ECPR Challenge Cup: Ulster must ‘focus on ourselves’ – Stockdale

Ulster winger Jacob Stockdale said Friday’s Challenge Cup quarter-final against La Rochelle is a chance to “create a statement for ourselves” [20:00 BST].

Richie Murphy’s side defeated Ospreys 28-24 at the Affidea Stadium to advance to the last eight.

La Rochelle won the Champions Cup in 2022 and 2023 and were the victors against Newcastle Red Bulls to set up the tie in Belfast.

“It’s an exciting game as they are a big French giant. I feel like we do play well whenever big French teams come to town, so, I’m really excited about it,” Stockdale told BBC Sport NI’s Mark Sidebottom.

“I think there’s an opportunity to put in a massive performance and hopefully create a bit of a statement for ourselves.

“We need to focus on ourselves, just bring the best version of ourselves, and hope that that’s enough and I think it will be.”

Despite playing four times against La Rochelle during his career so far and Ulster only winning one of those matches, Stockdale believes that the side can take confidence into the game after the Ospreys win.

The home side trailed 17-14 before Stockdale and Nick Timoney crossed the line in the second half to secure Ulster’s quarter-final spot.

“It was frustrating on the pitch but, looking back and reviewing it, it’s quite encouraging because we were able to beat a good Ospreys in a tight encounter, but actually leave a lot on the pitch,” he continued.

“We felt like we weren’t really anywhere near our best and the best we’ve shown so far this season.

“So that’s exciting that we can hopefully right those wrongs this week and put in a big, big performance on Friday.”