The Sharks and Cheetahs’ pool opponents in next season’s EPCR Challenge Cup have been confirmed.
The 2026-27 tournament will once again have 18 clubs – eight from the Vodacom URC, six from the Top 14, two from the English Premiership and two invited clubs (Cheetahs and Georgia’s Black Lion) – competing in three pools of six.
Frans Steyn’s Cheetahs have been drawn in Pool 1 alongside Ulster, Perpignan, the Dragons, Bayonne and Zebre.
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Former champions the Sharks have been drawn in Pool 2 with the Newcastle Red Bulls, Lyon, Castres, Benetton and the Scarlets.
Pool 3 consists of the Ospreys, Edinburgh, Black Lion, Harlequins, Toulon and Vannes.
The Cheetahs and Black Lion’s invitations followed a competitive tender process that attracted interest from clubs across multiple countries, highlighting the increasing appeal and profile of the tournament.
Both clubs satisfied the required participation criteria, including establishing a European home base, demonstrating the ability to field a competitive squad and meeting EPCR’s minimum match standards.
The pool stage will get underway on 16 October.
More to follow …
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
The post Sharks, Cheetahs avoid Toulon in Challenge Cup draw appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Sharks and Cheetahs’ pool opponents in next season’s EPCR Challenge Cup have been confirmed.
The post Sharks, Cheetahs avoid Toulon in Challenge Cup draw appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
