Montpellier won the Challenge Cup final against Ulster with a 59-26 scoreline in Bilbao, Spain, on May 21. The match was played at San Mames Stadium under hot conditions, with temperatures reaching 27 to 33 degrees Celsius during the game [1, 2, 3].
Ulster’s captain Nick Timoney scored an early try to give his team an initial lead. "We've come this far and I think we are a good enough team. We're not just here to go out and give it a crack, we're in a place as a team where we want to go and win," Timoney said [1]. Despite his early score and tries from teammates Cormac Izuchukwu, Robert Baloucoune, and Michael Lowry, Ulster could not keep pace with Montpellier [2].
Montpellier’s try scorers included Gabriel N’Gandebe, Donovan Taofifenua—who scored twice—Billy Vunipola, Alex Becognee, Lenni Nouchi, Baptiste Erdocio, Wilfrid Hounkpatin, and Arthur Vincent [2, 3]. The 59 points marked a dominant offensive display by Montpellier.
Ulster, missing key players such as Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, and suspended Iain Henderson, fell short of clinching their first trophy in 20 years and failed to qualify for next season’s Champions Cup [1, 2, 3].
Montpellier’s victory secured their third Challenge Cup trophy in 11 seasons. The French club is currently second in the Top 14 league, continuing strong form after this decisive win [3].
