Challenge Cup R1 - Exiles take pole position

London Irish lead the way on points difference at the top of the standings after Round 1 with a maximum five points from their away win against Agen. Benetton Rugby, Ospreys and Leicester Tigers also registered bonus point wins.

Benetton’s 44 points and seven tries in their victory over Stade Francais Paris at Stade Jean Bouin are new scoring records for the Italian club in a Challenge Cup match.

On his 100th appearance for Ospreys, hooker Sam Parry scored two tries in the Welsh club’s 39-15 bonus point win over Castres Olympique at the Liberty Stadium.

Pau left it late against Worcester Warriors at Stade du Hameau where Antoine Erbani’s 79th minute try secured a 24-20 win.

Zebre Rugby Club’s 25-25 draw with Bayonne at Stadio Lanfranchi means that after a 7-7 stalemate with Bristol Bears in Round 6 last season, the Italians have now drawn their last two Challenge Cup fixtures.

Sam Lewis of Worcester Warriors made a round-high 20 tackles against Pau.