Challenge Cup: Montpellier 33 Connacht 31Montpellier, pool one leaders going into this fixture, retained their stranglehold on their European Challenge Cup hopes with a dominant last quarter to erase Connacht’s lead and take the honours. It had looked promising in the opening half – Connacht leading 24-14 after fullback Sam Gilbert struck a penalty on the cusp of the half-time whistle. Photograph: James Crombie/InphoHaving leaked an early try when Thomas Darmon capitalised on a turnover, courtesy of this pack’s counter-rucking, Connacht delivered within four minutes. However, Connacht were always going to struggle against the might of Montpellier’s pack, and a 17th-minute penalty paved the way for their opening try – Connacht unable to stop their forward momentum. When he provided the finish to a superb move involving Ioane and debutant Harry West after the restart, Connacht were 31-14 in front.

Source: The Irish Times January 12, 2026 05:54 UTC