Ulster Beats La Rochelle 41-24 in Challenge Cup Quarters

Ulster secured a convincing 41-24 victory over a depleted La Rochelle side in the EPCR Challenge Cup quarterfinals on Friday night, advancing to the semifinals for the first time since 2012. The match, played under driving rain, gusting winds and biting cold at Affidea Stadium in Belfast, showcased Ulster's adaptability and composure as they scored six tries to overcome the French visitors.

Zac Ward led the scoring with a brace of tries, opening the game with a sharp sidestep from a lineout move just five minutes in. Tom O'Toole added a second try from a five-meter scrum, followed by Cormac Izuchukwu's powerful finish on his 50th appearance for the province. After the break, Ward crossed again following Jacob Stockdale's 50-22 kick, with brother Bryn Ward sprinting clear for the fifth score. Replacement James McCormick completed the tries from a driving maul in the closing stages. Nathan Doak contributed nine points through a conversion and penalty, while Jake Flannery added two points with the final conversion.

La Rochelle, ninth in the Top 14 and prioritizing their domestic run-in, fielded a largely reserve lineup missing key players like Will Skelton, Gregory Alldritt and...