Cardiff Blues face a trip to Brentford to take on London Irish in the Round of 16 of the European Challenge Cup.

The match will take place on the weekend of 2 April, as two-times winners Cardiff Blues visit Irish’s new home at Brentford Community Stadium for the first time.

The winner of the encounter will be on the road the following weekend, facing the winner of the tie between Zebre Rugby and Bath Rugby.

Cardiff Blues booked their place in the knockout stages after an opening round victory over Newcastle Falcons, while they were awarded all five points after the cancellation of the encounter against Stade Francais due to Covid protocols

The last time Cardiff Blues met London Irish was in the 2018 Anglo Welsh Cup clash at Cardiff Arms Park.

The sides also met in the 2014/15 Challenge Cup pool stages, with the back-to-back fixtures resulting in one win apiece.

London Irish, runners up in the competition in 2006, were guaranteed a home draw for the last 16 encounter after recording victories over Agen and Pau in the pool stages.

Declan Kidney’s side are currently in sixth place in the Gallagher Premiership with four wins and two draws from 12 outings.

European Challenge Cup – Round of 16 draw
2/3/4 April 2021

Dragons v Northampton Saints

Ospreys v Newcastle Falcons

London Irish v Cardiff Blues

Harlequins v Ulster Rugby

Benetton Rugby v Agen

Zebre Rugby v Bath Rugby

Leicester Tigers v Connacht Rugby

Montpellier v Glasgow Warriors

European Challenge Cup – Quarter Final draw
9/10/11 April 2021

Montpellier or Glasgow Warriors v Benetton Rugby or Agen

Dragons or Northampton Saints v Harlequins or Ulster Rugby

Zebre Rugby or Bath Rugby v London Irish or Cardiff Blues

Leicester Tigers or Connacht Rugby v Ospreys or Newcastle Falcons