Ulster could end the season without any silverware and it would still mark a "transformation" in fortunes simply to be in contention, according to RTÉ rugby analyst Bernard Jackman.
After seeing off Ronan O'Gara’s La Rochelle last weekend at Kingspan Stadium, Richie Murphy’s side are two games away from Challenge Cup silverware, though the task is a significant one given Exeter Chiefs, and most likely, Montpellier, stand in their way of European success.
On the domestic front, Ulster occupy third spot in the standings, a point ahead of Leinster with only Stormers and leaders Glasgow Warriors looking down on them in the BKT URC table.
It demonstrates just how far the province has come in a year.
Ulster advanced to the Champions Cup knockout stages last term despite losing three of their four matches before eventual champions Bordeaux ended their interest in emphatic style.
The URC campaign was a sorry one, with just seven wins all season enroute to a 14th place finish. Only Zebre – who they lost at home to – and a woeful Dragons were worse off.
Speaking on the RTÉ Rugby podcast, former Leinster and Ireland hooker Jackman was asked whether Ulster have realistic ambitions of ending a silverware drought that dates back to the 2006 Celtic League as it was previously known.
"The URC will be tough," Jackman said. "Leinster and Glasgow probably still have their number, but they are well capable of beating Exeter.
"They were good against Munster, but just got over the line against Benetton (Challenge Cup quarter-final), Henry Slade with a late kick to win it.
"Richie (Murphy) will have seen a lot of elements of Exeter in that game that they will feel they can target, but Montpellier is a different challenge.
"The sheer size, what they did to Connacht maul wise, I think Ulster might struggle with that. And Montpellier are playing for each other, which hasn’t always been the case in recent seasons."
Ulster’s last visit to a final was the 2020 URC decider, a game played behind-closed-doors.
Even reaching a final in either competition would be a significant achievement for Murphy and his charges.
"From where they were last year, in losing at home to Zebre, the turnaround has been sensational. To even be talking about silverware within seven or eight months is a huge transformation."
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