With Ulster hosting a European Cup Semi-Final in Belfast for the first time since 1999, excitement is building for what promises to be a cracker between two strong sides.
The province continue to fight on two fronts, aiming to reach a European Semi-Final while being firmly in the battle for the top eight of the BKT United Rugby Championship.
Richie Murphy's team have showcased their exciting potential throughout the Challenge Cup campaign, and are one of the most prolific attacking sides in Europe.
The province are unbeaten at home in Europe this season and have registered 210 points from their six Challenge Cup fixtures thus far.
Secure your Semi-Final tickets!
Limited tickets are still available for this huge European Semi-Final clash at Affidea Stadium. To purchase, click on the link below:
Match Details
🤝 Ulster Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
🗓 Saturday 2 May 2026, Kick Off 17.30
🏟 Affidea Stadium
🏆 EPCR Challenge Cup Semi-Final
📺 Live on Premier Sports
The Opposition
Rob Baxter's Exeter side have enjoyed a resurgence this year, following a tough 2024-25 campaign.
They sit fourth in the Gallagher PREM standings after 14 rounds, in prime position for the play-offs.
In a close Round 14 battle with Gloucester Rugby at Kingsholm Stadium, the Chiefs were edged by three points in a 34-31 defeat.
Their European Challenge Cup campaign has been very strong, with two very impressive performances against Munster at Sandy Park in the Round of 16 and a thrilling last gasp 44-41 away victory against Italian side, Benetton, in the Quarter-Final.
In putting a total of 75 points past the two URC sides, Baxter's side showed their attacking ability, with explosive backs to compliment their power up front.
Exeter have showed this season that they can be strong in all aspects of the match, with the international experience of players such as Henry Slade (England) and Stephen Varney (Italy) helping the Chiefs to manage their way through tight matches.
Road to the Semi-Final
Ulster Rugby:
R1: Ulster Rugby 61-7 Racing 92
R2: Cardiff Rugby 29-26 Ulster Rugby
R3: Toyota Cheetahs 0-28 Ulster Rugby
R4: Ulster Rugby 26-19 Stade Francais Paris
RD16: Ulster Rugby 28-24 Ospreys
QF: Ulster Rugby 41-24 La Rochelle
Exeter Chiefs:
RD1: Exeter Chiefs 42-12 Toyota Cheetahs
RD2: Racing 92 31-31 Exeter Chiefs
RD3: Stade Francais Paris 27-25 Exeter Chiefs
RD4: Exeter Chiefs 31-0 Cardiff Rugby
RD16: Exeter Chiefs 31-21 Munster Rugby
QF: Benetton Rugby 41-44 Exeter Chiefs
Fixture Rewind
Ulster Rugby 52-24 Exeter Chiefs, Investec Champions Cup, Pool Stage, 16 January 2025
The last time the two sides met in Europe was an Investec Champions Cup Pool Stage victory for Ulster in Belfast.
Cormac Izuchukwu scored his first senior hat trick in a memorable home win for the province.
After falling behind at 0-12, Ulster rallied well and tries from Izuchukwu and David McCann levelled the scoreline up.
Rus Tuima would grab the away side's third try, before Ulster's Nick Timoney ensured both sides went into the break level at 17-17.
Ulster went up several gears in the second half, with tries from Herring, Izuchukwu (2), Ben Carson and David McCann all adding scores.
Zack Wimbush's late try was a consolation for the visitors, who faced a confident Ulster side in Belfast.
Players to watch
Henry Slade:
A composed and highly skilled back, Slade has been a central figure for both Exeter Chiefs and England national team. Primarily operating at inside centre, he is known for his distribution, tactical kicking, and defensive organisation, often acting as a second playmaker in the backline.
Slade emerged through Exeter’s academy system and played a key role in their rise to domestic and European success, including their 2020 Premiership and Champions Cup double. His ability to read the game and execute under pressure has made him a reliable presence in big matches.
Against Benetton in the Quarter-Final, his match-winning penalty in the dying minutes showed his composure under intense pressure.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso:
A powerful and explosive outside back, 23-year-old Feyi-Waboso has quickly built a reputation as one of the most exciting young talents at Exeter Chiefs and for the English national side. The winger combines pace, strength, and sharp footwork, making him a constant threat in broken play and one-on-one situations. His solo effort against Munster in the Round of 16 victory showed his footwork and acceleration to beat oncoming defenders.
Tom Hooper:
A Wallaby international forward with 17 caps, 25-year-old Hooper is a strong force in the forward pack for Exeter Chiefs since joining from Super Rugby side ACT Brumbies last year.
Comfortable across the back row and at lock, he brings versatility, work rate, and aggression at the breakdown, regularly contributing with carries over the gainline and dominant tackles.
