Here is everything you need to know ahead of the game…
Match Details
🤝 Ulster Rugby v Emirates Lions<br>
🗓️ Friday 17 November <br>
⏰ 7.35pm<br>
🏟️ Kingspan Stadium<br>
🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship Round 5<br>
📺 Live on BBC NI, Viaplay & TG4
Tickets
Tickets are still available. Note that tickets must be purchased in advance and can not be purchased at the gate.
Officials
Referee: Andrea Piardi<br>
ARs: Frank Murphy, Padraic Reidy, Graeme Ormiston, Roger Cleave<br>
TMO: Matteo Liperini
Team News
Club captain Iain Henderson will lead out the team as he returns to the starting XV, while Scott Wilson is rewarded for his impressive performance off the bench last week with a start.
Both the Ulster and Lions match day squads can be viewed in our match programme below 👇
Digital Match Programme
Our official digital match programme includes an exclusive interview with Ulster's latest debutant Scott Wilson, a Q&A with Jude Postlethwaite and an in-depth look at our opponents, plus all the usual latest news, stats and information on both teams.
Read it for FREE here...
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
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 & Walk
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 Events 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/special-events/ulsterrugbybusspecial.
Entering the Stadium
Turnstiles will be open from 6:05pm.
See below details of our Digital Ticketing Guide.
Kingspan Stadium now features contactless ticket entry for enhanced security and quick access.
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) October 29, 2023
Simply save your digital ticket into your phone wallet and present it at the contactless reader at the turnstile.
More info 👇https://t.co/KPqUxq0Rx6 pic.twitter.com/VFWpR4iRpM
What else is on at Kingspan 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, and Ulster players will be there for meet-and-greet from 6.35-6.50pm.
- Keep an eye out for the Ulster Rugby Foundation stand where you can grab a photo frame opportunity with an Ulster player.
- 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.
- Audio descriptive match commentary earpieces to enhance the match experience for people affected by sight or hearing loss will be available from the Admin Building reception.
- The Food Village, Kukri Store and public bars only accept contactless payments.
Stadium Bars
- All public bars will be in operation from gates open.
- There will be live music from Stevie Watters 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
- At half-time, there will be disability rugby exhibition games from the players of Ballyclare Hares, Newforge Taggers, Donaghadee Seaside Sharkies and Enniskillen SKINclusions.
- 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.
Post-Match
- Members of the playing squad will meet supporters, sign autographs and pose for photos outside the player’s entrance at the back of the Grandstand, from approximately 15 minutes after full-time.
Official Mascots
The official match mascots will be 10-year-old Shannon Holmes from Belfast and 8-year-old Oran Watters from Kingscourt.
