2004–05 European Shield
The 2004–05 European Shield (known as the Parker Pen Shield for sponsorship reasons) was the 3rd, and final, season of the European Shield, Europe's third-tier club rugby union competition below the Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup. A total of 15 teams participated, representing six countries.
| 2004–05 European Shield | |
|---|---|
| Tournament details | |
| Countries | England France Italy Portugal Romania Spain |
| Tournament format(s) | Knockout |
| Date | 4 December 2004 – 21 May 2005 |
| Tournament statistics | |
| Teams | 16 |
| Matches played | 27 |
| Attendance | 38,717 (1,434 per match) |
| Tries scored | 199 (7.37 per match) |
| Final | |
| Venue | Kassam Stadium, Oxford |
| Attendance | 2,823 |
| Champions | Auch (1st title) |
| Runners-up | Worcester Warriors |
This competition was intended to be contested between 12 first round losers from the 2004–05 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 4 December 2004 and culminated in the final at Kassam Stadium in Oxford on 21 May 2005. Auch secured a victory over Worcester Warriors in the final and picked up their first piece of European Club silverware.
After this season, the European Challenge Cup reverted to its previous "pool and knockout" format and the European Shield was discontinued.