Match Details
🤝 Ulster vs Stade Français<br>
🗓 Saturday 17 January, 1.00pm<br>
🏟 Affidea Stadium<br>
🏆 EPCR Challenge Cup – Round 4<br>
📺 Live on Premier Sports
Fan Zone
Get set for match night! The Ulster Rugby Fan Zone opens from 11.30am at Affidea Stadium.
🎉 Keep an eye out for our Welcome Team on arrival they’ll be handing out our 2025/26 Ulster Rugby flags.
🍔 Fuel up with a fantastic range of food options, while the Cool FM crew gets the pre-match vibes going with their playlist.
👋 Make sure to say hello to Sparky, our ever-popular mascot, who’ll be meeting fans before kick-off and throughout the game.
"The 9 Counties."
Our new Supporters' Area, The 9 Counties, will once again be in operation within the Nevin Spence Memorial Stand, the entrance is at the right hand side of the Scrum Bar.
The 9 Counties will feature:
- Premium glassware, locally sourced food and drink
- Comfortable seated supporters area
- Priority access for Season Ticket Holders
- Pre- and post-match entertainment, showing pre and post match coverage
- Exhibits, memorabilia, and stories celebrating our club’s proud history
Season Ticket Holders who have claimed tickets have priority access from 11.30am-12.00pm, at which point all ticket holders can access the area until maximum capacity is reached.
Support the Ulster Rugby Foundation Raffle
Help support grassroots rugby and inclusive community programmes by taking part in our match-night raffle, proudly run by the Ulster Rugby Foundation.
🎟 Raffle tickets will be available in the Fan Zone, with three brilliant prizes to be won:
🥇 Signed Jersey
🥈 Signed Ball
🥉 Two tickets to the Cardiff match on the 31/01/26
🎫 Tickets are available now below.
🕐 The draw will take place at half-time, with winners announced live in the stadium and shared across our website and social media channels.
There is still time to grab your tickets for tomorrow's game! 🎟
Officials
Referee: Adam Leal<br>
Assistant Referees: Hamish Smales & Wayne Falla
Team News
Ulster have named a formidable 23, Ireland International Iain Henderson captains the side, there are also returns to the starting XV for Harry Sheridan, David McCann and Rob Baloucoune.
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 Cover Star Bryn Ward and a full preview of our opponents Stade Français.
Getting to Affidea Stadium
Affidea 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.
Park & Ride
- Pirrie Park, Park & Ride will not be operational for this game. The Montgomery Road on the Mount Merrion side of the stadium (opposite Podium for Sport) will still be in operation. There are plenty of car parking spaces available and buses run constantly along these routes from 90 minutes prior to the game until 90 minutes after the final whistle. Montgomery road parking is free but is advised you arrive early to ensure you get a space.
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.
Fan Zone:
The Affidea Stadium Fan Zone opens from 11.30am, ready to welcome fans as soon as the gates open.
On arrival, keep an eye out for our Welcome Team, who’ll be handing out 2025/26 Ulster Rugby flags to help kick-start your matchday atmosphere.
Inside the Fan Zone, you’ll find a wide range of food and drink options to get you set for kick-off.
The Cool FM crew will be bringing the energy with a pre-match playlist to get you in the mood.
Heineken will be giving the first 200 fans through the gates a free pint of Heineken 0.0% in the Heineken Bar, so make sure to call down early and collect your voucher.\*
Our partners Finnebrogue will be beside the Memorial Arch giving out free Hot Dogs to all supporters while stocks last!
And don’t forget to say hello to Sparky, our mascot, who’ll be meeting fans before kick-off and throughout the game.
\*Over 18s only.
Player Meet & Greet Opportunities:
11.45–12.30pm: Meet the players under the new giant stretch tent in the Fan Zone.
15 minutes after full-time: Members of the playing squad will greet supporters, sign autographs, and take photos outside the players’ entrance at the back of the Grandstand.
Stadium Bars:
Our new and improved Fan Zone will be buzzing with activity under the giant stretch tent, offering fans:
- Two new bars with tables and seating
- A variety of food trucks
- Music from Cool FM
All public bars throughout the stadium will open at 11.30am, with live music in the Clubhouse Bar before and after the match.
Please note: The Food Village, Castore Shop, and public bars accept contactless payments only.
Also on the Pitch:
At half-time, enjoy two mini rugby showcase matches:
- Letterkenny v Randalstown at the AbbeyAutoline Family Stand End
- Ballymena v City of Derry at the Nevin Spence Memorial Stand End