Ulster Falls to Bordeaux 40-19 in Champions Cup

Ulster Rugby suffered their second consecutive Champions Cup defeat, falling 40-19 to Bordeaux-Bégles at home. Despite a promising first half where Ulster led 19-14, they struggled in the second half, conceding 26 unanswered points as Bordeaux capitalized on their physical advantages after substitutions. Head coach Richie Murphy expressed frustration over missed opportunities and breakdowns, highlighting the need for Ulster to maintain performance throughout the full 80 minutes. This loss marks Ulster's fourth consecutive defeat across competitions, leaving them at the bottom of Pool 1 with significant challenges ahead, including a crucial match against Munster. Players and coaches alike acknowledge the difficulty of facing top-tier teams consecutively but remain hopeful for improvement. Ulster's defensive issues and inability to capitalize on their first-half momentum continue to plague their efforts in the Champions Cup.