But it could have been so different. The Lions lost a 17-point lead as Ulster woke up in the final quarter of the match.

Ulster’s Mathew Leek scored a 86th-minute penalty goal to tie the game at 23-23.

Extra time presented itself – the first time the Golden Point had been in operation.

But neither side was able to add to their total, and Ulster progress to the Celtic Cup semi-final thanks to their superior 3-2 try scoring in normal time.

For the Lions, winners of the inaugural Celtic League, this is their fourth straight game without a win, and with a large proportion of their squad away on World Cup duty, Lions fans and coach Gary Ella will be longing for their return.