In a tight game, John Hodnett’s converted try in the 75th minute proved the winning score, while first-half tries from Diarmuid Barron and Calvin Nash had given the travelling side a 12-7 lead at the break.

An early converted try from Manie Libbok was DHL Stormers’ only points of the first period, but a converted score from Deon Fourie early in the second 40 had the South African club, who made their debut in EPCR competitions this season, believing they were on their way to victory.

Yet Hodnett’s try broke the hearts of the home crowd, and gave the Irish province their first trophy since 2011.

Both teams are set to feature again in next season’s Heineken Champions Cup, and they’ll have their eyes on making the 2024 final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Irish province Munster Rugby lifted the United Rugby Championship (URC) after defeating the DHL Stormers in Cape Town.