The four highest-ranked clubs in each pool have secured their places in the Round of 16, which will be played on the weekend of 3/4/5 April. The 12 clubs are supplemented by Hollywoodbets Sharks, Munster Rugby, Stade Rochelais, and Section Paloise, who have qualified from the Investec Champions Cup.
The exact dates and kick-off times of the Round of 16 fixtures will be announced as soon as possible.
EPCR CHALLENGE CUP
Round of 16 – 3/4/5 April
R16 1: Montpellier Hérault Rugby (1) v USAP (16)
R16 2: Benetton Rugby (2) v Cardiff Rugby (15)
R16 3: Ulster Rugby (3) v Ospreys (14)
R16 4: Stade Français Paris (4) v Dragons RFC (13)
R16 5: Zebre Parma (5) Section Paloise (12)
R16 6: Newcastle Red Bulls (6) v Stade Rochelais (11)
R16 7: Exeter Chiefs (7) v Munster Rugby (10)
R16 8: Connacht Rugby (8) v Hollywoodbets Sharks (9)
NB The clubs ranked numbers 1 to 8 will have home venue advantage
Quarter-finals – 10/11/12 April
QF 1: Winner R16 1 v Winner R16 8
QF 2: Winner R16 2 v Winner R16 7
QF 3: Winner R16 3 v Winner R16 6
QF 4: Winner R16 4 v Winner R16 5
NB The highest-ranked clubs from the pool stage will have home venue advantage
Semi-finals – 1/2/3 May
SF 1: Winner QF 1 v Winner QF 4
SF 2: Winner QF 2 v Winner QF 3
NB The highest-ranked clubs from the pool stage will have home venue advantage
2026 EPCR Challenge Cup Final – Friday 22 May; San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao