Racing 92, Newcastle Red Bulls and US Montauban - 3 key match-ups to follow in Round 1
- 640
Ulster Rugby host Racing 92, Newcastle Red Bulls head to Lyon Olympique Universitaire and Zebre Parma welcome US Montauban.
Another EPCR Challenge Cup season has finally arrived and you definitely don’t want to miss Round 1.
It’s an X-factor start on Friday night as Ulster Rugby host Racing 92.
The Irish side, who were in the Investec Champions Cup last season, have had an impressive start to life this season.
Four wins from five in the United Rugby Championship see them sitting pretty in fourth, with statement wins over Vodacom Bulls, Hollywoodbets Sharks and Benetton Rugby providing a solid springboard for Round 1.
A side that knows all too well the importance of starting with aplomb are opponents Racing 92.
Semi-finalists last term, the French side head to Ireland looking to better last year’s performance.
An up-and-down showing this season means the Parisian side are down in 11th in the TOP 14, but they boast some impressive talent renowned for getting them out of tight situations.
Gaël Fickou recently captained France during the Autumn Nations Series, while fly-half Ugo Seunes has been unwavering from the tee so far.
Full-back Max Spring has shown he can be a game-changer too with five tries across two games in the French top flight.
This feature (Instagram) is currently not available because you need to provide consent to functional cookies. Please update your
Lyon Olympique Universitaire are in action on Saturday for the visit of Newcastle Red Bulls for another blockbuster.
Fly-half Léo Berdeu said the group is feeling hungry for revenge following last year’s Final loss, as they look to repeat their title win from 2022.
After winning four of their first six in TOP 14, it’s been a tricky start for LOU. Currently 12th in the league, the EPCR Challenge Cup presents the perfect opportunity to kick on and gather some momentum before the festive period.
As for the visitors, Newcastle Red Bulls will be keen to prove their metal in what is their first EPCR Challenge Cup game under their new revamp.
With the move completed in the summer, the English side haven’t had immediate success in the Gallagher PREM. Winless in 10th spot the Red Bulls are looking to find their wings in the EPCR Challenge Cup.
They’ll be hoping new signings such as experienced full-back Liam Williams will be enough to take them to the next level.
This feature (Instagram) is currently not available because you need to provide consent to functional cookies. Please update your
Zebre Parma play host to US Montauban in Pool 1. The Italian steed have been had some impressive results in the URC so far this season, with notable wins against Edinburgh Rugby and Lions proving they’ve got what it takes.
But visitors Montauban aren’t there to make up the numbers. Recently back in the TOP 14, and the EPCR Challenge Cup, for the first time in 15 years, the French side have taken sides aback with their dogged, determined nature this year.
Despite only one win so far, they came close with a last-minute draw to Montpellier Hérault Rugby (22-22). They’ll be hoping the element of surprise will serve them well in Pool 1.
EPCR Challenge Cup Round 1 fixtures in full
Friday 5 December 2025
Ulster Rugby vs Racing 92, 20:00
Saturday 6 December 2025
Lions vs Benetton Rugby, 13:00
Stade Français Paris vs Cardiff Rugby, 13:00
Black Lion vs Montpellier Hérault Rugby, 15:15
LOU Rugby vs Newcastle Red Bulls, 17:30
Zebre Parma vs US Montauban, 20:00
Sunday 7 December 2025
USAP vs Dragons RFC, 13:00
Ospreys vs Connacht Rugby, 15:15
Exeter Chiefs vs Toyota Cheetahs, 17:30
