Ulster are one game away from ending a 19-year trophy drought after beating Exeter Chiefs 29-12 in the Challenge Cup semi-final in Belfast. In a tense first half, South African back row Juarno Augustus crashed over for the opening try before Ross Vintcent responded for Exeter. Despite Jacob Stockdale's sin-binning for a high tackle, Nathan Doak's penalty on the stroke of half-time gave Ulster a 3-point lead at the break.

The hosts came out firing in the second half with Jack Murphy extending their advantage, and David McCann bundled over from close range. Tom Stewart's try off a rolling maul put the result beyond doubt before Campbell Ridl's late score proved mere consolation for the Chiefs. Ulster's last silverware came with the Celtic League in 2006 - nearly two decades of waiting for a trophy.

Richie Murphy's side will face either Montpellier or Dragons in Bilbao on 22 May for a chance at their first trophy since 2006. For Exeter, their European campaign ends in disappointment, and Rob Baxter's attention now shifts to Prem Rugby with a fixture against Bath on 10 May. A potential concern emerged with Stuart McCloskey limping off with a hamstring injury in the closing stages.