2008–09 European Challenge Cup
The European Challenge Cup 2008 /09 was the 13th edition of the European Challenge Cup, the second tier European Cup competition in rugby union. There were 20 teams involved. The competition began on October 9, 2008, the final was held on 22 May, 2009 The Stoop, London. The title was won the English team Northampton Saints.
- 3.1 seedings
- 3.2 quarterfinals
- 3.3 Semi-finals
- 3.4 final
Mode
All teams in the English Guinness Premiership, French Top 14 and the international Magners League, who had not qualified for the Heineken Cup, took part in the European Challenge Cup. There were four teams from the Italian Super 10 as well as representatives of Romania and Spain.
In the group stage, the 20 teams were divided into five groups of four teams. The seeding order based on the placement in the pan-European club ranking. Each team played one home and one away match against the three group opponents. In the group stage the teams were:
- Four points for a win
- Two points for a draw
- A bonus point with four or more experiments
- A bonus point for a loss by seven points or less difference
For the quarter final, qualified the five group winners and the three best runners-up. The home game right in the quarterfinals had those four teams that were successful in the group stage.
Group stage
- Group winners qualified for the quarterfinals
- Three best runners qualified for the quarter-finals
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Group 4
Group 5
Knockout round
Seedings
After the group stage came together, the five group winners and the three best runners-up.