URC · Roundup

URC — Sunday 24 May 2026

Sunday 24 May 2026

Match of the Day

Ulster take on Montpellier in EPCR Challenge Cup Final

The focus today shifts from the league action and into the deep cup runs, as Ulster travel to Bilbao for the EPCR Challenge Cup final against Montpellier. The semi-final victory three weeks ago saw the squad defeat Exeter Chiefs 29-12. For the Ulstermen, the game carries immense weight, promising a chance to secure silverware and, crucially, Champions Cup rugby for the following season.

A major talking point surrounding the Ulster side is the quick turnaround of Robert Baloucoune. The winger has recovered rapidly from an elbow injury and has been parachuted into the starting line-up, replacing a fellow international who underwent facial surgery. This suggests a level of squad depth and immediate recovery capacity required for a high-stakes final.

Head coach Murphy was clear about the team’s mindset heading into the trip, acknowledging that while they are disappointed the final is not the culmination of their league ambitions, it provides them a perfect focal point. “So it gives us full focus on what’s ahead,” Murphy stated. He stressed that despite some players potentially viewing this as their last appearance in a European Cup final, the message is clear: they must attack the week with maximum intensity.

Talking Point

Former Leinster player Dunne criticized the supposed "rigidity" of Irish coaching, suggesting the nation relies too heavily on possession rugby in knockout games, where better kicking and disciplined defense are superior tools.

Stats

Ulster defeated Exeter Chiefs 29-12 in the Challenge Cup semi-final.
McCloskey received the OCC Consulting Men’s 15s Players’ Player of the Year award.
Moloney-MacDonald, fresh from helping Ireland to a memorable third place finish in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations, won the OCC Consulting Women’s 15s Players’ Player of the Year award.
Clíodhna Moloney-MacDonald’s awards were given by her fellow players at the 2026 Rugby Players Ireland Awards.

Other Results & News

McCloskey and Moloney-MacDonald secured the top honors at the Rugby Players Ireland Awards. Lloyd Williams has announced he is hanging up his boots at the end of the season, concluding a remarkable career that saw him win 32 caps for Wales. Gareth Evans criticized the Dragons’ signing of Super Rugby scrum-half Ere Enari, questioning its impact on the development pathway for young Welsh nines.

Quote of the Day

“
“To me, there’s a rigidity in Irish coaching. We will always work hard, we’ll always play possession rugby, but when it comes to knockout rugby everyone else has worked out that less possession, better kicking, disciplined defence, a good lineout and scrum is generally enough.”

Next Up

Next FixtureCheck fixtures for next round

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