No scars and a reset – how Ulster’s fortunes changedImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, With a blend of youth and experience, Ulster are one game away from ending their 20-year trophy droughtByAndy GrayBBC Sport NI JournalistPublished44 minutes agoWhen Ulster finished third from bottom in the United Rugby Championship last year, a lot of questions were being asked about the direction of the Irish province.Not only did they miss out the URC play-offs, but they also fell short of qualification for Champions Cup rugby.A year on, Ulster beat Exeter Chiefs on Saturday to book their place in the Challenge Cup final.Richie Murphy’s side have the opportunity to end a 20-year trophy drought when they face Montpellier in the final in Bilbao on 22 May.
It has been a remarkable turnaround, and flanker Nick Timoney recognises “not many people would have been putting money on us being in a final this year”.
“The opportunity is there in front of us now,” he reported. “We’ve got to go take it because I know from personal experience, and a lot of us do, they’re rare opportunities.”
When asked what had changed in the space of a year, Timoney reported: “It feels like a lot, obviously.”
The 30-year-old Ireland back row added: “We all knew at the time it wasn’t good enough, but it’s sometimes hard to reflect when you’re in the moment and you’re going week to week.
“You feel like you’re trying your best, but it’s not working and then that leads to frustration and lack of confidence and all that.”
