1999-2000: Semi-finalists

Bristol reached the last four in 1999-2000, overcoming Dax, Amatori & Calvisano and Union Bordeaux-Bègles in the pool stage, losing once in their six Pool 1 clashes – 28-14 away at Bordeaux in Round 4.

They then edged a thrilling contest with Biarritz Olympique in the quarter-finals, claiming a 32-29 win at Parc des Sports Aguiléra to hand themselves a shot at the final.

However, they missed out on the showpiece game as they suffered a bruising semi-final defeat at Section Paloise, going down 51-27 at Stade Maurice Trelut.

2019-20: Champions

Bristol made it to the quarter-finals of the competition three times over the next two decades, but they finally reached the last four again in what would prove to be a triumphant 2019-20 campaign.

Undefeated in Pool 4 thanks to wins against CA Brive, Stade Français Paris and Zebre Parma, the latter club snatching a draw in Round 6, Bristol saw off Dragons in the quarter-finals with a commanding 56-17 win at Ashton Gate.

A place in the final was then booked as extra time tries from Piers O’Conor and Max Malins helped them to a 37-20 win over Union Bordeaux-Bègles after the 80 minutes ended with the score at 20-20.

An assured performance in the final against RC Toulon secured a maiden Challenge Cup title, 22 points from the boot of fly-half Callum Sheedy and tries from Harry Randall and Malins earning them a 32-19 win at Stade Maurice-David.

With the pool draw for the 2022/23 EPCR Challenge Cup completed, we are looking at the clubs returning to the competition and the highlights of their past appearances. Bristol Bears are next up.