Richie Murphy's Ulstermen will be looking to put the last two fixtures in South Africa behind them as the squad prepare for a huge interpro derby against the Westerners in Belfast.
The fixture always promises to be a hard-fought contest, with only three points separating the sides across their two fixtures last season.
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Ulster started off the campaign with a dramatic late win against the reigning champions, Glasgow Warriors, at a packed Kingspan Stadium, before falling to two away defeats against Emirates Lions and Vodacom Bulls in a South African double header.
The tour did have some positives - with a number of young talents such as Charlie Irvine and James McCormick making their first starts in an Ulster jersey.
Pete Wilkens' Connacht side have started the season off in strong fashion, with two wins from three rounds played.
The first saw a thriller against Munster at Thomond Park, where the Cork side just edged the contest by 35-33.
Connacht then responded by seeing off Hollywoodbets Sharks at the Sportsground in another high scoring game, winning late on through Oisín Dowling's try to give them a 36-30 victory.
Last weekend, Connacht took on Dwayne Peel's Scarlets and started in impressive fashion after tries from Piers O'Conor, Mack Hansen and Ben Murphy saw them lead 21-14 at half time.
The Scarlets put up a good fight back in the second half, and it took a Cathal Forde penalty at the death to seal victory by one point, with his kick ending the game at 23-24 to Connacht.
Match Details
🏟️ Kingspan Stadium
📅 Saturday 12th October
🕰️ 8pm
🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 4
📺 BBC Sport NI, Premier Sports, TG4
Last time out
Ulster closed out 2023 with a nail-biting christmas interpro win at Kingspan Stadium, with the final score 20-19 to the home side.
Ulster took the lead through an unlikely source, prop Andrew Warwick, who finished an attack early on. Connacht's Bundee Aki then replied for the away side, before Nick Timoney's try got the home side back on top for HT.
John Cooney would score two penalties, however tries from Shamus Hurley-Langton and Shayne Bolton would mean that Ulster had to defend with everything to see out the victory.
Players to watch
Ben Murphy:
Son of Ulster Head Coach, Richie, Ben has started the season on fire after joining on loan from Leinster. The scrum-half has scored three tries already this season, with two against Munster on the opening round in Cork.
Murphy has looked sharp with ball in hand and has been breaking opposition lines with his smart runs. He looks to have formed an impressive partnership with new fly-half, Josh Iaone.
Mack Hansen:
The Ireland wing is wasting no time in getting back to form after returning from a shoulder injury that kept him out for a large chunk of last season. Hansen is one of the most dangerous back three players in world rugby and will cause a threat with his skills whether in his carrying or kick game.
Cathal Forde:
The young centre is making a proper name for himself with recent performances in the 13 jersey for Connacht. Forde has an excellent kicking game and has shown he can also be used at ten if need be.He is his side's top points scorer so far with 24 points after three rounds. Forde's last gasp penalty clinched victory against the Scarlets, showing he can cope with the pressure moments.
Bundee Aki:
The World Player of the Year nominee is a stalwart of both Connacht and the Irish national team.
Aki is a powerful presence in the inside centre position and has a phenomenal work-rate in attack and defence. Aki is a big ball carrier and a key player around the breakdown with his turnover and tackling abilities.
