This weekend, Cardiff’s Principality Stadium hosts the pinnacle of European club rugby: the EPCR Challenge Cup Final on Friday, May 23, and the Investec Champions Cup Final on Saturday, May 24. Both matches promise high-stakes drama, tactical brilliance, and a chance for underdogs to topple giants.
🏆 EPCR Challenge Cup Final: Bath vs Lyon
📅 Date & Time: Friday, May 23, 2025
📍 Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 20:00 BST / 21:00 SAST
🔍 Match Context
Bath Rugby enters the final with momentum, having secured the Premiership Cup in March and now aiming to end a 17-year trophy drought. Under head coach Johann van Graan, the team has transformed from bottom-dwellers to serious contenders. Flanker Sam Underhill emphasizes a focus on process over outcomes, reflecting the team’s disciplined approach.
Lyon, despite a challenging Top 14 season, are determined to capture European glory. Their strategy centers on neutralising Bath’s star fly-half, Finn Russell, whose creativity and vision are pivotal to Bath’s attacking play . Lyon’s back David Niniashvili, recently recovered from injury, adds a dynamic threat to their backline.
🎯 Betting Tips
- Match Result: Bath to win by 5–10 points.
- Top Try Scorer: Finn Russell (Bath)
- Total Points Over/Under: Over 50 points
🏆 Investec Champions Cup Final: Bordeaux vs Northampton Saints
📅 Date & Time: Saturday, May 24, 2025
📍 Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 14:45 BST / 15:45 SAST
🔍 Match Context
Bordeaux enters their first-ever European final with an unbeaten record this season, including a dominant semifinal victory over defending champions Toulouse. Key players include Damian Penaud, who set a record for most tries in a single season at 12, and Maxime Lucu, who orchestrates their tactical play.
Northampton Saints, making their first Champions Cup final appearance since 2011, have demonstrated resilience and attacking flair. Young talents like Henry Pollock and Fin Smith, alongside experienced players such as Tommy Freeman and Alex Mitchell, have been instrumental in their run to the final.
🎯 Betting Tips
- Match Result: Bordeaux to win by 3–5 points.
- First Try Scorer: Louis Bielle-Biarrey (Bordeaux)
- Total Points Over/Under: Over 45 points
🏆 Who Will Win?
- EPCR Challenge Cup Final: Bath’s blend of experience and emerging talent, coupled with a disciplined approach, gives them a slight edge over Lyon.
- Investec Champions Cup Final: Bordeaux’s unbeaten season and tactical prowess position them as favorites, but Northampton’s youthful energy could make for an unpredictable contest.
📺 Where to Watch: SuperSport Channels
🏆 EPCR Challenge Cup Final – Bath vs Lyon (BAT v LYN)
- Date: Friday, 23 May 2025
- Time: 20:00 (SA Time)
- Channel: SS Rugby (Channel 211)
🏆 Investec Champions Cup Final – Northampton Saints vs Bordeaux (NOR v BOR)
Date: Saturday, 24 May 2025
Time: 15:40 (SA Time)
Channel: SS Grandstand (Channel 201), SS Rugby (Channel 211)
🏉 Final Thoughts
Cardiff 2025 offers a weekend of thrilling rugby, with both finals showcasing contrasting styles and compelling narratives. Whether you’re supporting the seasoned Bath, the strategic Lyon, the unbeaten Bordeaux, or the spirited Northampton, these matches are set to deliver unforgettable moments.
