The 1996–97 European Challenge Cup pool stage was the opening stage of the first season of the European Challenge Cup, the second-tier competition for European rugby union clubs.

Matches took place between 12 October and 2 November 1996.

Teams were awarded two points for a win and one point for a draw.

The winner and runner-up of each pool progressed to the knockout stage of the tournament.

These teams then competed in a single-elimination tournament that ended with the final at the Stade de la Méditerranée in Béziers, France on 26 January 1997.