Ulster Rugby vs Stade Rochelais Prediction & Betting Tips - Challenge Cup
Europe - Challenge Cup
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by Steve Ashfield | in Challenge Cup Predictions
Two-time winners Ulster have a massive challenge in the European Challenge Cup quarter-finals. The Ulstermen are home to Stade Rochelais from Top 14. Who will reach the last four? Read our match prediction below.
It was in 1998 and 1999 that Ulster lifted this trophy. They won Pool 3 this season and that included beating two French clubs. More details about that in the form section of this preview. it's a massive match for the irish club who last beat Stade Rochelais eight years ago.
Stade Rochelais won two successive European Rugby Champions Cup titles in 2022 and 2023. They have slipped down the ladder since then and after a poor campaign in the pool stages of that competition this season, they find themselves moved to the Challenge Cup. That's what happened to Bath Rugby last season and they went on to win this competition. Can the Yellow and Blacks repeat that this term?
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Ulster Rugby v Stade Rochelais Best Betting Odds
| Bookmaker | 1 | X | 2 | Bonus up to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1.06 | 42 | 9.15 |
|
|
1.03 | 50 | 15 |
|
|
1.05 | 41 | 9 |
|
|
1.04 | 20 | 9.8 |
|
|
1.04 | 20 | 9.8 |
|
Ulster Rugby vs Stade Rochelais Form
Ulster Rugby and Stade Rochelais Last Matches
4/6 (67%)
0/6 (0%)
2/6 (33%)
4 Apr 2026 - Challenge Cup
28 Mar 2026 - United Rugby Championship (URC)
20 Mar 2026 - United Rugby Championship (URC)
13 Mar 2026 - United Rugby Championship (URC)
28 Feb 2026 - United Rugby Championship (URC)
31 Jan 2026 - United Rugby Championship (URC)
5/6 (83%)
0/6 (0%)
1/6 (17%)
4 Apr 2026 - Challenge Cup
20 Mar 2026 - United Rugby Championship (URC)
31 Jan 2026 - United Rugby Championship (URC)
17 Jan 2026 - Challenge Cup
2 Jan 2026 - United Rugby Championship (URC)
5 Dec 2025 - Challenge Cup
4/6 (67%)
0/6 (0%)
2/6 (33%)
28 Mar 2026 - United Rugby Championship (URC)
13 Mar 2026 - United Rugby Championship (URC)
28 Feb 2026 - United Rugby Championship (URC)
24 Jan 2026 - United Rugby Championship (URC)
11 Jan 2026 - Challenge Cup
27 Dec 2025 - United Rugby Championship (URC)
3/6 (50%)
0/6 (0%)
3/6 (50%)
4 Apr 2026 - Challenge Cup
28 Mar 2026 - Top 14
21 Mar 2026 - Top 14
28 Feb 2026 - Top 14
14 Feb 2026 - Top 14
31 Jan 2026 - Top 14
3/6 (50%)
0/6 (0%)
3/6 (50%)
21 Mar 2026 - Top 14
14 Feb 2026 - Top 14
31 Jan 2026 - Top 14
18 Jan 2026 - Champions Cup
4 Jan 2026 - Top 14
20 Dec 2025 - Top 14
2/6 (33%)
0/6 (0%)
4/6 (67%)
4 Apr 2026 - Challenge Cup
28 Mar 2026 - Top 14
28 Feb 2026 - Top 14
25 Jan 2026 - Top 14
10 Jan 2026 - Champions Cup
28 Dec 2025 - Top 14
Ulster Rugby vs Stade Rochelais Stats: Head to Head (H2H)
0 %
0 %
100 %
14 Jan 2023 - Champions Cup
17 Dec 2022 - Champions Cup
Ulster Rugby - Stade Rochelais: Form Analysis
Ulster won three of their four pool games (one awarded to them) and both of their home fixtures were won. Both were against French clubs with Racing and Stade Francais Paris defeated. 61 points were scored against Racing with just seven conceded. They beat Ospreys by four points in the last 16.
The Ulstermen are third in the United Rugby Championships with nine wins and five losses and five out of six at home.
Stade Rochelais began the season in the European Rugby Champions Cup but could only finish fifth in their pool. They beat Leicester Tigers at home but lost their three other matches, losing away at Stormers and Leinster.
Another away win for Stade Rochelais?
Moved into this competition, they won away at PREM Rugby’s bottom side Newcastle Red Bulls in the last 16 by eight points.
Stade Rochelais are ninth in Top 14 with nine league wins but 11 defeats. They struggle on the road in Top 14 with a couple of wins but eight defeats and a points difference of -116. Three of their four previous games against Ulster have been won.
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Ulster Rugby & Stade Rochelais Squad Analysis
Ulster have injury concerns over both Nathan Doak and Rob Herring for this game against Stade Rochelais. Both were injured in last weekend’s victory over Ospreys. They have been training this week so there is still some hope they will be fit to play.
Being without Doak would be a major blow for the home side. He made his international debut this year and has been so important for Ulster this term. Ulster also have a long injury list to deal with but most clubs do at this time of the season.
Stade Rochelais don’t really want to be in this competition. They find themselves in the same position Bath were in last year. The PREM Rugby side had a disappointing Champions Cup campaign, ended up in this competition and won it. Can the French club do the same?
Emotional return for O'Gara.
Last weekend saw them win at Newcastle Red Bulls by eight points. It’ll be a big match for their coach Ronan O’Gara who used to play for Ireland. Their squad is packed with top internationals though not all may be on show this weekend.
Players such as Gregory Alldritt at number eight and Davit Niniashvili at the back will make life difficult for Ulster.
Ulster Rugby - Stade Rochelais Key Points
- With a +19.5 start, Stade Rochelais would have won nine of their last ten matches.
- Ulster only beat Ospreys at home last week by four points.
- Ulster would have been beaten in seven of their last eight matches if their opponents had been given a 19.5 points start.
- With a +19.5 points start, Stade Rochelais would have won five of their last six away matches.
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Our Ulster Rugby vs Stade Rochelais Prediction
Ulster are having a good season and are strong at home. However, their last three wins have only ben by a combined points margin of 18 points. Ospreys were beaten last week by just four points.
With statistics like that and the strength of the away side, our prediction has a good chance of success. It will be important to check the team news just in case Stade Rochelais play a weakened line-up. Our Ulster Rugby v Stade Rochelais prediction is Stade Rochelais wins on a +19.5 handicap.
Ulster Rugby vs Stade Rochelais Alternative Predictions
Second half to have most points
Ulster Rugby vs Stade Rochelais - FAQs
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
