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Ulster's remarkable turnaround sets up Challenge Cup final
Ulster will face Montpellier in Bilbao on 22 May, aiming to secure their first trophy since 2006 after a dramatic rise from last season's struggles.
From disappointment to opportunity
Twelve months ago, Ulster finished third from bottom in the United Rugby Championship (URC), missing both the play-offs and Champions Cup qualification. This season, however, has seen a stark reversal of fortunes. A victory over Exeter Chiefs on Saturday earned them a place in the Challenge Cup final, offering a chance to end a two-decade-long trophy drought.
Flanker Nick Timoney, a key figure in the squad, admitted few would have predicted this outcome. "The opportunity is there in front of us now," he said. "We've got to go take it because I know from personal experience, and a lot of us do, they're rare opportunities."
The reset that changed everything
Timoney reflected on the team's transformation, acknowledging last season's struggles were a wake-up call. "We all knew at the time it wasn't good enough, but it's sometimes hard to reflect when you're in the moment," he said. "You feel like you're trying your best, but it's not working, and that leads to frustration and lack of confidence."
A deliberate off-season reset, driven by coaching staff and senior players, laid the foundation for this season's success. "There was great buy-in from the players," Timoney added. "We were going to see this thing in the right direction."
A squad rebuilt on experience and youth
Head coach Richie Murphy has overseen a significant overhaul of the squad. Of the 15 players who started the 2022 URC semi-final loss to the Stormers, only five-Timoney, Iain Henderson, Tom O'Toole, Stuart McCloskey, and Ethan McIlroy-remained in the starting lineup against Exeter. Even among the substitutes from that match, just Nathan Doak and Eric O'Sullivan featured in the recent victory.
Timoney highlighted the benefits of blending experience with fresh talent. "It's such a different team since then," he said. "Sometimes it's good for individuals like me to have those lessons built up over the years. But the beauty of newer lads is they don't have those scars-it doesn't even factor into their minds."
No fear, just focus
The squad's youthful energy has fostered an approach free from the weight of past failures. Timoney believes early success could set a lasting standard. "If we're successful this year, these lads might just think that's how it goes," he said. "If they don't know any better than being successful, then that's a good thing for us."
The final hurdle
With one match standing between Ulster and their first trophy in 20 years, Timoney described the prospect as "unbelievable." "Twenty years is a long time," he said. "It feels overdue, certainly as a fan and as a player who's been around for a while. I know how hard it is and how rare these occasions are, so we need to capitalise."
The Challenge Cup final in Bilbao represents more than just a game-it's a chance to rewrite Ulster's narrative and cement a new era of success.
