EPCR Challenge Cup Round 1 Schedule: Dates, Kickoff Times & Key Matchups
EPCR Challenge Cup Round 1 Schedule: Dates, Kickoff Times & Key Matchups
Find the full EPCR Challenge Cup Round 1 schedule here. View all fixtures, stream times and major opening-week storylines for the 2025-2026 Challenge Cup.
Round 1 of the EPCR Challenge Cup is nearly here, kicking off a new season packed with heavyweight clashes across Europe.
Action kicks off Friday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. ET with an Ulster vs. Racing 92 opener. Stream every match live on FloRugby.
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This year’s field is stacked, and the opening weekend immediately delivers must-see rugby.
Ulster hosting Racing 92 in Belfast sets the tone, pairing Northern Irish physicality with French flair under the lights.
Lyon’s clash with the newly rebranded Newcastle Red Bulls adds intrigue, as an established European force meets a club eager to redefine itself.
Elsewhere, Lions vs. Benetton and Ospreys vs. Connacht offer early tests of playoff potential, while Exeter welcoming the Toyota Cheetahs brings contrasting styles into the mix.
With three pools of six teams and every fixture shaping the road to the knockouts, the Challenge Cup once again proves why it’s one of rugby’s most unpredictable and entertaining tournaments. Round 1 doesn’t just begin the journey—it sets the stakes immediately.
EPCR Challenge Cup Round 1 Fixtures
Fri, Dec. 5, 2025
- 2 p.m. ET: Ulster Rugby vs. Racing 92, Affidea Stadium
Sat, Dec. 6, 2025
- 7 a.m. ET: Lions vs. Benetton Rugby, Ellis Park
- 7 a.m. ET: Stade Français Paris vs. Cardiff Rugby, Stade Jean Bouin
- 9:15 a.m. ET: Black Lion vs. Montpellier Hérault Rugby, Mikheil Meskhi Stadium
- 11:30 a.m. ET: Lyon O.U. vs. Newcastle Red Bulls, Matmut Stadium de Gerland
- 2 p.m. ET: Zebre Parma vs. US Montauban, Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
Sun, Dec. 7, 2025
- 7 a.m. ET: Perpignan vs. Dragons RFC, Stade Aimé Giral
- 9:15 a.m. ET: Ospreys vs. Connacht Rugby, Dunraven Brewery Field
- 11:30 a.m. ET: Exeter Chiefs vs. Toyota Cheetahs, Sandy Park
How to Watch the EPCR Challenge Cup 2025
Steam all EPCR Challenge Cup games, live and archived, on FloRugby and the FloSports app.
How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby
The URC will stream all its matches on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to:
FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays.