The 2025 EPCR Challenge Cup is ramping up, as the knockout stages begin with the Round of 16 on Friday, April 4.

The Emirates Lions will look to fell the leader of Pool 3, Edinburgh Rugby, as the two clash at Hive Stadium in one of the opening matches of the Round of 16.

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Bath Rugby and Pau Rugby will face off during the second of the two matches on Friday, with Bath looking for redemption after being knocked out of Champions Cup play.

Bayonne Rugby, Montpellier Rugby, USA Perpignan and Connacht Rugby will continue the action on Saturday, facing the Vodacom Bulls, Gloucester Rugby, Racing 92 and Cardiff Rugby respectively.

The Bulls and Racing 92, similarly to Bath, entered play in the Challenge Cup after losing out on a spot in the Champions Cup.

The Round of 16 will finish play on Sunday, April 6, as the Ospreys and Lyon Rugby take on the Scarlets and the Sharks.

With more than two months of playoff action still to come, here's what to know about the 2025 EPCR Challenge Cup Playoffs.

When Do The EPCR Challenge Cup Playoffs Begin In 2025?

The EPCR Challenge Cup Playoffs kick off with the Round of 16 on Friday, April 4, as Edinburgh take on the Lions at Hive Stadium. April 5 and 6 will host the remaining seven games of the round.

The quarterfinals will follow from April 11-13, with a short break until the semifinals on May 2-4.

The Challenge Cup Final will take place at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, on May 24.

How To Watch EPCR Challenge Cup Playoffs 2025

Every match of the 2025 EPCR Challenge Cup Playoffs will be streamed LIVE on FloRugby and the FloSports App, including the Challenge Cup Final on May 24.

Highlights, replays, archives and news will be available for all FloSports and FloRugby subscribers for the duration of their subscription.

EPCR Challenge Cup Round Of 16 Fixtures

Friday, April 4

• Edinburgh Rugby (3) vs. Emirates Lions (14) - Hive Stadium
• Pau Rugby (7) v Bath Rugby (10) - Stade du Hameau

Saturday, April 5

• Bayonne Rugby (6) vs. Vodacom Bulls (11) - Stade Jean Dauger -- This match will not be broadcast with English commentary
• Montpellier Rugby (2) vs. Gloucester Rugby (15) - GGL Stadium
• USA Perpignan (8) v Racing 92 (9) - Stade Aime Giral -- This match will not be broadcast with English commentary
• Connacht Rugby (1) v Cardiff Rugby (16) - Dexcom Stadium

Sunday, April 6

• Ospreys (4) v Scarlets (13) - Swansea.com Stadium -- This match will not be broadcast with English commentary
• Lyon Rugby (5) v HollywoodBets Sharks (12) - Matmut Stadium de Gerland -- This match will not be broadcast with English commentary

EPCR Challenge Cup Format 

Key points of the 2024-2025 EPCR Challenge Cup:

• A multi-pool format, as launched in the 2023-2024 season
• 18 clubs in three pools of six
• Sporting jeopardy with each club playing against four different opponents home or away in the pool stage
• Four highest-ranked clubs in each pool qualify for the knockout stage
• Eight weekends with four pool stage rounds and four knockout stage rounds culminating in the 2025 final at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Friday, May 23

EPCR Challenge Cup Weekends

• Round 1 – 6/7/8 December 2024
• Round 2 – 13/14/15 December 2024
• Round 3 – 10/11/12 January 2025
• Round 4 – 17/18/19 January 2025
• Round of 16 – 4/5/6 April 2025
• Quarterfinals – 11/12/13 April 2025
• Semifinals – 2/3/4 May 2025
• 2025 EPCR Challenge Cup final – Principality Stadium, Cardiff; Friday, May 23

How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby

FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

• Investec Champions Cup
• EPCR Challenge Cup
• Currie Cup
• Top 14
• Super Rugby
• And more

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

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