Here we look back at the TOP 14 side’s three successes – in 1999, 2007 and 2019.

1998/99: Winners

Clermont won their maiden EPCR title as Montferrand, defeating Bourgoin 35-16 in the final in Lyon thanks largely to the goalkicking expertise of Gérald Merceron, who contributed 20 points via six penalties and a conversion.

They had topped Pool 2, losing only one of their six games, before going on to thrash Dax 66-13 in the quarter-finals and edge past Narbonne 29-21 in the semi-finals.

2006/07: Winners

By the time of their second EPCR title, Clermont were under their current guise, but they had to battle all the way for a 22-16 success over Bath Rugby in the final at Twickenham Stoop, returning the trophy to France for the first time since 2000.

Trailing 6-3 at half-time, Clermont secured the title in the third quarter, chalking up 19 points without reply via tries from Julian Malzieu, Tony Marsh and Brock James, who also kicked two conversions and a penalty.

Clermont had cruised into the knockout stage, winning all six of their Pool 5 games, but they were run close by Newcastle Falcons 24-19 in the quarter-finals, before crushing Newport Gwent Dragons 46-29 in the semi-finals.

2018/19: Winners

Clermont claimed their third Challenge Cup with a hard-fought 36-16 triumph over Stade Rochelais in the final at St. James’ Park in Newcastle.

Tries from Damian Penaud, Wesley Fofana and man of the match Fritz Lee, combined with 18 points from the boot of Greig Laidlaw, saw Clermont overpower their TOP 14 rivals.

It was the icing on the cake of another immaculate campaign, which featured six wins from six Pool 1 games, followed by a 61-38 demolition of Northampton Saints in the quarter-finals and a dramatic 32-27 semi-final victory over Harlequins.

ASM Clermont Auvergne return to the EPCR Challenge Cup after a three-season absence with a proud record to uphold, having won the joint most titles with Harlequins.