2003–04 European Shield
The 2003–04 European Shield (known as the Parker Pen Shield for sponsorship reasons) was the 2nd 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.
| 2003-04 European Shield | |
|---|---|
| Tournament details | |
| Countries | England France Italy Portugal Spain |
| Tournament format(s) | Knockout |
| Date | 10 January 2004 - 21 May 2004 |
| Tournament statistics | |
| Teams | 16 |
| Matches played | 29 |
| Attendance | 27,489 (948 per match) |
| Tries scored | 176 (6.07 per match) |
| Final | |
| Venue | Stadio Luigi Zaffanella, Viadana |
| Attendance | 2,553 |
| Champions | Montpellier (1st title) |
| Runners-up | Viadana |
This competition was contested between 12 first round losers from the 2003–04 European Challenge Cup plus 4 other Clubs entering directly into the 1st Round. 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 10 January 2004 and culminated in the final at the Stadio Luigi Zaffanella in Viadana on 21 May 2004. Montpellier secured a victory over Viadana in the final and picked up their first piece of European Club silverware.