Connacht Face Grenoble Trip In Quarter-Finals
Following the completion of all games in round 6 of the European Challenge Cup, it was confirmed on Saturday night that Connacht will travel to play Grenoble in the quarter-finals on the weekend of April 7/8/9/10.
The exact dates kick-off times and venues for the European Challenge Cup quarter-final matches should be confirmed in the next week by EPCR, the tournament organisers.
A win for Connacht against Bernard Jackman’s Grenoble side would guarantee a home semi-final on April 22/23/24 against the winners of Harlequins v London Irish.
There is plenty of incentive for teams playing away from home in the quarter-finals under new tournament rules which reward away performances in the last-eight matches.
There is no draw for the semi-finals this season. The new format for the final four recognises performances by sides during the pool stages as well as the achievement of winning a quarter-final match away from home.
The prize for Connacht and Montpellier is a guaranteed home game in the semi-finals if can win their respective quarter-finals.
Connacht will host either Harlequins or London Irish at the Sportsground in Galway if they win in Grenoble, while the prize for Montpellier – if they can beat Sale Sharks – is a home tie at the Altrad Stadium against the winners of the game between reigning champions Gloucester and the Newport Gwent Dragons.
However, if Sale defeat Montpellier, and the Dragons manage to triumph at Kingsholm, they will host Sale at Rodney Parade in the last-four.
The final of the 2015/16 Challenge Cup is set for Lyon on Saturday, May 13.
2015/16 EUROPEAN CHALLENGE CUP QUARTER-FINALS:
Harlequins v London Irish
Grenoble v CONNACHT
Sale Sharks v Montpellier
Gloucester v Newport Gwent Dragons
SEMI-FINAL 1 –
If Harlequins (ranked No 1) and Grenoble (ranked No 4) win their quarter-finals, Harlequins will have home venue advantage
If Harlequins (ranked No 1) and Connacht (ranked No 5) win their quarter-finals, Connacht will have home venue advantage
If London Irish (ranked No 8) and Grenoble (ranked No 4) win their quarter-finals, London Irish will have home venue advantage
If London Irish (ranked No 8) and Connacht (ranked No 5) win their quarter-finals, Connacht will have home venue advantage
SEMI-FINAL 2 –
If Sale Sharks (ranked No 3) and Gloucester (ranked No 2) win their quarter-finals, Gloucester will have home venue advantage
If Sale Sharks (ranked No 3) and the Newport Gwent Dragons (ranked No 7) win their quarter-finals, the Newport Gwent Dragons will have home venue advantage
If Montpellier (ranked No 6) and Gloucester (ranked No 2) win their quarter-finals, Montpellier will have home venue advantage
If Montpellier (ranked No 6) and the Newport Gwent Dragons (ranked No 7) win their quarter-finals, Montpellier will have home venue advantage