Ulster

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Ulster have qualified for the last 16 of the Investec Champions Cup on points difference after Bordeaux claimed a 66-12 victory against Sharks.

Richie Murphy's side's bonus-point 52-24 win over Exeter Chiefs on Friday night moved them level with fourth-placed Sharks on five points.

On Sunday, they needed already-qualified Bordeaux to beat Sharks by 29 points to have any chance of progressing on points difference.

Sharks started brightly in France and raced into a 12-point lead before Bordeaux fought back to hold a 19-12 advantage at half-time.

Damian Penaud scored a tournament-record six tries as a blistering second-half display as 47 unanswered points saw Bordeaux power past Sharks.

The heavy defeat for Sharks meant Ulster leapfrogged them into fourth place with a better points difference of -61 compared with Sharks' -87.

The win helped Bordeaux secure top spot in Pool 1 and home advantage in the next round where they will face Ulster in the first weekend in April.

Ulster were beaten 40-19 by Bordeaux when the sides met at the Kingspan Stadium in December.

Leinster, who topped Pool 2, will have home advantage against Harlequins in their next round tie.

Munster will travel to the Stade Marcel-Deflandre to face the 2022 and 2023 champions La Rochelle, who are managed by their former player Ronan O'Gara.

Connact will be at home to Cardiff in the next round of the Challenge Cup.

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Ulster head coach Richie Murphy says Friday's 52-24 victory over Exeter "is a massive win for us".

The eight-try win in Belfast keeps Ulster's hopes alive of progressing to the last-16 in the Investec Champions Cup.

Exeter made a blistering start and raced into a 12-0 lead, but Ulster rallied and went int the break tied at 17-17.

Ulster pulled away after the restart and, at a minimum, have secured Challenge Cup rugby no matter what happens in the Sharks' game with Bordeaux on Sunday.

Murphy's side need the Sharks to lose by more than 28 points and hope the South African side don't collect a bonus-point.

"We knew they had a massive pack and, in many ways, they had nothing to lose from coming here," Murphy told Premier Sports.

"They showed that in the first 10 minutes when they hit us really hard. We were a little bit naive in that but we stuck in the fight.

"Half-time was about just going through the things that we had planned and I thought the lads were brilliant in the second half.

"They really went after them and to score that amount of points - we're still a bit disappointed to let that one in at the end."

Murphy admitted there were "some really good bits and some pretty poor bits" from his injury-hit side - particularly in the first half.

"You get that when you have a lot of young lads out on the pitch and they are trying to learn and find their way in the Champions Cup – which is an extremely high level of rugby," he added.

"Some lads really found their feet tonight, Scott Wilson is 21 and scrummaging really well and got around the pitch.

"Jude Postlethwaite is 22, Ben Carson is 22, Jack (Murphy), Doaky (Nathan Doak) – they had a part to play in this win.

"A lot of the old boys did a really good job to keep the thing together, so to score eight tries gives us a chance to stay in the competition."

Jude McCann
BBC Sport NI

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Head coach Richie Murphy says Ulster must play to their strengths to overcome Exeter Chiefs in Friday's Investec Champions Cup encounter at Kingspan Stadium (20:00 GMT).

While both teams are winless in the Investec Champions Cup this season, a victory for either side would keep alive their slim chances of reaching the knockout stages.

"I think it's going to be a really tough game, obviously both teams haven't won in Europe yet so there's a prize in relation to that," Murphy told BBC Sport NI.

"We felt the second half of the Leicester game got away from us and we probably went into our shell a little bit.

"This week is all about going back to what we do well and trying to get the ball on the pitch, trying to play to the space."

Ulster have been forced to deal with a mounting injury list this season, especially in the backline with Rob Lyttle named on the bench for Friday's game after being brought in on a short-term deal to help cover the club's back-three shortages.

"There's a couple of boys coming back in now, we'll have that experience of Mikey Lowry whose being around for a long time now. Moore coming back in at full-back gives us something as well," added Murphy.

"Rob coming back into the front row settles that down a little bit as well."

Despite losing five of their past six games, Murphy believes Ulster are getting back on track.

"We're not happy with the results over the last couple of weeks," he admitted.

"But we feel like we're moving in the right direction so we've just got to keep building."

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As an Ulsterman who moved to England at a young age and became an Exeter Chiefs legend, Friday's Investec Champions Cup match between the sides at Kingspan Stadium is especially significant for Gareth Steenson.

Having failed to land a contract at Ulster, Steenson - who played for Ireland's under-19 and under-21 sides - joined then-Division One side Rotherham Titans in 2006 in a bid to revive his career.

After a year there and another with Cornish Pirates, he signed for Exeter Chiefs in 2008. It would become his home for 16 years.

During a 12-year playing career at Sandy Park, the fly-half was a key protagonist in the Chiefs' odyssey from second-tier obscurity to the Premiership summit, twice lifting the title in 2017 and 2020.

He was also part of the squad that won the Champions Cup in 2020 and retired that year as the club's all-time leading points scorer.

Having spent four years on the Chiefs' coaching staff, Steenson is back home working as a backs coach with City of Armagh.

"This is my home club, this is where I first started playing rugby all those years ago," he tells BBC Sport NI.

"I was a wee soccer lad but then I was brought along here when I was in primary school and that's where I learnt the game. And to come back now after all these years, it just feels sort of right, it's kind of coming full circle."

As a boyhood Ulster fan who was granted the Freedom of the City of Exeter a few years ago, Steenson admits Friday's game will be "strange" for him, like it was when he captained the Chiefs to a European Cup pool win over his home province in January 2017.

"I have a lot of friends who are going to be turning out for the Chiefs this weekend," said Steenson, who has been a regular Sportsound contributor on Ulster matches this season.

On the 2017 game, he added: "It was probably one of the proudest nights I've ever had, to captain Exeter Chiefs against Ulster on a Saturday night in the Heineken Cup...albeit I never expected myself not to be wearing a white jersey that night."

As for Friday's game, Steenson believes Ulster and Exeter are in a "similar place" with both sides having lost all three pool games this season.

"They're struggling for confidence, really, aren't they?," he said of the Chiefs.

"It's been a difficult campaign. The group they actually have, there's only one fellow in that squad who didn't play in the quarter-final of Europe last year against Toulouse.

"So, as much as they talk about them learning, there's still some experienced guys in there. The group that'll come across here, they'll get excited at the opportunity.

"They've got an opportunity this weekend to create history. Never has an Exeter Chiefs team won in a European Cup on Irish soil."

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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."

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Former Ireland and Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris says James McNabney has to relish the opportunity after his selection as a development player in Ireland's Six Nations squad.

The 21-year-old Ulster back row will travel to Portugal for the team's pre-tournament training camp before the opener against England on 1 February.

"It's an interesting selection because he certainly hasn't been Ulster's first-choice back row," said Ferris.

"He's very, very good with ball in hand. He's got a turn of pace. He's a big man as well. That's something that we've been crying out for in Ulster and of course with Ireland at times.

"It's a huge opportunity for him. He's got to go down there and relish it. You don't go down to the Irish camp and think you're a development player and just hide behind and not say too much. You want to absolutely get stuck in."

Uncapped Leinster prop Jack Boyle was named in Simon Easterby's squad, which was announced on Wednesday with a trio of Ulster players - Iain Henderson, Rob Herring and Cormac Izuchukwu - making the 36-man panel.

"It's obviously very much the same familiar faces that we're all accustomed to, that have represented Ireland and their province as well over the last five or six seasons.

"And off the back of the teams that are playing really well, they've got a number of players in there. All in all, [I'm] very pleased, lots of experience, and a number of players obviously at the top of their game.

"I don't think there's anybody clear and obvious that has been left out, and you would say, they should be nailed on. I think somebody like Stuart McCloskey or Jude Postlethwaite are maybe unlucky with the centres."

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Forwards coach Jimmy Duffy says Ulster "know exactly what we need to do" as they bid to extend their interest in European competition this season.

Despite three heavy defeats in the Investec Champions Cup pool stages, Ulster retain slim hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds ahead of Friday's home encounter with Exeter Chiefs.

In order to reach the next stage, Ulster would need:

• A bonus-point win over Exeter

• For the Sharks to lose against Bordeaux and not pick up a point

• To eliminate the 56-point difference between themselves and the Sharks

Failing that, a draw or victory of any kind over Exeter would secure passage into the last 16 of the Challenge Cup.

Ulster dropped into the second-tier competition last season after failing to progress in the Champions Cup, beating Montpellier in the round of 16 before a heavy quarter-final loss away to Clermont.

"I know where we are in everything," Duffy told reporters on Tuesday.

"It's all about those fundamentals. We go out to win every game, be smart and put ourselves in a position to win it and then we'll know what we need to do."

While Ulster's Champions Cup defeats have come at the hands of three in-form teams - Toulouse, Bordeaux and Leicester - Exeter have also struggled in this season's competition, with three defeats leaving the Premiership side with a points difference of -113 (Ulster are on -89).

The Chiefs have endured a difficult domestic campaign too, sitting second-from-bottom in the Premiership, but Duffy points to their recent 22-15 win over Gloucester as an example of their quality.

"We're playing against a very experienced side who have been close in games," added Duffy.

"[They] had a big win against Gloucester a couple of weeks ago so we know exactly what we need to do: number one, put ourselves in a position to win, minimise those errors that cost us last week and we'll chase what we need to chase."

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Ulster full-back Ethan McIlroy sustained a "significant" knee injury in Saturday's Investec Champions Cup defeat away to Leicester Tigers.

McIlroy, who was making his return from injury, was forced off after 22 minutes of the game at Welford Road after pulling up hurt when catching the ball.

Ulster said on Tuesday that the 24-year-old will visit a specialist to determine the extent of the injury.

Wing Zac Ward will follow return-to-play protocols after being forced off with a concussion midway through the second half.

In a boost to head coach Richie Murphy's back-three options, Michael Lowry and Stewart Moore have returned to full training ahead of Ulster's final Pool A match with Exeter Chiefs and will be assessed for selection.

First-choice hookers Rob Herring and Tom Stewart will also be monitored ahead of the game after returning to training from injury.

Progression in the Champions Cup is unlikely even if Ulster defeat Exeter on Friday; however, a draw or victory in Belfast would secure fifth in the pool and a place in the Challenge Cup.

Ulster have lost all three of their European matches so far this season, to Toulouse, Bordeaux and Leicester, while Exeter are also winless in the competition.

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Experienced Ulster forwards Eric O'Sullivan and John Andrew have signed contract extensions.

Loosehead prop O'Sullivan has penned a new deal until 2027 while hooker Andrew has committed his future to the club until 2026.

Dubliner O'Sullivan, 29, has made 125 appearances for the province since his debut in 2018.

"I feel very at home here and enjoy playing with of a great group of lads," said O'Sullivan.

"We are developing a squad for the future and I'm excited to be a part of that."

Ballymena native Andrew, 31, said he is "very happy" to have extended for another season.

"It's always an honour for me every chance I get to play for Ulster, and I'll be doing everything I can to contribute to the team both on and off the pitch for the rest of this season and beyond," said Andrew, who made his debut in 2015."

Mantej Mann
BBC Sport journalist

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Investec Champions Cup Pool 1

Leicester Tigers: (12) 38

Try: Bassett 3, Hassell-Collins 2, Perese Con: Pollard 2, Steward, Shillcock

Ulster: (10) 10

Try: Timoney Con: Doak Pen: Doak

Josh Bassett scored a hat-trick as Leicester Tigers recovered from a sloppy start to beat Ulster and secure qualification for the knockout stage of the Investec Champions Cup.

Ulster arrived at Welford Road without a point from their opening two games in Pool 1 but scored a surprise first try through Nick Timoney.

Leicester seemed undercooked in the freezing East Midlands conditions but Bassett opened his account with a fine finish out wide.

Nathan Doak's early penalty meant Ulster led as the clock ticked into the red at the end of the first half but the hosts still had time to nudge in front at the break after running another backs move for Bassett to double his tally.

An infuriated Michael Cheika was seen lambasting his players during the interval and Leicester were much improved after the break following their head coach's stern words.

Watching Bassett cross twice inspired fellow Tigers wing Ollie Hassell-Collins to join the act with two tries of his own as the hosts wrapped up the bonus point.

Bassett found more space close to the touchline to run clear for his third before Izaia Perese also crossed to add further gloss to the scoreline.

Tigers remain third with a final pool game at champions Toulouse to come next Sunday, while Ulster will need to beat Exeter with a bonus point and hope Sharks leave Bordeaux-Begles empty-handed to qualify.

Leicester warm up to the challenge

Leicester cruised past an under-strength Sharks side in their last Champions Cup outing but lacked the same fluency in the opening exchanges against Ulster.

Doak's penalty handed the Irish province the lead before Timoney was the beneficiary of a fortuitous bounce from a clearance kick which beat two covering Leicester defenders.

The hosts are trying to employ more width in their attacks but struggled for accuracy, though their intent eventually paid dividends when Bassett was fed wide for a clinical finish cutting back against the traffic.

The winger crossed by a similar method in the same corner to hand Tigers the lead at the break, and Cheika's side let the handbrake off in the second half.

Leicester made inroads with the pack before whipping the ball wide again for Hassell-Collins to score, before the winger doubled his tally soon after following some neat hands despite the bitter cold.

Bassett was not to be outdone by his wing partner and latched on to his own kick through for the hat-trick as the youthful Ulster backline failed to clear the danger, before Perese skipped through close to the same touchline for the final flurry.

Line-ups

Leicester Tigers: Steward; Bassett; Perese, Kata; Hassell-Collins; Pollard, Van Poortvliet; Smith, Montoya (capt), Heyes; Henderson, Holloway; Carnduff, Reffell, Cracknell.

Replacements: Clare, Whitcombe, Cole, Wells, Ilione, Youngs, Shillcock, Woodward.

Ulster: McIlroy; Kok; Carson, Postlewaite; Ward; Morgan, Doak; Warwick, Andrew, Wilson; Henderson (capt), Izuchukwu; McNabney, Timoney, McCann.

Replacements: McCormick, O'Sullivan, Barrett, Treadwell, Sheridan, Cooney, Murphy, Telfer.

Referee: Craig Evans (Wal)

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Ulster back row James McNabney says his confidence "is growing week by week" as he continues to establish himself as a regular starter in head coach Richie Murphy's team this season.

The 21-year-old made three appearances for the Irish province in the 2023-24 campaign but has featured in seven games to date this term, including six starting roles at either flanker or number eight.

McNabney has been on the field from the start in the wins over Glasgow Warriors and Connacht, as well as defeats by Bulls, Leinster, Toulouse and Munster.

"I knew within myself I had the capability, I just needed the opportunity," said McNabney before Saturday's Investec Champions Cup pool game against Leicester Tigers at Welford Road.

"Week by week confidence is growing and you can probably see that in my performances. As you get to know the players more the more you feel you can fit in and play round them."

McNabney did not play mini-rugby - his early sporting interest was focused more on horse riding - but he took up the game while a pupil at Cambridge House Grammar School.

The Ballymena native went on to be part of the 2022 and 2023 Ireland Under-20s Grand Slam-winning sides under Murphy, as well as being a member of the Ulster Rugby Academy, an opportunity to "mature and grow".

"It's probably a good thing I came the path I did. I was more raw when I started, getting to know different rules and the knowledge that I didn't have," said McNabney.

"If you had gone to more of a rugby school you'd have gone into that in more depth and not coming from that the more I get to know now the more I've excelled.

"Other people have maybe hit their ceiling whereas I'm moving on."

McNabney's laid-back approach to the game leaves him relatively unfazed by the prospect of facing Michael Cheika's English Premiership side but his determination to build on a URC win over Connacht in their last outing is clear.

"Every team you face are just 15 players and they are beatable so go out with confidence. I'll just take it in my stride and hopefully play well," he said.

"We know they're going to be a big physical side and we know what they're going to bring but you can only look at them so much because you need to focus on yourself and focus on the team.

"The win over Connacht was only one win. We need to back it up this week with a good performance."

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Head coach Richie Murphy says there is "always going to be speculation" after Ulster were linked with a move for coach Mark Sexton.

Sexton, brother of former Ireland fly-half Johnny, will leave Connacht at the end of the season to take up "a new opportunity".

Murphy said there is "potentially a new coaching position" at Ulster but did not say any more on Sexton.

"We're fairly a long way down the process of setting our coaching team for next year, but we're not finished yet," said Murphy.

"There are obviously a couple of coaches that are off contract at the end of the year that are currently with us.

"Over the next number of weeks we'll feel like we will be in a position to be able to clarify exactly what is happening next year.

"At this moment we are probably not there yet."

Sexton, who was promoted to Connacht's attack coach this season, previously worked with Murphy as Ireland won two Grand Slams in the Under-20s Six Nations.

"There is potentially a new coaching position within Ulster Rugby. There definitely is, and a restructuring of different roles as well.

"It's unfair, and it's unfinished at the moment, so I can't really confirm what that looks like."

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Michael Lowry is out of Ulster's Investec Champions Cup game against Leicester on Saturday after being added to the Irish province's lengthy injury list but Iain Henderson will be available for the Welford Road game.

Utility back Lowry suffered a thigh muscle injury in the win over Connacht on 28 December.

Hooker Rob Herring was a late withdrawal from the game in Galway after sustaining a calf injury in the warm-up and his fitness will be monitored this week.

Ireland lock Henderson will join Ethan McIlroy and Callum Reid in being available for selection after a recent absence while Stewart Moore has resumed squad training following a thigh injury.

Henderson missed the games over the Christmas period against Munster and Connacht after sustaining an injury in the Champions Cup home defeat by Bordeaux.

Ireland internationals Jacob Stockdale (hamstring), Stuart McCloskey (hamstring), Robert Baloucoune (calf), Tom Stewart (hamstring) and James Hume (knee) are among Ulster's injury absentees with Ben Moxham (knee) and Sean Reffell (ankle) also ruled out of the Leicester contest.

Tom O'Toole will miss Saturday's game after being handed a six-game suspension which will rule him out of Ulster's next three matches and Ireland's opening two Six Nations fixtures against England and Scotland.

O'Toole was red carded against Munster and served the first game of his suspension when missing the Connacht game.