Ambitious Ulster have 'underperformed' - O'Sullivan

Eric O'Sullivan signed a contract extension with Ulster on Tuesday

Ulster prop Eric O'Sullivan admits Ulster have "underperformed" at times this season as their European hopes hang in the balance.

After three heavy defeats by Toulouse, Bordeaux and Leicester, Ulster host Exeter Chiefs in their final Pool A match in the Investec Champions Cup.

Ulster require a bonus-point win and need Sharks' game with Bordeaux to go in their favour if they are to qualify for the last-16.

The Sharks also have a vastly superior points difference over Ulster.

A draw or a win would guarantee Challenge Cup rugby at a minimum, while defeat would send Exeter, also without a win in Europe, through at Ulster's expense.

"Obviously Exeter have struggled at times as well," said O'Sullivan, who signed a contract extension on Tuesday.

"Going into it we've definitely underperformed based on where we expect to see ourselves.

"That is something we want to set right so it's a big game for us."

Richie Murphy's injury-hit side have just one victory in their last seven matches and O'Sullivan admits victory over Exeter would be "huge" for morale.

The 29-year-old admits Ulster's form "has been a bit up and down" but believes consistency is key to help the Irish province keep "trending in the right direction".

"Everyone is probably a bit of a confidence player. To get a win and boost morale a bit, everyone will feel better for that," he said.

"It would be huge for us and give us a boost heading into our next block of games.

"We're ambitious as a squad and you have to get the results to be able to achieve that."