How to Watch Montpellier vs Ulster in 2026 Final

The 2026 European Challenge Cup final took place in Bilbao, featuring Montpellier against Ulster. This clash marked the culmination of an impressive season for Montpellier Hérault, who were aiming for their third win in the competition after a strong recovery from landing in the bottom half of the Top 14 table the previous season. Having secured second place behind Toulouse, Montpellier made a strong showing in Europe, winning every knockout stage match against Perpignan, Connacht, and the Dragons.

Ulster, despite narrowly missing out on the URC play-offs, sought to end their season triumphantly in what was their first-ever Challenge Cup final. They showcased grit and determination throughout the tournament, overcoming Ospreys, La Rochelle, and Exeter Chiefs.

Fans had the option to watch the final for free on ITVX in the UK and France TV in France. The match occurred on Friday, May 22, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 8:00 PM BST (9:00 PM CET/3:00 PM EDT). Coverage began at 7:00 PM BST on ITV and at 8:35 PM CET on France 2. For those in the UK, alternative streaming options included Premier Sports, which provided pre-match coverage on Premier Sports 1 starting at 7:00 PM BST. A subscription to Premier Sports required either £17.99 per month on a rolling basis or £12.99 per month with a longer contract.

For Irish fans, Premier Sports also served as the primary viewing option. In the United States, FloRugby aired the match live at 3:00 PM EDT, with a monthly subscription costing $39.99. South African viewers were directed to SuperSport, with the match kicking off at 9:00 PM SAST. Across other international regions, EPCR TV provided access to the live stream, offering both weekend and season pass options. The event underlined the global interest in rugby, showcasing how technology has made it easier to access live sports, especially through VPN services that allow international viewers to bypass geographical restrictions.