NINETEEN clubs with as many as 12 European titles between them have been confirmed for the 2018-19 Challenge Cup campaign.
Former winners such as Harlequins, Northampton Saints, Sale Sharks, ASM Clermont Auvergne, Stade Français Paris and Pau will feature along with Worcester Warriors when the pool draws for next season’s Challenge Cup are made on June 20 in Lausanne.
Some clubs approach the Challenge Cup as a possible route to qualification for the Champions Cup while others avail of the platform to rub shoulders with the heavyweights and to showcase their progression.
Russia’s Enisei-STM have booked a place once again after retaining their Continental Shield title.
However Heidelberger RK, who were losing Continental Shield finalists in Bilbao, are ineligible to compete in next season’s Challenge Cup following a decision by EPCR.
On the basis that Dr Hans-Peter Wild, who is the majority shareholder of Stade Français Paris and the primary financial backer of Heidelberger RK, would be in a position to influence or to control the management or performance of two clubs in the same competition, EPCR decided that the German club could not participate.
A replacement club will be announced shortly.
Two clubs who were already qualified for the Champions Cup played out a thrilling final at Bilbao’s San Mamés Stadium with Cardiff Blues edging out Gloucester Rugby 31-30 in front of 32,543 spectators.
CHALLENGE CUP 2018-19
Gallagher Premiership Rugby: Sale Sharks, Northampton Saints, Harlequins, Worcester Warriors, Bristol Bears.
Guinness PRO14: Benetton Rugby, Ospreys, Connacht Rugby, Zebre Rugby Club, Dragons
TOP 14: La Rochelle, Pau, ASM Clermont Auvergne, Bordeaux-Bègles, Agen, Stade Français Paris, Perpignan, Grenoble
Continental Shield: Enisei-STM, TBC
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