Ulster secured a hard-fought 29-12 victory over Exeter Chiefs in the Challenge Cup semi-final at Belfast's Affidea Stadium on Saturday, booking their place in the final for the first time in two decades.
The hosts, seeking their first silverware since 2006, overcame a tense first half and a sin-bin period to pull away with three second-half tries. Juarno Augustus opened the scoring for Ulster in the 26th minute, crashing over from close range after sustained pressure. Exeter responded through Ross Vintcent, who capitalized on Ulster being reduced to 14 men following Jacob Stockdale's yellow card for a high tackle. However, Nathan Doak's penalty on the stroke of halftime gave Ulster a 10-7 lead at the break.
Ulster came out firing in the second half. Jack Murphy raced onto a clever pass from Doak to extend the lead, and David McCann added another try to put the home side firmly in control. Tom Stewart sealed the win with a try from a rolling maul, making it 29-7 before Exeter's Campbell Ridl scored a late consolation try in stoppage time.
Ulster's youthful side, coached by Richie Murphy, will now face either Montpellier or Dragons in the final on 22 May in Bilbao. For Exeter, the focus shifts back to Premiership Rugby as they prepare to host Bath on 10 May.