20 top flight teams from six countries compete the Amlin Challenge Cup in five Pools of four teams each. The 20 teams in the 2009/10 tournament are made up of:
| France |
8 teams |
| England |
5 teams |
| Italy |
4 teams |
| Ireland |
1 team |
| Romania |
1 team |
| Spain |
1 team |
The knock-out stages of future Amlin Challenge Cup tournaments will now include three teams who will qualify through the Heineken Cup.
The introduction of three teams who have finished as Pool runners-up in that seasons' Heineken Cup (the third, fourth and fifth ranked Heineken Cup Pool runners-up), to meet the five Amlin Challenge Cup Pool winners, will enhance both the quality and profile of the Amlin Challenge Cup knock-out matches.
The top four Amlin Challenge Cup Pool winners will enjoy home advantage in the quarter-finals with the top Pool winner playing the 5th, while the other three Pool winners will welcome the Heineken Cup sides.
