Billy Vunipola shines as Montpellier demolish Ulster to claim Challenge Cup

Montpellier ended Ulster’s 20-year wait for a first trophy by winning the Challenge Cup in Bilbao on a humid night. Billy Vunipola led a revitalised forward effort that steadily wore Ulster down in energy-sapping conditions. Donovan Taofifenua scored two of Montpellier’s nine tries as the French side, second in the Top 14, claimed their third Challenge Cup triumph in 11 seasons. Ulster remained spirited and gallant, but Montpellier’s superior squad depth enabled them to pull away in the second half. The match was played in intense heat, with temperatures still high at kickoff and drinks breaks after 20 minutes. Ulster took an early lead through Nick Timoney, but Montpellier responded quickly and Ulster missed further scoring chances.

"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 Taofifenua 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. The Irish province were never less than gallant and spirited but this was not the most auspicious of portents for the upcoming Champions Cup final between Bordeaux and Leinster. The superior depth of Montpellier's squad allowed them to pull away in the second half and left Ulster with nowhere to hide on a stiflingly humid evening."

"The stadium resembled a giant sauna, the heat still sweltering even with the game kicking off at 9pm local time. Even at that point the temperature outside was still 28C with players of both sides taking a drinks break after 20 minutes. It was a credit to all involved that the contest was as fast and furious as it was. In the absence of their unavailable trio of Irish internationals Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale and Iain Henderson, Ulster had good reason to be grateful for an early lead via a fourth minute try from Nick Timoney."

"Gabriel N'Gandebe swiftly replied for Montpellier, however, and a second potential Ulster try went begging when a charging Harry Sheridan dropped the ball over the line. Montpellier's Billy Vunipola cut a rejuvenated figure during the Challenge Cup final. Sweaty hands and a greasy ball were a problem for both sides but Montpellier's attacking potency was still evident. They looked particularly dangerous when they"

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