Stade Francais Paris host Exeter Chiefs to open Round 3 of the EPCR Challenge Cup before Newcastle Red Bulls welcome USAP and Dragons RFC head to Benetton Rugby.
We are back and the new year brings with it the promise of more exhilarating action in the EPCR Challenge Cup.
Individual brilliance and unforgettable team comebacks meant Rounds 1 and 2 more than lived up to the hype, but Round 3 promises to take the jeopardy up a notch.
With coveted knockout spots up for grabs, this weekend will be crucial in defining the competition’s next phase
Chiefs head to Paris, Red Bulls and Dragons want more of the same Opening up Round 3 is a fascinating match-up between two high-flyers: Stade Français Paris and Exeter Chiefs.
Unbeaten at home since last April, Stade Français Paris have started their European campaign on a perfect note. Exeter Chiefs have known similarly impressive form in the Gallagher PREM this term as the Devonshire side have toppled several of the big names.
Elsewhere in Round 3, Newcastle Red Bulls look to go three from three against USAP. The new takeover has had an instant impact on the side in the Challenge Cup as finalists from last year Lyon Olympique Universitaire (LOU Rugby) were the first to fall. They went on to beat Lions in Round 2 too — the perfect preparation for USAP this weekend. As for the French outfit, confidence won’t be low as they grabbed a first win this season in Round 1.
Welsh side Dragons RFC are also on an impressive run of form going into the weekend. As well as coming back from 6-21 down against LOU Rugby in Round 2 for their first win in 2025, they backed that up straight away with two domestic wins before the New Year. They head to Benetton Rugby on Saturday to face an Italian side who went two from two in December.
Elsewhere, Cardiff Rugby host Racing 92 in a head-turning match-up before Connacht Rugby head to the south of France to take on Montpellier Hérault Rugby.
Where to watch EPCR Challenge Cup fixtures in full All times GMT
Saturday 10 January
- Stade Français Paris vs Exeter Chiefs 13:00 - beIN SPORTS, epcrugby.tv, FloRugby US
- Montauban vs Black Lion 13:00 - epcrugby.tv, FloRugby, Rugby TV
- Newcastle Red Bulls vs USAP 13:00 - Premier Sports, beIN SPORTS, epcrugby.tv, FloRugby
- Lions vs Lyon Olympique Universitaire 15:15 - SuperSport, beIN SPORTS, epcrugby.tv, FloRugby
- Cardiff Rugby vs Racing 92 15:15 - Premier Sports, beIN SPORTS, epcrugby.tv, FloRugby
- Benetton Rugby vs Dragons RFC 17:30 - epcrugby.tv, FloRugby, S4C
Sunday 11 January
- Montpellier Hérault Rugby vs Connacht Rugby 13:00 - France TV, beIN SPORTS, Premier Sports, epcrugby.tv, FloRugby
- Zebre Parma vs Ospreys 13:00 - epcrugby.tv, FloRugby Toyota
- Cheetahs vs Ulster Rugby 15:15 - beIN SPORTS, epcrugby.tv, FloRugby, Super Sport
