European Rugby Challenge Cup on TV Today
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The European Rugby Challenge Cup schedule is currently clear. During league breaks or off-season periods, listings are paused until official TV schedules and streaming rights are finalized by the broadcasters. Please check back closer to game day.
Where to Stream European Rugby Challenge Cup Live
The following premium networks and streaming platforms hold the verified digital broadcast rights to air official European Rugby Challenge Cup action.
About European Rugby Challenge Cup
The EPCR Challenge Cup is the second-tier European club rugby competition, sitting below the Champions Cup. It features 18 clubs in three pools, including teams from England, France, Italy, South Africa, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. The tournament runs from December through May, with the final scheduled for Bilbao on May 22, 2026. The knockout rounds are underway, with teams fighting for a spot in the final.
Format
The tournament features 18 teams split into three pools of six. Teams play four pool matches. The top eight teams advance to the knockout rounds. The Round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals are single-leg matches. The final is a single match at a neutral venue. The format is straightforward. Every match matters. The competition gives clubs that didn't qualify for the Champions Cup a shot at European silverware.
Top teams
French clubs have dominated the Challenge Cup in recent years. Lyon, Toulon, and Montpellier have all won the tournament. English clubs like Gloucester, Bristol Bears, and Sale Sharks are regular contenders. Italian clubs like Benetton and Zebre use the competition to develop young players. South African teams like the Cheetahs and Sharks have brought a new dimension since joining the European competitions. The tournament is wide open. Any of eight or nine teams could win it in a given year.
Viewership
The Challenge Cup pulls strong numbers across Europe. The final draws the biggest audience, especially when a French or English club is involved. The tournament has grown in popularity since South African teams joined. International interest comes from rugby fans in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa who follow the European club scene.
Streaming options in the US and Canada
FloRugby is the official home for the EPCR Challenge Cup in the US and Canada, streaming matches live and on demand. Select matches may also appear on the FloRugby YouTube channel.
Streaming options in the UK and Ireland
Premier Sports is the lead broadcaster for the 2025-26 season, covering select Challenge Cup pool matches, the Round of 16, and all knockout stages. S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer provide free-to-air coverage, particularly for Welsh team matches. The EPCR's official streaming platform, epcrugby.tv, may also show matches in this region.
Streaming options in Europe
In France, France TV provides free-to-air coverage, showing two matches per round. beIN SPORTS is the official broadcaster for the Challenge Cup in France. epcrugby.tv is available in various European countries where no other broadcaster holds rights, such as Germany. In Portugal, Sport TV holds the rights.
International streaming options
epcrugby.tv is the main OTT platform for all countries without a dedicated television deal, including Australia and New Zealand. In South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, SuperSport is the broadcaster. In parts of Asia, Premier Sports Asia covers selected areas.
Current season
The 2025-26 EPCR Challenge Cup season kicked off in December 2025. Rounds 3 and 4 took place in January 2026. The Round of 16 is scheduled for April 3-5, 2026. The final is set for May 22, 2026 in Bilbao, Spain. The defending champions are the Sharks from South Africa, who won the 2024-25 title. French and English clubs are strong contenders this year.
Recently Completed Matches
Review the final scores and details for recently concluded European Rugby Challenge Cup broadcasts below.
