Ulster Edges Ospreys 28-24 to Secure Challenge Cup Quarter-Final Spot
An efficient Ulster side triumphed over Ospreys with a score of 28-24 in a thrilling encounter at Affidea Stadium, advancing to the Challenge Cup quarter-finals. Ospreys, who reached the last eight in the previous two seasons, led 17-14 at halftime, thanks to tries from Reuben Morgan-Williams and Dan Kasende. However, with the wind at their backs in the second half, Ulster mounted a comeback. Jacob Stockdale and Nick Timoney both crossed the line, securing a narrow victory despite a late try from Ospreys being disallowed. Looking ahead, Ulster will face La Rochelle in a home quarter-final on Friday, 10 April in Belfast. The match, played under challenging conditions due to Storm Dave, started with early pressure from Ulster, culminating in Cormac Izuchukwu scoring the opening try at the four-minute mark. Ospreys responded quickly, with Morgan-Williams scoring their first try at nine minutes, followed by Kasende extending their lead to ten points with his try at the 20-minute mark. Edwards added a penalty, but Ulster struck back with Dave McCann grounding the ball just before the break. In the second half, Ulster regained the lead with Stockdale's try and extended their advantage with Timoney's fourth try at 56 minutes. Ospreys' captain Morgan received a yellow card shortly after. They managed to narrow the gap with a penalty try but were denied a last-minute victory when a potential try by Kieran Hardy was ruled out due to a forward pass. Ulster's lineup included: McIlroy, Kok, Hume, McCloskey, Stockdale, Flannery, Doak, among others. Ospreys featured Walsh, Kasende, Watkin, K Williams, and Morgan (captain), with both teams displaying commendable resilience throughout the match.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-04-04