Match Day Guide | Ulster v Sharks

Here is everything you need to know ahead of the game…

Match Details

🤝 Ulster Rugby v Cell C Sharks
🗓 Friday 20 May, 7.35pm
🏟 Kingspan Stadium
🏆 United Rugby Championship Round 18
📺 Live on BBC NI, Premier Sports, RTE & TG4

Tickets

Match tickets are still available via the link below. Note that all tickets must be pre-purchased online as none will be available at the turnstiles.

Officials

Referee: Ben Blain (SRU, 20th competition game)
AR: Peter Martin, Dermot Blake (both IRFU)
TMO: Mike Adamson (SRU)

Team News

𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢'𝙨 🆙

Your Ulster team to host @SharksRugby at Kingspan Stadium tomorrow evening has been selected 🙌

Full announcement 👉 https://t.co/bA9oJcBZoG #ULSvSHA #URC pic.twitter.com/CQg9ddvHXv

— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) May 19, 2022

💥Team Release💥

Lukhanyo Am is back 😍

🔗: https://t.co/V454FvXUMV#OurSharksForever #TacklingNewShores Vodacom #URC #ULSvSHA pic.twitter.com/CGWs5J7ByZ

— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) May 19, 2022

Digital Match Programme

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

Did you know?

• Ulster’s 16-10 victory at Edinburgh in Round 17 of the United Rugby Championship ended a three-game losing run in the Championship.
• The Ulstermen lost their most recent match in the Championship at Kingspan Stadium against Munster, their first home defeat this campaign in the United Rugby Championship.
• The Ulstermen have won all five previous home games they have played against South African opponents in the Championship.
• Cell C Sharks have won their last four United Rugby Championship matches since their 5-21 home defeat to Edinburgh at the end of March – the Sharks only defeat in the tournament since early February.
• Sharks have won their last two fixtures against Irish opponents although they were defeated in their only previous away game to an Irish province – in Munster last September.
• The two sides have not met before.

Virtual Mascot

COVID-19 - Reduce the risk

First and foremost, please do not travel to Kingspan Stadium if you are feeling unwell or displaying symptoms of COVID-19.

In line with the latest NI Executive guidance, it is strongly recommended that supporters wear face coverings when indoors. Please also make use of the hand sanitisation stations located throughout the stadium and be distance-aware and respectful of others.

Public Transport

A free Park & Ride bus will operate continually from 6.05pm from Pirrie Park (alight at Onslow Parade) and Montgomery Road (alight at Mount Merrion Avenue). These will return from the same locations after final whistle.

Translink will be operating Rugby Special buses, traveling to and from the Europa Buscentre. For more information, visit translink.co.uk/ulsterrugby.

Entering & Exiting the Stadium

Turnstiles will be open from 6.05pm. To ensure the free flow of supporters, please note the following entry and exit points:

• Mount Merrion Ave Turnstiles: Supporters with tickets in Premium, East Terrace, Memorial Stand and Memorial Terrace.

• Onslow Parade Turnstiles: Supporters with tickets in Grandstand, The Promenade (West Terrace), AbbeyAutoline Family Stand and Family Terrace.

What's on at Kingspan Stadium

Fan Zone

• The Kingspan Stadium Fan Zone will be up and running from gates open at 6.05pm.
• The Cool FM Crew will provide the pre-match soundtrack as supporters warm up for the game.
• The Kukri Store will be open from gates open until 30 minutes post-match.
• The Food Village, Kukri Store and public bars all accept contactless or cashless payments.

Stadium Bars

• All public bars will be in operation from gates open.
• The Spirit of '99 and The 1924 bars in the Grandstand will also be open to the public. Gourmet burgers provided by The Yellow Door will be available in both.
• There will be live entertainment from David Wright 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.

Pre Kick-Off

• At 6.30pm, we will be welcoming representatives from all 86 teams who took part in this season's club and schools age-grade finals. A representative from each Cup winning side, and the runners-up, will have a photo taken towards the Family Stand end of the pitch.
• Just before kick-off, we will observe a moment's silence in memory of all those connected with Ulster Rugby who passed away over the last year.

Half-Time

• At half-time, Sparky and Abbey will be throwing signed rugby balls into the AbbeyAutoline Family Stand, so get ready to catch and see which player has signed yours!
• We will be celebrating the Ulster players who were involved in the Ireland U20s team that won the recent Six Nations Grand Slam, and team captain Reuben Crothers will be interviewed on the pitch.
• Also at half-time, the young female rugby players from Cooke, Letterkenny, Limavady, Lurgan, Ards, Bangor and Ballynahinch will take part in exhibition games on the pitch.