Ulster Rugby turned a dismal finish last season into a European final berth, beating Exeter Chiefs 33-27 on Saturday to clinch a spot in the Challenge Cup final. The win puts the province one game away from ending a 20-year trophy drought when they meet Montpellier in Bilbao on 22 May. Coach Richie Murphy’s side now carry genuine title hopes.

Flanker Nick Timoney said the squad’s reset began with a clean‑off‑season and a collective buy‑in to higher standards. Only five starters from the 2022 semi‑final remain, with veterans Iain Henderson, Tom O’Toole, Stuart McCloskey and Ethan McIlroy anchoring the core. The influx of uncapped talent has injected fear‑less confidence, Timoney added, helping the team sustain a strong URC start despite a mid‑season wobble.

Murphy’s earlier frustration at being compared with past Ulster sides faded as the current group proved its mettle against seasoned opponents. Timoney believes the lack of “scars” among younger players fuels a fresh mentality, and a victory would be “unbelievable” after two decades of waiting. Ulster now stand on the brink of delivering the province’s first major silverware since 2006.