Following last Friday’s disappointing defeat the Newport Gwent Dragons will compete in the European Challenge Cup competition, but what is that tournament?
Last year the Challenge Cup was won by Gloucester who defeated London Irish 36-34 in a match that went into extra time.
The competition was introduced in 1996 when it was called the European Conference and since its introduction it has had several names and seen many changes in format but has continued to grow in prestige over the years.
The format of the Challenge Cup includes 20 teams from six countries who compete in five pools of four teams each. These pool matches are played on a home and away basis and played on the same weekends as the Heineken Cup. The five pool winners and three best-placed runners up qualify for the knock out stages.
The competition next season will see the likes of Northampton, Newcastle, Worcester, Bath, Harlequins and Clermont Auvergne all taking part. Previous winners include Bourgoin, Colomiers, Montferrand, Pau, Harlequins, Sale, Wasps and Gloucester
