Ospreys stunning 31-28 comeback win in Pau had earned Mark Jones’ side the right to a host their last-16 tie, whilst Scarlets victory over RC Vannes last night had put the west Wallians into the knockout phase.
Perpignan’s 39-21 bonus-point win over Zebre on Sunday however, ended Scarlets’ hopes of a home tie with Dwayne Peel’s side now due to travel across the Loughor Bridge for the fixture that is due to be played on the weekend commencing 5 April.
Complications on the venue of the fixture may come into play with Swansea City due to face Derby County in the EFL Championship at the Swansea.Com Stadium on the Saturday of the weekend, which could see the tie played elsewhere, potentially at Bridgend’s Brewery Field.
To add spice to the fixture the Scarlets are due to host Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship the week before so the two sides will now meet on successive weekends.
EPCR Challenge Cup draw in full (weekend of April 4-6)
R16 1: Connacht Rugby (1) v Cardiff Rugby (16)
R16 2: Montpellier Hérault Rugby (2) v Gloucester Rugby (15)
R16 3: Edinburgh Rugby (3) v Emirates Lions (14)
R16 4: Ospreys (4) v Scarlets (13)
R16 5: Lyon Olympique Universitaire (5) v Hollywoodbets Sharks (12)
R16 6: Aviron Bayonnais (6) v Vodacom Bulls (11)
R16 7: Section Paloise (7) v Bath Rugby (10)
R16 8: USAP (8) v Racing 92 (9)
Quarter-finals – April 11-13
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.
Semi-finals – May 2-4
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, 23 May; Principality Stadium, Cardiff 8pm KO
[Lead image: Ospreys Rugby]
