Sharks EPCR Challenge Cup 2026/27 Pool opponents

Rule changes for 2026/27 season

EPCR has confirmed two tournament rule changes that will be introduced from the 2026/27 season following the regular review of the competition rules.

The review process involved extensive consultation with EPCR stakeholders, including the three leagues – the Gallagher PREM, United Rugby Championship and TOP 14.

The changes are designed to enhance the competitiveness and intensity of the Pool stage fixtures by enhancing the battle for qualification to the Round of 16, and ensuring matches stay competitive for longer.

While these changes will be implemented from the 2026/27 season, the overall eight-week structure and format of both competitions will remain unchanged.

Rule change 1: Qualification into the Round of 16

Investec Champions Cup

In a change to previous seasons, in which the four highest-ranked clubs in each pool all automatically qualified for the Round of 16, only the top three teams from each Pool will automatically qualify.

From 2026/27:

• The three highest-ranked clubs in each pool will automatically qualify.
• The remaining four Round of 16 places will go to the four clubs with the highest number of match points across all pools, regardless of which Pool they are in.
• The four places in the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 will be awarded to the next four clubs with the highest number of match points, also regardless of which pool they are in.

This means clubs finishing below fourth place in their respective pool can still qualify, but only if they have enough points compared to clubs from other pools.

In a change to how ranking will be determined, if two clubs are tied on match points, the club with the most number of wins will be awarded higher ranking, before best points difference is taken into consideration.

Click HERE for the detailed rules including how ranking will be determined.

Click HERE to watch a video further explaining the Investec Champions Cup rule change .

EPCR Challenge Cup

Qualification for the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 will follow the same methodology, adapted to suit the slightly different configuration of the EPCR Challenge Cup.

From 2026/27:

• The three highest-ranked clubs in each pool will automatically qualify for the Round of 16.
• The remaining three Round of 16 places will go to the three clubs with the highest number of match points across all pools, regardless of which pool they are in.
• Four clubs will continue to drop down from the Investec Champions Cup and join the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16, as outlined above.

Ranking will be determined along the same criteria as the Investec Champions Cup, with match wins taking precedence over points difference to separate two clubs tied on match points.

Click HERE for the detailed rules including how ranking will be determined.

Click HERE to watch a video further explaining the EPCR Challenge Cup rule change.

Rule change 2. Try Bonus Points

EPCR is changing the system by which Offensive Bonus Points are awarded, awarding bonus points for attacking performance if a team scores three or more tries more than their opposition.

The purpose of this change is to reward teams who continue to play attacking rugby AND who remain resolute in defence once victory appears certain, effectively ensuring tournament matches stay competitive for longer.

The change will also enable teams to deny their opponents an offensive bonus point if their defensive intensity drops, the status of the offensive bonus will remain uncertain until the conclusion of each fixture.

Unchanged to previous seasons, the defensive bonus point will remain available if a defeated team can limit the margin of defeat to seven points or fewer.