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.

Sale Sharks claimed a narrow victory over Pontypridd in the final and picked up their first piece of European Club silverware.