Cardiff Blues’ bid for a third European Challenge Cup will kick off with a trip to Italy to take on Rugby Calvisano, as EPCR confirm fixture details for the pool stage.

Two seasons after lifting the trophy in a unforgettable final in Bilbao, Wales’ Capital Region return to the Challenge Cup and sit alongside Leicester Tigers, Pau and Calvisano in Pool 5.

After taking on the Italian outfit at Pata Stadium on Saturday, November 16 (KO 2.30pm), John Mulvihill’s side welcome Leicester Tigers to the Welsh capital a week later, for the first home game of the European campaign (Saturday, 23 November, KO 8.00pm).

The Blues have a rich history against the Tigers in Europe, following some memorable match-ups against the English giants over the years, including the infamous penalty shoot-out in the Heineken Cup semi final at Principality Stadium.

In December, there will be a double-header against Top 14 outfit, Pau, as the French side visit the Arms Park on 7 December (KO 8.00pm) before heading out to the Pyrenees town six days later for the return leg (Friday, 13 December, KO 8.00pm, Stade du Hameau).

The two-times Challenge Cup winners travel to Welford Road on Sunday, 12 January (KO 3.15pm) for the penultimate round of action, with details regarding the final home game against Calviasno set to be confirmed at a later date.

Entry to all European Challenge Cup home pool stage fixtures are included in Cardiff Blues’ 2019/20 Season Membership packages. For more information, please click HERE.

Round One

Saturday, 16 Nov 2019, KO 2.30pm: Rugby Calvisano v Cardiff Blues (Pata Stadium)

Round Two

Saturday 23 Nov 2019, KO 8.00pm: Cardiff Blues v Leicester Tigers (Cardiff Arms Park)

Round Three

Saturday, 7 Dec 2019, KO 8.00pm: Cardiff Blues v Pau (Cardiff Arms Park)

Round Four

Friday, 13 Dec 2019, KO 8.00pm: Pau v Cardiff Blues (Stade du Hameau)

Round Five

Sunday, 12 January 2020, KO 3.15pm: Leicester Tigers v Cardiff Blues (Welford Road)

Round Six

TBC: Cardiff Blues v Rugby Calvisano (Cardiff Arms Park)