Bath Rugby celebrated a superb victory on Friday night, sealing the EPCR Challenge Cup with an impressive 37-12 win against Lyon. This triumph marks Bath’s second European title, adding to their successful 2024/25 season that already includes the Premiership Cup.
Despite two yellow cards for Sam Underhill and Will Muir, Bath maintained control and took a 17-5 lead into halftime. Early pressure from Lyon saw winger Ethan Dumortier score within the opening two minutes, but Bath steadily grew into the match. Tom Dunn and Max Ojomoh crossed for tries, while Finn Russell’s accurate kicking contributed seven crucial points before the break.
The second half belonged firmly to Bath. Captain Ben Spencer, who earned Player of the Match honors, and Beno Obano both scored tries that put the game out of reach. Russell’s continued kicking excellence, including conversions and penalties, ensured Bath dominated territory and possession. Lyon’s number eight Arno Botha scored early in the half, but Bath’s resolute defense prevented any further response.
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Individual performances highlighted Bath’s collective strength. Fullback Tom de Glanville impressed with powerful runs and key defensive interventions. Centres Max Ojomoh and Will Butt both shone with incisive breaks and defensive work, with Ojomoh scoring a well-crafted try. Winger Joe Cokanasiga was a strong aerial competitor and effective ball carrier, while Will Muir showed defensive grit despite a sin-binning incident.
Fly-half Finn Russell delivered a masterclass in game management, blending tactical kicking with precise passing, controlling the pace and direction throughout. Scrum-half and captain Ben Spencer dictated tempo expertly, marshaling the side’s attacks and scoring a crucial try to seal victory.
In the pack, loosehead Beno Obano demonstrated powerful carries and physical defense, rewarded with a decisive try. Hooker Tom Dunn combined set-piece consistency with a strong finish. Locks Quinn Roux and Charlie Ewels controlled the lineout and breakdown, maintaining Bath’s dominance in the tight exchanges. Flankers Ted Hill, Sam Underhill, and number eight Miles Reid provided relentless work rates, impactful tackles, and crucial breakdown turnovers.
The Bath replacements also contributed strongly, maintaining intensity and ensuring a seamless continuation of the team’s momentum.
Bath’s 37-12 win at the Principality Stadium is a testament to their tactical discipline, individual brilliance, and collective resilience—a sublime night that cements their status as one of Europe’s elite rugby clubs.