The voluntary absence of the English clubs in season 1998/9 meant Bath were unable to defend the crown they won in that 19-18 thriller, the 16 remaining teams taking part in four Pools of four.

French clubs filled top spot in three of the groups but this was to be Ulster's greatest triumph in their history as they beat Toulouse (twice) and reigning French champions Stade Francais on their way to a fairytale final in Dublin against surprise French finalists Colomiers.

A capacity Lansdowne Road crowd of 49,000 paid IR£700,000 to watch a match for which the 'sold out' signs had gone up 10 days earlier. With a worldwide television audience estimated at over 36 millions, Ulster walked off with the spoils after a 21-6 victory to add their name to the roll of honour alongside Toulouse, Brive and Bath.