Challenge Cup Quarter-Final Preview | Ulster v La Rochelle
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A look ahead to Ulster's massive Challenge Cup Quarter-Final match against French heavyweights, La Rochelle, at Affidea Stadium this Friday night. (KO: 8pm)
The stakes are high as both sides will be gunning for a victory that would take them to the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup.
Ulster sealed their spot against the French giants after a thrilling 28-24 Round of 16 victory against Ospreys, running in four tries and edging the tight contest played in stormy conditions to advance. Ulster's Ireland internationals were back and firing, with Nick Timoney and Jacob Stockdale registering second half scores that took Ulster into the lead.
Head Coach, Richie Murphy, praised Ulster's grit and determination to take the win, after going into the HT break down on the scoreboard before a second half comeback.
Tickets now on General Sale!
They don't get much bigger than this. Secure your spot for this European heavyweight clash under the Friday Night Lights at Affidea Stadium and get behind the Ulster men as they aim to reach the semi-finals!
Tickets can be found via the link below:
Match Details
🤝 Ulster Rugby v La Rochelle
🗓 Saturday 10th April 2026, Kick Off 20:00
🏟 Affidea Stadium
🏆 EPCR Challenge Cup, Quarter-Final
📺 Live on Premier Sports
📻 Listen live on BBC Radio Ulster
The Opposition
French giants, La Rochelle, coached by former Ireland star, Ronan O'Gara, come to Belfast hoping for a big push to the end of their season.
The French side are one of Europe's top club teams, having won back-to-back Champions Cup titles as recently as 2022 and 2023.
In the Top 14 league this season, the French side sit just outside the top eight in ninth position.
After dropping down to the Challenge Cup from the Pool Stages of the Champions Cup, the French side showcased their impressive squad strength last weekend by defeating Newcastle Red Bulls away from home by 26-18.
With a number of quality internationals in their roster, O'Gara may look to shuffle his star-studded squad in a bid to advance to the semi-final stages and register a big away victory.
Former Munster and Ireland legend, Ronan O'Gara, is the Head Coach of the Top 14 giants.
Player's View
Jacob Stockdale:
"It's been a while since we have had a European Quarter-Final here at home and we are all really excited for Friday night. La Rochelle are a big challenge and one of the best teams in Europe."
Fixture Rewind
Ulster 20-13 La Rochelle, Saturday 13th January 2018, Champions Cup Pool Stages
The last time the province defeated the French giants was back in 2018, with now General Manager, Rory Best, on the scoresheet alongside Nick Timoney and Jacob Stockdale, as Ulster ground out a dogged home victory against the French in Belfast.
Players to Watch
Grégory Alldritt
The captain and heartbeat of the La Rochelle back row, Alldritt plays a central role in both attack and defence.
His ability to win collisions, secure breakdown ball, and maintain high involvement throughout the match makes him vital. He is also highly effective defensively, with strong tackling and an ability to disrupt opposition rucks. He is seen as a world class number eight, with 58 caps for his country.
Davit Niniashvili
Davit Niniashvili is one of the most exciting young backs in European rugby, a dynamic Georgian international who has quickly established himself as a key attacking weapon for Stade Rochelais.
After emerging in Georgia and earning early international recognition, Niniashvili moved to France with Lyon in 2021, where he played a pivotal role in their 2022 EPCR Challenge Cup triumph. His performances there marked him out as one of Europe’s brightest prospects, leading to a high-profile move to La Rochelle in 2025.
His attacking instincts, counter-attacking threat, and willingness to take risks make him a constant danger with ball in hand.
Antoine Hastoy
Hastoy is a classic game-managing fly-half whose control, kicking accuracy, and composure make him indispensable to La Rochelle. The 28 year old French international has reached over 100 caps for La Rochelle, after moving from Pau in 2022. He is an excellent kicker and has great accuracy from the kicking tee.
Nolann Le Garrec
Le Garrec is a modern, high-tempo scrum-half who combines speed, skill, and composure. At La Rochelle, he provides quick ball, tactical control, and attacking threat, making him a key figure in shaping the team’s rhythm and a long-term asset at both club and international level for France.
