Ulster are just one victory away from ending a 20-year trophy drought after a commanding 29-12 win over Exeter Chiefs in the Challenge Cup semi-final in Belfast. The victory sets up a tantalizing final in Bilbao on 22 May, where they will face either Montpellier or Dragons.
In a match that started tense and tight, both sides struggled to find their rhythm early on. The first half was a chess match of errors and missed opportunities, with neither team able to fully seize control. It was South African back-rower Juarno Augustus who finally broke the deadlock in the 26th minute, crashing over from close range after Ulster had earned a penalty advantage. Nathan Doak added the conversion, but Exeter hit back through Ross Vintcent to level the score.
The game took a dramatic turn when Ulster's Jacob Stockdale was sent to the sin-bin for a high tackle, leaving his team to defend with 14 men. But rather than folding, Ulster showed remarkable resilience. Doak's penalty with the final kick of the first half gave them a narrow 10-7 lead at the break—a psychological boost that proved crucial.
The second half was a masterclass in attacking rugby from Richie Murphy's youthful side. Tries from Jack Murphy and David McCann extended Ulster's advantage, before Tom Stewart powered over from a rolling maul to put the game beyond doubt. Exeter's Campbell Ridl scored a consolation try with the clock in the red, but it was too little, too late.
The contrast to Ulster's previous knockout matches was stark. After battling through wind and rain in the last 16 and quarter-finals, they were greeted by sun-kissed conditions in Belfast. Yet the early stages were still littered with handling errors from both sides. Doak, usually so reliable from the tee, missed an early penalty from just outside the 22 in the 10th minute. Ulster thought they had scored when Michael Lowry scampered over, but it was ruled out for a neck roll from Cormac Izuchukwu earlier in the play. Exeter also missed a big chance when Harvey Skinner sent a penalty wide.
For Exeter, their European hopes end here, and Rob Baxter's side will now turn their full attention to Premiership Rugby fixtures, starting with Bath on 10 May. But for Ulster, this victory represents more than just a semi-final win—it's a statement of intent from a young squad hungry to end a trophy drought stretching back to the Celtic League in 2006.