson (SCO) will referee as TOP 14 champions and six-time Champions Cup winners Stade Toulousain launch their campaign at the iconic Stadium de Toulouse against former champions Exeter Chiefs.
The opening weekend concludes at DPD Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, where Gallagher PREM champions Northampton Saints welcome Cardiff Rugby, with France’s Jérémy Rozier appointed referee.
EPCR Challenge Cup Round 1 Match Official highlights
The 2026/27 EPCR Challenge Cup also gets underway on Friday 16 October with a pair of high-profile encounters.
South Africa’s Hanru van Rooyen will make his EPCR debut when he takes charge of last season’s semi-finalists Dragons RFC against USAP at Rodney Parade, as EPCR continues to provide opportunities for referees to gain valuable experience and develop their skills.
Meanwhile, Ben Breakspear (WAL) will referee another heavyweight contest as Edinburgh Rugby host 2023 Challenge Cup champions RC Toulon at Hive Stadium.
On Saturday 17 October, Ben Connor (WAL) will be in the middle as 2026 finalists Ulster Rugby begin their European campaign away to Zebre Parma.
There will also be a meeting between two former Challenge Cup winners at Matmut Stadium, where 2022 champions LOU Rugby welcome 2024 winners Hollywoodbets Sharks, with Italy’s Federico Vedovelli (ITA) appointed referee.
On Sunday 18 October, three-time Challenge Cup winners Harlequins, the competition’s joint most successful club, welcome RC Vannes, with Ireland’s Peter Martin taking charge.
EPCR Chairman Dominic McKay said: “I would like to thank all our match officials for their professionalism and commitment to delivering the very best matches across our competitions.
“I would also like to thank Tony Spreadbury and the wider selection team for the considerable work that takes place behind the scenes to ensure we have a line-up of match officials of world-class quality.
“With the new season just around the corner, we are looking forward to seeing them take centre stage as the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup get underway.”
2026/27 Match Weekends
Round 1 - 16/17/18 October 2026
Round 2 - 11/12/13 December 2026
Round 3 - 8/9/10 January 2027
Round 4 - 15/16/17 January 2027
Round of 16 - 2/3/4 April 2027
Quarter-Finals - 9/10/11 April 2027
Semi-Finals - 30 April / 1/2 May 2027
Lyon 2027 Finals Weekend, OL Stadium
EPCR Challenge Cup Final: Friday 21 May 2027
Investec Champions Cup Final: Saturday 22 May 2027
Comments