The dates, fixtures and venues for the EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final in 2026 have been confirmed following the quarter-finals.
The fixtures will take place in the first weekend in May, and the winners will book a place in the final, which will be played in Bilbao.
Montpellier vs Dragons
Sunday 3rd May, 12:30 pm, GGL Stadium, Montpellier
Montpellier were the top qualifiers after the group phase, where they won all their games with a bonus point. They had a dominant win over Connacht in the round of 16. Connacht had three first-half yellow cards and were down to 13 men for a nine-minute period. The French side went into a 26-8 lead by halftime. Montpellier were able to score three second-half tries, compared to Connacht’s two, to extend their lead even further.
The Dragons pulled off a historic 35-32 win away to Zebre to secure their place against Montpellier in the semi-finals. The two teams traded scores throughout the first half and entered the break tied at 17-17. The Welsh side scored two tries and kicked two penalties in the first 25 minutes of the second-half to get Zebre out of reach. They scored two tries late on, but it wasn’t enough.
Ulster vs Exeter Chiefs
Saturday 2nd May, 5:30 pm Affidea Stadium, Belfast
Ulster booked a place in the Challenge Cup semifinal with a solid win over La Rochelle, who had rotated their lineup for the clash at the Affidea Stadium.
Ulster were 24-3 ahead in the first half, and despite scoring three tries, scored three of their own. Zac Ward scored twice and set up his brother Bryn for a try, which showed incredible power to break through the French defenders on the wing.
Exeter Chiefs were on the end of a thrilling 44-41 win against Benetton. Henry Slade kicked the winning penalty with just over a minute to go when the game was tied 41-41. Both teams scored five tries. Benetton only held the lead for a few minutes, and Exeter took the lead several times, but Benetton kept bringing it back level. Benetton took the lead again with 15 minutes to go, but Slade’s two penalties secured it for the away side.
