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Challenge Cup Info & FAQs

Eager to expand your EPCR Challenge Cup knowledge? From the inaugural tournament to the current season, our rugby gurus have explored the archives to uncover answers to Challenge Cup FAQs. We’ve looked through player records, revisited historic moments and checked the most impressive team feats to help you become a true Challenge Cup expert.


Whether you’ve been following this tournament from its first year or you’re new to the Challenge Cup, you’ll find all the information you need right here on this page. That’s because our experts have combed through your questions and comments, ensuring we provide answers to your most frequently asked questions.


Are you here to find out when Clermont won their first Challenge Cup? Discover which English teams have been crowned champions? Or learn about the players who have scored the most points in tournament history? You’ll find all the facts and information right in our EPCR Challenge Cup FAQs.

What is the EPCR Challenge Cup? What is the EPCR Challenge Cup?

The EPCR Challenge Cup is an annual competition contested by European clubs. Also known as the European Rugby Challenge Cup, this tournament is considered secondary to the Heineken Champions Cup and features teams that do not qualify for this elite competition.

When was the first edition of the EPCR Challenge Cup? When was the first edition of the EPCR Challenge Cup?

The first edition of the EPCR Challenge Cup was held in 1996, when it was known as the European Conference. The inaugural tournament was contested by twenty four teams from England, France, Italy, Romania, Scotland and Wales. Bourgoin beat Castres 18-9 in the all-French final and claimed the first title.

How many teams compete in the EPCR Challenge Cup? How many teams compete in the EPCR Challenge Cup?

18 teams compete in the EPCR Challenge Cup. This includes 17 teams that qualify based on their standings in the Premiership, Top 14 and United Rugby Championship, as well as one team that is invited to take part. Each of the teams comes from England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa or Wales.

Which teams compete in the EPCR Challenge Cup? Which teams compete in the EPCR Challenge Cup?

Teams from England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa and Wales compete in the EPCR Challenge Cup. The domestic teams competing in the 2022-23 EPCR Challenge Cup are:

- England: Bath, Bristol Bears, Newcastle Falcons
- France: Bayonne, Brive, Pau, Perpignan, Stade Français, Toulon
- Ireland: Connacht
- Italy: Benetton, Zebre Parma
- Scotland: Glasgow Warriors
- Wales: Cardiff, Dragons, Scarlets
- South Africa: Lions, Cheetahs

Which side holds the record for the most EPCR Challenge Cup titles? Which side holds the record for the most EPCR Challenge Cup titles?

Clermont and Harlequins hold the record for the most EPCR Challenge Cup wins. Each side has claimed the title three times. Clermont won the Challenge Cup in 1998-99, 2006-07 and 2018-19, while Harlequins won in 2000-01, 2003-04 and 2010-11. Gloucester, Sale, Northampton, Cardiff and Montpellier all have two wins apiece.

Which country’s sides have been the most successful in the EPCR Challenge Cup? Which country’s sides have been the most successful in the EPCR Challenge Cup?

English sides have been the most successful in the EPCR Challenge Cup. In total, they have won the tournament on 12 occasions. However, French sides are close behind. These teams have won the tournament 11 times.

What’s the format of the EPCR Challenge Cup? What’s the format of the EPCR Challenge Cup?

The EPCR Challenge Cup uses group and knock-out stages. In the group stage, each team faces the others in their pool twice, both at home and away. The top eight teams qualify for the knock-out stage of the competition. This includes quarter-finals and semi-finals. The final usually takes place in May.

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