European Shield

The European Shield (known as the Parker Pen Shield for sponsorship reasons) was a repechage tournament for teams knocked out in the first round of the European Challenge Cup. As such, it formed Europe's third-tier club rugby union competition below the Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup. The name "European Shield" had previously been used for the now renamed European Challenge Cup.

A total of 16 teams participated in each season. The competition was contested between the first round losers from the European Challenge Cup with teams being added directly to make up the full 16 team complement. The structure of the competition was a purely knockout format; teams played each other on a home and away basis, with the aggregate points winner proceeding to the next round. The final was a single leg.

The competition had a brief existence, running for just three seasons in 2002–03 European Challenge Cup, 2002–03, 2003–04 European Challenge Cup, 2003–04 and 2004–05 European Challenge Cup, 2004–05. Three clubs won the competition in each year that it was run and there were three different runners up. Thereafter, the European Challenge Cup reverted to its previous "pool and knockout" format and the European Shield was discontinued.

Winners of the European Shield

Seasons

2002–03 competition

This competition was contested between the first round losers from the 2002–03 European Challenge Cup. A total of 16 teams participated, representing five countries.

The competition began on 6 December 2002 and culminated in the final at the Madejski Stadium in Reading, Berkshire, Reading on 25 May 2003. Castres Olympique secured a victory over Caerphilly RFC, Caerphilly in the final and picked up their first piece of European Club silverware.

Teams

Final

2003–04 competition

This competition was contested between 12 first round losers from the 2003–04 European Challenge Cup plus 4 other Clubs entering directly into the 1st Round. A total of 16 teams participated, representing five countries.

The competition began on 10 January 2004 and culminated in the final at the Stadio Luigi Zaffanella in Viadana, Lombardy, Viadana on 21 May 2004. Montpellier Hérault Rugby, Montpellier secured a victory over Viadana Rugby, Viadana in the final and picked up their first piece of European Club silverware.

Teams

Final

2004–05 competition

This competition was intended to be contested between 12 first round losers from the 2004–05 European Challenge Cup, plus 4 other Clubs that joined directly at the 1st Round of the Shield. Academica Coimbra (rugby), AA Coimbra subsequently declined to play in the competition. therefore a total of 15 teams participated, representing six countries.

The competition began on 4 December 2004 and culminated in the final at Kassam Stadium in Oxford on 21 May 2005. FC Auch Gers, Auch secured a victory over Worcester Warriors in the final and picked up their first piece of European Club silverware.

Teams

Final

See also

* Heineken Cup
* European Challenge Cup
* Aviva Premiership
* National Rugby League (France)
* Pro14
* Top12

References

External links

BBC Parker Pen 2002/3 results summary

BBC Parker Pen Cup & Shield 2003/4 results summary

BBC European Challenge Cup & Shield 2004/5 results summary

Official site

Unofficial European club rankings

{{European Rugby Challenge Cup

European Shield,
EPCR Challenge Cup, Shield
2002 establishments in Europe
Defunct rugby union competitions in Europe for clubs and provinces
Recurring sporting events established in 2002