Ulster secured their Quarter-Final spot in dramatic fashion at the GGL Stadium, defeating Montpellier by 17-40 in the Round of 16.
Ulster went behind in the contest and went into half-time ten points behind, at 17-7 to Montpellier. After fast start to the second period, a red card for the home side gave Ulster a man advantage which was a major turning point in the game. As Ulster piled on the pressure, the French side lost their discipline and saw two yellows as Ulster romped home in a 17-40 victory. You can read the full match report about the memorable away day here.
Three time Challenge Cup champions, Clermont, go into the fixture following their 27-22 Round of 16 home victory over Toyota Cheetahs. The home side made a great start in the game, running in three tries before the break. Wings Joris Jurand and Bautista Delguy penning their names on the scoresheet with hooker Etienne Fourcade also crossing.
Fly-half Anthony Belleau contributed a trio of successful kicks – one penalty and a pair of conversions.
Replacement scrum-half Baptiste Jauneau added a fourth try early in the second period to put the hosts up 27-3. Cheetahs fought back with three tries of their own to give the home side a massive scare before they had their Quarter-Final spot secured.
It continues the French side's impressive form in the competition, after finishing second in pool 3 following three wins from four.
Form Guide (All Competitions)
Ulster Rugby: WLL
Montpellier Hérault Rugby 17-40 Ulster Rugby (EPCR Challenge Cup, Round of 16)
DHL Stormers 13-7 Ulster Rugby (BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 13)
Hollywoodbets Sharks 22-12 Ulster Rugby (BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 12)
ASM Clermont Auvergne: WLW
ASM Clermont Auvergne 27-22 Toyota Cheetahs (EPCR Challenge Cup, Round of 16)
Racing 92 26-10 ASM Clermont Auvergne (TOP 14, Round 20)
ASM Clermont Auvergne 31-28 Pau Rugby (TOP 14, Round 19)
Match details
🏟️ Stade Marcel-Michelin Stadium
📅 Saturday 13 April
🕰️ 12.30pm UK/Ire time / 1.30pm local
🏆 EPCR Challenge Cup, Quarter-Final
📺 TNT Sports
📻 BBC Sport NI
Last time out
Ulster claimed a historic first-ever win at the Stade Marcel-Michelin in 2021. The Heineken Champions Cup Round 1 match saw double world cup winner, Duane Vermeulen, make his first start for the province and a 150th Ulster cap for Sean Reidy.
Stu McCloskey and Nick Timoney scored tries for the province on the night, with John Cooney scoring five penalties.
The French side made it a tight contest, with French international wing, Damian Penaud, scoring two impressive tries and JJ Hanrahan scoring three penalties.
Cooney was the player of the match on the night, with the sharp-shooter nailing 7 out of 7 conversions on the night.
You can read the full report from the match here.
Players to watch
Pita Gus Sowakula - An powerful flanker who has been capped by the All-Blacks, Sowakula joined the French TOP14 side in 2023 after playing Super Pacific Rugby with the Gallagher Chiefs.
Bautista Delguy - An Argentina international winger, Delguy, is known for his lightning-fast speed, exceptional work rate, and ability to finish scoring opportunities. Delguy has 7 tries from 14 appearances this season and will look to continue his attacking form in the latter stages of the season.
