Top 14 — Monday 04 May 2026

Montpellier secured their passage to the Challenge Cup final, defeating the Dragons de Newport 18-12 at home. Despite being widely viewed as favourites, the Héraultais found themselves embroiled in a tight contest, showing resilience even when rattled early on. The score was initially boosted by a penalty from Vincent just ten minutes into the game, giving Montpellier a 10-5 lead at halftime.

However, the battle was far from over. While the Dragons briefly spurred the local crowd with early ambition, the second half saw Montpellier facing considerable pressure. They struggled to maintain precision, yet managed to rebuild their momentum and find the opening through Duguid following patient set-piece work. The victory ensures the club, following previous successes in 2016 and 2021, will compete for their third Challenge Cup title. The game was defined by defensive commitment and the ability to convert pressure into points, showcasing the mental toughness needed in a high-stakes knockout match.