Bath Rugby ended their 17-year European trophy drought in style, overpowering Lyon 37–12 in the 2025 EPCR Challenge Cup Final at the Principality Stadium.
With Finn Russell orchestrating from the tee and Ben Spencer producing a Player of the Match performance, Bath controlled proceedings from start to finish.
Here’s the full recap and scoring summary from the 2025 EPCR Challenge Cup Final:
BATH CRUSH LYON TO CLAIM 2025 EPCR CHALLENGE CUP TITLE IN CARDIFF
Bath Rugby 37 – 12 Lyon (HT: 17–5)
Bath produced a dominant display to capture the 2025 EPCR Challenge Cup title, dismantling Lyon 37–12 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Led by a flawless kicking performance from Finn Russell and a standout display from scrum-half Ben Spencer, the English side claimed their first European silverware since 2008. Lyon struck first in the third minute through Ethan Dumortier, who finished in the corner after a clever short-side play from Baptiste Couilloud and Davit Niniashvili. But Bath responded with controlled precision. Russell got his side on the board with a penalty before Tom Dunn powered over from close range, followed minutes later by a slick finish from Will Butt after excellent build-up play involving Spencer and Ojomoh. Down 17–5 at halftime, Lyon had chances to close the gap, especially after Bath were reduced to 13 men with yellow cards to Sam Underhill and Will Muir. But they couldn’t capitalize, and missed opportunities proved costly. Arno Botha briefly reignited hopes for the Top 14 side with a try early in the second half, but Bath quickly slammed the door shut. Beno Obano smashed over to restore the cushion before Spencer, named Player of the Match, raced away for a superb solo score. Russell added a sixth successful kick late to seal a resounding 37–12 victory, capping a night of clinical dominance and securing Bath’s place back among Europe’s elite.
BATH RUGBY
- Tries: Dunn (19’), Ojomoh (24’), Obano (54’), Spencer (62’)
- Conversions: Russell (20’, 24’, 51’, 63’)
- Penalties: Russell (8’, 42’, 71’)
LYON
- Tries: Dumortier (2’), Botha (43’)
- Conversions: Berdeu (44’)
Bath’s dominant win brings the curtain down on the 2025 EPCR Challenge Cup in emphatic fashion. After months of knockout clashes and hard-fought battles across Europe, it was the English side who stood tallest on the final stage—combining clinical execution, defensive grit, and big-match composure to lift their first European trophy in 17 years.
For Lyon, the loss ends a spirited run, while Bath now turn their attention to the Premiership with silverware in hand and momentum on their side. The 2025 Challenge Cup is officially complete—and it belongs to Bath.
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