European Challenge Cup

Tom Varndell scored hat-trick of tries as Bristol Rugby register their second win of the tournament, defeating Pau by 18-28 in the European Challenge Cup clash at Stade du Hameau on Friday.

Newport Gwent Dragons had to hold off a stiff fight from 14-men Worcester Warriors as they defeated them 22-7 to keep their chances alive in the European Rugby Challenge Cup at Rodney Parade on Friday.

Brive ran a six-try riot aided by sin-bins to three RC Enisei players as they won their European Rugby Challenge Cup encounter by 38-18 at Stade Amedee-Domenech on Friday.

Stade Francais survived a second half resurgence from Edinburgh as they secured a 26-20 victory in their European Rugby Challenge Cup encounter at Stade Jean Bouin on Thursday.

Ross Batty scored tries in each half as Bath Rugby ended Cardiff Blues' unbeaten streak in this season of European Rugby Challenge Cup with a 38-3 convincing victory at Recreation Ground on Thursday.

Edinburgh centre Phil Burleigh has been handed a one-week ban and will be missing his club's European Challenge Cup clash against Stade Francais at Stade Jean Bouin on Thursday.

Scarlets flanker James Davies has received a three-week suspension by a disciplinary panel after admitting foul language and making an obscene gesture in the 31-20 loss at Toulon.

Bristol Rugby thrashed Pau at the Ashton Gate Stadium on Sunday to secure 41-14 emphatic victory in Europe for the first time in almost eight years.

Edinburgh staged an incredible second-half comeback to recover 17 points first-half deficit despite getting reduced down to 14-men to upset Stade Francais 28-23 at Murrayfield Stadium on Saturday.

Worcester Warriors scored two tries and two penalty tries to bag 26 points in the second-half to overcome Dragons challenge with a 33-20 win at the Sixways Stadium on Saturday.

Centre Paul Bonnefond scored hat-trick of tries as Lyon secured a bonus point 42-12 victory over Newcastle Falcons in their European Challenge Cup clash at Matmut Stadium on Friday.

Ospreys came with a nine-try riot as they trounced Grenoble with a 7-59 victory in their European Challenge Cup clash on Friday.

Gloucester Rugby continued their unbeaten run in the European Challenge Cup tournament as they defeated La Rochelle by 35-14 at Kingsholm Stadium on Thursday.

England duo Tom Wood and Courtney Lawes have made a return to their Aviva Premiership club Northampton Saints ahead of their European Champions Cup clash against Leinster on Friday.

The European Challenge Cup game between Grenoble and Ospreys at Stade des Alpes on Thursday was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

Aviva Premiership club Newcastle Falcons confirmed on Monday that the city will bid to host the European competition finals in 2018.

The European Rugby Challenge Cup is a hard sell at the pool stage.

Andy Short's last minute try was not enough for Worcester Warriors as they were beaten by Brive in a close 24-25 encounter in the European Challenge Cup game at Sixways on Saturday.

Edinburgh overcame a late resurgence from Harlequins as they managed to edge out the Aviva Premiership side by 36-35 in the European Challenge Cup game at Murrayfield Stadium on Saturday.

Edinburgh coach Duncan Hodge has strengthened his front-row with the addition of Argentina international Felipe Arregui, who has signed a short-term contract with the Pro 12 club.