Montpellier crush Ulster to win Challenge Cup in Bilbao rout

Ulster started superbly as captain Nick Timoney crossed for an early try after several penalty advantages, with Nathan Doak converting.

But Montpellier quickly hit back: Zac Ward missed a tackle, allowing Auguste Cadot to release Gabriel N'Gandebe, who scored, and Domingo Miotti levelled the game from the tee.

Mistakes continued to haunt Ulster, including a botched line-out and a lost ball over the line, giving Montpellier space to surge ahead through Taofifenua.

Cormac Izuchukwu brought Ulster back within reach with a well-taken try in the 27th minute, but Billy Vunipola and Alex Becognee pushed Montpellier's lead to 26-12 by half-time.

The French side's dominance grew in the second half: Taofifenua acrobatically scored in the corner, followed by Lenni Nouchi powering over, putting the game out of reach.

Ulster's Robert Baloucoune scored his first try since the Six Nations, offering a brief glimmer of hope, but Montpellier quickly responded with Erdocio and Hounkpatin crossing in succession.

Ulster continued to fight, with Michael Lowry scoring a late consolation try, but the French side's control never wavered.

Arthur Vincent sealed the emphatic victory with a try in the final minutes as Montpellier lifted the Challenge Cup for a third time.

The Irish province ended a brutal eight days on a low note, after also missing out on a spot in the URC play-offs by the narrowest of margins.

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