Montpellier secured their third Challenge Cup title, overpowering Ulster in Bilbao with a nine-try demolition that exposed the chasm in squad depth between the two sides. The French club’s 59-26 victory on a sweltering night at San Mamés Stadium marked the latest chapter in a distinctly French-dominated European season, with the Top 14 side claiming the trophy for the first time since 2021 and the third time in 11 campaigns.
Kick-off at 9pm local time did little to ease the conditions; the temperature still stood at 28C and the stadium was described by players and officials as resembling a giant sauna. A drinks break after 20 minutes was necessary for both teams, yet the contest remained fast and furious throughout. Montpellier’s superiority steadily grew as the match wore on, their superior depth allowing them to pull clear in the second half and leave Ulster with nowhere to hide.
Ulster had reason for early encouragement when Nick Timoney crossed for a fourth-minute try, but Gabriel N’Gandebe replied swiftly for Montpellier. A second potential Ulster try went begging when Harry Sheridan dropped the ball over the line as sweaty hands and a greasy ball plagued both sides. Montpellier’s attacking potency was nonetheless evident, Donovan Taofifénua registering their second try with only 15 minutes gone, Domingo Miotti adding the extras. The Argentine fly-half finished with 10 points from the tee.
Vunipola leads the charge
At the heart of Montpellier’s increasingly dominant forward effort was Billy Vunipola, the former England number eight who last featured for his country at the 2023 World Cup. The 33-year-old, playing his 49 minutes on the field, produced a performance that recalled his peak years with Saracens, where he won four Premiership titles and three European Champions Cups. Vunipola scored a try in the first half, replying unstoppably after Ulster’s Cormac Izuchukwu had surged 35 metres through a midfield hole to reduce the deficit to 14-12. It was only a temporary reprieve; Vunipola’s power emphasised his enduring value at a club currently second in the Top 14 table.
The Ulster second-row’s try proved a brief bright spot. Alex Bécognée added a fourth Montpellier try shortly before half-time, leaving Richie Murphy’s side 26-12 down at the interval. The former Northampton number eight Juarno Augustus was his usual tireless self, but Ulster were already staring down the barrel.
Montpellier’s depth proves decisive
Any doubt about the outcome evaporated in the third quarter as Montpellier’s superior squad depth took full effect. Taofifénua collected his second try of the night, with Lenni Nouchi, Baptiste Erdocio, Wilfrid Hounkpatin and Arthur Vincent all adding scores to complete a nine-try rout. The French side’s ability to maintain intensity through replacements left Ulster unable to cope. “We couldn’t handle the power game,” Murphy said afterwards. “Once it became a set-piece dominated game, we couldn’t deal with that power.” Ulster captain Timoney was equally blunt: “Our defence wasn’t good enough. We made it too easy for them with penalty advantages.”
Montpellier looked particularly dangerous when they spread the ball wide, their backline exploiting the gaps that appeared as Ulster tired in the energy-sapping conditions. The Irish province were missing three key Irish internationals – Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale and Iain Henderson – and their absence was keenly felt. Robert Baloucoune and Mike Lowry did claim second-half consolation scores, but by then Montpellier had victory wrapped up.
Ulster’s trophy drought continues
The defeat means Ulster’s wait for a first trophy in 20 years continues. Their last silverware remains the Celtic League in 2006, while their most celebrated triumph – the 1999 Heineken Cup over Colomiers at Lansdowne Road – is now a fond but distant memory. The loss also cost them qualification for next season’s Champions Cup, with Connacht securing the spot instead. On a night that showcased French power, the balance of European club rugby appeared firmly in the hands of the big French packs.
