European Challenge Cup Final: How to Watch Montpellier vs. Ulster

The 2026 European Challenge Cup reaches its climax this weekend in Bilbao, as Montpellier Hérault and Ulster go head-to-head for the trophy. For both clubs, this final represents a critical opportunity to define their season, with Montpellier chasing a third title in the competition and Ulster looking to secure silverware in their first-ever Challenge Cup final appearance.

Match Details

• Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
• Kick-off: 8:00pm BST / 9:00pm CET / 3:00pm EDT
• Venue: Bilbao

How to Watch for Free

Rugby fans in the UK and France have access to free broadcast options for this year’s final.

United Kingdom

In the UK, ITV holds the rights to the match. Viewers can stream the action live via ITVX or watch the broadcast on the ITV4 terrestrial channel. Coverage begins at 7:00pm BST, providing an hour of pre-match analysis before kick-off. Please note that a valid TV Licence is required to stream live content in the UK, and users must register for an ITVX account.

France

French supporters can tune in via the terrestrial channel France 2 or utilize the France TV streaming service. Coverage is scheduled to begin at 8:35pm CET.

Global Streaming and Broadcast Options

For fans watching outside of the UK and France, the following platforms are providing coverage of the final:

• United States: FloRugby is the exclusive broadcaster for the match, with coverage starting at 3:00pm EDT.
• South Africa: The match is available through SuperSport, accessible via DStv or their streaming platform.
• Ireland: Premier Sports is the primary destination for viewers in Ireland.
• Global/Other Territories: For regions without a specific local broadcast deal, EPCR TV offers international streaming options, including weekend and season passes.

Additional UK Viewing Options

Viewers in the UK also have the option to watch via Premier Sports 1, with coverage starting at 7:00pm BST. The service is available as a standalone subscription or through platforms including Sky, Virgin Media, and Amazon. Premier Sports provides extensive rugby coverage throughout the season, including the United Rugby Championship (URC), the European Champions Cup, and the French Top 14.

Road to the Final

Montpellier Hérault enters the final in dominant form, having navigated their European campaign undefeated, including victories over Perpignan, Connacht, and the Dragons. After a challenging domestic season last year, they have rebounded to sit in second place in the Top 14 standings.

Ulster arrives in Bilbao following a high-stakes campaign that saw them narrowly miss out on the URC play-offs. Their path to the final included notable wins against the Ospreys, La Rochelle, and the Exeter Chiefs. As they prepare for their first-ever appearance in the Challenge Cup final, the squad is focused on finishing their season with a major trophy.

Key Takeaways

• Free Access: ITVX (UK) and France TV (France) are the primary free-to-air options.
• Kick-off Timing: Ensure you are aware of the time zone differences, with the match starting at 8:00pm BST.
• Broadcasting: Check your local listings for Premier Sports, FloRugby, or EPCR TV to ensure you have the correct subscription active before the match begins.

Note: If you are traveling outside of your home country, geo-blocking may restrict access to your local streaming services. Using a VPN is a common method to maintain access to your home subscriptions while abroad.