Ulster travels to Bilbao for the Challenge Cup final against Montpellier with their season hanging by a thread. Missing the United Rugby Championship play-offs for a second straight year, Richie Murphy's squad faces 80 minutes to salvage their campaign and end a 20-year silverware drought.

Captain Nick Timoney leads the side in the absence of suspended Iain Henderson, while Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale and Rob Herring miss out through injury. Despite the setbacks, both Timoney and hooker Tom Stewart expressed confidence that this young Ulster team can shock the French Top 14 outfit.

The San Mames Stadium, home of Athletic Bilbao, hosts its second European rugby final. Ulster's last major trophy came in 2006 with the Celtic League, making Friday's occasion particularly meaningful for supporters who have waited two decades. Both players emphasized embracing the moment rather than feeling pressure.

Victory secures Champions Cup qualification for next season, providing immediate redemption for their URC disappointment. The team displayed relaxed energy during Thursday's captain's run, laughing and playing football rather than showing nerves ahead of kickoff.