Bath Rugby delivered a stunning performance on Friday night, securing the EPCR Challenge Cup with a commanding 37-12 victory over Lyon at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. This victory marks Bath’s second major trophy this season and boosts dreams of achieving a treble.
The transformation at Bath is remarkable. Just three years ago, they were at the bottom of the Premiership table. Under the leadership of Johann van Graan, they have risen to become Challenge Cup and Premiership Rugby Cup winners in 2024/25, with a home Premiership semi-final still on the horizon.
Bath made winning their first major silverware since 2008 look effortless, delivering the largest winning margin in a Challenge Cup final since 1998. Four tries from Tom Dunn, Max Ojomoh, Beno Obano, and captain Ben Spencer sealed the deal. Finn Russell, one of the world’s elite fly-halves, contributed 17 points, demonstrating his impeccable game management and staking a strong claim to be the British and Irish Lions’ starting Test fly-half this summer.
READ MORE: Bath Rugby Player Ratings: A Dominant 37-12 EPCR Challenge Cup Final Triumph Over Lyon
READ MORE: Strangers Invited to Celebrate Extraordinary Nurse’s 100th Birthday Alone
Despite being reduced to 13 players before halftime due to yellow cards for Sam Underhill and Will Muir, Bath maintained composure. Spencer, named player of the match, expertly led the team and managed referee Hollie Davidson—the first woman to officiate a major men’s European final—with poise and authority.
Lyon started strong, claiming early possession and scoring first through winger Ethan Dumortier. Bath responded with growing confidence, highlighted by Will Butt’s near try, and soon dominated the scoreboard with Dunn and Ojomoh’s tries, both converted by Russell.
Bath’s defense held firm against Lyon’s attacks even during their temporary numerical disadvantage caused by yellow cards. Lyon struggled to capitalize, managing only one additional try from Arno Botha and a conversion from Léo Berdeu, the tournament’s leading points scorer.
In the second half, Bath sealed their dominance with tries from Beno Obano and Ben Spencer, supported by strategic play and fresh energy from substitutes like Thomas du Toit. Russell’s accurate kicking, including a late-range penalty, ensured a resounding and emphatic finish.
Lineups:
Bath Rugby starters: Tom de Glanville, Joe Cokanasiga, Max Ojomoh, Will Butt, Will Muir, Finn Russell, Ben Spencer (c), Beno Obano, Tom Dunn, Will Stuart, Quinn Roux, Charlie Ewels, Ted Hill, Sam Underhill, Miles Reid.
Lyon starters: Davit Niniashvili, Vincent Rattez, Josiah Maraku, Theo Millet, Ethan Dumortier, Léo Berdeu, Baptiste Couilloud (c), Jérôme Rey, Camille Chat, Jermaine Ainsley, Theo William, Mickael Guillard, Dylan Cretin, Beka Saginadze, Arno Botha.
The victory elevates Bath Rugby’s status and sets them on an exciting path as they prepare for the remainder of the Premiership season.