Ulster are one win away from their first silverware in 20 years after a commanding 29-12 victory over Exeter Chiefs in the Challenge Cup semi-final. The win sets up a final in Bilbao against either Montpellier or Dragons. Richie Murphy's side produced what he called "one of the best" performances of his tenure, controlling the game from start to finish in Belfast.

The result was particularly significant given Ulster's chequered semi-final history. They had squandered leads against the Stormers in the 2022 United Rugby Championship semi-final and lost to Leicester Tigers in this competition the previous year. Yet Murphy pointed out his young squad carried no baggage from those defeats - only five players from that loss in Cape Town started against Exeter.

The celebrations lasted long after the final whistle, with sunshine fueling the party atmosphere. However, concerns emerged over injuries to key players. Stuart McCloskey was limping with ice strapped to his right leg after pulling up late in the game, while Jacob Stockdale was sin-binned for a reckless tackle. Jack Murphy, Jude Postlethwaite and David McCann also limped off, forcing Ulster to finish with just 13 players.

Ulster's last trophy came in 2006 when they lifted the Celtic League. With the final in three weeks' time, Murphy acknowledged the challenge ahead but insisted his side would give everything to bring silverware back to Belfast.