Damian Penaud sets Champions Cup try record as Bordeaux-Begles beat Munster

French winger Damian Penaud makes history with 12th try of the tournament as Bordeaux-Begles overpower Munster to reach Champions Cup semi-finals.

Damian Penaud of Bordeaux in action during the EPCR Champions Cup match between Bordeaux and Munster at Stade Chaban-Delmas on April 12, 2025, in Bordeaux, France. Photo by Emilian Baldow/Icon Sport

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Damian Penaud made Champions Cup history on Saturday evening, scoring his 12th try of the season to break the long-standing competition record and help Bordeaux-Begles defeat Munster 47-29 in a thrilling quarter-final at the sold-out Stade Chaban-Delmas.

The France international winger wasted no time making his mark, diving over the try line just five minutes into the game, igniting the home crowd and setting the tone for a dominant Bordeaux-Begles performance. With the try, Penaud broke the Champions Cup try record, previously held by England’s Chris Ashton, who scored 11 tries for Saracens during the 2013-2014 season.

His effort not only cemented his place in European rugby history but also helped propel Bordeaux-Begles into just their second ever Champions Cup semi-final. They will now face an all-French clash in the last four against either Toulon or Toulouse, who are set to play on Sunday.

A fast start and attacking intent

Bordeaux-Begles came into the match with momentum and confidence, and they made their intentions clear from the outset. After Penaud’s early score, the French side ran in five more tries in an electrifying performance. Maxime Lamothe, Matthieu Jalibert, and Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers, with Jalibert also contributing through the boot.

By halftime, Bordeaux had built a commanding 29-10 lead, showcasing a combination of flair, speed, and clinical finishing that left Munster chasing the game. Despite a strong traveling support of around 2,500 Irish fans, Munster found themselves overwhelmed by the hosts' attacking depth and precision.

Munster's fightback falls short

Munster, two-time Champions Cup winners in 2006 and 2008, attempted to claw their way back into the game. Alex Nankivell's try before the break gave the visitors some momentum heading into the second half. Things appeared to swing further in their favor when Bordeaux lock Cyril Cazeaux was sent to the sin bin, and Andrew Smith finished a well-worked move to cut the deficit to 29-15.

However, the comeback was short-lived. Bordeaux quickly reasserted control. Hooker Maxime Lamothe powered over from close range, and fly-half Jalibert slotted two key penalties to keep Munster at bay. While Smith added a second try late on, it served only as a consolation before Louis Bielle-Biarrey dashed in for Bordeaux’s final score of the night.

Damian Penaud’s record-breaking form

At 28, Damian Penaud is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous wingers in world rugby, and his record-breaking try against Munster is the latest milestone in an exceptional season. His ability to find space, finish under pressure, and link up seamlessly with teammates has been key to Bordeaux’s attacking game plan.

Penaud’s 12th try of the campaign set a new benchmark in the Champions Cup, a feat made even more impressive given the tournament's long history and competitive nature. His record highlights the level of consistency and brilliance he has brought to Bordeaux since joining from Clermont.

"Breaking the record is special, but the main thing was helping the team get to the semi-finals," said Penaud post-match. "We knew it would be tough against Munster, so I’m proud of how we played."

A growing legacy for Bordeaux-Begles

For Bordeaux-Begles, Saturday's victory was more than just a step closer to silverware. It signaled their evolution into a genuine European contender. Their blend of seasoned internationals like Penaud and Jalibert, along with young talents like Bielle-Biarrey, gives them both experience and energy — two crucial elements for deep tournament runs.

The 34,000-strong crowd at Stade Chaban-Delmas created an electric atmosphere, and coach Yannick Bru praised the fans’ role in the win. “The supporters carried us,” he said. “When you have that kind of energy behind you, the players respond.”

Bordeaux will now look ahead to a daunting semi-final against one of their domestic rivals. Whether it’s the structured power of Toulouse or the flair of Toulon, the clash promises to be another mouthwatering contest on French soil.

Munster’s European journey ends

For Munster, the result ends their hopes of reaching a first Champions Cup semi-final since 2019. While the Irish province had edged out defending champions La Rochelle in dramatic fashion just a week earlier, they found Bordeaux a different challenge altogether.

Still, there were positives to take. Alex Nankivell showed sharp footwork and awareness in midfield, while Andrew Smith’s brace demonstrated his growing potential on the wing. Head coach Graham Rowntree admitted the better team won but was quick to praise his players' character.

"We gave everything," Rowntree said. "But Bordeaux were outstanding. Penaud was class, and they punished us whenever we slipped."

Other quarter-final drama

Elsewhere in the Champions Cup, attention now turns to Sunday’s quarter-finals. Northampton Saints will host Castres, with a potential semi-final date against Leinster on the line. The Irish province underlined their title credentials with a ruthless 52-0 demolition of Glasgow on Friday night, following up on a similar shutout against Harlequins in the last round. Those two results marked the only instances in Champions Cup history — out of 258 knockout matches — where a team failed to score.

Should Leinster advance again, they will be aiming for their fifth European title and first since 2018. With Bordeaux, Leinster, and possibly Toulouse or Toulon in the final four, the stage is set for a blockbuster conclusion to this year’s tournament.

Damian Penaud’s Champions Cup try record now stands as a symbol of Bordeaux-Begles’ rise in European rugby. His early score laid the foundation for a performance that was both clinical and entertaining. As the semi-finals approach, Bordeaux fans have every reason to believe that this side — with Penaud at the heart of it — could go all the way.

Whether lifting the trophy or not, this record-breaking night will live long in their memories. And for Damian Penaud, the history books now bear his name.