Challenge Cup final: bond, character and drama – when Ulster last won silverware

For Trimble, the development of the squad over the past 12 months has produced “character”, similar to the famous title-winning crop of 2006.

“I feel like that side has character and it looks like a side that can dig in and get the job done whenever it counts.

“And that to me is a team that’s really mature and big and they know how to deliver.”

Trimble added “probably more hope than expectation” that Ulster will win in Bilbao, but Murphy’s side are in a position where “they can get the job done”.

“It’s exciting being an Ulster fan, certainly more exciting than last year.

“There have been many difficulties and those difficulties create the character we are talking about.

“They have a chance to try and bring some silverware back to Belfast and I think this is a special team capable of doing that.”

Trimble’s sentiments were echoed by Harrison, who said winning every competition in rugby is harder than it was in his playing days.

“Ulster have positioned themselves very well to be confident and rightly so going into the final,” added former Australia international Harrison.

“We are here to support the current team, to remind them that once upon a time some players wore the jersey and now because of that, we are connected.”