Ulster aims to salvage their season by winning the Challenge Cup final against Montpellier on May 22. Captain Nick Timoney emphasizes the team's commitment to thorough preparation after a disappointing regular season.
Key points
Ulster faces Montpellier in the Challenge Cup final
Nick Timoney is set to captain Ulster
Ulster aims to win their first trophy in 20 years
The final is on May 22 in Bilbao
Ulster's playoff hopes were dashed by a loss to Glasgow Warriors
Timoney is set to captain Ulster in their European final with Iain Henderson suspended for the Bilbao decider [Getty Images]
Ulster's Nick Timoney said that his side will "make sure nothing is left unturned" in preparing for their Challenge Cup final against Montpellier.
Richie Murphy's side are reeling from a final regular season defeat to Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship which meant their hope of reaching the play-offs, and the Champions Cup qualification that comes with it, is out of their hands.
Ulster can still qualify for the top tier of Europe next season but must beat Montpellier in the decider in Bilbao on 22 May and Timoney insists all focus now must be on going into the final "all guns blazing" to win the province's first trophy in 20 years.
"We're all aware of what's at stake and what it will mean to people. Fans, friends and family all going over, scrambling to get flights and accommodation," he said.
"There hasn't been a trophy since 20 years ago which is a historic statistic. It means the same to us as the fans, so we'll make sure nothing is left unturned for next week.
"We've had a tough run of games in the league and there probably have been comedowns after big semi-finals and quarter-finals.
"It's disappointing, but at least we've managed to give ourselves a final and have that to look forward to."
Ulster's defence 'needs to go up a level or two' in final
Q&A
What is the date of the Challenge Cup final between Ulster and Montpellier?
The Challenge Cup final is scheduled for May 22.
Who is captain of Ulster for the Challenge Cup final?
Nick Timoney will captain Ulster in the Challenge Cup final.
Why does Ulster need to win the Challenge Cup final?
Ulster needs to win to qualify for the Champions Cup next season and to secure their first trophy in 20 years.
What was Ulster's recent performance in the United Rugby Championship?
Ulster suffered a final regular season defeat to Glasgow Warriors, eliminating their playoff hopes.
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Ulster players dejected at full-time
Should Ulster miss out on the play-offs, they would be the first side to surpass 50 points but not qualify for the top eight in the URC [Getty Images]
Ulster looked to have clinched a top-eight place at the Affidea Stadium after they had come from behind in the second half to lead by a point with 12 minutes remaining.
The Warriors, however, were not to be denied a win that earned them top spot in the standings, as they won the game with a late try from Kyle Rowe.
It proved to be another frustrating outing in Belfast for Ulster following on from their dramatic 38-38 draw with Stormers the last time out, with Timoney disappointed that they couldn't get over the line in both games on home soil.
"Two home games to finish the season against teams one and two in the table, but you've got to be backing yourself to win at home, so it's disappointing we haven't got it done," he added.
"Similar to last week, probably some great stuff in attack but then they had some great stuff in attack and we couldn't stop it.
"It's probably another cracker of a game to watch if you're a neutral. We want half of that, to be an exciting team to watch. It's hard to put your finger on it, a lot of little moments, but not enough of them went our way.
"There's no looking past next week, so while this is disappointing, there's an opportunity to salvage something."
Timoney, who will likely captain Ulster in the European final with Iain Henderson suspended and Stuart McCloskey out injured, believes that the "real fight and spirit" Ulster have shown this season will stand them in good stead to respond against Montpellier.
The 30-year-old conceded that while their defence was "better" against Glasgow it "still needs to go up a level or two" in the final if they are to get over the line.
"We're going to struggle if we're conceding as many points as we have. We spent a lot of time on it this week and saw a few areas of improvement, but need to go again and when we make it harder for teams to score against us, we've shown how dangerous we are.
"Going into a final sometimes the technicalities of the rugby are secondary to the spirit you take into it, so I guess there's a big positive there for us.
"In the past or last season probably we would have laid down against Glasgow and taken a bit more of a beating whereas we fought back and stayed in the fight against a really good team."
