The 2023-24 EPCR Challenge Cup marks its 10th edition with 18 teams from England, France, Georgia, Italy, Scotland, South Africa, and Wales. Starting on December 8, 2023, the tournament concludes at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2024.
The knockout stage introduces a single-leg round of 16 matches featuring the top four teams from each pool and the 5th-ranked teams from the 2023–24 European Rugby Champions Cup pools. The finals weekend is set for May 24th and 25th, 2024. Don’t miss to watch EPCR Challenge Cup 2023/24 Live coverage on Viaplay.
Where to Stream EPCR Challenge Cup 2023 Live
- FloRugby: United States, Canada
- TNT Sports: United Kingdom, Ireland
- Discovery Plus: Austria, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
- Viaplay: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, the Netherlands, the UK, the US and Canada
- BeIN Sports: United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, MENA region, Southeast Asia and Turkey
- Kayo Sports: Australia
Watch EPCR Challenge Cup 2023/24 Live on TNT Sports
The EPCR Challenge Cup 2023–2024 is set to be televised on TNT Sports from December 8, 2023, until May 24, 2024. Viewers can watch the matches on TNT Sports TV channels on platforms such as Sky, BT, and Virgin Media.
Additionally, TNT Sports offers match highlights and analysis on its website and social media channels. Subscription plans for TNT Sports include Big Sport at £43.00/month, Sports at £18.00/month, and VIP at £76/month.
Watch EPCR Challenge Cup 2023 Live on Discovery+
The EPCR Challenge Cup 2023-24 is now available on Discovery+ for live streaming. Subscribers can watch all matches, including the EPCR Challenge Cup 2023, and catch up on missed games. Offering flexibility across devices, exclusive bonus content, such as interviews and highlights, is also available to subscribers, enhancing their viewing experience.
This additional material provides insights and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the EPCR Challenge Cup 2023-24, adding value to the overall sports entertainment package on Discovery+. Stream for £29.99 per month; the premium pack provides access to diverse live sports events, such as the NBA, UEFA Champions League, cricket, UFC, and more.
2023-24 EPCR Challenge Cup Live on Viaplay
Viaplay has recently acquired exclusive broadcasting rights for the next two seasons of the EPCR Challenge Cup, commencing from the 2023/24 season. This means subscribers can watch all 151 matches, including the final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, live on Viaplay.
The coverage includes expert commentary, analysis from former players such as John Barclay, Bob Skinstad, Tom Shanklin, and Johnnie Beattie, and multi-camera coverage for all matches. To access this comprehensive sports package, viewers can subscribe to Viaplay for a monthly fee of £9.99.
EPCR Challenge Cup 2023-24 Schedule
- Round 1: December 8-10
- Round 2: December 15-17
- Round 3: January 12-14
- Round 4: January 19-21
- Round of 16: April 5-7
- Quarterfinals: April 21-23
- Semifinals: May 3-4
- Final: May 24
2023/24 Challenge Cup Teams
| Pool A | Pool B | Pool C |
|---|---|---|
| Sharks (South Africa) | Benetton Rugby (Italy) | Black Lion (Georgia) |
| Oyonnax (France) | Ospreys (Wales) | Castres (France) |
| Cheetahs (South Africa) | Newcastle Falcons (England) | Edinburgh (Scotland) |
| Zebre Parma (Italy) | USAP (France) | Clermont (France) |
| Dragons (Wales) | Lions (South Africa) | Gloucester (England) |
| Pau (France) | Montpellier (France) | Scarlets (Wales) |
EPCR Challenge Cup Preview
Castres, a French rugby team, has a history in the EPCR Challenge Cup, reaching the final twice but falling short both times against fellow French opponents. In 1996-97, they lost to CS Bourgoin-Jallieu with a score of 18-9. 1999-2000, they faced a 34-21 defeat against Section Paloise.
The recent 2022-23 season was challenging for Castres in the Champions Cup as they exited at the pool stage. Castres was placed in Pool A with Exeter Chiefs and Edinburgh Rugby and faced setbacks in all four games. Notably, they suffered a 27-12 home defeat against Exeter and a 31-20 loss to Edinburgh in Scotland.
Adrien Seguret emerged as a standout player for Castres during the tough campaign. The versatile back, who joined in the 2022-23 season, scored two tries in three appearances, notably against Edinburgh. In the current season, Seguret has contributed with two TOP 14 tries in seven appearances.
Castres significantly acquired fly-half Pierre Popelin from Stade Rochelais during the offseason. With prior EPCR experience and a Heineken Champions Cup win in 2021-22, Popelin has made seven TOP 14 appearances, scoring 88 points and ranking third in the competition.
As Castres prepares for upcoming challenges, the addition of Popelin and the promising performances of Seguret provide optimism. The team aims to leverage these assets to pursue success and redemption in the EPCR Challenge Cup, overcoming past final losses and making a mark in the upcoming tournament.
Bottom Line
The 2023-24 EPCR Challenge Cup, celebrating its 10th edition, features 18 teams from various countries. Running from December 8, 2023, to May 24, 2024, it includes knockout stages, with the finals on May 24-25. Matches can be streamed on platforms like FloRugby, TNT Sports, Discovery Plus, and Viaplay. Castres, a French team, faces past challenges but adds talent like Adrien Seguret and fly-half Pierre Popelin for the upcoming tournament, aiming for success and redemption.
