It is organised by European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), with teams qualifying via their final positions in their respective national/cross-border leagues (Premiership, Top 14, and Pro14).

The winners of the first final were French team Toulouse, who beat Welsh side Cardiff 21–18 after extra time.

If no team is able to break the tie during extra time, the winner is ultimately decided by a penalty shootout.

Leinster have won the competition four times, while Toulon and Saracens are third with three wins.

Three teams have played in more than one final and failed to win any of them – Clermont and Racing 92 three times, Stade Français and Biarritz twice.