Here is everything you need to know ahead of the game…
Match Details
🤝 Ulster v Zebre<br>
🗓 Sunday 26 January, 5.30pm <br>
🏟 Kingspan Stadium<br>
🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 10 <br>
📺 Live on Premier Sports and BBC 2 NI
Make it a day of rugby to remember!
This Sunday marks an exciting milestone for Ulster Rugby, with the trial of the first ever Sunday Danske Bank Ulster Schools' Cup Round of 16 fixture being played as a curtain-raiser to the URC clash. Banbridge Academy will take on Sullivan Upper before the Senior Men’s game, as we explore the idea of combining domestic and professional rugby to create an action-packed day at Kingspan Stadium.
With just one ticket, you’ll gain access to both thrilling matches! Gates open at 1:30pm, with the Schools' Cup clash kicking off at 2pm ahead ahead of the URC showdown.
To inspire and welcome the next generation of Ulster Rugby fans, we’re excited to offer a special ‘Kids for a Quid’ promotion. Up to two Under-18 tickets can be purchased for just £1 each when bought with a full-price adult ticket in the Family Terrace or Memorial Terrace.\*
Don’t miss this unique double-header – we’ll see you there!
\*Cost excludes ticketing provider service charge.
Officials
Referee: Ben Breakspear<br>
Assistant Referees: Robbie Jenkinson, Tomas O'Sullivan<br>
TMO:Tom Spurrier
Team News
Head Coach Richie Murphy has named his Ulster team to face Zebre this Sunday. John Cooney is set to make his 150th appearance for the province, while 22-year-old Development forward Lorcan McLoughlin will earn his first start.
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 John Cooney, Q&A with Jake Flannery, an in-depth look at our opponents, the latest news plus all the usual stats and information on both team
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.
Park & Stride
We 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 and will be operational from 12.30-9pm. The cost is just £5 per car which can be paid by contactless payment on arrival or you can pre-book online.
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 4pm until 90 minutes after the final whistle in the Ulster match.
City Centre Shuttle Bus
Free City Centre shuttle buses will also leave from Mount Merrion Avenue after the Park & Ride shuttle services end, approximately 45-60 minutes after full time in the Ulster match.
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:
Fan Zone:
The Kingspan Stadium Fan Zone, catering outlets and stadium bars will open on a phased basis, to accommodate the Schools' Cup curtain raiser fixture.
From 1.30pm:
- The Clubhouse Bar and limited catering trucks will be in operation.
- Put your rugby skills to the test with the Kingspan Scrum-Half Challenge, and you could win some great prizes, including a 24/25 Ulster jersey signed by the squad.
- There will also be inflatable rugby darts games at the corner of the Memorial Arch and Cool FM will be on-site providing the pre-match playlist.
- The Castore Store will be open from 3pm until 30 minutes post-match.
From 4pm:
- All catering outlets and remaining five stadium bars will be open.
- There will be live music in the Clubhouse Bar with The Untouchables before (from 4.30pm) and after the Ulster match.
- Look out for our Welcome Team, pick up your new free Ulster flag and make some noise for the Ulster men!
- Our team mascot Sparky will be in position around the stadium bowl.
Please note:
- The food village, Castore Shop and public bars only accept contactless payments.
- Drinks can be consumed inside the public bars, within the Fan Zone or in your seats / terrace.
Player Meet & Greet Opportunities:
- 3.45-4pm: At the Kingspan Scrum-Half Challenge 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.
Also on the Pitch:
- At half-time, there will be a girls rugby exhibition game between Enniskillen and Inishowen at the Nevin Spence Memorial Stand end.
- At the AbbeyAutoline Family Stand end will be the Bank of Ireland Never Stop Competing Challenge, where club representatives will compete for a chance to win £10,000 for their club.
- Also at half-time, an Ulster player will be tossing mini rugby balls into the crowd at the AbbeyAutoline Family Stand.