Ulster Rugby and Montpellier Hérault Rugby set for showdown in EPCR Challenge Cup Final

Ulster Rugby and Montpellier Hérault Rugby are just 80 minutes away from EPCR Challenge glory after banking their places in the Bilbao Finals with stand-out semi-final performances over the weekend.

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Ulster Rugby are one win from their first trophy in 20 years after beating Exeter Chiefs 29-12 in the EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final in Belfast.

It was a tight first half, with Ulster’s Juarno Augustus opening the scoring after 27 minutes, before Ross Vintcent replied for Exeter. Nathan Doak’s late penalty gave Ulster a narrow half-time lead.

Second-half tries from Jack Murphy, David McCann and Tom Stewart sealed the win, with Campbell Ridl’s late score only a consolation as Exeter’s European run comes to an end and Ulster secure their first European final since 2012.

Montpellier Hérault Rugby continued their unbeaten run in the competition to book their place in the final for the first time since their 2021 title-winning campaign, beating a resilient Dragons RFC 18-12.

It was the Dragons’ first semi-final in a decade – the last was also against Montpellier - and they pushed the hosts all the way, setting up a tense final 10 minutes that threatened an upset for the pre-match favourites.

However, despite their defensive grit and late pressure, Montpellier’s attacking quality proved decisive. The French side now head to Bilbao in pursuit of a third EPCR Challenge Cup title.

The last remaining tickets for the EPCR Challenge Cup Final between Montpellier Hérault Rugby and Ulster Rugby at Bilbao’s San Mamés Stadium on Friday 22 May are available, with hospitality packages only remaining for Investec Champions Cup Final on Saturday 23 May.

Semi-finals – Top Performers

• Points: 10, Aneurin Owen, Dragons RFC

• Carries: 17, Lenni Nouchi, Montpellier Hérault Rugby/Aaron Wainwright, Dragons RFC

• Metres: 116, Auguste Cadot, Montpellier Hérault Rugby

• Defenders beaten: 6, Campbell Ridl, Exeter Chiefs/Aneurin Owen, Dragons RFC

• Line-outs won: 6, Marco Tauleigne Montpellier Hérault Rugby

• Tackles: 21, Dafydd Jenkins, Exeter Chiefs

Semi-finals – Key Stats

• Henry Slade recorded the most dominant tackle contacts in the round (3, 1st) while Campbell Ridl beat the most defenders (6, joint 1st).

• Auguste Cadot dominated the latest round with 116 metres made (1st), while Lenni Nouchi made the most carries (17, joint 1st).

• Thomas Vincent topped the kicking charts last round with 433 kick metres and has the second-best kick metres per kick ratio (37.7) this season.

• Zac Ward has beaten the most defenders this season (30) and made 389 metres (2nd).

• Nathan Doak led the kicking game last round with 8 box kicks (1st) and converted the most goals (4, 1st).