Challenge Cup dates, venues, kick-off times and TV coverage for Round of 16 clashes

Adam Kyriacou 25 Jan 2024 9:47 AM

Robert du Preez Champions Cup 2022 - Alamy.jpg — Sale Sharks outside back Robert du Preez.

The dates, venues, kick-off times and TV coverage of the Challenge Cup Round of 16 matches have been announced, mapping out what should be an entertaining weekend.

Gloucester will take on Castres in Friday night’s opening fixture of the knockout stages, with four games taking place on Saturday and the other three scheduled for Sunday.

Saturday’s action begins with Clermont facing the Cheetahs at Stade Marcel-Michelin before an in-form Benetton meet the dangerous Lions at Stadio Comunale di Monigo.

The night games on Saturday see Ospreys face off with Sale Sharks in Bridgend while Edinburgh take on Bayonne at Hive Stadium in two intriguing meetings for the viewer.

Sunday begins with an equally tasty knockout fixture between Montpellier and Ulster before the Sharks clash with Zebre Parma and finally Pau take on Connacht later on.

Final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Heading into what promises to be a dramatic knockout stage, all 16 teams will be determined to book a final spot at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Friday, May 24.

EPCR Chairman, Dominic McKay, said: “Congratulations to all the clubs progressing into the Round of 16. The ‘back-to-pools’ format introduced this season was a great success, with great sporting interest and jeopardy all the way through the rounds creating remarkable games.

“We are also thrilled with engagement by fans supporting their teams whether in stadia, online or on TV. We have seen a 38% increase in attendances at EPCR Challenge Cup matches with crowds of well over 13,000 at ASM Clermont Auvergne and Hollywoodbets Sharks home games, and a top attendance of 17,233 when Georgia’s Black Lion hosted Clermont in Round 4.

“We are absolutely delighted with these figures as they demonstrate that the competition continues to have a very important place in the rugby landscape for fans, clubs and partners alike.”

Knockout deets are in 🥊

Where will you be watching from? 👀#ChallengeCupRugby Final tickets ⬇️ https://t.co/sCnRAaBEku pic.twitter.com/BJjDVUjYhj

— EPCR Challenge Cup (@ChallengeCup_) January 25, 2024

EPCR Challenge Cup – Round of 16

(Pool stage rankings in brackets / All kick-offs local times)

Friday, April 5

Match 2: Gloucester (2) v Castres (15)
Venue: Kingsholm
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
TV: Viaplay-Premier Sports / beIN SPORTS / FloRugby

Saturday, April 6

Match 4: Clermont Auvergne (4) v Cheetahs (13)
Venue: Stade Marcel-Michelin
Kick-off: 13:30 local (12:30 GMT)
TV: France TV / beIN SPORTS / SuperSport / FloRugby

Match 3: Benetton (3) v Lions (14)
Venue: Stadio Comunale di Monigo
Kick-off: 18:30 local (17:30 GMT)
epcrugby.tv / SuperSport / FloRugby

Match 7: Ospreys (7) v Sale Sharks (10)
Venue: Brewery Field, Bridgend
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
TV: S4C / FloRugby

Match 8: Edinburgh (8) v Bayonne (9)
Venue: Hive Stadium
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
TV: Viaplay-Premier Sports / beIN SPORTS / FloRugby