Ulster have only won the competition once, back in 1999, but after finishing second in their pool and setting up a last-16 clash with holders Stade Toulousain, the 23-year-old feels the province have every reason to be confident.

Asked whether they are contenders for the trophy, Hume told BT Sport: “I believe we are. The group we have is very special. We are good to watch and hopefully we’ll tidy some things up when we get into the last 16!”

Going through the pool stages unbeaten has certainly given Ulster a strong platform to build on, according to Hume.

He said: “That was our aim when we got a good string of games together and won last week.

“Making it through to the last 16 wasn’t good enough for us. You want home quarters if you want to be a cup-winning side. That’s what we went for this week and got the win.”

Ulster led by 22 points with 10 minutes remaining against ASM Clermont Auvergne in Round 4 at the weekend but conceded three late tries to make for a nervy finish at the Kingspan Stadium before edging home 34-31.

“That was mayhem!” Hume admitted. “We were telling each other we were in control. If anyone was going to let it slip, it would be us.

“We knew what we had to do, but just didn’t execute it a couple of times. But we managed to get it right in the end.”

Ulster Rugby centre James Hume believes the Irish province are now in the mix for the Heineken Champions Cup after winning all four of their Pool A games.