Despite not garnishing as much respect as its big brother the Champions Cup, the EPCR Challenge Cup remains a coveted title in Europe. Here we class this season’s field from the pretenders to the contenders.
Title Challengers
Lions; Gloucester; Connacht; Montpellier; Edinburgh; Bayonne
Ivan van Rooyen and his Lions outfit have been bullish about their chances in the URC since pre-season, and while many hardly took note of his talk of semi-final footy, the side have started the domestic season like a house on fire. There may be a long way to go yet for the Pride, and though they, like many others on this list, may be prioritising their respective domestic competitions over the Challenge Cup, they are good enough to be eyeing out last four qualification.
The same could be said for any of the likes of Gloucester (last season’s runners-up), Connacht, Edinburgh, Bayonne or Montpellier. Although the latter are struggling in the Top 14 this term, they are two-time winners of the competition and know how to get the job done, while compatriots Bayonne have been stellar domestically and should have a big say.
The Cherry and Whites were brushed aside 36-22 by the Hollywoodbets Sharks in last season’s final and may feel they have a point to prove this time around. They have started the Gallagher Premiership positively enough, memorably winning at Bristol in round two and beating Northampton at Franlins Gardens more recently. They should be there or thereabouts come crunch time.
Connacht last featured in a Challenge Cup semi-final in 2010, but are always fiercely competitive, particularly in Galway. Edinburgh are yet to find real consistency in the URC, but their impressive roster of Scottish international talent means they will be a factor too.
Dark Horses
Cheetahs; Ospreys; Scarlets; Cardiff; Lyon
The Cheetahs remain one of the proudest franchises around despite their continued absence from a domestic league. Their lack of rugby is still their biggest Achilles heel, and Izak van Heerden’s charges could again find themselves undercooked against some of the big boys, though they do stand a good chance of round of 16 progression in a relatively tame Pool 1.
The Welsh trio of Ospreys, Scarlets and Cardiff have been much improved this season after some years of struggle and could be an outside bet at appearances beyond the round of 16. Scarlets and Cardiff in particular have started their respective URC campaigns brightly and could be surprise packages in Europe.
Lyon were beaten by the Bulls in the Champions Cup round of 16 last season and have been ppor in the Top 14 this term, but their playing talent and ambition mean they will be out for blood come the knockouts.
Making Up the Numbers
Newcastle Falcons; Zebre; Dragons; Vannes; Perpignan; Pau; Black Lion
It’s unlikely any of the clubs featured here will still be in the competition by the time the quarter-finals get underway, with Falcons, Zebre and Dragons seemingly perpetually condemned to the basements of their respective leagues.
Although Newcastle have found some form of late, climbing off the bottom of the Premiership table with a shock win over Saracens this past weekend. Still, progression from Pool 2 seems unlikely with the likes of Montpellier, Pau, the Lions and the Ospreys in the mix.
Vannes and Perpignan have struggled big time in the Top 14 this season, while Pau haven’t done much better. Black Lion of Georgia memorably knocked over Scarlets in Llanelli in the second round of the Challenge Cup last season but need more experience under the belt before they are worthy of featuring higher on lists like this.
