Ulster will make the last 16 of the Champions Cup knockouts despite losing three of their four games in the Champions Cup after the Sharks were thrashed by in-form Bordeaux Bègles.
The Irish province’s progression seemed highly unlikely but an impressive 52-24 victory over Exeter in Belfast on Friday night gave them a chance to sneak into the last 16 mathematically if the Sharks lost by more than 28 points in France.
Bordeaux Bègles duly delivered and showed why they will be number one seed and are top of France’s top 14 with 66-12 thrashing of the South African side, who bow out of the competition.
Are Leinster and Toulouse destined for another European final?
The Sharks have one of the stronger teams on paper, featuring several top Springboks, but they have barely played in the competition, with the likes of star Eben Etzebeth missing all their pool matches.
The Counter Ruck: the rugby newsletter from The Irish Times
Ireland Under-20s fall to first defeat to Wales since 2018
Wales v Ireland preview: Don’t be fooled, this Six Nations clash is a lot more interesting than it previously looked
‘They needed a kid willing to shave his head’: Dan Sheehan recalls the time he met Jonah Lomu
Ulster are set to play Bordeaux Bègles away in the last 16, a team that beat them 40-19 in Belfast, and would go into that match as rank outsiders.
- Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
- Listen to our Inside Politics podcast for the best political chat and analysis
