Challenge Cup final: Leicester Tigers miss out on European title

Leicester Tigers missed out on the first European trophy in 19 years as Montpellier edged a feisty Challenge Cup final at Twickenham.

Vincent Rattez scampered on to his own kick to put the French ahead.

Leicester’s powerful pack and some astute kicking by George Ford helped Harry Wells and Jasper Wiese cross from close range when Montpellier were down to 14 men, for a 17-10 lead.

But a penalty and a stunning Johannes Goosen try earned the French victory.

Only 10,000 supporters were allowed in to Twickenham following the easing of Covid restrictions, but despite only sparsely populating the imposing London venue the fans created a constant and surprisingly noisy atmosphere and the intensity was matched on the pitch.

England fly-half Ford’s tactical awareness had been pivotal as Tigers established a 17-10 lead and they looked set for a first Challenge Cup victory, despite trailing 10-3 early on.

Ford’s slotted Tigers ahead but Montpellier’s positive start was rewarded when winger Rattez showed some nifty footwork of his own to cross.

Rattez ran on to fellow France international Anthony Bouthier’s cute kick and stretched out his hand to touch down ahead of Matias Moroni.

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But Ford’s nous and precision kicking in a match dominated by the boot kept creating good field position and, although he missed his next penalty, Tigers drew level after Montpellier had Alexandre Becognee sent to the sin-bin for collapsing a maul.

An increasingly dominant pack produced a mighty drive and, with the French in total disarray, Wells crashed over from close range.