URC — Saturday 23 May 2026

The brutality of the final score—Montpellier defeating Ulster 59-26—was overshadowed only by the lack of URC action, but the result still sends ripples through the back paddock. Ulster opened with intent, spearheaded by a third-minute try from captain Nick Timoney after sustained pressure on the Montpellier line. However, the French side overwhelmingly shut down any chance of a comeback, adding to their titles secured in 2015-16 and 2020-21. The massive margin of defeat confirmed the qualification of the Lions and Connacht from the URC for Europe’s premier tournament next season, a critical development for the league standings.

For Ulster, the devastating loss also confirmed that the Champions Cup ambition was out of reach. Heading into the final, head coach Murphy stated, "A lot of these players, it could be their first and it could be their last time they play in a European Cup final," adding weight to the season’s heartbreak. Despite the disappointment of missing the URC play-offs, the ultimate prize remains the opportunity to challenge for silverware, which the Ulstermen are determined to pursue.