Ulster Rugby is once again on the cusp of a major final, preparing to clash with Exeter Chiefs in the European Challenge Cup semi-finals. This pivotal match offers a chance to break a significant trophy dry spell, which dates back to their 2006 Celtic League victory. As the team looks forward to potentially securing a spot in the Bilbao final, it's worth reflecting on their past five semi-final appearances across different competitions. These encounters have been a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring dramatic finishes, unexpected turnarounds, and some difficult defeats, painting a complex picture of the club's recent history in crucial knockout stages.
One of the most heart-wrenching semi-final defeats occurred during the 2021-22 United Rugby Championship (URC) season. Ulster, playing away in South Africa, found themselves just moments away from a memorable victory against the Stormers. Despite leading 15-10 at halftime and maintaining a man advantage in the final ten minutes after an opponent's red card, fate had a cruel twist in store. A last-gasp try by Warrick Gelant, followed by a difficult but successful conversion from Manie Libbok, snatched a 17-15 victory for the Stormers, leaving Ulster to rue a missed opportunity that felt within their grasp.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered the landscape of sports, leading to matches being played in empty stadiums. This era saw Ulster reach two semi-finals. In the 2020-21 Challenge Cup, they traveled to face Leicester Tigers, their first European semi-final appearance since 2012. Ulster held an 11-point lead at the break, but Leicester surged back in the second half, securing a win with quickfire tries and a decisive late penalty, sending Ulster out of the competition.
However, the 2019-20 URC semi-final, also affected by the pandemic, brought a different outcome for Ulster. After rugby resumed behind closed doors, Ulster secured a semi-final berth against Edinburgh. Despite falling behind significantly, Ulster mounted a remarkable comeback, leveling the scores with minutes to spare. Ian Madigan then converted a long-range penalty after the clock had expired, sending Ulster to the final in a thrilling finish, even though they ultimately lost to Leinster in the championship match.
Prior to these dramatic contests, Ulster experienced a crushing defeat in the 2018-19 URC semi-final against Glasgow. With the hope of giving retiring club legends Rory Best and Darren Cave a triumphant farewell, Ulster was instead dismantled in a 50-20 rout. Glasgow delivered a stellar performance, with multiple players scoring tries, highlighting a significant gap between the two sides on the day.
Further back, in the 2015-16 Pro12 season, Ulster faced Leinster in another semi-final. Despite entering the match with strong momentum from their regular season performance, they were unable to overcome their Irish rivals. Leinster, buoyed by early scores and the support of celebrity attendees like Rory McIlroy and Niall Horan, secured a dominant 30-18 victory, consigning Ulster to yet another semi-final exit.
As Ulster prepares for their upcoming challenge against Exeter, the team carries with them a history of both near misses and moments of triumph in semi-final stages. The journey to a final has often been fraught with intense competition and unexpected turns. Each past encounter, whether a hard-fought victory or a painful defeat, has contributed to the club's narrative and fuels their ongoing ambition to secure championship glory.
