Murphy hails ‘incredible’ Ulster as they storm into Challenge Cup final
REACTION: Ulster Rugby head coach Richie Murphy praised an “incredible” second-half display as his side powered into the Challenge Cup final with a 29-12 win over Exeter Chiefs in Belfast.
Ulster, who held a narrow three-point lead at the break, surged clear after halftime, outscoring Exeter four tries to two to seal a commanding victory. They will now face either Montpellier or Dragons in the final in Bilbao on May 22.
*Article continues below…
#REPORT: Trokkie scores as Ulster book spot in Challenge Cup Final 👇#ChallengeCup #Ulster #ExeterChiefs #ULSvEXE https://t.co/ea64ycEhym
— Rugby365 (@rugby365com) May 2, 2026
“I am delighted. I thought our second half was incredible. We were really good and clinical,” Murphy told Premier Sports.
“I thought we played some really good rugby, and we are looking forward to going to Bilbao.
“You could see the tightness in the squad. What I loved was that we won a semi-final playing the rugby we’ve produced all year.
“To be in a final is amazing, but it only really counts if you win. We’ll focus on that in a couple of weeks.”
Tries from Juarno Augustus, Jack Murphy, Dave McCann and Tom Stewart, along with a penalty and three conversions from Nathan Doak, powered Ulster to victory.
Exeter responded through Ross Vintcent and Campbell Ridl, with Henry Slade adding a conversion, but they were ultimately outclassed.
Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter admitted errors proved costly.
“It didn’t feel as non-competitive as the score suggested, but the number of mistakes we made told the story,” he said.
Relive the drama, intensity, and history — all the iconic British & Irish Lions documentaries from 2001-2021, available now on RugbyPass TV.
