Costelow double for Scarlets

Sam Costelow crossed twice as Scarlets got off the mark in the United Rugby Championship (URC) via a 36-12 home success over fellow EPCR Challenge Cup side Zebre Parma.

Sam Lousi, Jonathan Davies and Ryan Conbeer all went over for the Welsh side in addition to Costelow’s brace, while Leigh Halfpenny kicked 11 points.

Lousi was sent off early in the second half, but Zebre, who dotted down through MJ Pelser and Lorenzo Pani, were unable to mount a recovery and remain bottom of the URC standings.

Cardiff overcome Dragons

Another all-EPCR Challenge Cup contest in the URC saw Cardiff Rugby enjoy a 31-14 victory over Dragons in a South Wales derby at Cardiff Arms Park.

Cardiff, for whom Jarrod Evans kicked 11 points, were in command at the break as the returning Josh Adams crossed before Rhys Carre and James Botham also dotted down.

Angus O'Brien and Bradley Roberts’ tries either side of half-time gave Dragons some hope, but Thomas Young’s late effort wrapped up Cardiff’s third win of the URC season.

Bath run Saracens close

Bath Rugby were one of three EPCR Challenge Cup sides to fall to defeat at Heineken Champions Cup opponents in the Gallagher Premiership on Saturday, but they will be encouraged by a commendable showing at league leaders Saracens.

The visitors ultimately lost a thriller 37-31 at the StoneX Stadium, though Matt Gallagher, Joe Cokanasiga, Max Ojomoh and Wesley White dotted down, with Orlando Bailey converting all four scores and landing a penalty to make Sarries work hard for their victory.

Sensational Stade Français comeback at Pau

In the TOP 14, two EPCR Challenge Cup sides produced an enthralling battle as Stade Français Paris recovered from 22 points down to win 31-29 at Section Paloise.

Stade Français trailed 29-7 at half-time as Daniel Ikpefan crossed for a try brace and Zack Henry kicked 19 points for Pau, with Paul Gabrillagues having gone over early on for the visitors.

Despite having Marcos Kremer sent off on 58 minutes, Stade Français launched a phenomenal fightback in the final 13 minutes via Harry Glover’s try double either side of a JJ van der Mescht score.

Joris Segonds added the extras to the first two scores and kicked a penalty on 77 minutes, before improving Glover’s second effort in the final play of the game to snatch an incredible victory.

We’ve taken a look at the best of Saturday’s domestic action involving EPCR Challenge Cup clubs, with Scarlets’ first win of the season the highlight.