European rugby fans left sweating as temperatures soar in Bilbao

Reporting from Bilbao: Ulster and Montpellier are braced for extreme conditions in Bilbao as the EPCR Challenge Cup final arrives in the middle of an early Iberian heatwave, with temperatures forecast to hit 36°C on Friday and remain at similarly punishing levels into Saturday.

The two squads will take to the San Mamés surface on Friday, 22 May with the mercury still hovering around 30°C, a sharp contrast to the unseasonally cold conditions that dominated large parts of northern Europe as recently as last week.

On Thursday, temperatures hit at least 34°C, with some roadside temperature signs reading as high as 39 and 41°C in the city centre.

Indeed, the thermal swing might catch travelling supporters making their way into the city over the next 48 hours, not to mention the players, off guard.

Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has already issued warnings as a fast-moving surge of heat pushes temperatures close to 40°C in parts of the country.

Bilbao is not expected to reach those extremes, but the mid-30s present a significant factor for players taking to the field, with the temperature forecast to still be around 31 degrees when the players take to the field for their 9 pm kick-off [local time].

Montpellier arrive having topped their pool with a perfect record, scoring 119 points, and have already lifted the Challenge Cup twice.

Ulster, by contrast, are in their first Challenge Cup final after a campaign built on statement wins over Munster, Exeter Chiefs and Stade Français, accumulating 141 pool-stage points.

The presumption is that the conditions might suit Bernard Laporte’s French outfit better.

Supporters travelling from Ireland and France are urged to take precautions. After a cold May across northern Europe, hydration, shade and timing of exposure will be key, particularly with long pre-match build-ups in direct sun.

The temperature is expected to ease slightly for Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup final, but only relative to Friday’s peak.

Highs in the mid-to-high 20s remain forecast for Leinster against Union Bordeaux Bègles, still warm enough to influence how the game will be played.

Leinster arrive with seven wins, hardened by knockout victories over Edinburgh, Sale Sharks and Toulon, chasing a fifth title after three recent final defeats. Union Bordeaux Bègles match them on seven wins, leading key metrics with 305 points and 45 tries, having beaten Toulouse and Bath en route to Bilbao.

According to World Rugby, player safety in extreme heat requires objective assessment using the Heat Stress Index (HSI), which combines temperature, humidity and wind. Interventions are recommended when HSI exceeds 150.

Montpellier Herault: 15. Tom Banks, 14. Gabriel N’Gandebe, 13. Arthur Vincent, 12. Auguste Cadot, 11. Donovan Taofifenua, 10. Domingo Miotti, 9. Ali Price, 1. Enzo Forletta, 2. Jordan Uelese, 3. Mohamed Haouas, 4. Florian Verhaeghe, 5. Tyler DuGuid, 6. Lenni Nouchi, 7. Alex Becognee, 8. Billy Vunipola (c)

Replacements: 16. Lyam Akrab, 17. Baptiste Erdocio, 18. Wilfrid Hounkpatin, 19. Adam Beard, 20. Marco Tauleigne, 21. Leo Coly, 22. Thomas Darmon, 23. Jon Echegaray

Ulster Rugby: 15. Mike Lowry, 14. Robert Baloucoune, 13. James Hume, 12. Jude Postlethwaite, 11. Zac Ward, 10. Jack Murphy, 9. Nathan Doak, 1. Angus Bell, 2. Tom Stewart, 3. Tom O’Toole, 4. Harry Sheridan, 5. Cormac Izuchukwu, 6. Dave McCann, 7. Nick Timoney (c), 8. Juarno Augustus

Replacements: 16. James McCormick, 17. Eric O’Sullivan, 18. Scott Wilson, 19. Charlie Irvine, 20. Bryn Ward, 21. Conor McKee, 22. Jake Flannery, 23. Ethan Mcilroy

Friday night’s final is live on Premier Sports 1 from 7pm (UK time), followed by Saturday’s showpiece from 1.45pm.