Overview
- Montpellier routed Ulster 59-26 in the Challenge Cup final after scoring nine tries in a performance led by captain Billy Vunipola, leaving Ulster without a first trophy since 2006 and without Champions Cup qualification.
- Bordeaux‑Bègles retained the Champions Cup with a 41-19 win over Leinster driven by Maxime Lucu’s 21 points and Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s two tries, with Lucu also named player of the final despite a yellow card.
- Friday’s decisive Challenge Cup and Saturday’s Champions Cup were played at San Mamés in Bilbao in hot conditions that both teams and media noted as taxing on players.
- The weekend extends French dominance in European rugby this season, following France’s Six Nations title and adding to a run of Top 14 clubs winning European crowns since 2021.
- The results raise immediate consequences for Irish provinces: Ulster’s continental drought and missed qualification continue while Leinster have now lost five Champions Cup finals since their last win in 2018.