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Live European Rugby Challenge Cup TV & Broadcast Schedule

Never miss a kickoff. Browse verified legal streaming providers, television networks, and real-time broadcast schedules for all upcoming European Rugby Challenge Cup fixtures.

Official TV Channels Lineup

Linear TV

Television networks and regional sports stations broadcasting official European Rugby Challenge Cup feeds.

Live European Rugby Challenge Cup Match Schedule

Verified Fixtures

Match kickoff times with verified broadcast destinations and authorized tune-in links.

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European Rugby Challenge Cup
Oct 16, 3:00 PM
Edinburgh Home
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RC Toulonnais Away
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European Rugby Challenge Cup
Oct 17, 8:00 AM
Lyon OU Home
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The Sharks Away
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European Rugby Challenge Cup
Oct 17, 3:00 PM
Scarlets Home
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Newcastle Red Bulls Away
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European Rugby Challenge Cup
Oct 18, 8:00 AM
Harlequins Home
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Vannes Away
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Where to Watch European Rugby Challenge Cup by Country

Television networks and verified digital rights holders broadcasting official European Rugby Challenge Cup feeds across authorized international territories.

Editorial Note & Rights Verification Fact-Checked
All streaming services, TV networks, and regional broadcast restrictions for European Rugby Challenge Cup were last verified on October 18, 2026 by our editorial desk and updated continuously to reflect active international carriage agreements.

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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.