After a season of uncertainty, Ulster have found their stride at the perfect time. Just 12 months ago, the direction of the club was unclear, but now the path is unmistakable: Bilbao awaits for the Challenge Cup final.

Saturday's commanding 29-12 victory over Exeter Chiefs in Belfast was more than just a semi-final win—it was a statement. This young Ulster side has shaken off the weight of history, advancing to their first trophy opportunity in two decades. The last piece of silverware came in 2006 with the Celtic League title, a drought that has tested even the most loyal supporters.

Head coach Richie Murphy was quick to deflect talk of past semi-final heartbreaks. Ulster had let leads slip against the Stormers in the 2022 URC semi-final and against Leicester Tigers in the previous year's Challenge Cup. But this group is different. "I heard it all week, 'Ulster are never good in semi-finals. They don't win semi-finals,'" Murphy said. "Well, this Ulster team has never been in a semi-final before."

He's right. Of the starting XV that fell to the Stormers in Cape Town, only five—Tom O'Toole, Iain Henderson, Nick Timoney, Stuart McCloskey, and Ethan McIlroy—featured against Exeter. This squad plays without the burden of past failures, embracing the fresh opportunity ahead.

Now, Ulster await the winner between Montpellier and Dragons for the May 22 final. "When we get to that in three weeks' time, we'll be doing everything that we can to make sure that we're at our very best over there," Murphy added.

The celebrations in Belfast's sunshine lasted long after the final whistle, a glimpse of what could be a historic moment for a club ready to write a new chapter. For fans who have waited nearly 20 years, the hope is real—and so is the belief.