A quarter of a century has passed since Ulster became the first Irish province to lift the European Cup, yet that landmark triumph now feels further away than ever. For Munster, the memories of continental dominance may be slightly fresher, but the present reality is much the same. Both provinces are navigating a long, demanding road back toward relevance at Europe’s top table — and according to David Corkery, the similarities in their journeys are impossible to ignore.
“What has impressed me most about Munster and Ulster this season has been their newly found ability to stay in the fight,” Corkery observes, and it is that resilience, more than results or silverware, that defines where both sides currently stand.
A New Reality in Europe
Measured against the modern powerhouses of European rugby, Munster and Ulster remain some distance from genuine title contention. The French juggernauts — Toulouse, Toulon and Bordeaux Bègles — continue to set an intimidating standard, while English clubs are once again finding cohesion and consistency.
After watching Toulouse dismantle La Rochelle last weekend, Corkery admits he would fear for the safety of some URC sides if such encounters became regular. Thankfully for Irish provinces, the French clubs do not compete in the league, but the comparison serves as a sobering benchmark.
“If you are looking for a barometer for the kind of squad you will need to feast at the top table in Europe,” Corkery notes, “just look at the quality of the squads in the TOP 14.”
With the IRFU prioritising the national team, Munster and Ulster face unavoidable limitations in squad depth and recruitment. What the governing body cannot regulate, however, is mentality — and that is where genuine progress is being made.
Fighting Spirit Returns
Even when the odds are stacked firmly against them, both Munster and Ulster have developed a stubborn, dogged edge this season. While neither squad possesses the depth required to endure the physical toll of elite European competition, the commitment and effort have been unmistakable.
Munster, in particular, remain short of quality up front — especially in the front row — but under Clayton McMillan, a familiar trait has returned: the ability to compete above their weight. It is a characteristic that once defined the province and one that supporters had begun to fear was lost.
Ulster, meanwhile, have quietly built momentum. Last weekend’s away victory over Connacht, achieved despite a late surge from the westerners, reinforced the sense that Richie Murphy’s side is learning how to manage difficult moments.
Rivalry Rekindled
As Munster went toe-to-toe with Leinster at Thomond Park, Ulster were engaged in a similar battle in Galway. The intensity levels may not have been identical, but the commitment shown in both matches points to a rivalry that could soon regain its historic edge.
With the Six Nations looming and Andy Farrell’s squad places potentially up for grabs, the stakes are rising. Ulster sit fifth in the URC on 27 points, just three behind Munster in second, and will relish welcoming the southern province to the newly named Affidea Stadium.
Ulster’s fast starts have become a defining feature under Murphy, with strong first halves yielding solid leads. Yet their Achilles’ heel remains an inability to sustain focus across the full eighty minutes — a flaw exposed against Leinster, Cardiff and the Emirates Lions.
Where the Battle Will Be Won
The once-feared aura of playing in Belfast may have softened, but Munster cannot afford to let Ulster gain early dominance up front. Authority at scrum time would energise the home crowd and potentially ignite an atmosphere that has too often been missing in recent years.
Ulster will almost certainly target Munster’s scrum, while an aerial assault on the back three appears inevitable — something hinted at by Tadhg Beirne’s post-match comments last week. It is a contest Munster should win, yet confidence remains fragile.
“This is one of those games Munster should win,” Corkery suggests, “but there’s no one out there betting their last euro on them.”
The Long Road Back
Both Munster and Ulster are still far from reclaiming their former European stature. Finals days may be years away, but for the first time in a long while, the foundations appear stronger. The green shoots are there — rooted in a richer soil of resilience, fight and belief.
Now comes the harder task: turning effort into habit, and competitiveness into expectation. Playing Ulster in Ulster is no joke, but if Munster are serious about reinvention, these are the games they must learn to win as second nature.
The glory days may be distant, but for two proud provinces, the journey back has finally begun.
