Ulster want to 'salvage' season in Challenge Cup final

Timoney is set to captain Ulster in their European final with Iain Henderson suspended for the Bilbao decider

Ulster's Nick Timoney said. his side will "make sure nothing is left unturned" in preparing for their Challenge Cup final against Montpellier.

Richie Murphy's side are reeling from a final regular season defeat to Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship which meant their hope of reaching the play-offs,. the Champions Cup qualification that comes with it, is out of their hands.

Ulster can still qualify for the top tier of Europe next season but must beat Montpellier in the decider in Bilbao on 22 May. Timoney insists all focus now must be on going into the final "all guns blazing" to win the province's first trophy in 20 years.

"We're all aware of what's at stake and what it will mean to people. Fans, friends and family all going over, scrambling to get flights and accommodation," he said.

"There hasn't been a trophy since 20 years ago which is a historic statistic. It means the same to us as the fans, so we'll make sure nothing is left unturned for next week.

"We've had a tough run of games in the league. there probably have been comedowns after big semi-finals and quarter-finals.

"It's disappointing, but at least we've managed to give ourselves a final and have that to look forward to."

Murphy 'bitterly disappointed' but focusing on final

Ulster sweating on URC progress after Glasgow defeat

Should Ulster miss out on the play-offs, they would be the first side to surpass 50 points. not qualify for the top eight in the URC

Ulster looked to have clinched a top-eight place at the Affidea Stadium after they had come from behind in the second half to lead by a point with 12 minutes remaining.

The Warriors. however, were not to be denied a win that earned them top spot in the standings, as they won the game with a late try from Kyle Rowe.

It proved to be another frustrating outing in Belfast for Ulster following on from their dramatic 38-38 draw with Stormers the last time out. with Timoney disappointed that they couldn't get over the line in both games on home soil.

"Two home games to finish the season against teams one. two in the table, but you've got to be backing yourself to win at home, so it's disappointing we haven't got it done," he added.

"Similar to last week, probably some great stuff in attack but then they had some great stuff in attack. we couldn't stop it.

"It's probably another cracker of a game to watch if you're a neutral. We want half of that, to be an exciting team to watch. It's hard to put your finger on it, a lot of little moments,. not enough of them went our way.

"There's no looking past next week, so while this is disappointing, there's an opportunity to salvage something."

Timoney, who will likely captain Ulster in the European final with Iain Henderson suspended. Stuart McCloskey out injured, believes that the "real fight and spirit" Ulster have shown this season will stand them in good stead to respond against Montpellier.

The 30-year-old conceded. while their defence was "better" against Glasgow it "still needs to go up a level or two" in the final if they are to get over the line.

"We're going to struggle if we're conceding as many points as we have. We spent a lot of time on it this week. saw a few areas of improvement, but need to go again and when we make it harder for teams to score against us, we've shown how dangerous we are.

"Going into a final sometimes the technicalities of the rugby are secondary to the spirit you take into it. so I guess there's a big positive there for us.

"In the past or last season probably we would have laid down against Glasgow. taken a bit more of a beating whereas we fought back and stayed in the fight against a really good team."