How to watch EPCR Challenge Cup rugby with a VPN
Want to watch every thrilling EPCR Challenge Cup match, no matter where you are or what network you’re on? ExpressVPN ensures you can stream reliably, even on public or restricted networks that might otherwise limit your access.
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server location that matches the broadcaster you want to watch. For example, Irish fans should connect to a VPN server in Ireland to stream free matches on RTÉ Player.
- Enjoy every tackle, try, and second of the action!
Why you need a VPN for streaming the EPCR Challenge Cup
The last thing you need when you press play on a live rugby match is buffering or a sudden drop in quality. Your internet service provider (ISP) may throttle your connection when it detects streaming activity, ruining your enjoyment. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, which stops your ISP from monitoring your activity, leaving you free to enjoy smooth, uninterrupted streaming.
Streaming with a VPN also ensures you can always access your favorite rugby streaming services—even on restricted Wi-Fi at your office or college. Strong VPN encryption gets you past restrictions easily, so you can catch the EPCR Challenge Cup live, no matter where you are or your network.
The best VPN for streaming the EPCR Challenge Cup
Built with streaming in mind, ExpressVPN allows you to connect seamlessly to major streaming platforms around the world. With a vast global network, ExpressVPN ensures you can always find a server where you need one. High-speed servers deliver the crystal-clear streaming quality you need to catch every pass, tackle, and try of EPCR Challenge Cup rugby without interruption—even in UHD.
A single ExpressVPN account gives you up to 8 device connections at once, allowing you to cheer on your team while your family members browse, stream, or work securely with the VPN on their own devices. Try ExpressVPN risk-free for 30 days with a money-back guarantee.
Where to watch EPCR Challenge Cup live streams for free
France
France TV
France TV will broadcast several matches featuring French teams competing in both the European Rugby Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup for free. You can access the matches online via the France TV website and app. To register a free account, you need a French postcode (e.g., 78000 or 69008).
If you notice that your connection slows down whenever you start streaming, leading to buffering and reduced picture quality, it’s possible your ISP is throttling your speed. To avoid this, connect to an ExpressVPN server in France to encrypt your connection, ensuring your activity stays private from your ISP, so your connection speeds don’t suffer.
Ireland
RTÉ Player
In Ireland, RTE will show one game per round for free, which will also be available to live stream via RTÉ Player. Games carried by the Irish broadcaster will feature teams from the Irish provinces.
Other ways to watch EPCR Challenge Cup live streams
Live stream Challenge Cup matches on EPCR TV
Accessible in over 20 European countries, as well as Australia, the Pacific, and Southeast Asia, EPCR TV is the perfect way to watch EPCR Challenge Cup matches live and on demand. You can choose between individual match passes, weekend passes to watch more games in a round, or a complete season pass to follow your team through the competition.
Watch EPCR Challenge Cup live streams on Premier Sports in the UK and Ireland
In the UK and Ireland, you can watch select Challenge Cup rugby matches on Premier Sports, which also offers full coverage of all 63 Champions Cup competition matches. The channel will broadcast both competitions until the end of the 2026–27 season. You can access it through its standalone streaming service, with the Sports Extra and Sports Bundle on NOW, or as an add-on through Amazon Prime Video.
Watch Challenge Cup live streams on beIN Sports in France
In France, coverage of EPCR Challenge Cup games is split between beIN Sports, France TV (showing one French team’s game free every round), and EPCR TV. Once the game’s over, you can also watch games from the Champions Cup on beIN Sports. To get access online, you can subscribe to the beIN Sports Connect streaming service.
Catch Challenge Cup live streams on FloRugby in the U.S. and Canada
In the U.S. and Canada, you can catch the Challenge Cup (as well as the European Rugby Champions Cup) exclusively on FloRugby. You can catch matches live or on demand via the FloSports website or its apps for iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast. The platform offers monthly and annual plans, which both allow you to watch other popular tournaments, such as France’s Top 14 and the United Rugby Championship.
Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, be sure to use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Watch EPCR Challenge Cup highlights on YouTube
You can catch up on all the latest highlights, news, interviews, and more on the official YouTube channel for the Challenge Cup.
When is the EPCR Challenge Cup Final?
This season’s Challenge Cup final will take place on Friday, May 23, 2025 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
What is the difference between the Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup?
The EPCR Challenge Cup represents the second tier of Europe’s elite club rugby competition, while the European Rugby Champions Cup represents the top tier.
Who are the favorites for the 2024–25 Challenge Cup?
The 2024–25 season pits several notable sides against each other in the EPCR Challenge Cup (check out our European Rugby Champions Cup page for the lowdown on which teams are competing—and where to stream in your country).
- ASM Clermont Auvergne: As a three-time winner, Clermont’s experience and ambition make the French side a leading candidate for the title.
- Benetton Rugby: Reaching consecutive semi-finals, this Italian team has demonstrated significant growth and is poised for a strong campaign.
- Gloucester Rugby: With a solid track record in European competitions, the English side’s depth and strategic play make them an entertaining team to watch.
ExpressVPN is a VPN service not intended to be used as a means of copyright circumvention. Please read the ExpressVPN Terms of Service and your content provider’s Terms of Use for more details.
FAQ: About European Rugby Champions Cup and Challenge Cup
Where is the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) based?
The European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) organization was established in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, in 2014. It is now headquartered in the Swiss city of Lausanne.
What is EPCR rugby?
European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) is the organizer of European rugby competitions like the annual Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup (Europe’s top and second tier tournaments, respectively).
Is rugby big in Europe?
Rugby is especially popular in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, and Wales) and Ireland, as well parts of Europe such as France and Italy. The sport is increasingly growing in popularity in European countries such as Georgia and Romania, while Spain, Portugal, Germany, and the Netherlands have also all seen rises in the number of clubs and competitions.
Who is the European Rugby Player of the Year?
In 2022, Leinster wing forward Josh van der Flier was named European Rugby Player of the Year. Here are the 2023 EPCR Player of the Year Nominees:
Grégory Alldritt (Stade Rochelais)
Gavin Coombes (Munster Rugby)
Caelan Doris (Leinster Rugby)
Elliot Daly (Saracens)
Antoine Dupont (Stade Toulousain)
Eben Etzebeth (Cell C Sharks)
Jaden Hendrikse (Cell C Sharks)
Siya Kolisi (Cell C Sharks)
Makazole Mapimpi (Cell C Sharks)
Julien Marchand (Stade Toulousain)
Emmanuel Meafou (Stade Toulousain)
Jamie Osborne (Leinster Rugby)
Garry Ringrose (Leinster Rugby)
Justin Tipuric (Ospreys)
Josh Van Der Flier (Leinster Rugby)
