EPCR Challenge Cup semi-finalists confirmed as Cardiff 2025 Final beckons
- EPCR Media
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
This weekend’s EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-finals delivered high-intensity clashes, featuring everything from nail-biting finishes to emphatic statements of intent. Edinburgh Rugby, Lyon Olympique Universitaire, Racing 92, and Bath Rugby have all booked their spots in the semi-finals and are now just one win away from reaching the grand final in Cardiff this May.
Edinburgh Rugby 34 - Vodacom Bulls 28
Hive Stadium
Edinburgh Rugby hosted the Vodacom Bulls at Hive Stadium in a thrilling knockout clash that remained in the balance until the final minutes. The Scots fended off a fierce second-half comeback from the Bulls to clinch a hard-fought victory and secure a home semi-final.
Edinburgh dominated the opening half, heading into the break with a commanding 31-7 lead. But the momentum quickly shifted after the restart, as the Bulls crossed the try line twice in the space of ten minutes, reigniting their hopes and flipping the game’s dynamic. Sustained pressure from the visitors saw two more tries, cutting Edinburgh’s lead to just six points with four minutes remaining. But the home side held their nerve in a tense finale, with Pierre Schoeman securing a crucial penalty in the dying seconds to seal the win.
Next up, Edinburgh Rugby prepare for another home showdown in the semi-finals, where they’ll face Bath Rugby on Saturday 3 May with a spot in the Cardiff Final now firmly in their sights.
Ospreys 18 - Lyon Olympique Universitaire 20
Swansea.com Stadium
Lyon Olympique Universitaire have a second EPCR Challenge Cup title in their sights after beating Ospreys to secure their place in the semi-finals.
It was a huge effort from both sides, with Lyon Olympique Universitaire striking first as Vincent Rattez crossed the line just six minutes in. A couple of penalties followed, opening up the game and Jac Morgan’s try brought things level before a French penalty nudged Lyon ahead at half-time.
The second half saw both teams continue to exchange chances, with replacement players Mickael Guillard and George McGuigan each scoring a try. With just two points separating the teams and nine minutes remaining, the tension was high. Heartbreakingly for the Ospreys, Dan Edwards’ conversion attempt of McGuigan’s try - which would have tied the scores and pushed the game into extra-time - struck the post, allowing the French side to edge through to the next stage.
Lyon Olympique Universitaire secured themselves a home semi-final and will now face Racing 92, with a French club guaranteed a place in the Cardiff Final in May.
Connacht Rugby 40 - Racing 92 43
Dexcom Stadium
Having gone down to 14 men after just 12 minutes, Racing 92 came from 21-5 down to edge past Connacht Rugby and secure their place in the final four.
Four tries apiece in the first half meant Connacht Rugby took a slender 4-point advantage into the break but Owen Farrell came on after 47 minutes and had an immediate impact.
Just a minute after taking to the pitch he took the French upfield which resulted in a Nolann le Garrec try and conversion, before slotting a drop goal to put Racing 92 37-28 up.
Two more penalties from Le Garrec to add to his two tries were enough to see Racing 92 over the line and into the semi-finals, despite two late tries from the hosts to test the nerves.
Racing 92 will now head to Lyon Olympique Universitaire on Sunday 4 May, for a semi-final clash of the French.
Bath Rugby 61 - Gloucester Rugby 26
The Recreation Ground
Bath made a big statement on Sunday night with a nine-try win over Gloucester Rugby, securing their spot in the semi-finals.
In a frantic first half at The Rec, Bath Rugby led at the break thanks to tries from Tom de Glanville, Tom Dunn, Archie Griffin, Ben Spencer and Alfie Barbeary, with Gloucester Rugby staying in touch through scores from Santi Carreras, Jack Singleton, and Jacob Morris.
But in the second half the hosts went up another gear to overpower their West Country rivals, limiting them to a single try while Bath racked up another four.
Bath Rugby’s No 8 Alfie Barbeary scored two tries in Player of the Match display, saying: “I think it’s a huge result for us, it’s great to get one over on Gloucester, it was a great game.”
Speaking about his teams dominant second half, Barbeary continued: “I think our depth in the squad is so competitive and with boys coming on the pitch it just adds energy and I don’t think any team can really compete with us when you have that sort of quality on the bench.”
The win reinforces Bath Rugby’s status as a top contender to lift the trophy at the Cardiff Final in May, and they now head to Scotland to face Edinburgh Rugby for their semi-final clash.
STATISTICS
Click below for a comprehensive review including results, key data and top performers.
Quarter-finals – Top Performers
Points: 18 Nolann le Garrec (Racing 92)
Carries: 28 Keiran Williams (Ospreys)
Metres: 116 Jacob Morris (Gloucester Rugby)
Defenders beaten: 8 Jacob Morris (Gloucester Rugby)
Line-outs won: 9 JF van Heerden (Vodacom Bulls)
Tackles: 30 Beka Shvangiradze (Lyon Olympique Universitaire)
Quarter-finals – Key Stats
Nolann le Garrec (Racing 92) scored two tries and a round-high total of 18 points at the weekend.
James Lang (Edinburgh Rugby) made as many clean breaks (four) and scored as many tries (two) as any other player in the quarter-finals.
Finn Russell (Bath Rugby) assisted three tries at the weekend - two more than any other player - and scored a total of 16 points.
Beka Shvangiradze (Lyon Olympique Universitaire) made 30 tackles in the quarter-finals - more than any other player in the round and the second-most in a match this season.
Cameron Redpath won the joint-most turnovers at the weekend (three). He also made 10 carries and six tackles.
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