Jan Serfontein Class Sinks Leicester Tigers

Montpellier were crowned European Rugby Challenge Cup champions after edging the Leicester Tigers 18-17 in the final.

Leicester opened the scoring with a penalty eight minutes in, but Montpellier scored the game's opening try five minutes later to lead 7-3. Montpellier added a penalty shortly after, with Leicester then missing a kick at goal. Montpellier were reduced to 14 players after picking up a yellow card and Leicester capitalized with a try to even things up at ten apiece.

Montpellier had a chance to head into halftime with their noses in front, but their penalty attempt was wide as the sides remained deadlocked at the break. Montpellier picked up their second yellow card of the match five minutes into the second half and Leicester were once again quick to pounce, with a try putting them up 17-10.

Montpellier pulled three points back with a successful penalty with half an hour to play. Montpellier hit the front with a try around the hour mark to reclaim the lead and set up an intense final quarter. A lot of kicking followed as both sides looked to play in the right areas of the field. Montpellier missed a long range shot at goal in the final ten minutes, but would hold on to lift the title by the slightest of margins.