Ulster No 8 Juarno Augustus and wing Werner Kok are targeting European silverware in Friday night’s EPCR Challenge Cup final.
However, Ulster will have to do what no other team has done in this season’s tournament – beat French club Montpellier.
Montpellier will run out at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao chasing a third Challenge Cup title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2015-16 and 2020-21, while Ulster are in their first European final in 14 years and seeking a first major trophy in 20.
The winner of the Challenge Cup qualifies for next season’s Investec Champions Cup.
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Augustus and Kok were both prominent in the recent 38-38 draw against the Stormers in a Vodacom URC clash. Augustus stood out with his powerful running, while Kok scored a hat-trick in a thrilling encounter in Belfast.
Augustus also delivered a Man of the Match performance in Ulster’s 29-12 Challenge Cup semi-final victory against the Exeter Chiefs.
Kok will leave Ulster at the end of the season after his contract was not renewed and will be hoping to go out on a high.
MORE: Ulster let red-hot Kok go
The sides last met in the competition in 2024, when Ulster knocked Montpellier out in the round of 16.
This season’s numbers suggest there is little to separate the two finalists.
Montpellier have scored 235 points, compared to Ulster’s 239, while the French side has crossed for 36 tries compared to Ulster’s 33.
Montpellier beat Connacht (twice), the Ospreys, Zebre and the Dragons to reach the final, with Ulster seeking off Racing 92, the Cheetahs, Stade Français, the Ospreys, La Rochelle and Exeter.
The Challenge Cup final kicks off at 9pm (SA time) on Friday.
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Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
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