The first EPCR Challenge Cup game in South Africa produced a belting affair as debuting Emirates Lions drew 31-31 with Dragons RFC in Johannesburg.

There were four tries apiece and a last-gasp penalty miss from Jordan Hendrikse at Emirates Airline Park as both teams kicked off their Pool B campaigns with three points.

Toyota Cheetahs also began their maiden EPCR Challenge Cup season with a win, two penalties in the final 10 minutes seeing them edge Section Paloise 21-16 in France.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20u-DxBetFs

Eventual finalists RC Toulon and Glasgow Warriors enjoyed Round 1 victories on the road but they were far from straightforward – Toulon scraped to a 24-21 success at Zebre Parma after an incredible turnaround while Glasgow needed to cling on to beat Bath Rugby 22-19.

There were contrasting fortunes for Benetton Rugby and Scarlets, who would go on to reach the semi-finals, with the Italian outfit going down 24-14 at Stade Francais Paris and the Welsh region blitzing Aviron Bayonnais 39-7 in Llanelli.

Cardiff Rugby, the other Welsh region competing in the EPCR Challenge Cup, also marched to a dominant win as they thrashed CA Brive 41-0 at Cardiff Arms Park.

Bristol Bears and Connacht Rugby began their respective Pool A assaults with three-try victories, away at USAP (19-5) and at home to Newcastle Falcons (22-8).

Following the conclusion of the 2022/23 EPCR Challenge Cup, we’re taking a look back at the highlights of each round, kicking off things off with Round 1 back at the start of December.