Ulster are vying for their first piece of silverware in 20 years as they face Montpellier in the Challenge Cup final.
One game from history.
Ulster’s season culminates in a pivotal 80 minutes as they take on Montpellier in the Challenge Cup final.
With no play-offs to follow, this final presents the team’s sole opportunity for success this season.
Victory in Bilbao is imperative for their campaign.
Richie Murphy’s side narrowly missed out on the United Rugby Championship play-off places for the second consecutive year.
This also meant they failed to secure automatic qualification for next season’s Champions Cup.
However, they have a chance to rebound in what is the province’s biggest game in 14 years, since their Champions Cup final defeat to Leinster.
Winning would not only end Ulster’s two-decade trophy drought but also secure their place in Europe’s top tier next season.
The stakes are high, but Ulster are confident they can upset the Top 14 side.
“We’ve come this far and I think we are a good enough team,” said Nick Timoney, adding that captaining the side in the absence of the suspended Iain Henderson would be an “unbelievable honour.”
“We’re not just here to go out and give it a crack, we’re in a place as a team where we want to go and win.”
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In Bilbao, northern Spain, which is hosting European rugby finals for the second time, Ulster experienced the San Mames Stadium during Thursday’s captain’s run.
Despite the magnitude of the occasion, the session was marked by smiles and laughter rather than overt tension.
Though missing key players such as Henderson and the injured Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale and Rob Herring, Ulster displayed unity as the wider squad participated in the captain’s run, integrating both football and rugby ball warm-ups.
There were no signs of lingering disappointment from Friday’s narrow defeat by Glasgow Warriors, which cost them a top-eight spot in the URC.
“It’s a week that’s not difficult to get up for,” said hooker Tom Stewart.
“We’ve all said it, being in a cup final doesn’t come around too often. It has been a special time for the boys.
“It has been special to get behind Nick and watch how he has taken the team, and watch boys grow into the opportunity that is in front of them.”
Montpellier v Ulster
Challenge Cup final
Friday, 22 May at 20:00 BST
Listen on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster; Build-up and live text on BBC Sport app & website
With temperatures expected to reach 27 degrees Celsius at kick-off, Ulster will contend with both the elements and their opponents.
The San Mames Stadium is home to Spanish La Liga side Athletic Bilbao, who have recently enjoyed a resurgence with silverware.
While the 1999 European Cup remains their greatest achievement, Ulster’s last trophy came in 2006 with the Celtic League, marking a long wait for players and fans alike.
“Just embrace it and love it. They are unbelievably special occasions,” Timoney advised younger players.
“I’ve been around long enough to know that these days are rare at best, so you just have to love every second of it.
“Hopefully we have a great day and we can kick on, and use it as a platform to launch ourselves on to bigger and better things.
“It has been a long wait, and for our fans and players, we owe it to ourselves to give it everything.”
Ulster showed plenty of smiles during the captain’s run at the San Mames Stadium.
Stewart echoed Timoney’s sentiments. At 25, he is in the early stages of his career but has emerged as a young leader within the team.
“Everyone thinks, and hopes, these opportunities are going to come around all the time, but they don’t.
“It’s special and it’s not something we take lightly or take for granted. It’s one we are really going to relish.”
Although present in Bilbao, Stewart’s thoughts remain in Belfast, considering the history displayed at the Affidea Stadium.
Having been just five years old when Ulster last lifted silverware, he visited Ravenhill as a child, dreaming of the moment he will experience on Friday.
In short, “it means more for an Ulster team”.
“Unfortunately there hasn’t been lots of it [silverware] so we really do put all of our eggs in one basket when it comes to it. It would be nice to be part of history that way.
“Growing up it has been my home club. I wanted to play here and you can only dream of being in a final.
“For it to be in front of our faces, and for us to put our own stamp on Ulster, it would be incredibly special.”