Richie Murphy's Ulster team go into Saturday's fixture on a high after securing a hard-fought bonus-point victory against Zebre Parma at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Round 14 of the URC.
With Nick Timoney and Guinness Six Nations Player of the Tournament nominee, Stuart McCloskey, back after starring for Ireland, Ulster have a strong squad for the season's run-in.
This weekend offers up a huge challenge for the Ulster men, with a formidable opponent in the form of the Ospreys. The Welsh side beat Ulster by 21-10 in February at Electric Brewery Field in the URC, so Murphy's team will be well aware of the threats the Welsh side bring around the breakdown and in transition.
Mark Jones has built a strong team, with a reputation for being tough in defence and dynamic in their attack game.
Having key players such as Birtish and Irish Lion, Jac Morgan, and Welsh international captain, Dewi Lake, back will be a huge boost to the Welsh side for the knockout match.
Get behind the team!
Tickets are still available for this Saturday's last 16 clash at Affidea Stadium, with Ulster aiming to push for a potential Quarter Final at home should they defeat the Ospreys.
Match Details
🤝 Ulster Rugby v Ospreys
🗓 Saturday 4th April 2026, Kick Off 20:00
🏟 Affidea Stadium
🏆 EPCR Challenge Cup, Round of 16
📺 Live on Premier Sports
📻 Listen live on BBC Radio Ulster
Player's View
Rob Herring:
"It's a huge week for the club, it's been a while since we had a home knock out match in front of our own fans. To play those kind of matches in front of our fans is very important to us. We want to take that next step in Europe, we have had a good campaign so far and we'll be looking to continue that this Saturday night."
Challenge Cup Form Guide
Ulster Rugby:
R4: Ulster Rugby 26-19 Stade Francais Paris
R3: Toyota Cheetahs 0-28 Ulster Rugby
R2: Cardiff Rugby 29-26 Ulster Rugby
R1: Ulster Rugby 61-7 Racing 92
Ospreys:
R4: Ospreys 26-31 Montpellier
R3: Zebre Parma 23-19 Ospreys
R2: US Montauban 22-33 Ospreys
R1: Ospreys 24-21 Connacht
Players To Watch
Jac Morgan:
Renowned for his relentless work rate, physicality and elite breakdown skills, Morgan is widely regarded as the heartbeat of the Wales pack. A natural leader, he captained Wales at a young age, including during the Six Nations and was co-captain at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Morgan’s performances have earned widespread recognition, including selection for the British & Irish Lions and being named Wales Men’s Player of the Year in 2025.
Max Nagy:
Max Nagy is an exciting 26 year-old back-three player who has been developing his game with the Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship. Comfortable at full-back or on the wing, he is known for his pace, attacking intent and ability to find space in broken play.
His agility and counter-attacking threat make him a dangerous presence with ball in hand.
Dan Edwards:
Dan Edwards is a promising fly-half who has emerged as an exciting talent for the Ospreys and for the Welsh national side. A product of the region’s development pathway, he has gained attention for his composure, game management and maturity beyond his years in the pivotal No.10 role. He has 11 caps for his country and has a unique skill of being able to kick drop goals.
