With the countdown to the EPCR Challenge Cup 2025/26 season well underway, we unpick some of the key ties from Round 1.

Ulster and Racing 92 open pool stages with a bang

Ulster Rugby vs Racing 92, Affidea Stadium, Friday 5 December 20:00 GMT

It’s as big as EPCR Challenge Cup pool stage clashes get for an opening night - Irish heavyweights Ulster host French bruisers Racing 92.

Both of these two were in the Investec Champions Cup last time out and, with five finals at that level shared between them, they’ll be bringing the highest level right from the get-go in this season’s EPCR Challenge Cup.

Having locked horns three times in their history, the Parisian side will be wanting to draw the head-to-head score to two wins apiece, while Ulster will settle for nothing other than a win to get their Pool 3 campaign off to the perfect start.

Finalists LOU look to tame Falcons

LOU Rugby vs Newcastle Falcons, Matmut Stadium de Gerland, Saturday 6 December 17:30 GMT

Aiming to put the disappointment from last year’s EPCR Challenge Cup Final defeat to Bath Rugby well and truly behind them, Lyon Olympique Universitaire host English side Newcastle Falcons on 6 December.

The pair have met before at the EPCR Challenge Cup stage, with LOU running out 42-12 winners most recently.

While the Falcons will want to progress out of the group, the French side will want to lay strong foundations for a title charge.

Montauban mount Italian mission

Zebre Parms vs US Montauban, Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Saturday 6 December 20:00 GMT

Back in France’s TOP 14 after a heroic promotion from PRO D2 last season, US Montauban get their EPCR Challenge Cup campaign underway on the road to Zebre Parma.

Back in EPCR competition for the first time in 15 years, Montauban will be keen to show the world stage exactly what they’re capable of as Italy’s Zebre Parma look to improve on last year’s pool stage elimination. Certainly not one to miss in Round 1.