2022–23 EPCR Challenge Cup
The 2022–23 EPCR Challenge Cup was the 9th edition of the EPCR Challenge Cup, an annual second-tier rugby union competition for professional clubs. Including the predecessor competition, the original European Challenge Cup, this is the 27th edition of European club rugby's second-tier competition.
| 2022–23 EPCR Challenge Cup | |
|---|---|
The EPCR Challenge Cup | |
| Tournament details | |
| Countries | England France Ireland Italy Scotland South Africa Wales |
| Tournament format(s) | Round-robin and knockout |
| Date | 9 December 2022 – 19 May 2023 |
| Tournament statistics | |
| Teams | 18 |
| Matches played | 51 |
| Attendance | 314,320 (6,163 per match) |
| Highest attendance | 31,514 - Glasgow Warriors v Toulon 19 May 2023 |
| Lowest attendance | 200 - Cheetahs v Scarlets 17 December 2022 200 - Cheetahs v Pau 22 January 2023 |
| Tries scored | 329 (6.45 per match) |
| Top point scorer(s) | Sam Costelow (Scarlets) 62 points |
| Top try scorer(s) | Johnny Matthews (Glasgow Warriors) Jiuta Wainiqolo (Toulon) 7 tries |
| Final | |
| Venue | Aviva Stadium, Dublin |
| Champions | Toulon (1st title) |
| Runners-up | Glasgow Warriors |
The tournament commenced in December 2022, and concluded with the final on 19 May 2023 at Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland, which was contested between Glasgow Warriors (their first European final) and Toulon who made their fourth appearance in a European final.
This was the first year that teams from South Africa could qualify, following the inaugural United Rugby Championship season, with Johannesburg-based Lions making their inaugural appearance in European club rugby. In addition, another South African team, the Bloemfontein-based Cheetahs franchise, formerly of the URC predecessor competition the Pro14, had been invited to enter, having been excluded from European competition during their Pro14 tenure.