Exeter Chiefs Aim for Redemption Against Ulster in European Challenge Cup Semi-Final
As an Ulsterman who became Exeter Chiefs' all-time leading points scorer during a successful 12-year stint at Sandy Park, Gareth Steenson offers valuable insight ahead of Saturday's European Challenge Cup semi-final against Ulster. Last year, the teams faced off in the Investec Champions Cup, where Ulster dominated a much-changed Chiefs team, winning 52-24 in Belfast. This defeat was part of a dismal 2024-25 season for the English side, which saw them secure only four league wins, leading to the departures of long-serving coaches Rob Hunter and Ali Hepher after a record 79-17 loss to Gloucester. Emerging from a "dark place," as Steenson described, Exeter now boasts a new coaching team and a strong lineup of international signings, aiming to prevent Ulster from reaching their first European final in 14 years. Steenson noted that the Chiefs have simplified their game, honing their identity with fresh coaching perspectives. Key players for Exeter include: Immanuel Feyi-Waboso: Scored four tries since returning from injury. Ross Vintcent: A standout performer this term. New signings like Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper have significantly bolstered the squad's depth. Wales-born scrum-half Stephen Varney has drawn praise for his influential play, complementing Harvey Skinner, who has solidified his role as first-choice fly-half. In contrast, Ulster's half-backs, Jack Murphy and Nathan Doak, bring a different style to the game, setting the stage for a compelling tactical battle. Steenson anticipates an exciting clash, noting the contrasting approaches of the two teams, with Ulster likely to utilize more kicking through Murphy while Skinner brings a confrontational dynamic to the Chiefs' game plan.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-05-01