Image source, InphoImage caption, Angus Bell joined up with Ulster after playing for Australia in the autumn internationals
ByRichard PetrieBBC Sport NI Journalist- Published46 minutes ago
For a player of Angus Bell's pedigree and experience to acknowledge that Friday's Challenge Cup final in Bilbao will be one of the highlights of his career so far indicates that there is something pretty special on the line.
The 25-year-old loose-head prop, who is approaching the end of a six-month sabbatical with Ulster from the NSW Waratahs, has played for Australia in the southern hemisphere's Rugby Championship, at the 2023 World Cup, and against the British and Irish Lions last summer.
He started all four of the Wallabies' Test matches in November and was named in Opta's team of the autumn internationals.
Regarded as one of the best ball-carrying props in the game, Bell will soon return to his native land to continue his deal with Rugby Australia, which runs until the end of 2027.
Before that however, there is the small matter of helping Ulster secure their first silverware for 20 years when the Irish province takes on Montpellier in the Challenge Cup decider at the San Mames Stadium.
"It's probably one of the biggest things I've been a part of in my career so far and I'm really excited for the weekend obviously," Bell told BBC Sport NI's Nigel Ringland.
"It would be a huge honour to get some silverware for Ulster Rugby. All the players and coaches would really deserve it for all the hard work they have put in this year.
"It would be good to create some memories, not just for each of the players, but the club too. We're ready for the weekend and we have full belief."
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Bell's experience of playing for Ulster began with his introduction off the bench in a 61-7 thumping of Racing 92 in the Challenge Cup in December.
His time with the northern province will end against different French opposition in the same competition, with the result unlikely to be quite as clear-cut on this occasion.
Bell expects the front row battle to be pivotal to the outcome of the contest.
"It's exciting. They have a few big international tight-heads and Jordan Uelese in the middle there, the Wallaby, so I know him pretty well.
"They'll definitely be there or thereabouts and definitely be competing really hard for that, but we're equally excited for that battle.
"As a rugby player, winning is the ultimate goal for the team. You lose together, you win together, and you do most things together all week."
Bell, who missed his side's semi-final victory over Exeter Chiefs with a foot injury, has described his time in Belfast as "probably the best experience" of his career.
He made the move to gain experience of playing abroad, expand his rugby horizons.
"There's so much talent coming through Ulster Rugby and it's really exciting. I'm just happy that I get to be a small part of that, especially with all the young front-rowers we have here at the club.
"It's been great. We all learn off each other and it's been an awesome experience.
"I guess the best thing about rugby is making those bonds, learning and getting better together."
Montpellier v Ulster
Challenge Cup final
Friday, 22 May at 20:00 BST
Listen on SoundsListen on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster; Build-up and live text on BBC Sport app & website
Image source, GettyImage caption, Wallaby Justin Harrison pictured while playing for Ulster in 2005
Bell will hope to follow in the footsteps of Justin Harrison, another Australian who made a major impact during his time with Ulster, helping them to Celtic League success in 2006.
"He's been awesome back in Australia, reaching out to players and being a representative for us," he said of the former second row.
"We chatted when I first signed for Ulster and he said I'd have a great time and I chatted to him on the weekend as well, which was awesome.
"It's exciting times. He said I'd enjoy every moment here and I definitely have. "
