Tommy McLoughlin – New Ross RFC
The lights will be beaming over the Affidea Stadium this Friday night for a fixture that feels more like a Champions Cup final than a Challenge Cup quarter-final. At 8:00 PM, Ulster welcomes the back-to-back European champions of 2022 and 2023, Stade Rochelais, for a winner-takes-all encounter that defines the season.
The Narrative: A Test of Grit and Redemption
Ulster enters this clash on the back of a gritty, character-defining 28-24 win over the Ospreys. Richie Murphy has instilled a real sense of belief in this squad, particularly in how they navigated stormy conditions and a halftime deficit to progress last weekend.
However, they face a different level of beast this weekend. Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle side arrives in Belfast as “drop-downs” from the Champions Cup pool stages. While they have struggled for consistency in the Top 14, their professional 26-18 win away to Newcastle Red Bulls proves they are fully focused on lifting this trophy.
Friendly Foes and Provincial Rivalries
There will be a strange atmosphere in the air for this one. While Belfast will be rocking with Ulster pride, you can bet there will be plenty of Munster fans and perhaps even a few “neutral” observers from across the provinces quietly rooting for La Rochelle. With legend Ronan O’Gara at the helm, the French side often feels like Munster’s second team, and the “ROG factor” always adds a bit of spice to their trips to Irish soil.
The Tactical Battle: Experience vs. Youth
Richie Murphy has made three key changes to the side that beat Ospreys, notably bringing Jack Murphy back into the out-half shirt. It is also a massive night for Cormac Izuchukwu, who is set to make his milestone 50th Ulster appearance alongside captain Iain Henderson in the second row.
La Rochelle, meanwhile, have made a bold call by starting 19-year-old “wonderkid” Diego Jurd at fly-half. How the young Frenchman handles the pressure of a hostile Belfast crowd and the defensive attention of Stuart McCloskey, could dictate the entire game. Ulster will need to dominate the set-piece and use Jacob Stockdale’s positioning at full-back to counter the French kicking game.
The Woman in the Middle: Hollie Davidson
In a significant appointment, Scotland’s Hollie Davidson will be the referee for this quarter-final. Known for her excellent communication and desire to keep the game moving, Davidson’s approach should suit a fast-paced encounter. If she can manage the breakdown battle early and prevent the visitors from “killing” the ball, it could play right into Ulster’s hands.
The Verdict
Stade Rochelais are the heavyweights, but knockout rugby under the Friday night lights in Belfast has a habit of producing miracles. Ulster have the grit; now they just need the clinical edge to finish the job.
Prediction: Ulster by a narrow margin, provided they can rattle Jurd early on and keep the “ROG-loving” neutrals quiet!
Match Squads
Ulster Rugby:
15. Jacob Stockdale, 14. Werner Kok, 13. James Hume, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 11. Zac Ward, 10. Jack Murphy, 9. Nathan Doak; 1. Angus Bell, 2. Tom Stewart, 3. Tom O’Toole, 4. Iain Henderson (C), 5. Cormac Izuchukwu, 6. Dave McCann, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Juarno Augustus.
Replacements: 16. James McCormick, 17. Sam Crean, 18. Scott Wilson, 19. Harry Sheridan, 20. Bryn Ward, 21. Conor McKee, 22. Jake Flannery, 23. Jude Postlethwaite.
Stade Rochelais:
15. Ihaia West, 14. Ugo Pacome, 13. UJ Seuteni, 12. Adrien Seguret, 11. Hoani Bosmorin, 10. Diego Jurd, 9. Thomas Berjon (C); 1. Louis Penverne, 2. Gabin Garault, 3. Karl Sorin, 4. Thomas Lavault, 5. Aleksandre Kuntelia, 6. Edouard Richer, 7. Kirill Fraindt, 8. Lucas Andjisseramatchi.
Replacements: 16. Tolu Latu, 17. Christian Luaki, 18. Joel Sclavi, 19. Alexandre Haddouri, 20. Nikolozi Sutidze, 21. Judicael Cancoriet, 22. Sacha Eissalde, 23. Nethann Couillaud.
Match Info
Fixture: Ulster Rugby v Stade Rochelais
Competition: EPCR Challenge Cup Quarter-final
Venue: Affidea Stadium, Belfast
Date: Friday, April 9th, 2026
Kick-Off: 8.00 PM (Local time)