Ulster head coach Richie Murphy has admitted his side are "bitterly disappointed" after a dramatic 26-22 defeat to Glasgow Warriors dashed their hopes of securing a top-eight finish in the United Rugby Championship. The loss, which came against the league leaders, leaves Ulster's playoff fate—and the Champions Cup qualification that comes with it—out of their hands.

Sitting eighth in the table, Ulster now face an anxious wait. Munster need just one point from their home clash with the Lions on Saturday to leapfrog their provincial rivals into the playoff spots. It's a cruel twist for a team that has put together a strong campaign, and Murphy didn't hide his frustration. "We've always said that one of our targets was to make sure we were in the top eight," he said. "In some ways, we've failed in that target."

Adding to the sting, if Ulster miss out, they would become the first team in URC history to surpass 50 points and still not qualify for the top eight—a statistic that underscores just how fine the margins have been this season.

But all is not lost. Murphy's side still has a golden opportunity to secure a spot in next season's Champions Cup by winning the Challenge Cup final against Montpellier in Bilbao on 22 May. Victory would not only deliver Ulster's first silverware in 20 years but also guarantee top-tier European rugby. "We've an opportunity to get back into Europe," Murphy said, quickly shifting his focus. "Our full focus will be on preparing for a cup final—the first we've been in since 2012."

The head coach acknowledged the challenges of balancing a squad hit by injuries and suspensions, with key players like Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, and James Hume missing in recent weeks. "It's been massively difficult," he admitted. But with a shot at history on the line, Murphy is determined to park the disappointment and rally his team for the biggest game of their season.

For fans, the message is clear: while the URC playoff dream may be slipping away, a cup final in Bilbao offers a chance to turn heartbreak into triumph—and maybe even add a new chapter to Ulster's storied legacy.