The 2021–22 EPCR Challenge Cup is the eighth edition of the EPCR Challenge Cup, an annual second-tier rugby union competition for professional clubs. Including the predecessor competition, the original European Challenge Cup, this is the 26th edition of European club rugby's second-tier competition.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament format was changed for the previous season. A similar format will remain for this season. However, the number of teams will be increased from 14 to 15 and an additional six will join from the Champions Cup.[1]
Fifteen teams will qualify for the 2021–22 EPCR Cup from Premiership Rugby, the Top 14 and the United Rugby Championship as a direct result of their domestic league performance having not qualified for the Heineken Champions Cup.[4]
The distribution of teams will be:
England: five teams
Any teams finishing between 9th and 12th position in the Premiership that do not qualify for the 2020–21 European Champions Cup