| Home team | Montpellier |
| Away team | Connacht |
| Venue | Septeo Stadium |
| Competition | European Challenge Cup |
| Kick off time | 12:30 |
| Watch Live in the UK | Premier Sports |
Montpellier vs Conacht Challenge Cup preview as the sides clash in the quarterfinal at the Stade Septo.
Montpellier are currently one of the top teams in France and, while they sit fifth in the Top 14, are only two points behind second. They were the top qualifiers from the Challenge Cup group phase as they won all four of their group games with a bonus point.
Connacht are sitting just outside the top eight in the URC, just one point behind the Bulls. The top eight would not only open up the playoffs for the URC but also the Champions Cup for next year.
Read more match previews for all your rugby action here
Montpellier vs Connacht confirmed lineups and team news
Montpellier (1-15):
Erdocio, Tolofua, Haouas, Verhaeghe, Duguid, Camara, Becognee, Vunipola, Price, Miotti, Echegaray, Anyanwu, Cadot, Taofifenua, Banks
Replacements (16-23):
Akrab, Forletta, Welsch, Tauleigne, Nouchi, Rates, T Vincent, A Vincent
Connacht (1-15):
Bohan, Tierney-Martin, Illo, Joyce, D Murray, Prendergast, Hurley-Langton, Boyle, M Devine, Naughton, Mullins, Aki, Forde, Bolton, Gilbert
Replacements (16-23):
Victory, Dooley, Aungier, J Murphy, O’Brien, B Murphy, Carty, J Devine
Recent Form:
Montepellier (Home team): W-L-W-W-W
Montpellier have been in great form and were sitting second in the Top 14 table before they played Toulouse away. Losing that game saw them drop to fifth, but they are still only two points behind second. In the round of 16, they played Perpignan and won comfortably 53-13. They scored nine tries in total with six in the second half. Melvyn Rates scored three in the game.
Connacht (Away team): W-W-W-W-W
Connacht have won their last six matches in a row, and their last loss came against Leinster; their loss before that came against Montpellier in the group phase. In the last round, they overcame the Sharks 29-12. They found themselves 12-7 down at halftime but came back to score 22 unanswered points in the second half.
Montpellier vs Connacht head-to-head record (last five matches):
| Date | Competition | Winner | Score |
| 11th January 2026 | Challenge Cup | Montpellier | 33-31 |
| 19th January 2020 | Champions Cup | Montpellier | 35-29 |
| 17th November 2019 | Champions Cup | Connacht | 23-20 |
| 15th January 2010 | Challenge Cup | Connacht | 20-10 |
| 16th October 2009 | Challenge Cup | Connacht | 19-22 |
The teams have met five times in their recent history, with three coming in recent years. The sides played out a thriller in the group stage of this year’s competition, and Montpellier came out 33-31 winners. The home side scored three tries in the last 15 minutes to win the game.
How to watch Montpellier vs Connacht?
Montpellier vs Connacht will be available to watch on Premier Sports 1. Coverage starts at 12 pm for a 12:30 pm kick-off.
