The 2026/27 EPCR Challenge Cup gets underway on Friday 16 October, with two massive encounters. Last season’s semi-finalists Dragons RFC will launch their campaign at home at Rodney Parade against USAP, while two European heavyweights will collide as Edinburgh Rugby host 2023 champions RC Toulon at Hive Stadium.
2026 finalists Ulster Rugby open their European journey away to Zebre Parma on 17 October, before a blockbuster run of fixtures against French duo Aviron Bayonnais and USAP in Rounds 2 and 3, then wrapping up the pool stage against Dragons RFC at the Affidea Stadium.
Pool 2 serves up massive showdowns from the very first round as 2022 winners LOU Rugby welcome 2024 winners Hollywoodbets Sharks on 17 October. With this season’s Final set to take place in their home city, the French side will be eager to go one step further and book a place in the showpiece.
LOU Rugby then travel to Stadio Comunale di Monigo to take on Benetton Rugby in another standout fixture before facing Scarlets away from home. Their pool-stage campaign concludes with a renewed rivalry against Newcastle Red Bulls in Round 4, in a repeat of last season’s pool-stage encounter.
Pool 3 is packed with European pedigree and rising challengers. Three-time Challenge Cup winners Harlequins - the competition’s joint most successful club - welcome RC Vannes to Twickenham Stoop on 18 October as the French side return to the tournament after their 2024/25 season debut.
EPCR Challenge Fixtures
17 October 2026
14:00 LOU Rugby vs Hollywoodbets Sharks @ Matmut Stadium
18 October 2026
14:00 Aviron Bayonnais vs Toyota Cheetahs @ Stade Jean Dauger
12 December 2026
19:30 Hollywoodbets Sharks vs Scarlets @ Hollywoodbets Kings Park
13 December 2026
16:15 Toyota Cheetahs vs Dragons RFC @ TBC
09 January 2026
15:00 Hollywoodbets Sharks vs Castres Olympique @ Hollywoodbets Kings Park
10 January 2026
18:30 Zebre Parma vs Toyota Cheetahs @ Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
16 January 2026
19:30 Benetton Rugby vs Hollywoodbets Sharks @ Stadio Monigo
17 January 2026
16:15 Toyota Cheetahs vs USAP @ TBC