The Sharks and Cheetahs are set for challenging journeys in the first round of the 2026-27 EPCR Challenge Cup, with both teams heading to France. The competition is slated to begin on October 16, with the Sharks facing off against Lyon, the 2021-22 champions, on October 17 in Pool 2. This match is highlighted as one of the key encounters to watch. Lyon is particularly motivated this season as they will be playing in their hometown, which is also the venue for this season's final. Meanwhile, the Cheetahs will start their campaign against Bayonne on October 18 in Pool 1, which promises tough competition.
Lyon's journey through the pool stage includes matches against Benetton, Scarlets, and Newcastle Red Bulls, setting the stage for some thrilling rugby action. The Cheetahs, on the other hand, will host the Dragons in their second round, followed by a trip to Zebre, and will conclude their pool matches with a home game against Perpignan.
The tournament kicks off with the Dragons and Perpignan clashing at Rodney Parade on the opening night. Another significant match in the first round features Edinburgh welcoming Toulon. Ulster, last season's finalists, begin their quest to clinch the title this year with an away game against Zebre, followed by matches against Bayonne, Perpignan, and the Dragons.
"We are eagerly anticipating the challenges of this season's EPCR Challenge Cup, especially starting our campaign against such esteemed opponents,"
noted a spokesperson from the Sharks."Playing in Lyon, where the final will be held, adds an extra layer of excitement and motivation for our team."
Here are the details of the initial fixtures for both teams in their respective pools:
- Cheetahs (Pool 1): Round 1 - Bayonne (away), Round 2 - Dragons (home), Round 3 - Zebre (away), Round 4 - Perpignan (home)
- Sharks (Pool 2): Round 1 - Lyon (away), Round 2 - Scarlets (home), Round 3 - Castres (home), Round 4 - Benetton (away)
The EPCR Challenge Cup pools for the 2026-27 season are as follows:
- Pool 1: Cheetahs, Ulster, Perpignan, Dragons, Bayonne, Zebre
- Pool 2: Benetton, Lyon, Newcastle Red Bulls, Sharks, Castres, Scarlets
- Pool 3: Ospreys, Edinburgh, Black Lion, Harlequins, Toulon, Vannes
The match weekends for the EPCR Challenge Cup are scheduled as follows:
- Round 1: October 16, 17, 18, 2026
- Round 2: December 11, 12, 13, 2026
- Round 3: January 8, 9, 10, 2027
- Round 4: January 15, 16, 17, 2027
- Round of 16: April 2, 3, 4, 2027
- Quarter-finals: April 9, 10, 11, 2027
- Semi-finals: April 30, May 1, 2, 2027
- Final: Friday, May 21, 2027