Why Ulster’s Challenge Cup final could be massive for Munster and Connacht
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Champions Cup race.
Ulster’s place in the Challenge Cup final could have major knock-on consequences for both Munster and Connacht as the URC season reaches its final round.
Richie Murphy’s side will face Montpellier in Bilbao later this month after booking their place in the final with a convincing semi-final win over Exeter Chiefs. But while a first major trophy in 20 years would be a huge moment for Ulster, it could also complicate the Champions Cup picture for the rest of the Irish provinces.
As things stand, Munster sit sixth in the URC table on 51 points, while Cardiff and Ulster are level on 50 points just behind them. Connacht remain right in the hunt on 49 points heading into the final weekend of the regular season.
Normally, finishing inside the top eight would be enough to secure Champions Cup rugby. But if Ulster win the Challenge Cup and then finish outside the top eight, they would qualify through Europe instead — meaning only the top seven from the URC table would qualify through league position.
That is where things suddenly become very uncomfortable for Munster and Connacht.
Munster host the Lions in Thomond Park, knowing a win would likely remove any unnecessary drama. But anything less could drag them into a dangerous final-day scramble depending on bonus points and results elsewhere.
Connacht’s situation is even tighter.
They travel to Edinburgh already sitting outside the top eight and realistically needing a win to have any chance of climbing into the Champions Cup places. But Ulster lifting the Challenge Cup could make the equation even harder, because squeezing into eighth may no longer be enough.
Ulster themselves still have work to do domestically, too. They host top-of-the-table Glasgow Warriors in a huge final-round clash and could still secure their Champions Cup place outright through the league.
That means Irish rugby could head into the final weekend with all three provinces effectively fighting over what may only be two remaining Champions Cup spots.
And suddenly, Ulster’s European final is not just an Ulster story anymore
