Newcastle Falcons’ EPCR Challenge Cup campaign continues on Sunday when they host Welsh side, Dragons. Here, we explain the format of the 2024-25 competition.

This year’s tournament sees three pools of six, with the top four in each group progressing through to the round of 16 along with four teams who drop down from the Investec Champions Cup.

To view the pool standings after round one, please click here.

If teams are tied on points at the end of the group phase the determining factors will be (in order): points difference, tries scored, fewest players suspended for disciplinary reasons or by drawing lots.

Each team plays four games in the group stage, with both of Newcastle Falcons’ home matches included as part of the 2024-25 season ticket.

This weekend’s round two fixture sees the Falcons at home to Dragons, with the Welsh side visiting Kingston Park in a 3.15pm kick-off on Sunday December 15. Tickets for non-season ticket holders are on sale by clicking here.

Newcastle travel to Wales on Saturday January 11 in the penultimate group game, facing Ospreys in a 5.30pm kick-off at Swansea.com Stadium, live on S4C.

The Falcons bring the group phase to a climax on Friday January 17 when they host French club Montpellier in an 8pm kick-off.

EPCR CHALLENGE CUP POOL DRAW

POOL 1: Cardiff, Perpignan, Cheetahs, Perpignan, Lyon, Zebre.

POOL 2: Montpellier, Pau, Newcastle Falcons, Dragons, Lions, Ospreys.

POOL 3: Vannes, Black Lion, Bayonne, Scarlets, Edinburgh, Gloucester.

NEWCASTLE FALCONS’ FIXTURES

Sun Dec 8: v Pau (L 32-19)

Sun Dec 15: v Dragons (home, 3.15pm)

Sat Jan 11: v Ospreys (away, 5.30pm)

Fri Jan 17: v Montpellier (home, 8pm)

Apr 4/5/6: Round of 16

April 11/12/13: Quarter-finals

May 2/3/4: Semi-finals

Fri May 23: Final (Cardiff)