Newcastle bowed out of Europe with a 26-7 loss to Montpellier at Kingston Park that leaves them bottom of their Challenge Cup group.
An Alex Hearle try in the 32nd minute kept the Falcons in the hunt for a first win in the campaign and they were level at 7-7 early in the second half.
But Jan Serfontein’s try broke the deadlock with Lyam Akrab and Nicolas Martins also crossing to propel the Top 14 side clear.
Pool One leaders Connacht completed the group phase with a 100 per cent record after toppling Cardiff 28-19 at Cardiff Arms Park.
Replacement scrum-half Matthew Devine decided a tight encounter when he touched down in the 65th minute.
