The EPCR Challenge Cup dates have been confirmed today, in what is lining up to be a historic competition for European rugby’s secondary title.
For the first time ever, a Georgian club will run out in the competition, with Black Lion set to mark this historic occasion. Currently, there are two sides from the Gallagher Premiership seeded in the 2023/24 EPCR Challenge Cup, in the form of Newcastle Falcons (Pool 2) and 2015 Challenge Cup winners Gloucester Rugby (Pool 3).
More Premiership sides may well join the Challenge Cup in the latter knock-out stages, if they are unsuccessful in their progression throughout the Champions Cup. The fifth placed side in each Champions Cup Pool will drop down for a second shot at silverware in the Challenge Cup, and join the Premiership duo of Gloucester and Newcastle.
Here are the confirmed fixtures for the two Premiership sides.
NEWCASTLE FALCONS – POOL 2
10/12 – Montpellier Herault Rugby (H) 15:15 KO
16/12 – Emirates Lions (A) 17:15 KO
12/01 – Benetton Rugby (H) 20:00 KO
21/01 – USA Perpignan (A) 14:00 KO
GLOUCESTER RUGBY – POOL 3
09/12 – Black Lion (A) 16:00 KO
15/12 – ASM Clermont Auvergne (H) 20:00 KO
13/01 – Edinburgh Rugby (A) 17:30 KO
19/01 – Castres Olympique (H) 20:00 KO