The 2001–02 European Challenge Cup (known as the Parker Pen Shield for sponsorship reasons) was the 6th season of the European Challenge Cup, Europe's second tier club rugby union competition below the Heineken Cup. A total of 32 teams participated, representing seven countries.
The pool stage began when Connacht hosted Narbonne on 28 September 2001 and ended with four matches on 13 January 2002. The knockout stages followed, culminating in the final at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford on 26 May 2002.
The defending champions, Englands'sHarlequins, did not have a chance to defend their crown because they qualified to play in the Heineken Cup. Sale Sharks claimed a narrow victory over Pontypridd in the final and picked up their first piece of European Club silverware.
Source : www.ercrugby.com Points breakdown: *2 points for a win *1 point for a draw
Ebbw Vale, Agen and Montauban finished on the same Competition Points. In head-to-head matches Ebbw Vale beat Agen 68-30 on aggregate, having won one game and lost the other Ebbw Vale beat Montauban 31-24 on aggregate, having won one game and lost the other Agen beat Montauban 60-41 on aggregate, having won one game and lost the other hence Ebbw Vale top the table
Pontypridd and Leeds finished on the same Competition Points. In head-to-head matches, Pontypridd beat Leeds 55-46 on aggregate, having won one game and lost the other.
Béziers and Overmach Parma finished on the same Competition Points. In head-to-head matches, Béziers beat Overmach Parma 63-60 on aggregate, having won one game and lost the other.