Euro Challenge Cup gets 'Currie Cup' flavour

NEWS: After a disastrous Champions Cup campaign, the Sharks and Bulls stand a chance to redeem themselves in the European Challenge Cup.

The Challenge Cup title holders the Sharks along with fellow South African franchise Bulls join the Lions in the Round of 16 after failing to advance beyond the pool stage of the Champions Cup competition.

The Bulls sneaked into the Challenge Cup playoffs after their win over Stade Francais on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld, while the Sharks’ failure to pick up a bonus point against Union Bordeaux-Begles in France saw them qualify for the last Round of 16.

The Lions won 60-10 in a winner-take-all match against the Dragons, securing a spot in the playoffs.

Cheetahs’ Challenge Cup campaign came to a conclusion courtesy of a 12-68 defeat to Lyon.

#⃣LISTEN as @SharksRugby coach John Plumtree reveals the latest additions to the team’s alarming injury list 🚑#Rugby 🏉#Rugby365 🌐#Rugbyunion 🌏@ChampionsCup 🏆@URCOfficial 🏆
🔗https://t.co/chXOqrqBd5 pic.twitter.com/hbtLv7548T

— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) January 19, 2025

Meanwhile, Stormers’ European action ended after a narrow defeat to Racing 92 in France.

The defending Challenge Cup champs the Sharks and Bulls travel to France for their Round of 16 action.

The Sharks face Lyon, while the Bulls take on Aviron Bayonnais.

The Lions head to Scotland to challenge Sean Everitt’s Edinburgh.

The four highest-ranked clubs in each pool have secured their places in the Round of 16, which will be played on the weekend of 4/5/6 April. The 12 clubs are supplemented by Hollywoodbets Sharks, Vodacom Bulls, Bath Rugby, and Racing 92, who have qualified from the Champions Cup.

In accordance with the tournament rules, the pool winners are ranked 1 to 3, the second-placed clubs are ranked 4 to 6, the two highest-ranked third-placed clubs are ranked 7 and 8, the qualifying Investec Champions Cup clubs are ranked 9 to 12, the remaining third-placed club is ranked 13, and the fourth-placed clubs are ranked 14 to 16.

The exact dates and kick-off times of the Round of 16 fixtures will be announced as soon as possible.

#SPOTLIGHT: ‘It’s immeasurable’: Jake White reveals the star who has grown the most 👇#ChampionsCup #Bulls #StadeFrancais https://t.co/HuN5hsAzq3

— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) January 19, 2025

EPCR CHALLENGE CUP

Round of 16 – April 4/5/6
R16 1: Connacht (1) v Cardiff (16)
R16 2: Montpellier Hérault (2) v Gloucester (15)
R16 3: Edinburgh (3) v Lions (14)
R16 4: Ospreys (4) v Scarlets (13)
R16 5: Lyon Olympique Universitaire (5) v Sharks (12)
R16 6: Aviron Bayonnais (6) v Bulls (11)
R16 7: Section Paloise (7) v Bath (10)
R16 8: USAP (8) v Racing 92 (9)
NB The clubs ranked numbers 1 to 8 will have home venue advantage.

Quarterfinals – April 11/12/13
QF 1: winner R16 1 v winner R16 8
QF 2: winner R16 2 v winner R16 7
QF 3: winner R16 3 v winner R16 6
QF 4: winner R16 4 v winner R16 5
NB The highest-ranked clubs from the pool stage will have home venue advantage.

Semifinals – May 2/3/4
SF 1: winner QF 1 v winner QF 4
SF 2: winner QF 2 v winner QF 3
NB The highest-ranked clubs from the pool stage will have home venue advantage.

2025 EPCR Challenge Cup final – Friday, May 23; Principality Stadium, Cardiff (20.00 local time)

*CHAMPIONS CUP

Round of 16 – April 4/5/6

R16 1: Union Bordeaux-Bègles (1) v Ulster (16)
R16 2: Leinster (2) v Harlequins (15)
R16 3: Northampton Saints (3) v ASM Clermont Auvergne (14)
R16 4: RC Toulon (4) v Saracens (13)
R16 5: Stade Toulousain (5) v Sale Sharks (12)
R16 6: Castres Olympique (6) v Benetton (11)
R16 7: Glasgow Warriors (7) v Leicester Tigers (10)
R16 8: Stade Rochelais (8) v Munster Rugby (9)

NB The clubs ranked numbers 1 to 8 will have home venue advantage

Quarterfinals – April 11/12/13
QF 1: Winner R16 1 v Winner R16 8
QF 2: Winner R16 2 v Winner R16 7
QF 3: Winner R16 3 v Winner R16 6
QF 4: Winner R16 4 v Winner R16 5
NB The highest-ranked clubs from the pool stage will have home venue advantage

Semifinals – May 2/3/4
SF 1: Winner QF 1 v Winner QF 4
SF 2: Winner QF 2 v Winner QF 3
NB The matches will be played in Europe and where relevant the highest-ranked clubs from the pool stage will have home country advantage

2025 Champions Cup Final – Saturday May 24;
Principality Stadium, Cardiff (14.45 local time)