Challenge Cup Preview | Stade Français Paris (H)

A look ahead to Ulster's Challenge Cup Round 4 fixture this Saturday against French Top14 opponents, Stade Francais, with the chance to top Pool 3 with a victory. (KO: 1pm)

Last weekend's results saw both teams secure qualification for the Round of 16, with Stade battling back to defeat Exeter Chiefs after finding themselves 0-22 down early in the second half.

Fly-half Leo Barre's late penalty was the difference in the scoreline, after Giorgi Melikidze, Thibaut Motassi, a penalty try and Charles Laloi narrowed the deficit.

The victory secured the French side's last 16 spot, and Paul Gustard's side travel to Belfast hoping to finish on top spot.

The Paris based team have enjoyed a strong 2025/26 campaign, with the team currently sitting in third position in the Top 14, with 39 points after 14 Rounds.

Ulster head into the weekend's fixture in a confident mood after the impressive URC victory over Munster before Round 3's cancellation against Toyota Cheetahs in Amsterdam.

European action with top spot on the line!

Match Details

🤝 Ulster Rugby v Stade Francais Paris<br>
🗓 Saturday 17th January, 1pm

🏟 Affidea Stadium <br>
🏆 EPCR Challenge Cup, Pool Stage, Round 4

Where to watch

Supporters can watch the match on Premier Sports from 12.45pm.

How things stand

Following the cancellation of Ulster's Round 3 fixture against Toyota Cheetahs, five points were awarded to the province in accordance with the tournament rules. This means that Ulster could secure top spot in Pool 3 with a victory against Stade in this weekend's clash.

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Players to watch

Thibaut Motassi

Scrum-half Motassi brings agility, quick distribution, and combative defence to the No. 9 jersey.

A product of the Stade Français academy, Motassi has made a number of appearances in both domestic league and European competition, showing promising attacking support and game management at a young age. He has also featured for France U20, underlining his potential at international age-group level. In this year's Challenge Cup he has three tries this season.

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Joe Marchant

Capped 28 times for England, Marchant is a versatile and highly intelligent back, capable of playing both centre and wing at the highest level.

Known for his sharp lines, strong defensive reads, and excellent work rate, he combines technical skill with tactical awareness. A product of the Harlequins academy, Marchant built a reputation as a reliable, hard-running midfielder before gaining further experience overseas in Super Rugby, which added adaptability and maturity to his game.

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Charles Laloi

22 year-old Charles Laloi is a promising French backline player for Stade Français Paris. Standing around 1.81 m tall and weighing about 80 kg, Laloi is known for his pace, athleticism and versatility in the back three positions.

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