Round 1 of the European Rugby Challenge Cup in November has thrown up some interesting ties. Here are four games to keep a special eye on. Pool 1: Dragons v Castres Olympique Home form has proved crucial in these clubs’ six meetings in European competition down the years, with Castres winning their three games on home soil and Dragons their three. The first four encounters were in the European Cup – in 2000/01 and 2005/06 - while the last two were in the Challenge Cup in 2015/16. Pool 3: Agen v Edinburgh Rugby These sides are deadlocked at 2-2 in their head-to-head, with Agen ruling the roost in 2006/07 when they clashed in the European Cup, before Edinburgh hit back in 2015/16 by winning both their Challenge Cup encounters. The Scottish team’s victories were especially convincing as well – 27-6 in France and 23-0 in Scotland – so Agen will want to put the record straight. https://twitter.com/ERChallengeCup/status/1164826832375406592 Pool 4: Bristol Bears v Zebre Rugby Club Bristol and Zebre renew acquaintances just over 12 months since they last met in the Challenge Cup in Rounds 1 and 2, with honours very much even. In Pool 4 last October the Bears triumphed 43-22 at Ashton Gate, scoring seven tries, but the Italian team got their revenge a week later with a 20-17 win at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi. Pool 5: Leicester Tigers v Pau Leicester open their maiden Challenge Cup campaign against an old foe – but one they have not met since 2000/01 and then it was of course in the European Cup. They were regular opponents in the early days of that competition, being drawn in the same pool in 1996/97 and 2001/01, and meeting in the quarter-finals in 1997/98, when Pau won 35-18 at Stade Municipal Hameau. However, Leicester are 3-1 in front in the head-to-head. Click HERE for the 2019/20 Challenge Cup fixtures