European Rugby Cup : History

European Challenge Cup History

Since its introduction in 1996, the then European Conference, has had several names, seen many changes in its format and make up, but has continued to grow in prestige over the years.

The new look format under the European Challenge Cup banner includes 20 top flight teams from six countries competing in five Pools of four teams each. The five pool winners and three best placed runners up qualify for the knock-out stages of the tournament and play off for the coveted European title.

Follow the links above to view the results from all the previous European Challenge Cup and European Shield campaigns.

European Sheild History

In 2002/3 and 2003/4 the European Shield took place as a reprechage tournament for teams knocked out in the first round of the European Challenge Cup. The name European Shield had previously been used for the now renamed European Challenge Cup.

In 2004/5 the twelve teams who failed to progress from the qualifying round of the European Challenge Cup were joined in the draw for the European Shield by Bucuresti (Romania), UCM Madrid (Spain), Bera Bera (Spain) and Lisboa Rugby Club (Portugal).

Due to restructuring of the European Challenge Cup for the 2005/06 season the European Shield tournament is no longer active.

Previous Winners of the European Shield

2003 Castres Olympique 40-12 Caerphilly (known as Parker Pen Shield)
2004 Montpellier 25-19 Arix Viadana (known as Parker Pen Shield)
2005 FC Auch 23-10 Worcester Rugby (known as Parker Pen Shield)

E-mail this page

Print this page