2021 Challenge Cup final: Leicester Tigers 17 Montpellier Hérault Rugby 18

Leicester Tigers were denied a maiden Challenge Cup title in 2021 as Montpellier Hérault Rugby lifted the trophy for second time after scraping victory in an enthralling game at Twickenham Stadium.

The final produced four tries – two apiece – but it was the boot of Montpellier’s Benoit Paillaugue that ultimately proved the difference.

Vincent Rattez improvised to hack forward and dot down out wide for the opening try of the game on 13 minutes, with Paillaugue converting to put Montpellier 7-3 up following George Ford’s early penalty for Leicester.

A Paillaugue penalty extended Montpellier’s lead moments later before Ford couldn’t hit the target from the tee on 26 minutes.

But Leicester would be handed an opening three minutes later as their dominant maul forced a yellow card for Montpellier’s Alexandre Becognee.

The English side took full advantage of their extra man, Harry Wells bursting over and Ford converting to level the scores.

Paillaugue missed a penalty on the stroke of half-time, and there was more frustration for Montpellier following the restart as they lost Guilhem Guirado to a yellow card.

Leicester capitalised again, with Jasper Wiese powering over following another dominant maul, Ford’s extras moving them seven points clear.

However, the momentum would shift once again as Paillaugue slotted a penalty from in front of the posts three minutes later.

Montpellier then produced the match-winning moment shortly before the hour mark - Gabriel N’Gandebe made a stunning break and fed Anthony Bouthier, who in turn teed up Johan Goosen for a crucial score.

Paillaugue’s conversion struck both posts and bounced away, and although Handre Pollard then missed a long-range penalty for the French side, they would hold on to lift the trophy again after a five-year wait.