Ulster Edge Exeter 10-7 at Half-Time in Challenge Cup Semi-Final

Key facts

• Juarno Augustus opened the scoring for Ulster with a try on 28 minutes.
• Ross Vintcent equalised for Exeter while Ulster's Jacob Stockdale was in the sin bin.
• Nathan Doak kicked a penalty to give Ulster a 10-7 lead at half-time.
• Ulster are without injured Australia prop Angus Bell and centre James Hume.
• Exeter are missing suspended back row Ethan Roots, Greg Fisilau, Paul Brown-Bampoe and captain Jack Yeandle.
• Exeter won the European Champions Cup in 2020; Ulster last won silverware in 2006.
• The winner will face either Montpellier or Dragons in the final in Bilbao on 22 May.
• Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter said the next month will define their season.

Ulster Take Narrow Lead into Break

Ulster hold a 10-7 advantage over Exeter Chiefs at half-time in their European Challenge Cup semi-final at the Affidea Stadium in Belfast. The hosts opened the scoring through a try from Juarno Augustus on 28 minutes, but Exeter responded swiftly while Ulster's Jacob Stockdale was serving time in the sin bin, with Ross Vintcent crossing for a try to level the scores at 7-7. Nathan Doak then kicked a penalty to restore Ulster's lead just before the interval.

Key Injuries and Suspensions Shape Line-Ups

Both sides are missing key personnel for this crucial fixture. Ulster are without Australia prop Angus Bell and centre James Hume due to injury. Exeter, meanwhile, are forced to field a side without suspended back row players Ethan Roots, Greg Fisilau, Paul Brown-Bampoe and captain Jack Yeandle. The absences have tested squad depth for both teams as they chase a first appearance in the competition's final.

Early Second-Half Pressure from Ulster

Ulster began the second half with intent, winning a penalty and kicking to within five metres of the Exeter line, setting up a prime scoring opportunity. The hosts then stole the lineout, allowing Nathan Doak to clear brilliantly to touch inside the Exeter half. However, Ulster were soon penalised for a high tackle just inside their own half, giving Exeter a penalty. The Chiefs opted to kick to the corner and executed the kick well, putting themselves in a strong attacking position.

Exeter's Season on the Line, Says Baxter

Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter has framed the next month as defining for his side, despite their marked improvement from last season. The Devonians finished ninth in the Premiership in 2024/25, with only four wins from 22 matches across the league and Champions Cup. Now they sit fourth in the Premiership table and are contesting a European semi-final. 'May will determine whether we feel really good about ourselves, OK about ourselves or if we feel bad about ourselves,' Baxter said. 'The season now will be defined by the next month of fixtures.'

Silverware in Sight for Resurgent Exeter

Exeter have already reached the Premiership Rugby Cup Final, though they lost to Leicester. Baxter acknowledged the disappointment of slipping up at this stage: 'It would be disappointing if we don't see something off or get to one big game.' Yet he also noted the progress: 'If someone said this time last year that we'd be chasing these things now, we'd have taken it.' The Chiefs won the European Champions Cup in 2020, while Ulster's last silverware came in 2006 with the Celtic League title.

Path to the Final Set

The winner of this semi-final will advance to the final in Bilbao on 22 May, where they will face either Montpellier or Dragons. Both Ulster and Exeter are seeking their first Challenge Cup title. For Exeter, a victory would cap a remarkable turnaround from a dismal league campaign, while Ulster aim to end a 19-year trophy drought.

The bottom line

• Ulster lead 10-7 at half-time after tries from Juarno Augustus and Ross Vintcent, plus a Nathan Doak penalty.
• Key injuries and suspensions have forced both teams to field altered line-ups.
• Exeter director Rob Baxter says the next month will define their season, with a potential final and top-four league finish at stake.
• Exeter have already reached one cup final this season, highlighting their resurgence.
• The winner will face Montpellier or Dragons in the Challenge Cup final on 22 May in Bilbao.