Cardiff Rugby will face Benetton Rugby in the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16. 

The Blue & Blacks had the opportunity to secure a home draw in the final round of group stage fixtures but defeat to Exeter Chiefs sees them go on the road.

Cardiff made home advantage count ins the competition with wins over high-quality opposition at the Arms Park, first edging a dramatic 29–26 victory against Ulster before following it up with a commanding 32–13 triumph over Racing 92. T

Those results not only underlined Cardiff’s fight and determination this season so far, but also proved enough to secure qualification.

Attention now turns to the knockout phase, where the Challenge Cup moves firmly into do-or-die territory. Cardiff have been handed an away trip to Treviso to face Benetton in the Round of 16, with the tie set to take place over Easter weekend, between April 3rd and 5th. 

The road back to Bilbao is a demanding one. Should the Blue & Blacks overcome Benetton, they will face the winner of Exeter Chiefs vs Munster in the quarter-finals — another heavyweight clash against opposition with deep European pedigree. 

potential semi-final could then see Cardiff matched up against one of Ulster, Ospreys, Stade Rochelais or Newcastle Red Bulls.