Ulster's Ethan McIlroy is keeping his feet firmly on the ground, even after a historic European semi-final victory. With the United Rugby Championship play-offs looming, the 25-year-old insists the squad is fully focused on securing a top-eight finish, despite a recent dip in form.

Back-to-back losses to Leinster and Munster have seen Richie Murphy's side slip from third to eighth in the URC standings, with just two regular-season games remaining. While a Challenge Cup final showdown against Montpellier later this month could secure a return to the elite Investec Champions Cup, McIlroy says silverware in both competitions remains the goal.

"It's not really in our thoughts right now, not making the top eight," the back-three player said. "We all believe and we're all confident we can at least make the top eight if we put good performances out against the Stormers and Glasgow at home."

McIlroy's return from an anterior cruciate ligament injury—sustained against Leicester in January 2025—has been a boost for the province. After missing the first half of the season, he came off the bench to replace Jacob Stockdale in the semi-final win over Exeter Chiefs, helping Ulster reach their first European final in 14 years.

But the former Ireland Under-20 international isn't getting carried away. Despite the buzz in the dressing room after that victory, he says reality hit quickly as they prepared to host URC leaders Stormers at Affidea Stadium on Friday.

"You have to come right back down to Earth," McIlroy explained. "You're told pretty quickly that's where you need to be. You walk in on Monday, there's obviously still an excitement around the place and it's special, but there's no time to be living up in the clouds."

"It's the Stormers, who are top of the table, coming here and it's a pivotal game with where we are in the table. Getting top eight is still a massive thing for us."