Ulster vs Connacht URC preview as the sides meet in an inter-pro clash at the Affidea Stadium in Belfast.
Ulster sit third in the table, level on points with the Stormers in second and Leinster in fourth. Connacht sit in ninth just outside the playoff places, but are level on points with the Bulls in eighth. A win could see them rise as high as seventh and keep the chasing pack away from those playoff places. A win for Ulster could push them up to first if Glasgow were to go without a win.
Read more match previews for all your rugby action here
Ulster vs Connacht confirmed lineups and team news
Ulster (1-15):
Bell, Stewart, Wilson, Henderson, Hopes, McCann, Rea, Augustus, Doak, Murphy, Z Ward, Murphy, Carson, Stockdale, Kok, Lowry
Replacements (16-23):
Herring, Crean, O’Toole, Dalton, B Ward, McKee, Scott, McIlroy
Connacht (1-15):
Bohan, Heffernan, Belham, Joyce, Murray, Murphy, Prendergast, Jansen, Reilly, Carty, Treacy, Aki, Forde, Jennings, Naughton
Replacements (16-23):
Victory, Dooley, Illo, Murray, Boyle, Murphy, Ioane, Devine
Recent Form:
Ulster (Home team): W-L-W-L-W
Ulster won their game against Edinburgh, which had been cancelled earlier in the year, 40-19 in the Scottish capital. After a pretty even first half, the Ulster side flexed their muscle in the second half and came out worthy winners. In the fallow week they lost away to the Ospreys. They thought they had won the game late on, but the try was disallowed, and a yellow card was given. Ulster have won each of their seven home games this season in the URC and in Europe.
Connacht (Away team): W-W-W-L-W
Connacht have been in great form recently, having won four of their last five matches. Three of these games have been by margins of 16 points or more. The other victory at that time came from a dramatic last-minute score against Glasgow. Connacht had been 10-3 down with just seven minutes remaining before they scored twice to win 15-10. They have lost six of seven away games this season, only winning over Zebre in their most recent away match.
Ulster vs Connacht head-to-head record (last five matches):
| Date | Competition | Winner | Score |
| 27th December 2025 | URC | Ulster | 24-29 |
| 28th December 2024 | URC | Ulster | 7-17 |
| 12th October 2024 | URC | Ulster | 32-27 |
| 22nd December 2023 | URC | Ulster | 20-19 |
| 4th November 2023 | URC | Connacht | 22-20 |
Ulster have won the last four games in this InterPro fixture, but all of he game have been close. The last time that there was a margin of more than 10 points between the sides was in 2022. A last-play penalty from Jack Murphy allowed Ulster to extend their lead against Connacht to five points. The game was particularly memorable for the clash between Stuart McCloskey and Bundee Aki.
How to watch Ulster vs Connacht?
Ulster vs Connacht will be available to watch on Premier Sports 1. Coverage starts at 7:15 pm for a 7:45 pm kick-off.
