3. Pontypridd
Before the Challenge Cup’s Welsh representatives came solely from the Pro12 and later the United Rugby Championship, Pontypridd had a phenomenal run in the early 2000s. The Welsh side was added from the Celtic League in 2001, after failing to earn a spot in the Champions Cup.
Pontypridd topped their group with four wins in six games, seeing off Leeds Tykes, Beziers and Parma to secure a spot in the knock-out stages. What followed was a defining 17-15 victory against a plucky Saracens side, before a thrilling 33-27 classic took the Welshmen past London Irish and into the final.
Pontypridd were unsuccessful in their third fixture against Premiership opposition, as they were beaten by Sale Sharks in a narrow 25-22 finale. Momentum was with Pontypridd, having just won the Welsh Principality Cup, yet they could not get their hands on what was then oddly called the ‘Parker Pen Shield.’