Benetton scored seven tries as they ran out 44-20 winners against Stade Francais at the Stade Jean Bouin in Paris.

Jayden Hayward starred for the Italian side in a game that saw both teams reduced to 14 men just after halftime following red cards for Leonardo Sarto and Charlie Rorke.

London Irish’s trip to Agen saw them score five tries in an assured performance - Albert Tuisue crossed for two first half tries for the visitors as they eased past the French side.

Leicester Tigers scored three tries in the final fifteen minutes of their game against Brive at Welford Road as last season’s semi-finalists recorded a 39-17 win.

A dominant display from Welsh side Ospreys saw them beat Castres 39-15 – hooker Sam Parry scored two tries on his 100th appearance for the club.

Cardiff Blues and Pau also kicked off their respective campaign’s with victories, while Zebre and Bayonne played out an entertaining 25-25 draw.

Benetton host Agen in Treviso in Round 2, while Leicester face a trip to the Stade Jean Dauger to play Bayonne.

Castres take on Newcastle on Friday evening in the first fixture of the round, followed by Brive against Zebre.

Worcester Warriors welcome Ospreys to the Sixways Stadium on Saturday night before London Irish take on Pau.

Round 2 will be concluded Cardiff Blues against Stade Francais, with both sides seeking their first wins in the European Rugby Challenge Cup.

Benetton and London Irish both picked up big wins away from home in the opening round of fixtures in the European Rugby Challenge Cup.