Ulster's Nick Timoney has made a bold declaration ahead of the Challenge Cup final: "We'll make sure nothing is left unturned." The message is clear—this is a team on a mission to salvage their season and end a two-decade trophy drought.
Richie Murphy's squad heads into the May 22 decider against Montpellier in Bilbao with everything to play for. A heartbreaking final-round loss to Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship has put their playoff hopes and Champions Cup qualification on life support. But one prize remains firmly within reach: the province's first silverware in 20 years.
"We're all aware of what's at stake and what it will mean to people," Timoney said, acknowledging the fans scrambling for last-minute flights and accommodation to Bilbao. "There hasn't been a trophy since 20 years ago, which is a historic statistic. It means the same to us as the fans."
The numbers don't lie—this final represents a massive opportunity for a side that has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled to close out big moments. After a dramatic 38-38 draw with the Stormers and the late collapse against Glasgow, Ulster have left themselves with one shot at redemption.
"We've had a tough run of games in the league, and there probably have been comedowns after big semi-finals and quarter-finals," Timoney admitted. "It's disappointing, but at least we've managed to give ourselves a final and have that to look forward to."
The Warriors snatched victory from Ulster's grasp with a late Kyle Rowe try, denying them a top-eight finish. Now, all focus shifts to Montpellier and the chance to rewrite the narrative.
For a team that has come heartbreakingly close but fallen short, this final represents more than just a trophy—it's a chance to prove their resilience. As Timoney put it: "We'll go into the final all guns blazing."
