19 October 2026
The opening salvo of the 2026/27 EPCR Challenge Cup delivered immediate clarity to the qualification race, drawing a sharp line between early frontrunners and those already playing catch-up. Round 1 wrapped up with high-scoring bonus-point victories establishing a clear hierarchy at the summit of the log.
The provisional top 16 log has taken shape, factoring in the four lowest-ranked Investec Champions Cup sides currently set to drop down. Under tournament rules, the top three teams from each of the three Challenge Cup pools claim automatic berths, with the next three highest-ranked wildcard clubs filling out the positions ahead of the Champions Cup drop-ins.
Provisional EPCR Challenge Cup Top 16 Log
01 Scarlets, Pool 2, Automatic Qualification.
02 Ospreys, Pool 3, Automatic Qualification
03 Ulster Rugby, Pool 1, Automatic Qualification
04 Harlequins, Pool 3, Automatic Qualification
05 Dragons RFC, Pool, Automatic Qualification
06 RC Toulon, Pool 3, Automatic Qualification
07 Hollywoodbets Sharks, Pool 2, Automatic Qualification
08 Aviron Bayonnais, Pool 1, Automatic Qualification
09 Castres Olympique, Pool 2, Automatic Qualification
10 Toyota Cheetahs, Pool 1, Wildcard Qualifier
11 Benetton Rugby, Pool 2, Wildcard Qualifier
12 LOU Rugby (Lyon), Pool 2, Wildcard Qualifier
13 10bet Lions, Champions Cup Drop-in
14 Bath Rugby, Champions Cup Drop-in
15 Sale Sharks, Champions Cup Drop-in
16 Leicester Tigers, Champions Cup Drop-in
Scarlets seized the top seed after a comprehensive five-point display, utilising slick distribution and clinical finishing to blow their opposition away. Ospreys and Ulster mirrored this ruthlessness to round out the top three, banking crucial try bonus points on the road.
Further down, the Hollywoodbets Sharks kick-started their campaign efficiently, relying on defensive grit and dominance at the breakdown to anchor their spot in seventh. Meanwhile, the Toyota Cheetahs secured a potentially vital losing bonus point during their tight away defeat, placing them at the head of the wildcard pack.