Ulster Rugby Reach Challenge Cup Semi-Finals with Dominant Win Over La Rochelle
Ulster Rugby have booked their place in the EPCR Challenge Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2012, defeating French giants La Rochelle 41-24 in a dominant quarter-final display at Affidea Stadium in Belfast on Friday 10 April 2026.
The Belfast province produced a commanding performance in wet and windy conditions, with Zac Ward scoring a brace of tries and Nathan Doak named Player of the Match after contributing nine points from the tee in a result that delighted a passionate home crowd.
Background
Ulster's path to the quarter-finals included a 28-24 victory over Ospreys in the Round of 16. La Rochelle, a formidable European club that won back-to-back Champions Cup titles in 2022 and 2023, had dropped down to the Challenge Cup from the Champions Cup pool stages and were managed by celebrated Irish coach Ronan O'Gara. Despite their pedigree, La Rochelle arrived in Belfast with a significantly weakened squad, resting key players for their domestic Top 14 league campaign.
Key Developments
Ulster established an early lead with Zac Ward scoring the opening try from a lineout move just five minutes into the match. Nathan Doak converted and added a penalty to extend the advantage. Tom O'Toole and Cormac Izuchukwu — the latter on his 50th appearance for the province — added further tries in the first half, with Ulster leading 24-10 at the break despite Judicaël Cancoriet scoring a converted try for La Rochelle.
The second half saw Ulster extend their lead further. Zac Ward scored his second try before Bryn Ward and replacement hooker James McCormick added further scores. La Rochelle responded with tries from Tolu Latu and Joel Sclavi, but it was not enough to threaten Ulster's dominance. Jake Flannery kicked an excellent conversion to bring Ulster's total to 41 points.
Head coach Richie Murphy praised his players' effort and determination after the final whistle, commending the team for rolling up their sleeves to secure the crucial win.
Why It Matters
The result is a significant achievement for Ulster and for Belfast rugby. Reaching a European semi-final for the first time in over a decade represents genuine progress for a province that has been rebuilding under Murphy's guidance. The victory over a club of La Rochelle's stature — even a weakened version — demonstrates that Ulster can compete at the highest level of European club rugby.
For Belfast fans, the prospect of a potential home semi-final adds further excitement. Ulster will face the winner of the quarter-final between Benetton Rugby and Exeter Chiefs — and if Exeter prevail, Ulster could host another home tie in the last four.
What's Next
Ulster will now await the outcome of the Benetton vs Exeter Chiefs quarter-final to learn their semi-final opponents. The Challenge Cup semi-finals are scheduled for later in April, with Ulster hoping to continue their European campaign and push for a place in the final.
Full match report at BBC Sport and The Irish News.
