Montpellier Herault Rugby vs Connacht Rugby Prediction & Betting Tips - Challenge Cup

Prediction published on 09/01/2026, 08:00  by Ita Emmanuel | Modified on 12/01/2026 at 01:48 in Challenge Cup Predictions

Group 1 leaders Montpellier HR host third-placed Connacht Rugby in this 2025–26 Challenge round three fixture on Sunday. Can the French side overcome the Irish opponents to continue on their remarkable start to the competition? Check out our prediction for the match below. 

Montpellier Rugby came from a 13–0 deficit at halftime to defeat Black Lion 24–13 in their Challenge Cup opener in Georgia. They then saw off United Rugby Championship (URC) side Zebre, scoring 21 unanswered points in the second half to win 31–7 in their second fixture.

These back-to-back bonus-point victories saw the two-time Challenge Cup champions go top of Group 1 with maximum 10 points. Joan Caudullo’s team enter Sunday’s clash with a solid 6–0–1 record in their last seven matches across all competitions. This includes a 62–22 demolition of Aviron Bayonnais in Top 14 last week.

Connacht Rugby got off to a disappointing start in their Challenge Cup campaign, falling 24–21 to URC rivals the Ospreys. They bounced back in their second fixture, thrashing Black Lion 52–0 at home to climb to third in the group with six points.

However, the Westerners are on a three-match losing run, including a blowout 52–17 URC defeat to Leinster in their most recent outing. They are also suffered defeat in their last five away matches, the last two by blowout margins.