There is also the argument that Ulster are victims of their own success.
As a reward for an upturn in form, the province were heavily represented in Ireland’s Six Nations squad.
A proud moment for those associated with the club, but it did deprive key players of the mid-season breather they normally would have had.
For the final, Ulster were missing their four longest-serving players. Captain Iain Henderson was suspended, while Stuart McCloskey – so influential for both Ulster and Ireland – was injured along with Jacob Stockdale and Rob Herring.
Of the team that started in Bilbao, Timoney was the oldest player at 30.
“There were eight players in Ireland camp and only two last year,” observed Murphy.
“The rugby we’ve played, and reaching a European final, albeit not with the result we wanted, all of those things have had an impact on us making the top eight.
“We have had to move our resources around and at this time our squad probably isn’t strong enough to compete in two competitions.”
