Ulster lose Challenge Cup semi-final

Ulster's long wait for silverware looks set to continue for another year after they were beaten in the Challenge Cup semi final.

The province were considered the tournament favourites, but crashed out after a resilient Leicester side staged a remarkable second half comeback in Friday's game to reach the final.

Captain Iain Henderson and fly-half Billy Burns had scored first half tries as Ulster dominated, and they went in at the break looking comfortable with a 17-6 lead.

Early in the second half, Ulster's influential scrum-half John Cooney was knocked unconscious and forced to leave the game.

The home side quickly took control afterwards as Wiese and Genge crossed for tries and a Ford drop-goal put them 9 points clear.

Ulster salvaged some hope with a stunning solo try by Nick Timoney, but Leicester made sure of their win when Porter scored in the corner in the dying minutes.

Ulster will still compete in the Rainbow Cup, but the tournament has been scaled back due to Covid, and head coach Dan McFarland has suggested it'll be used as a chance to give game time to fringe members of the squad.