Dragons rue missed chances as Montpellier book Challenge Cup final date with Ulster

Montpellier’s Domingo Miotti, Thomas Darmon and Auguste Cadot celebrate after their European Rugby Challenge Cup Semi-Final, Septeo Stadium, Montpellier. Pic: INPHO/Manuel Blondeau

Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia was frustrated that his side did not make more of their opportunities in an 18-12 defeat by Montpellier in the Challenge Cup semi-finals.

Montpellier will face Ulster in the final in three weeks’ time, but the Top 14 title challengers were subjected to a tense finish at Septeo Stadium after Aneurin Owen scored the second of his two tries in the 73rd minute.

The Welsh region lacked the composure to add to Owen’s pair of touchdowns, including in the closing stages when they threatened to complete the upset.

“A lot of disappointment,” Tiatia told Premier Sports.

“It was a ‘could have, should have’ type of game and we left a lot of points out on the field. We were disappointed with the outcome.

“Our next game is our last home and we’ve got a lot of milestones to celebrate and there are some people who won’t be here next season.

“We want to finish the season strong, not just for our group but also our fans. That’s important to us.” Dragons co-captain Angus O’Brien was proud at how close his team had gone against the side positioned third in the Top 14.

“It was an unbelievable effort by the boys and we’re gutted not to come away with the result,” O’Brien told S4C.

“To come out here and have an opportunity to win the game is testament to where we have come as a group this season.

“We have to use that as fuel to kick on from here, but I’m gutted we didn’t get the result.” Main 09:34 3 May 2026 369 words RugbyuDragons Dragons fall short of upset victory as Montpellier reach Challenge Cup final The Dragons went down fighting as their dream of reaching the Challenge Cup final ended with an 18-12 defeat by Montpellier.