The 2025–26 EPCR Challenge Cup marks the 30th edition of the European Rugby Champions Cup’s second‑tier club competition. Pool play begins on 5th December 2025, with the opening match between Ulster Rugby and Racing 92.
This year, clubs are balancing their domestic leagues, such as the United Rugby Championship, Premiership, and Top 14, while chasing European glory. With 18 teams, including sides from South Africa and Georgia, the competition will be unpredictable.
After four weekends of intense EPCR matches, the final will take place on 22 May 2026 in Bilbao, crowning the champion of this thrilling season. You can watch the European Challenge Cup in Ireland on Premier Sports with a premium subscription.
If you want to catch all the matches live for free, tune in to France.tv, and S4C via BBC iPlayer. However, both of these services are geo-restricted in Ireland. That is why you must use a VPN to bypass their geo-blocks.Â
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When & Where is the European Challenge Cup Happening?
- Location: Multiple locations across Europe and South Africa
- Starting on: Friday, 5 December 2025 at 8 PM IST
- Final Match: 22 May 2026
- Teams: 18 teamsÂ
- Where to Watch: France.tv, Premier Sports, and S4C via BBC iPlayer. Â
How to Watch European Challenge Cup in Ireland for Free
France.tv is an official broadcaster of the European Rugby Challenge Cup, offering free live streaming of all matches. To watch the games, simply visit the France.tv website and create a free account.
However, France.tv is geo-restricted to its broadcasting region. To access the service from Ireland, you’ll need to use a VPN to bypass the restriction and enjoy the stream.
Here’s how to watch the European Challenge Cup in Ireland for free using a VPN:
Step 1: Subscribe to a reliable VPN service (Surfshark is the best VPN)
Step 2: Download the Surfshark VPN App and install it on your device.
Step 3: Open the app and connect to a French server.
Step 4: Visit France.tv website and click on Sign inÂ
Step 5: Sign in if you already have an account, or else click on Create an account
Step 6: Enter your details to create your account and French Zip Code (e.g., 51200).
Step 7: Once redirected to the home page, search for EPCR Challenge Cup and select the sport.
Step 8: Enjoy the free streaming once it is live.
Other Ways to Watch European Challenge Cup in Ireland
You can stream the European Challenge Cup in Ireland using several free and premium streaming services. These services are official European Challenge Cup streaming partners.Â
1. S4C (Free)
S4C is a Welsh-language TV channel that broadcasts live sports, including rugby. It has been a prominent broadcaster of European club and regional rugby in Wales.
You can watch its free live coverage of select matches (mainly for Welsh teams) from the European Challenge Cup 2025–26, including the final, via its official website or BBC iPlayer.Â
However, since the channel is geo-restricted, using a premium VPN is necessary to unlock S4C in Ireland. Surfshark is the best VPN.
2. Premier Sports
Premier Sports holds the exclusive broadcasting rights for the EPCR Challenge Cup 2025-26 across Ireland and the UK. The channel will air every fixture, from pool matches through to the final.
You can stream the European Rugby Challenge Cup in Ireland on the Premier Sports channel via Sky, Now TV, or Virgin Media subscriptions.
For instance, with a NOW Sports Extra subscription starting at just €14.99/mo, you can access six premium sports channels across TNT Sports and Premier Sports.
How to Watch European Challenge Cup in Ireland on Smartphones
You can also stream the European Rugby Challenge Cup on the go and catch all the action live on Premier Sports via the Now TV app. One of Ireland’s most popular streaming services, Now TV, offers flexible subscription options available monthly or annually.
Here’s how you can watch the EPCR Challenge Cup in Ireland on Mobile Phones:
Step 1: Download the Now TV app from the Play Store or APK
Step 2: Open the app and click on the sidebar
Step 3: Choose Sports Membership
Step 4: Select your plan and click Claim offer
Step 5: Click Checkout
Step 6: Create your account by clicking Continue to checkout or sign in with your existing one
Step 7: Enter your credentials
Step 8: Choose your payment plan and enter your credentials to subscribe. Enjoy streaming!
Schedule of European Challenge Cup 2025-26
Here is the schedule for the EPCR Challenge Cup from Round 1 to 4 in Irish Time:
| Date | Match | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | ||
| Fri 5 Dec | Ulster v Racing 92 | 8pm |
| Sat 6 Dec | Lions v Benetton | 1pm |
| Sat 6 Dec | Stade Français v Cardiff | 1pm |
| Sat 6 Dec | Black Lion v Montpellier | 3:15pm |
| Sat 6 Dec | Lyon v Newcastle Red Bulls | 5:30pm |
| Sat 6 Dec | Zebre Parma v US Montauban | 8pm |
| Sun 7 Dec | Perpignan v Dragons | 1pm |
| Sun 7 Dec | Ospreys v Connacht | 3:15pm |
| Sun 7 Dec | Exeter Chiefs v Cheetahs | 5:30pm |
| Round 2 | ||
| Fri 12 Dec | Montpellier v Zebre Parma | 8pm |
| Sat 13 Dec | Benetton v Perpignan | 1pm |
| Sat 13 Dec | Cheetahs v Stade Français | 1pm |
| Sat 13 Dec | US Montauban v Ospreys | 3:15pm |
| Sat 13 Dec | Newcastle Red Bulls v Lions | 5:30pm |
| Sat 13 Dec | Cardiff v Ulster | 8pm |
| Sat 13 Dec | Connacht v Black Lion | 8pm |
| Sun 14 Dec | Racing 92 v Exeter Chiefs | 1pm |
| Sun 14 Dec | Dragons v Lyon | 3:15pm |
| Round 3 | ||
| Sat 10 Jan | Stade Français v Exeter Chiefs | 1pm |
| Sat 10 Jan | US Montauban v Black Lion | 1pm |
| Sat 10 Jan | Newcastle Red Bulls v Perpignan | 1pm |
| Sat 10 Jan | Lions v Lyon | 3:15pm |
| Sat 10 Jan | Cardiff v Racing 92 | 3:15pm |
| Sat 10 Jan | Benetton v Dragons | 5:30pm |
| Sun 11 Jan | Montpellier v Connacht | 1pm |
| Sun 11 Jan | Zebre Parma v Ospreys | 1pm |
| Sun 11 Jan | Cheetahs v Ulster | 3:15pm |
| Round 4 | ||
| Fri 16 Jan | Dragons v Newcastle Red Bulls | 8pm |
| Sat 17 Jan | Ulster v Stade Français | 1pm |
| Sat 17 Jan | Black Lion v Zebre Parma | 1pm |
| Sat 17 Jan | Perpignan v Lions | 5:30pm |
| Sat 17 Jan | Connacht v US Montauban | 8pm |
| Sat 17 Jan | Ospreys v Montpellier | 8pm |
| Sun 18 Jan | Exeter Chiefs v Cardiff | 1pm |
| Sun 18 Jan | Lyon v Benetton | 1pm |
| Sun 18 Jan | Racing 92 v Cheetahs | 5:30pm |
Other Sports to Watch in Ireland
If you’re a sports enthusiast, here are the top sports you can watch in Ireland:
FAQs – European Challenge Cup 2025/26
1. When does the 2025–26 European Rugby Challenge Cup start?
The competition kicks off on December 5, 2025, with the opening match between Ulster Rugby and Racing 92.
2. How many teams are competing in the 2025–26 Challenge Cup?
A total of 18 teams will compete, representing top clubs from leagues such as England’s Premiership, France’s Top 14, the United Rugby Championship (URC), and invited teams from Georgia and South Africa.
3. How is the competition structured?
The 18 teams are divided into three pools of six. Each team will play home and away matches in the pool stage, with the top teams advancing to the knockout rounds.
4. Where will the 2025–26 Challenge Cup final be held?
The final will take place at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, on May 22, 2026.
5. Which TV networks will broadcast the Challenge Cup in the UK and Ireland?
In the UK and Ireland, matches will primarily be broadcast on Premier Sports. However, some matches may be available for free-to-air viewing on S4C and BBC iPlayer, especially for Welsh teams and key fixtures.
Conclusion
The much-anticipated 2025–26 European Rugby Challenge Cup is set to kick off on December 5, 2025, with an exciting opening match between Ulster Rugby and Racing 92.
You can watch European Challenge Cup in Ireland on free services, such as France.tv and S4C or on premium services, like Premier Sports.Â
However, you must use a premium VPN such as Surfshark to watch the tournament on geo-restricted free streaming services.
