Ulster's cup, or cups, runneth over following last year's sensational European success. The competition had been sponsored by Heineken until last season when they withdrew their backing - they are now back on board for this season with an extended deal - but last season European Rugby Cup Ltd (ERC) had to commission and pay for their own trophy as Heineken had kept the previous model.
ERC spent £10,000 on a splendid Asprey and Garrods creation and the name of Ulster was duly inscribed following their success. However, with Heineken happily restored as sponsors, the old trophy - based on soccer's Champions League equivalent - is back in circulation. The name of Ulster has been inscribed alongside the three previous champions.
So Ulster end up with an inscription on both cups. Last year's model has been secreted in a vault and will only reappear out of necessity.
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