Ulster anticipating a tough task in Challenge Cup final

After a hard-fought season, Ulster have reached their first-ever EPCR Challenge Cup Final in Bilbao.

Their opponents, Montpellier Hérault Rugby, promise a formidable challenge. The French side have lifted the trophy twice before, first in 2016 and most recently in 2021.

Ulster's Head Coach Richie Murphy understands the significance of the opportunity in front of his team as they aim to make history.

He said: "The guys are looking around and seeing the history on the walls, and they'd love to be a part of that history.

"They don't shy away from the task that's in hand, but also they dream of coming back here with a trophy in the early hours of Saturday morning.

“You know, you can't just dream. You've got to have a plan.”

Having finished eighth in the United Rugby Championship following a weekend defeat to Glasgow Warriors, this match marks the final game of Ulster’s season. With nothing left to hold back, they can fully focus on chasing Challenge Cup glory.

"Knowing that our season finishes after this week will probably help us in that regard, and the really good rugby that we've played throughout the year probably needs to be finished off.”

Ulster: Final ready 😮‍💨#ChallengeCupRugby pic.twitter.com/qNPuESBtfA

— EPCR Challenge Cup (@ChallengeCup_) May 21, 2026

Montpellier - no easy ride

Montpellier currently sit second in France’s Top 14 and have already secured qualification for next season’s Investec Champions Cup, underlining the scale of the challenge facing Ulster.

"We want to try and achieve what they've achieved," Murphy continued. "You've got to make sure you work really hard in order to prepare to be at your best. And that's what we're going for.

"It's going to be a massive task but it's one that we're well up for.”

With several well-known international players lining up for the French side, Murphy also highlighted the unique blend of styles within the Montpellier squad.

He said: "Montpellier are not a typical French team, there is a little bit of English influence in there as well with the likes of Billy Vunipola,

"But their squad depth, that is far superior to ours in relation to three teams that are very close to the same level.

"It's going to be a massive task but it's one that we're well up for."