---
title: "Rugby Union News Today, European finals confirmed, Barbeary reactions and Fiji sqaud"
canonical: "https://readrugbyunion.com/2026/05/04/rugby-union-news-today-may-4th-2026/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Jonny Black"
section: "News"
published: "2026-05-04T12:59:38Z"
modified: "2026-05-04T12:59:39Z"
---

# Rugby Union News Today, European finals confirmed, Barbeary reactions and Fiji sqaud

**Rugby Union News Today, as the European finals are confirmed, Alfie Barbeary shares his thoughts on his high tackle, and the rest of the world reacts. Fiji have released their extended squad, and some shocks of former internationals from other nations join the squad.**

## Bilbao finals confirmed after incredible weekend of action

Ulster and Montpellier will open the European finals weekend in Bilbao on Friday, 22nd May. Leinster and Bordeaux will clash the following day in the Champions Cup final. All four semi-finals were won by the home team, which may bring questions of how to make the system a little fairer, but also can show how important finishing well in the group phase is. Leinster defeated Toulon and Ulster beat Exeter on Saturday night. Montpellier beat the Dragons in the early Sunday kick off and Bordeaux finished the weekend with a win over Bath.

## Reactions to the high tackle on Alfie Barbeary differ

The Bordeaux vs Bath game was filled with incredible rugby but the reactions to a second half incident than saw the Bath number eight receive heavy contact from Maxime Lucu. Barbeary himself took to instagram [sharing](https://readrugbyunion.com/2026/05/04/alfie-barbeary-instagram/) an image of the collision and saying “French Kissing”.

Dan Cole and Ben Youngs shared an [alternate](https://readrugbyunion.com/2026/05/04/england-legends-share-alternative-view-on-barbeary-high-tackle/) view. They were glad that the TMO trusted the referee who had a good view of the incident.

## Fiji squad reveals some shock inclusions

Fiji have [called up](https://readrugbyunion.com/2026/05/04/fiji-name-extended-nations-championship-squad-with-high-profile-eligibility-twists/) two former internationals of other nations in their extended squad for the Rugby Nations Championship.

Virimi Vakatawa, a former France international and Nathan Hughes previously played for England. Both become eligible for Fiji as they haven’t played for their other nations within the last three years.