Bilbao or bust - will Ulster bounce back with trophy?

Here is a story sports fans will want to follow: Bilbao or bust - will Ulster bounce back with trophy? Image source, InphoImage caption, Ulster are looking to win their first silverware in 20 years against Montpellier in the Challenge Cup finalByAndy GrayBBC Sport NI Journalist in BilbaoPublished14 minutes agoOne game from history. Ulster's entire season will come down to the biggest 80 minutes of their campaign when they take on Montpellier in the Challenge Cup final.

After the final there are no play-offs to look forward to and no second chances. It's win in Bilbao or bust for their campaign. Richie Murphy's young side had to watch in despair as they slipped out of the play-off places in the United Rugby Championship for the second year in a row.

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That meant they missed out on automatic qualification for the Champions Cup next year. But they have a chance to immediately bounce back in the biggest game for the Irish province in 14 years - since Leinster beat them in a Champions Cup decider. Not only would victory end Ulster's 20-year silverware drought, but it would also earn qualification to Europe's top tier for next season.

There's a lot on the line, but Ulster have full belief that they can shock the Top 14 side. "We've come this far and I think we are a good enough team," said Nick Timoney, who added that it will be an "unbelievable honour" to captain the side in the absence of the suspended Iain Henderson. "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.

" Ulster 'have to fight with everything' in final Published14 hours agoHow missing Ulster quartet can still play a role in final Published1 day agoIn the beautiful Basque city of Bilbao, in the north of Spain and which is hosting European rugby finals for the second time, Ulster got their first taste of the San Mames Stadium in the captain's run on Thursday. It is a huge occasion, but the session was full of smiles and laughter, rather than any visible nerves. Ulster may be missing key players, such as Henderson and the injured trio of Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale and Rob Herring, and only 23 players will take to the pitch on Friday.

Reactions and Expectations

But there was unity as the wider group took part in the captain's run, with players playing football as well as warming up with a rugby ball. There were no signs of lingering disappointment from Friday's late defeat by Glasgow Warriors, which ultimately led to them missing out on the top eight 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.

Clubs and federations are monitoring the development, which could have lasting consequences.