Ulster might have just punched their ticket to the European Challenge Cup final, but don't expect them to rest on that success. Forwards coach Jimmy Duffy made it clear: the job is far from finished.

Last weekend's impressive 29-12 semi-final victory over Exeter Chiefs marked the province's first European final appearance since the 2012 Champions Cup. It's a milestone worth celebrating—briefly. With a packed schedule ahead, the focus has already shifted to their next challenge: the United Rugby Championship leaders, the Stormers.

"We enjoyed it for what it was," Duffy said. "Then Sunday was about the review, Monday we parked it with the players, and today we're all on to Stormers. You can't sit back on your laurels too much at this point of the season. The games come thick and fast—you've got between seven and 14 games depending on how well you go in competitions, so you don't really have time."

Ulster's European heroics have been a bright spot, but their URC form tells a different story. Back-to-back defeats by Leinster and Munster have put pressure on the squad, and injuries to key players like Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, and David McCann only add to the challenge. They now face a Stormers side that just put 48 points on Glasgow Warriors, sitting comfortably at the top of the league table.

"They're top of the league for very good reason," Duffy added. "They've got a massive forward pack, real attacking threats across the backline, and a lot of existing Springboks—plus guys who will be Springboks. It focuses the mind very quickly when you look at the quality of the opposition. We're under no illusions it's going to be a huge task, especially after last weekend. We need to make sure everybody is physically and mentally ready for the challenge in front of us."

With home matches against the Stormers and second-placed Glasgow Warriors over the next 10 days, Ulster's immediate goal is clear: secure a top-eight finish and a spot in the URC play-offs. For a team that's already proven they can rise to the occasion in Europe, the message from Duffy is simple—no time to rest, and no intention of doing so.