Here is everything you need to know ahead of the game…
Match Details
🤝 Ulster v Cardiff<br>
🗓 Friday 19 April, 7.35pm<br>
🏟 Kingspan Stadium<br>
🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship<br>
📺 Live on BBC Sport NI
Tickets
Tickets are still available. Note that tickets must be purchased in advance and can not be purchased at the gate.
Officials
Referee: Mike Adamson<br>
Assistant Referees: Andrew Cole, Sam Holt<br>
TMO: Andrew McMenemy
Team News
There are nine changes to the Ulster team from our last outing against ASM Clermont Auvergne with Jake Flannery returning as 10 and Jacob Stockdale makes his first start since our last home BKT URC fixture against Dragons.
View both match day squads in the official digital match programme below 👇
Digital Match Programme
Our official digital match programme includes an exclusive interview with Tom O'Toole, a Q&A with Richie Murphy, an in-depth look at our opponents, plus all the usual latest news, stats and information on both teams.
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!
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 on the Mount Merrion side of the stadium (opposite Podium for Sport). 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.
A new parking location for 2023/24 has been added at Tesco, Castlereagh Road which will now be the first pick up for the Montgomery Road Park & Ride shuttle service.
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 game and up to one hour after full-time.
PUBLIC & SPECIAL EVENT BUS
Translink will be operating three Rugby Special buses, traveling to and from the Europa Buscentre Belfast, Sprucefield Park & Ride via Lisburn Bus Station and Newtownards Bus Station via Dundonald Park & Ride. For more information, visit www.translink.co.uk/ulsterrugby.
AT THE STADIUM
FAN ZONE:
- The Kingspan Stadium Fan Zone will be up and running from gates open at 6.05pm.
- Look out for our Welcome Team, pick up your 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.
- Check out the Kingspan 'Try-Cycle' challenge - see how many metres you can make in one minute and try to earn your place on the leaderboard. There are some fantastic prizes to be won.
- We will be giving away free water bottles to use across our newly installed Kingspan Water Bottle Filling Stations.
- Game of Thrones Studio Tour will be here to give all supporters the chance to get a photo atop the iconic Iron Throne, there will also be prize giveaways on the night.
- The Kukri 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, Kukri Store and public bars only accept contactless payments.
KINGSPAN PASSING CHALLENGE:
On the Aquinas 3G pitch - which can be accessed via the corner of Grandstand and Family Stand - we will have the Kingspan Passing Challenge in operation for the first time. This fun challenge is open for all ages and abilities to test your passing skills or pick up some tips from Ulster Rugby players and coaches. The Passing Challenge will be open from 6.05-7.35pm.
ULSTER RUGBY FOUNDATION
You can support the Ulster Rugby Foundation by purchasing a raffle ticket from Foundation volunteers who will be around the stadium. The prize this week will be an Ireland jersey signed by the entire 2023 Six Nations Grand Slam winning side.
PLAYER MEET & GREET OPPORTUNITIES:
- 6.30-6.40pm: At the Kingspan Try-Cycle challenge within the Fan Zone.
- 6.45-7.15pm: Keep an eye out for some players along with the Ulster Rugby Foundation volunteers 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 will be in operation from gates open at 6.05pm.
- There will be live music from Likely Lads Duo in the Clubhouse Bar both pre and post-match.
- Drinks can be consumed inside the public bars, within the Fan Zone or in your seats / terrace.
ALSO ON THE PITCH:
- Approximately five minutes prior to kick-off, our spectacular light show will build the big match atmosphere.
- At half-time, there will be mini rugby exhibition games from the players of Letterkenny, City of Armagh, Inishowen and Dungannon
- Also at half-time, an Ulster player will be doing a live interview at the AbbeyAutoline Family Stand, and will be tossing mini rugby balls into the crowd.