Stade Francais Paris vs Exeter RC Chiefs Prediction & Betting Tips - Challenge Cup

Prediction published on 08/01/2026, 08:00  by Ita Emmanuel | Modified on 10/01/2026 at 10:05 in Challenge Cup Predictions

This top-of-table clash in Challenge Cup Group 3 will see Stade Francais host the Exeter Chiefs on Saturday. Can the Pink Soldiers sustain their perfect start to the competition with a win over the Exeter Chiefs? Here is our prediction. 

Stade Francais kicked off their 2025–26 Challenge Cup campaign with a thumping 21-point victory over Cardiff Rugby. Louis Foursans-Bourdette scored a try and added eight points from the tee as the French side came from five points down at the break to thrash the visitors 38–17. 

Foursans-Bourdette again led the charge in their second fixture, scoring six conversion goals and one penalty as they rallied to win 45–22 against the Cheetahs after trailing by three points at halftime. They defeated Castres Olympique 33–15 in domestic league action last week and remained unbeaten in their last 10 home games (W9, D1).

Exeter Chiefs defeated Cheetahs 42–12 in their Challenge Cup opener and drew 31–31 against Racing 92 in their second game, narrowing the gap on Stade Francais at the top of the group standings to two points. They fell 33–26 to Bath Rugby in the Premiership last week and are winless in their last three European away games.