2021–22 EPCR Challenge Cup


The 2021–22 EPCR Challenge Cup was the eighth edition of the EPCR Challenge Cup, an annual second-tier rugby union competition for professional clubs. Including the predecessor competition, the original European Challenge Cup, this was the 26th edition of European club rugby's second-tier competition.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament format was changed for the previous season. A similar format remained for this season, however, the number of teams was increased from 14 to 15 and an additional six will join from the Champions Cup.
The tournament commenced in December 2021, and concluded with the final on 27 May 2022 at Stade Vélodrome in Marseille, France.
Lyon, who are in their first European final, won the Challenge Cup by defeating Toulon making it their first European title. It is also their first major title since their Champion de France title in 1933.

Teams

Fifteen teams qualified for the 2021–22 EPCR Cup from Premiership Rugby, the Top 14 and the United Rugby Championship as a direct result of their domestic league performance having not qualified for the Heineken Champions Cup.
The distribution of teams are:
  • England: five teams
  • * Any teams finishing between 9th and 12th position in the Premiership that do not qualify for the 2020–21 European Champions Cup
  • * The champion of the Championship
  • France: six teams
  • * Any teams finishing between 9th and 12th position in the Top 14 that do not qualify for the 2020–21 European Champions Cup
  • * As defending champions Montpellier did not finish in the top 8, the 8th ranked team will also compete in the Challenge Cup
  • * The champion of the [2020–21 Rugby 2020–21 Rugby Pro D2 season|Pro D2 season|Pro D2]
  • * The winner of the relegation playoff between the 13th placed team in the Top 14 and the runner-up of the Pro D2
  • Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Wales: four teams
  • * The bottom two sides in each conference from the Pro14

Pool stage

Winner, runner-up and third of each pool, advance to round of 16.
The highest-scoring fourth-place team also advance to round of 16.