The road to Lyon begins as EPCR Challenge Cup returns
The countdown is on. One week from today, the EPCR Challenge Cup returns, with 18 clubs from eight nations set to launch their campaigns from 16 to 18 October and begin the race towards European glory and a place at the 2027 Final in Lyon.
From renewed rivalries and knockout rematches to highly anticipated first-time encounters, Round 1 promises a thrilling start to the 2026/27 campaign as clubs from England, France, Georgia, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa and Wales battle it out for the coveted trophy.
With the road to Lyon officially beginning, the stage is set for another season of high-stakes international club rugby, as revamped tournament rules promise to make the matches hotly contested until the final whistle.
EPCR Chairman Dominic McKay said: “The countdown to another EPCR Challenge Cup season is almost over, and we are expecting a fantastic opening weekend as 18 clubs begin their journey towards Lyon.
“The Challenge Cup continues to provide a brilliant platform for clubs to test themselves against new opponents, renew rivalries and create memorable moments, and this season promises no shortage of them. With the prospect of the Final at OL Stadium waiting at the end of the road, the race for Lyon starts here and we cannot wait to see it unfold.”
The 2026/27 EPCR Challenge Cup gets underway on Friday 16 October with two compelling fixtures.
Last season’s semi-finalists Dragons RFC begin their campaign at Rodney Parade against USAP, in a repeat of last season’s Round 1 meeting when the French side came out on top. The Welsh side will be determined to turn the tables on home soil as they begin their latest challenge.
At the Hive Stadium, Edinburgh Rugby welcome 2023 champions RC Toulon in another intriguing reunion. The sides met in last season’s Investec Champions Cup, with Edinburgh claiming a memorable bonus-point victory over the French giants.
Saturday’s action begins with a heavyweight clash as 2022 winners LOU Rugby host 2024 champions Hollywoodbets Sharks. The South Africans arrive in France in impressive form, currently sitting top of the United Rugby Championship but LOU Rugby will draw confidence from their most recent European meeting, having eliminated the Sharks in the 2024/25 Round of 16.
There will be history in the making at Avchala Stadium, where invited club Black Lion welcome Ospreys for the first meeting between the sides in EPCR competition.
Ulster Rugby, beaten finalists in last season’s EPCR Challenge Cup, begin their campaign away to Zebre Parma as the two URC rivals meet at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.
An Anglo-Welsh encounter awaits at Parc y Scarlets, where Scarlets welcome Newcastle Red Bulls in another first-time EPCR meeting.
Sunday’s action features one of the most successful clubs in Challenge Cup history, as three-time champions Harlequins – joint-record winners of the competition - host RC Vannes at Twickenham Stoop.
Vannes return to the competition after making their EPCR debut in 2024/25, with this set to be the first meeting between the two clubs.
At Stade Jean Dauger, Aviron Bayonnais face the Toyota Cheetahs in another first-time encounter. Bayonne head into the fixture with three consecutive TOP 14 wins behind them and will be looking to maintain their momentum as they target a strong start to their European campaign.
The opening weekend concludes with a blockbuster clash in France as Castres Olympique host Benetton Rugby at Stade Pierre-Fabre.
The sides are no strangers to EPCR competition, having met several times previously, most recently in 2025 when Castres eliminated Benetton in the Investec Champions Cup Round of 16.
With heavyweight clashes, European history and new rivalries all on the agenda, Round 1 is set to provide a fitting launch to the road to Lyon.
Fans around the world can follow the 2026/27 EPCR season through comprehensive broadcast coverage.
Select matches will be covered live on Premier Sports in the UK and Ireland, beIN SPORTS in France, SuperSport in South Africa, FloRugby in the USA and Canada, and FOX Latin America, with free-to-air coverage on France Télévisions. Fans can also follow the action on EPCR’s OTT platform, EPCRugby.TV.
The 2026/27 campaign may only be one week away but fans are already looking ahead to the ultimate destination: EPCR Finals Weekend at Lyon’s OL Stadium on 21 and 22 May 2027.
And the excitement is already building, with more than 50% of tickets sold ahead of the opening round.
For the 18 EPCR Challenge Cup contenders, the journey to Lyon starts next week.
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