Dragons RFC will face Emirates Lions in this season’s EPCR Challenge Cup following confirmation of fixture adjustments by the competition organisers.
Following the RFU’s decisions to suspend Wasps and Worcester Warriors from the Gallagher Premiership for the remainder of the season, both clubs cannot be included in the 2022/23 EPCR Challenge Cup fixture schedule.
Due to the resulting changes to the number of clubs eligible to compete in the tournament, EPCR has worked with all relevant stakeholders to agree that Wasps’ and Worcester Warriors’ original opponents will now play against one another in Pool B, which has been reduced to eight clubs.
Dragons will now face Emirates Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday, December 10 (kick-off 10.45 UK) – as a result the team will now play for three weeks in South Africa.
Home and away games with French Top 14 giants Section Paloise on Saturday, December 17 (kick-off 5.30pm) at Rodney Parade and at Stade du Hameau on Friday, January 13 (kick-off 9pm local time) will go ahead as previously scheduled.
The final round of the pool stages will now see Emirates Lions visit Rodney Parade on Sunday, January 22 at the revised kick-off time of 1pm.
Season Members are advised that this fixture with Emirates Lions replaces Wasps as part of our package of the 2022/23 campaign.
EPCR would like to thank Dragons RFC and Aviron Bayonnais, Benetton Rugby and Emirates Lions, the Leagues and broadcast partners for their co-operation in rearranging the fixtures, and wishes everyone connected with Wasps and Worcester Warriors well for the future.
The EPCR Challenge Cup final takes place at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin on Friday, May 19, 2023.
EPCR Fixtures 2022/23:
Round 1: Saturday, December 10 – Emirates Lions vs Dragons RFC – Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg – kick-off 12.45pm local time / 10.45 UK.
Round 2: Saturday, December 17 - Dragons RFC vs Section Paloise – Rodney Parade – kick-off 5.30pm.
Round 3: Friday, January 13 - Section Paloise vs Dragons RFC – Stade de Hameau – 9pm local time / 8pm UK
Round 4: Sunday, January 22 - Dragons RFC vs Emirates Lions – Rodney Parade – kick-off 1pm.
