Match Previews

Match Day Guide | Ulster v Bordeaux Bègles

13th December 2024
A huge game is in store on Saturday as Ulster host French side Bordeaux Bègles, in the first Investec Champions Cup home game of the season at Kingspan Stadium. Here is everything you need to know ahead of the game...
Match Details

🤝 Ulster v Bordeaux Bègles<br>
🗓 Saturday 14 December, 3.15pm<br>
🏟 Kingspan Stadium<br>
🏉 Investec Champions Cup, Round 2<br>
📺 Live on Premier Sports

Ticketing

Click the link below to secure your seats and join us for an unforgettable afternoon of rugby!

Buy tickets here

Officials

Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi <br>
Assistant Referees: Alex Frasson, Franco Rosella<br>
TMO: Stefano Roscini

Team News

View both match day squads in the official digital match programme below 👇

Digital Match Programme

Zac Ward, who joined the Ulster squad this season after starring for Ireland 7s at the Summer Olympics, makes his senior debut on the wing, and joins Cormac Izuchukwu, Aidan Morgan, Jude Postlethwaite and Werner Kok in making a first Champions Cup appearance at Kingspan Stadium.

Download the official Ulster Rugby app

Whether you are at Kingspan Stadium or following along from home, the official Ulster Rugby mobile app delivers the most immersive live match stats straight to your hand.

You can also enable push notifications so you never miss a score!

» Download from the Apple App Store

» Download from the Google Play Store

Getting to Kingspan Stadium

Kingspan Stadium is located in a residential area with parking restrictions and road closures in the immediate area on match-day. Please do not park in the streets around the stadium, which are required for safe egress and emergency vehicles. Illegal parking will result in ticket fines.

Free Park & Ride
  • A free of charge Park & Ride service is provided on match days by Ulster Rugby, operated by Translink, located at Pirrie Park (Methodist College Playing Fields car park) on the Ravenhill Road side of the stadium and also along Montgomery Road (opposite Podium for Sport) on the Mount Merrion side of the stadium. There are plenty of car parking spaces available and free buses run constantly along these routes from 90 minutes prior to the game until 90 minutes after the final whistle.
Park & Stride
  • We also have a secure match day parking facility at Belfast Metropolitan College Castlereagh campus, which is a 10 minute walk from the Mount Merrion Avenue entrance to the stadium. The cost is just £5 per car which can be paid by contactless payment on arrival or you can pre-book online.
City Centre Shuttle Bus
  • Free City Centre shuttle buses will also leave from Mount Merrion Avenue after the park and ride shuttle services end, approx. 45-60 minutes after full time.
Public & Special Event Bus
  • Translink will be operating Rugby Special buses, traveling to and from the Belfast Grand Central Station. For more information, visit www.translink.co.uk/ulsterrugby.
AT THE STADIUM:<br>

Fan Zone:

  • The Kingspan Stadium Fan Zone will be up and running from gates open at 1.15pm.
  • Look out for our Welcome Team, pick up your new free Ulster flag and make some noise for the Ulster men!
  • The Cool FM Crew will provide the pre-match soundtrack as supporters warm up for the game.
  • The Boom Strutt Brass Band will also be bringing some New Orleans-style street vibes and Christmassy tunes.
  • Put your rugby skills to the test with the Kingspan Scrum-Half Challenge, and you could win some great prizes.
  • Visit our Santa's Grotto in the Nevin Spence centre, with festive themed craft activities and Christmas characters including The Grinch and Buddy the Elf.
  • The Castore Store will be open from gates open until 30 minutes post-match.
  • Our team mascot Sparky will be in position around the stadium bowl.
  • The Food Village, Castore Shop and public bars only accept contactless payments.
Ulster Rugby Foundation:
  • You can support the work of the Ulster Rugby Foundation by purchasing a raffle ticket from Foundation volunteers who will be around the stadium. The draw will be made at half-time with fantastic prizes including an Ulster jersey signed by the squad, match tickets and an exclusive team training experience.
Player Meet & Greet Opportunities:
  • 1.45-2.15pm: At the Kingspan Scrum-Half Challenge and BKT Fun Games in the Fan Zone.
  • 15 mins after full-time: Members of the playing squad will meet supporters, sign autographs and post for photos outside the players entrance at the back of the Grandstand.
Stadium Bars:
  • All public bars open at 1.15pm, with live music in the Clubhouse Bar from Alex Hall before and after the match.
  • We have added a new covered outdoor bar in the Fan Zone, bringing the number of stadium bars to six.
  • Drinks can be consumed inside the public bars, within the Fan Zone or in your seats / terrace.
Sampling:
  • Keep an eye out for the Tayto team at the Memorial Arch corner - they're giving away free samples of crisps.
  • Opposite the Heineken Quarter bar, grab a free sample of Heineken 0.0 prior to kick-off.
Also on the Pitch:
  • At half-time, there will be two mini rugby exhibition games: Monaghan v Rainey at the AbbeyAutoline Family Stand End and Dungannon v Inishowen at the Nevin Spence Memorial Stand End.
  • Also at half-time, an Ulster player will be doing a live interview and tossing mini rugby balls into the crowd at the AbbeyAutoline Family Stand.

Buy Ulster v Bordeaux Tickets