Bath team to play Lyon: Challenge Cup final

Bath Rugby have named a battle-hardened squad for their EPCR Challenge Cup Final showdown against Lyon, following a storming run that included a bruising derby win over Gloucester at The Rec and a commanding semi-final triumph over Edinburgh north of the border.

Head coach Johann van Graan has made four tweaks to the starting XV that swept past Leicester Tigers 43-15 in last weekend’s Gallagher Premiership demolition job.

Up front, England international Will Stuart returns to bolster the front row alongside Beno Obano and record-setting hooker Tom Dunn, who now holds the club’s all-time Premiership appearance record in blue, black and white with 184 games.

Charlie Ewels and Quinn Roux combine in the engine room, with Miles Reid shifting to No.8. Ted Hill and Sam Underhill pack down on the flanks, forming a seriously physical back row.

Skipper Ben Spencer resumes his playmaking duties at scrum-half, linking up with the mercurial Finn Russell at 10.

Max Ojomoh slots into the midfield at 13, joining Will Butt in the centres, while the ever-dangerous wings Will Muirand Joe Cokanasiga bring firepower out wide. Tom de Glanville anchors the backfield at fullback.

There’s serious muscle on the bench, with Niall Annett, Francois van Wyk, and Thomas du Toit ready to unleash up front. Ross Molony, Guy Pepper, and Alfie Barbeary offer versatility and impact in the pack, while Tom Carr-Smithand Ciaran Donoghue cover the backs.

Scroll down for the Bath team to play Lyon.

1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Will Stuart, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Ted Hill, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Miles Reid, 9 Ben Spencer (c), 10 Finn Russell, 11 Will Muir, 12 Will Butt, 13 Max Ojomoh, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Tom de Glanville

Replacements: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Ross Molony, 20 Guy Pepper, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Ciaran Donoghue, 23 Alfie Barbeary

Fixture: Lyon Rugby v Bath Rugby
Date: Friday 23 May 2025
Time: 20:00
Location: Principality Stadium
Competition: EPCR Challenge Cup
Round: Final
Coverage: X (written commentary), BBC Radio Bristol & Somerset, Premier Sports

Referee: Hollie Davidson (SCO)

Assistant Referees: Referees Gianluca Gnecchi (ITA) & Eoghan Cross (IRE)

TMO: Mike Adamson (SCO)