Team of the Week: EPCR Challenge Cup Round 1

Ulster were first 'off to the races' with a stunning win over their Parisian visitors. Racing 92 were undone by a demolition in Belfast, with the URC side commencing their Challenge Cup campaign in style under the Friday night lights. Emirates Lions then suffered a home defeat to Italian outfit Benetton, before Stade Francais ran out a statement of intent over Cardiff on Saturday.

Montpellier, Newcastle Red Bulls and Zebre all picked up solid first round victories to get their tournaments off on the right foot. Perpignan, Ospreys and Exeter Chiefs followed suit on Sunday, as the first weekend got wrapped up with a landslide win down at Sandy Park.

PERPIGNAN 41-17 DRAGONS RFC / OSPREYS 24-21 CONNACHT / EXETER CHIEFS 42-12 CHEETAHS

Ulster flyer Jacob Stockdale starts our Challenge Cup Team of the Week after a standout showing against Racing 92. The Ireland international was a constant attacking menace from the backfield, with two excellent finishes to underline his rejuvenated form. Stockdale’s footwork and confidence with ball in hand caused problems for the Parisians throughout, and this performance will do his Ireland ambitions no harm as he targets a return for the 2026 Six Nations. A fine outing from a player rediscovering his sharpest edge.

A rising star in the Premiership, 21-year-old Oli Spencer continues to signal a bright future with another assured performance. The young winger showed maturity beyond his years in France, capping off Newcastle’s important away win over Lyon with a decisive 75th-minute try. Spencer’s strong carries, sharp stepping and calmness under pressure all stood out. On current trajectory, the Red Bulls wing is an England prospect to watch very closely.

Vintage Henry Slade appeared at Sandy Park as the classy England centre pulled the strings in Exeter’s milestone win over the Cheetahs. Slade crossed for a well-taken try and added three conversions, guiding the Chiefs with his trademark blend of vision and control. Exeter are fully backing themselves to go deep in the Challenge Cup this season — especially with the trophy residing in the West Country after Bath’s triumph last year — and Slade will be central to that push. Now 32, the playmaker could extend his England renaissance into the 2026 Six Nations after a promising autumn that included a try against Argentina in his new midfield axis with Max Ojomoh.

Leonardo Marin delivered a superb showing in Johannesburg, as the versatile 23-year-old struck twice in Benetton’s dramatic late win over the Emirates Lions. Capable at both fly-half and in the centres, Marin showcased his value once again with tries in the 70th and 74th minutes — clutch finishing that overturned the South African challenge. Winning in South Africa is never straightforward, yet Benetton made it look almost routine. Marin’s form will undoubtedly place him firmly in contention for Gonzalo Quesada’s Italy squad for the 2026 Six Nations.

Zac Ward joins teammate Jacob Stockdale in our back three after another explosive performance from the converted sevens star. Ward grabbed a brace against Racing 92 and produced a disciplined defensive shift to complement his attacking threat. The Ireland A winger is making rapid strides in the XVs game, and if he keeps this level of form, a senior Ireland debut may not be far away — especially after impressing during the November series against Spain. A superb outing.

Louis Foursans-Bourdette turned in a commanding fly-half display in Stade Français’ comfortable win over Cardiff. The playmaker dotted down for a smartly-taken try and struck four conversions for a personal haul of 13 points. While not at the forefront of France’s crowded fly-half pecking order, opportunities can arise quickly — and Foursans-Bourdette’s current form means he would be a viable option should Les Bleus suffer an injury heading into the Six Nations. A polished, confident outing.

Alessandro Fusco reminded everyone why he remains one of Italy’s brightest scrum-half talents with a sharp performance in Zebre Parma’s emphatic 41–17 win over Montauban. The 20-cap international has slipped down the national pecking order behind Stephen Varney and Alessandro Garbisi, but played with real purpose here as he looks to reignite his Test ambitions. Fusco grabbed a well-taken try and controlled proceedings throughout — an ideal platform as he pushes for a return to Italy’s Six Nations squad after missing the autumn window.

Power personified, Exeter’s veteran prop Scott Sio led from the front in the Chiefs’ win over the Cheetahs. Dominant in the scrum, maul, and ruck, Sio also carried with purpose and crossed the line for a well-taken try to help secure victory. Away from Devon, the 34-year-old recently helped Samoa qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup with a two-match series win over Belgium — and you can expect to see him in international colours again soon. A commanding display from a player who continues to combine experience and raw power.

Former Wallabies hooker Jordan Uelese was at his best for Montpellier, capping a brilliant performance with a try against Black Lion. Uelese’s work around the breakdown, sharp carrying, and disciplined set-piece presence underlined his class, helping the French side assert control in key moments. A reminder that the former Australia international remains a potent force at hooker in European competition.

Tight-head prop Tom O’Toole continues to impress with momentum and consistency. Fresh from his standout performances for Ireland A in November’s series against Spain, O’Toole delivered a brilliant outing for Ulster, bagging a try in the win over Racing 92. Dominant in the scrum and relentless in his carries, the prop continues to solidify his reputation as one of Europe’s most reliable front-row operators.

Versatile lock/back-row Matteo le Corvec was a standout in Perpignan’s one-sided victory over the Dragons. The 24-year-old capped his performance with a try, while excelling in the lineout and set-piece, and maintaining relentless work-rate across the park. Though not yet on France’s senior radar, the former U20 and French Barbarians man is one to watch closely — he combined physicality, skill, and intelligence to dominate this fixture.

Australian lock Ryan Smith has enjoyed a strong start to life in Europe after leaving the Queensland Reds. Against Connacht, Smith’s lineout acumen and set-piece work were pivotal in Ospreys’ narrow 24–21 victory, while a try underlined his impact in attack. A polished, composed performance from a player adapting seamlessly to a new chapter in his career.

Tongan back-row/lock Tanga Halaifonua impressed for Stade Français, scoring a try and imposing his physicality across every phase against Cardiff. Versatile across the second row and back row, the ex-Grenoble man continues a run of form that will see him figure for the Sea Eagles at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. A blend of aggression and skill ensured he left a lasting mark on the opening weekend.

Newcastle’s newest acquisition Tom Christie wasted no time making his mark in European rugby. The former Crusaders and Canterbury back-rower, fresh from lifting the NPC title over Otago, scored a momentum-turning 70th-minute try in the Red Bulls’ win over Lyon. Christie’s athleticism, timing, and ability to influence the game immediately mark him as a vital addition to the squad.

Young Exeter back-row Greg Fisilau continued to impress as a future England prospect. The 22-year-old popped up for a crucial try against the Cheetahs, while causing havoc at the back of the South African pack and neutralizing Gideon van der Merwe. Fisilau’s blend of physicality, work-rate, and instinctive play underscores his potential to be a mainstay for both club and country in the coming years.