Ospreys v Montpellier
EPCR Challenge Cup
Electric Brewery Field
17th January 2026
Ospreys try scorers: Owen Watkin, Lewis Lloyd (x2), Ross Moriarty
A clear night at the Electric Brewery Field saw Ospreys pick up two losing bonus points and confirm qualification for the EPCR Challenge Cup RO16.
But, it was Montpellier who came away with the win after the game was tied with all to play for just before sixty minutes.
The first try of the game went the way of the visitors, who had full control of possession and territory the opening five minutes. Alex Masibaka got the score with Hogg adding the extras. Ospreys 0 - 7 Montpellier.
The score sparked an answer for Ospreys who began to establish their attack in Montpellier territory, displaying some good carrying from the pack and well worked set plays from the backs.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! The backs ran a strike play that looked like it was straight off the training ground. Phil Cokanasiga popped inside to Owen Watkin who rounded the full back with ease and finished untouched after a beautiful final step. Jack Walsh converted. Ospreys 7 - 7 Montpellier.
It looked like Montpellier were going to score their second as the rolling maul headed for the tryline, but the Ospreys maul defence came up trumps and denied them.
But, Montpellier soon followed up with the score. A loose ball from a box kick found its way into the hands of a Montpellier attacker who broke and offloaded to Jules Ducros to finish. Hogg converted. Ospreys 7 - 14 Montpellier..
Similarly to the first score, the boys responded impeccably putting instant pressure on the visitors through an unpredictable and varied attack. Unfortunately, we couldn’t make it count and Montpellier were able to turnover despite concedeing several penalities.
Ospreys were playing excellent attacking rugby, but the width on the ball meant Montpellier were able to intercept and score against the run of play. Hogg converted. Ospreys 7 - 21 Montpellier.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! Once again, the boys responded well to the setback. They marched right down the field before going to the maul and Lew Lloyd sprang free to finish. Walshy converted. Ospreys 14 - 21 Montpellier.
HALF TIME: OSPREYS 14 - 21 MONTPELLIER
The boys came out firing in the second half and were asking questions of Montpellier’s defense, but an offload in the opposition 22 was fumbled and the visitors were able to clear the pressure.
With ten minutes played in the second, Ospreys began to assert their dominance with an extended spell of possession in Montpellier’s redzone. Montpellier were building up their penalty count as a result, and received a long-awaited warning.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! With a lineout on the five, the pack went to the maul again which proved to be too much for Montpellier and Lewis Lloyd was able to score his second. Walshy converted a tough kick from wide right to bring the score level just before the fourth quarter. Ospreys 21 - 21 Montpellier.
The next opportunity of the game went to Montpellier. A lineout on the five gave them the platform to attack, but the boys were able to turnover the ball with their backs against the wall.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! The backs ran another perfectly worked set play and Ryan Conbeer burst down the left touchline. He timed a perfect pass to Ross Moriarty, who put a 'don’t argue' right into the face of recovering defender and finished superbly. Tough conversion missed. Ospreys 26 - 21 Montpellier.
Montpellier’s next trip to the Ospreys 22 would prove fruitful as penalty gave them some good field position and Wilfried Hounkpatin came away with the score. Hogg converted. Ospreys 26 - 28 Montpellier.
With their noses in front, Montepllier controlled the game well, even hitting a lovely 50-22 with ten minutes go go. Ospreys fought hard, and enjoyed some spells of posession, but spent much of the final phases defending. Montpellier eventually stole a final three points from the boot to end the game. Ospreys 26 - 31 Montpellier.
We've qualified for the knockouts of the EPCR Challenge Cup, and now sights returns to the BKT URC.
It's Friday Night Lights as we welcome Lions to town and continue our progress toward the top eight.
Make sure you're there to back to the boys.