For the first time in two decades, silverware is within reach for Ulster Rugby. A commanding 29-12 victory over Exeter Chiefs in the Challenge Cup semi-final in Belfast has put Richie Murphy's youthful squad just one win away from ending that long trophy drought.
On a sun-drenched afternoon in Belfast—a welcome change from the wind and rain that marked their earlier knockout rounds—Ulster delivered a performance that blended grit with flair. The first half was a tense, error-strewn affair, with both sides leaving points on the pitch. Nathan Doak, usually so reliable from the tee, sent a 10th-minute penalty wide from just outside the 22. Exeter's Harvey Skinner returned the favour moments later.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 26th minute when South African back-rower Juarno Augustus crashed over from close range after Ulster played a penalty advantage. Doak made no mistake with the conversion. But Exeter hit back immediately through Ross Vintcent, and the Chiefs looked dangerous.
Then came a turning point. Ulster's Jacob Stockdale was sent to the sin-bin for a high tackle on Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, leaving the home side down to 14 men. But instead of crumbling, Ulster dug deep. Doak's penalty with the final kick of the half gave them a slender 10-7 lead at the break.
The second half belonged entirely to Ulster. Tries from Jack Murphy and David McCann stretched the advantage, and when Tom Stewart powered over from a rolling maul, the Kingspan Stadium crowd knew the final was in sight. Exeter's Campbell Ridl scored a consolation try with the clock in the red, but it was too little, too late.
Ulster's last silverware came in 2006 with the Celtic League. Now, they will face either Montpellier or Dragons in the final on 22 May in Bilbao. For Exeter, European dreams are over, and attention turns to their remaining Premiership fixtures, starting with Bath on 10 May.
From the early jitters to the emphatic finish, this was a statement performance. Twenty years without a trophy is a long time. But for this Ulster side, the wait might finally be over.