Everything To Know About Bath Rugby Ahead Of The EPCR Challenge Cup Final
Everything To Know About Bath Rugby Ahead Of The EPCR Challenge Cup Final
Bath Rugby will take on Lyon OU in the EPCR Challenge Cup Final. Here's what to know about Bath ahead of the matchup.
Bath Rugby is eager to capture its first EPCR Challenge Cup win since 2008 next week, but it will have to face an experienced veteran squad in Lyon OU.
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Bath defeated reigning Challenge Cup finalist Gloucester in the quarterfinals 61-26, dominating both halves, before seeing some struggle in the semifinals.
Facing the top team in its pool, Edinburgh attempted to slow down Bath’s journey, but star Finn Russell accounted for three conversions and a penalty to help lead his team to the final.
Here’s everything to know about Bath ahead of its tussle with Lyon OU:
The Last Time Bath Was In The Challenge Cup Final
Bath has been featured in the Challenge Cup Final five times, but has won only once, back in 2008.
The English defeated the Worcester Warriors 24-16, claiming their first trophy in a decade.
The last time that Bath appeared in the Challenge Cup Final was in 2014, were the result was a loss to the Northampton Saints 30-16. Bath fell in a late defeat, which it hopes not to replicate this time around.
This year, the Saints are playing in the Champions Cup Final.
Ranked No. 5 By FloRugby
Bath is the No. 5 team overall according to FloRugby and sits atop the Gallagher Premiership table with 66 combined points.
The squad was on a 10-game win streak since Feb. 28, but snapped it off with a loss to the Bristol Bears this past Saturday, the team's third loss of the season.
Bath’s Star Players
Finn Russell
From Glasgow to Scotland to Racing 92 and now to Bath Rugby, the Scotland native has been in the international rugby scene since 2014.
Russell joined Bath after the 2023 Rugby World Cup and was named Best Back of the Season in his first year.
His vast experience has made him a key player for Bath scoring five tries this season to go with his 91 conversions.
Thomas du Toit
Springbok powerhouse prop du Toit has made an immediate impact for Bath within just 41 appearances with the squad, collecting 19 tries.
Du Toit similarly joined Bath following his appearance in the 2023 Rugby World Cup and has gone on to become a cornerstone of Johann van Graan's squad, along with Bath's other exceptional props, notably Beno Obano and Will Stuart.
His nickname is “The Tank” and speaks for itself, as he stands as one of the most powerful scrummagers in the league to go along with exceptional power game with ball in hand.
Tom Dunn
Recently setting a club record for most Premiership appearances, Dunn has been an exciting force to watch in over 250 games he’s played for Bath.
His defense has been a defining factor of his game, seeing as he’s made 178 tackles and won three turnovers this season, while tacking on five tries and one assist. His resiliency and determination have made him a fan favourite.
Bath Squad
Archie Griffin – Prop
Arthur Cordwell – Prop
Beno Obano – Prop
François van Wyk – Prop
Kieran Verden – Prop
Thomas du Toit – Prop
Will Stuart – Prop
Hame Faiva – Hooker
John Stewart – Hooker
Niall Annett – Hooker
Tom Dunn – Hooker
Charlie Ewels – Lock
Harvey Cuckson – Lock
Quinn Roux – Lock
Ross Molony – Lock
Alfie Barbeary – Back row
Ethan Staddon – Back row
Ewan Richards – Back row
Guy Pepper – Back row
Jaco Coetzee – Back row
Josh Bayliss – Back row
Miles Reid – Back row
Sam Underhill – Back row
Ted Hill – Back row
Tom Cowan – Back row
Ben Spencer – Scrum-half
Louis Schreuder – Scrum-half
Neil le Roux – Scrum-half
Tom Carr-Smith – Scrum-half
Finn Russell – Fly-half
Orlando Bailey – Fly-half
Cameron Redpath – Centre
Max Ojomoh – Centre
Ollie Lawrence – Centre
Will Butt – Centre
Joe Cokanasiga – Winger
Ruaridh McConnochie – Winger
Will Muir – Winger
Austin Emens – Fullback
Ciaran Donoghue – Fullback
Sam Harris – Fullback
Tom de Glanville – Fullback
When Is The Challenge Cup Final 2025?
The Challenge Cup Final will be hosted on Friday, May 23 at 3 p.m. ET.
Where Is The Challenge Cup Final?
Lyon OU vs. Bath takes place at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. The stadium is also home to the European Rugby Champions Cup Final, which will be played that Saturday.
How Can I 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.