Ulster’s dreams of claiming a first trophy for 20 years were summarily dashed by a strong Montpellier on a steamy night in Bilbao. Led by a revitalised Billy Vunipola the French side possessed too much power for their opponents and were duly rewarded with their third Challenge Cup triumph in 11 seasons.
Vunipola, who last featured for England at the 2023 World Cup, was at the forefront of an increasingly dominant forward effort which steadily wore Ulster down in energy-sapping conditions. The wing Donovan Taofifénua collected two of his side’s nine tries as Montpellier, currently second in the Top 14 table, claimed the latest trophy of this distinctly French-dominated season.
