Ulster Rugby will play Montpellier in the final of the European Rugby Challenge Cup in Bilbao on Saturday at 8pm.

Fans from Northern Ireland have booked travel and accommodation to attend the match at San Mames Stadium.

One Belfast supporter reported late bookings after low expectations of reaching the final, including flights from Dublin to Santander, an Airbnb stay, and a nine-hour layover in Barcelona on the return journey.

The supporter, who has held a season ticket since attending his first Ulster match in 1980, said accommodation prices in Bilbao were high and that several friends made separate travel arrangements.

Key players Jacob Stockdale, Rob Herring and Stuart McCloskey will miss the match due to injury, while captain Iain Henderson is suspended.

Winger Robert Baloucoune returns from an elbow injury and is expected to play.

The supporter expressed hope that Ulster can secure the trophy despite recent near-misses, noting reasonable cover for injured players and the possibility of a win if the scrum and line-out function well.