Montpellier v Ulster commentary team and how to watch the Challenge Cup final on ITV, BBC Radio 5 Live and EPCR TV

Match date: 22 May 2026

Montpellier and Ulster meet in the European Challenge Cup final on Friday evening, with kick-off at 8pm UK time from the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao. For viewers and listeners across Britain, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, the match is available across a strong selection of broadcasters and platforms, including ITV 4 HD, ITVX, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, EPCR TV and world feed coverage. In the UK, the free-to-air television option is especially important, with ITV providing live coverage of one of the biggest fixtures in the European club game.

The television and radio line-up brings together some very familiar rugby voices. On the BBC, Chris Jones leads the radio coverage as main commentator alongside former England fly-half Paul Grayson. Jones has become one of the most recognisable rugby broadcasters in the UK through his long-running work with BBC Sport, while Grayson, who won 32 caps for England and played at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, is a respected analyst known for his sharp technical insight. Their pairing on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra should provide a detailed and energetic account for listeners following the final on the move.

ITV’s broadcast team is equally well stocked with experience and personality. Ross Harries fronts the coverage as presenter; the Welsh broadcaster has built a strong reputation through rugby, football and live event presenting, particularly with ITV Sport and Welsh-language broadcasting. The main commentary duties fall to Connor Morris, with former internationals Stephen Ferris and Andy Goode both involved as co-commentators and pundits. Ferris, the ex-Ulster and Ireland flanker, brings first-hand knowledge of the province and the demands of European knockout rugby, while Goode, the former England fly-half, is one of the most outspoken and analytical voices in the game.

The ITV panel is further strengthened by Ian Madigan, John Barclay and Simon Zebo. Madigan, a former Ireland outhalf with a reputation for tactical thinking and playmaking, has developed into a thoughtful pundit since retirement. Barclay, who captained Scotland and was renowned for his breakdown work, adds a northern hemisphere Test-match perspective, while Zebo, the former Ireland and Munster back-three star, offers a more attacking lens. Ryan Wilson is listed as reporter, ensuring the broadcast includes pitchside reaction and post-match insight. On ITVX and Premier Sports 1 UK HD, the same coverage is available for streamed audiences, with Premier Sports also carrying the game in Ireland via NOW Ireland.

For fans outside the UK and Ireland, the global option comes through EPCR TV and the world feed. The main commentary duo there is Ryle Nugent and Tom May. Nugent, one of Ireland’s best-known sports broadcasters, is highly experienced across rugby union, while May, a former England centre and European club veteran, has long been a trusted voice in televised rugby coverage. Their combination should suit neutral viewers wanting a polished international presentation of the final, especially those tuning in via subscription or geo-restricted digital platforms such as FloRugby.

The match itself carries real significance. Ulster are chasing their first European trophy since 1999, and the side coached by Richie Murphy go into the final as underdogs against a Montpellier team sitting near the top of the French Top 14. The fixture is being played at the iconic San Mamés Stadium, a modern football arena that has already staged major European events and is an atmospheric setting for a rugby final. Ulster’s route to this point has reignited hopes of a long-awaited return to continental success, while Montpellier will be determined to underline their status as one of France’s strongest clubs.

For viewers wanting to follow the broader competition, the Challenge Cup on EPCR Rugby remains the official competition hub, with fixtures, results and tournament information. But for this evening’s final, the key question for supporters is simple: choose the free-to-air ITV coverage, the radio commentary on BBC, or the international world feed depending on where you are in the world. Either way, Montpellier v Ulster looks set to be one of the standout rugby union occasions of the season.

Article generated: 22 May 2026, 20:07 GMT