Three Welsh clubs secured Challenge Cup knockout places but missed out on hosting matches. Cardiff, Dragons, and Ospreys will travel to Benetton, Stade Francais, and Ulster respectively in April, while Scarlets were eliminated entirely from Europe.

The Scarlets' failure to beat Bristol and Pau at home proved costly, eliminating them from both European tournaments. This leaves Wales with no representation in the premier Champions Cup last 16, while England has seven sides through and France three.

Dragons aim to repeat their famous 2014 win at Stade Francais after a crucial bonus point secured their progress. Ospreys coach Mark Jones defended rotating his squad despite losing a home tie, while Cardiff must balance European ambitions with a demanding URC schedule.