2002–03 European Shield
The 2002–03 European Shield (known as the Parker Pen Shield for sponsorship reasons) was the 1st season of the European Shield, Europe's third-tier club rugby union competition below the Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup. A total of 16 teams participated, representing five different countries.
| 2002-03 European Shield | |
|---|---|
| Tournament details | |
| Countries | France Italy Romania Spain Wales |
| Tournament format(s) | Knockout |
| Date | 6 December 2002 - 25 May 2003 |
| Tournament statistics | |
| Teams | 16 |
| Matches played | 29 |
| Attendance | 44,380 (1,530 per match) |
| Tries scored | 182 (6.28 per match) |
| Final | |
| Venue | Madejski Stadium, Reading |
| Attendance | 4,000 |
| Champions | Castres Olympique (1st title) |
| Runners-up | Caerphilly |
This competition was contested between the first round losers from the 2002–03 European Challenge Cup. The structure of the competition was a purely knockout format; teams played each other on a home and away basis, with the aggregate points winner proceeding to the next round. The final was a single leg.
The competition began on 6 December 2002 and culminated in the final at the Madejski Stadium in Reading on 25 May 2003. Castres Olympique secured a victory over Caerphilly in the final and picked up their first piece of European Club silverware.