Montpellier And Benetton Brace For High-Octane Clashes In EPCR Challenge Cup Quarterfinal Weekend

Montpellier hosts Connacht while Benetton takes on Exeter in the Challenge Cup quarterfinals. See full team lineups, match stats, and expert winner predictions.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 11, 2026, 4:02 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

Montpellier Faces Connacht In High-Stakes Pool Stage Rematch

Two-time champions Montpellier Hérault return to home turf at Septeo Stadium this Saturday to face Connacht in a repeat of their closely contested pool stage fixture. The French side narrowly secured a 33-31 victory in their previous meeting, and expectations are high for another match that could come down to the final whistle. Led by captain Billy Vunipola, Montpellier enters the quarterfinal following a dominant Round of 16 performance. The squad features a potent mix of international experience, including flyhalf Domingo Miotti and scrumhalf Ali Price, as they seek to reclaim the title they last held in 2021.

Benetton Offensive Powerhouse Meets Resilient Exeter Chiefs

The Sunday installment of the quarterfinals sees the competition's highest-scoring team, Benetton, host Exeter Chiefs in Treviso. The Italian side has dominated the leaderboard this season, topping the rankings for points, tries, carries, and clean breaks. Despite their offensive prowess, they face an Exeter side that has shown significant domestic and European strength. Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter has emphasized the need for early intensity to counter Benetton’s fast-starting reputation. The match features a unique internal rivalry, as Chiefs field three Italian internationals, including Andrea Zambonin and Ross Vintcent, against their regular Azzurri teammates.

Historic Semifinal Opportunity For Zebre Parma And Dragons

Saturday evening offers a rare and historic opportunity for either Zebre Parma or the Dragons to secure a place in a European semifinal. Both teams reached the quarterfinals through resilient performances in the Round of 16, with Dragons coming out on top of a tight thriller to advance. Zebre, playing at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, will rely on the leadership of captain Leonardo Krumov and the playmaking of Giacomo da Re to break down a Dragons defense led by Welsh international Aaron Wainwright. For both franchises, a victory would represent a major milestone in their respective developmental trajectories within European competition.