EPCR confirms Round of 16 Match Officials ahead of knockout stages
- EPCR Media
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
With under two weeks to go until the eagerly awaited return of EPCR club rugby, the Round of 16 match official appointments for both the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup have been confirmed.
The 96-strong panel of referees, assistant referees, and TMOs, representing eight unions, has been appointed by a committee led by EPCR Head of Match Officials, Tony Spreadbury. These officials will oversee 16 decisive knockout encounters, as the clubs take their next step towards the 2026 EPCR Finals Weekend at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao (22 and 23 May). The knockout stages kick off on 3, 4, and 5 April, marking the next stage in the battle for club rugby’s ultimate prize.
Investec Champions Cup Round of 16 Match Official highlights
The action gets underway with Hollie Davidson (Scotland), fresh from her Men’s Six Nations debut, taking charge of the opening fixture on Friday 3 April as last season’s runners-up Northampton Saints host Castres Olympique at cinch Stadium @ Franklin’s Gardens.
Saturday’s fixtures begin with Nika Amashukeli (Georgia), who recently officiated the deciding Six Nations clash between France and England, overseeing an all-English heavyweight encounter as Bath Rugby face Saracens at The Rec.
At the same time, England’s Christophe Ridley will referee at Stade Félix Mayol as RC Toulon take on DHL Stormers.
On Saturday evening, Pierre Brousset (France) will officiate a first-ever Investec Champions Cup meeting between URC rivals Glasgow Warriors and Vodacom Bulls. Concurrently, Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy) will be in charge as Stade Toulousain host Bristol Bears in another first-time matchup.
Under the Saturday night lights, Luc Ramos (France) will referee the all-English clash between Harlequins and Sale Sharks at Twickenham Stoop.
Sunday’s action begins with Ireland’s Andrew Brace in charge, as reigning champions and top seeds Union Bordeaux Bègles welcome Leicester Tigers to Stade Chaban-Delmas.
The Round of 16 concludes with Luke Pearce (England) officiating the final match, as unbeaten Leinster Rugby host Edinburgh Rugby at the Aviva Stadium.
EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 Match Official highlights
Scotland’s Sam Grove-White will referee the opening match, a first-time meeting in EPCR competition between URC competitors Connacht Rugby and Hollywoodbets Sharks at the Dexcom Stadium on Friday 3 April, with the visitors having qualified from the Investec Champions Cup.
On Saturday 4 April, Adam Leal (England) will oversee the clash between top-seeded Montpellier Hérault Rugby and USAP at Septeo Stadium. At the same time, France’s Jérémy Rozier will officiate as Exeter Chiefs host Munster Rugby at Sandy Park in their sixth EPCR meeting.
Kevin Bralley (France) will take charge at Stadio Monigo, where Benetton Rugby host Cardiff Rugby in a repeat of the 2023 quarter-final.
Saturday night brings two more compelling fixtures: Eoghan Cross (Ireland) will referee as two-time Investec Champions Cup winners Stade Rochelais travel to Newcastle Red Bulls at Kingston Park. Simultaneously, Anthony Woodthorpe (England) will officiate the clash between Ulster Rugby and Ospreys at Affidea Stadium.
On Sunday, Morne Ferreira (South Africa) will oversee Stade Français Paris against Dragons RFC, marking both sides’ first knockout appearance since the 2022/23 season.
The Round of 16 concludes with Ben Breakspear (Wales) in charge, as Zebre Parma face Section Paloise at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi for a place in the quarter-finals.
The Round of 16 promises to deliver high-stakes drama as the best clubs from Europe and South Africa compete for a spot in the next stage.
The key dates for the EPCR 2026/27 season
Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup Pool Draws – Wednesday 1 July
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
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