Lyon Olympique Universitaire Rugby: Everything To Know for Challenge Cup
Lyon Olympique Universitaire Rugby: Everything To Know for Challenge Cup
Here's everything you need to know about Lyon Rugby ahead of the 2025 EPCR Challenge Cup Final on May 23.
Going into the 2025 EPCR Challenge Cup Final, Lyon Olympique Universitaire Rugby is in uncharted territory.
The team completely missed the playoffs last season and has surged back onto the world stage and will take on Bath Rugby, which is red-hot.
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Lyon OU will play the Challenge Cup Final on Friday May 23, the first fixture of a full weekend of European Rugby Championships at Millennium Stadium, also known as Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
The French side is heading into the United Kingdom for its final playoff matchup of the Challenge Cup, before returning to the Top 14.
Here’s everything you need to know about Lyon Rugby:
How Lyon Rugby Got Here
Lyon fought its way through the Challenge Cup, finishing second in pool play, but the squad is peaking at the right time.
Lyon Vs. Cardiff Rugby On Dec. 7
In a back-and-forth match, Lyon held off Cardiff to win 37-26, pulling ahead in the second half by scoring four straight times to retake the lead after Cardiff led 26-24.
Zebre Vs. Lyon On Dec. 14
Despite Lyon holding the lead for the majority of the match, Zebre kept the game close.
Lyon OU came away with the 21-19 win.
A red card for Zebre left the team short-handed for the last 20 minutes, and Lyon capitalized, adding two late scores to retake the lead and seal the game.
Connacht Vs. Lyon On Jan. 11
This match was all Connacht, as Lyon did not lead for a single minute, losing 52-24.
Connacht dominated from the start, scoring a try in the first minute and not looking back, while jumping out to a 27-10 lead at the half.
Lyon Vs. Cheetahs On Jan 18
Lyon bounced back from its loss to Connacht in dominant fashion, beating the Cheetahs 68-21.
Despite the Cheetahs taking an early lead, Lyon scored five straight tries before halftime to jump out to a 33-7 lead.
Lyon extended that lead to 54-7 before the Cheetahs scored again, but the deficit was too much to overcome, and Lyon emerged victorious.
Lyon Vs. Sharks On April 6
Lyon continued its winning streak with a convincing 34-21 victory over the Sharks.
The Sharks took an early lead, but once again, Lyon came back in dominant fashion. While Sharks tried to add to their score, they were unsuccessful.
Ospreys Vs. Lyon On April 12
Despite never giving up the lead, Lyon squeaked past Ospreys 20-18.
In a back-and-forth quarterfinal with Ospreys as the heavy favorite, Lyon pulled past to advance to the semifinals.
Lyon Vs. Racing 92 On May 4
To advance to the final, Lyon took down Racing 92 by a score of 29-15, winning in convincing fashion.
Though Racing 92 scored first, Lyon once again took the lead and never looked back, allowing just four scores total to limit Racing 92 and send the team packing in the Challenge Cup and sending Lyon to Cardiff.
Lyon Rugby In The Rankings
Lyon is ranked as the No. 23 Club in the world by FloRugby, while Bath is the No. 5 team.
Lyon OU will have its work cut out for it against Bath in the Challenge Cup Final but is no stranger to slaying giants and beating heavily favored opponents.
The International Stars
- Tomás Lavanini (Argentina)
- Camille Chat (France)
- Sam Matavesi (Fiji)
- Irakli Aptsiauri (Georgia)
- Beka Saginadze (Georgia)
- Beka Shvangiradze (Georgia)
- Dylan Cretin (France)
- Baptiste Couilloud (France)
- Martin Page-Relo (Italy)
- Semi Radradra (Fiji)
- Ethan Dumortier (France)
- Monty Ioane (Italy)
- Davit Niniashvili (Georgia)
The Lyon Rugby Squad
- Cedate Gomes Sa – Prop
- Feao Fotuai'ika – Prop
- Hamza Kaabèche – Prop
- Jermaine Ainsley – Prop
- Jérôme Rey – Prop
- Sébastien Taofifénua – Prop
- Arno Botha – No. 8
- Marvin Okuya – No. 8
- Beka Shvangiradze – No. 8
- Steeve Blanc-Mappaz – Blindside Flanker
- Maxime Gouzou – Openside Flanker
- Alban Roussel – Lock
- Beka Saghinadze – Lock
- Liam Allen – Lock
- Coenraad Basson – Lock
- Yanis Charcosset – Lock
- Mickaël Guillard – Lock
- Tomas Lavanini – Lock
- Temo Mayanavanua – Lock
- Téo Boucheron – Scrumhalf
- Jonathan Pelissié – Scrumhalf
- Charlie Cassang – Scrumhalf
- Martin Page-Relo – Scrumhalf
- Esteban Gonzalez – Scrumhalf
- Leny Aram – Scrumhalf
- Leo Berdeu – Fly-Half
- Paddy Jackson – Fly-Half
- Fletcher Smith – Fly-Half
- Lima Sopoaga – Fly-Half
- Martin Méliande – Fly-Half
- Davit Niniashvili – Fullback
- Vincent Rattez – Fullback
- Martin Méliande – Fullback
- Xavier Mignot – Right Wing
- Monty Ioane – Left Wing
- Semi Radradra – Outside Center
- Thibault Regard – Outside Center
- Alfred Parisien – Inside Center
- Theo Millet – Outside Center
- Josiah Maraku – Outside Center
- Thibault Regard – Outside Center
- Alfred Parisien – Inside Center
- Theo Millet – Outside Center
- Josiah Maraku – Outside Center
How To Watch The Challenge Cup Final
FloRugby is the official streaming partner for EPCR competitions in North America and U.S. Territories.
Fans can catch both finals live, as well as ongoing coverage of the Top 14, United Rugby Championship and Super Rugby Pacific throughout the season.
How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby
FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to:
FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays.