Richie Murphy's team return back home to Affidea Stadium after a tense Round 8 battle against Connacht at Dexcom Stadium, with the Ulstermen bringing back five points after a 24-29 win in Galway.
Tries from Zac Ward, Werner Kok and a penalty try reflected Ulster's exciting attack, with Jack Murphy's well taken penalty extending the lead with the clock in the red.
The province lead the way with attacking stats, with the most tries scored in the URC this season (33) and the most clean breaks made by a team (77).
Limited tickets remain!
Tickets for the first interprovincial clash of 2026 are very limited, with only standing tickets remaining. To secure your spot and support the Ulstermen this Friday night, click the link below:
The Opposition
Clayton McMillan's Munster side have had a strong start to the season, sitting second in the URC table after six wins from eight.
Round 8 saw Munster narrowly lose out to the reigning champions, Leinster, at Thomond Park, with Leo Cullen's team edging the contest by 8-13.
Munster had already laid down a strong marker against the Champions, after defeating Leinster by 14-31 at Croke Park back in October.
The Red Army travel up to Belfast licking their wounds from Round 8 and will look to get stuck into another interprovincial battle against Ulster.
How things stand
Following Round 8's bonus-point victory against Connacht in Galway, Ulster gained five valuable points as the province look to climb into the top four positions of the league table.
A victory over Munster could see Ulster leapfrog their interprovincial rivals in the table, with Ulster on 27 points and Munster on 30 points.
The province still have a game in hand following the Round 2 postponement against Edinburgh.
Fixture Rewind
Ulster's last home victory against Munster came in a thrilling 21-14 URC victory back in November 2023.
The away side took an early lead through two converted Craig Casey tries, before Jacob Stockdale replied for Ulster, who went into the break behind at 8-14.
The second half saw a strong comeback, with Nathan Doak levelling the scoreline through two well-taken penalties. Flanker, Nick Timoney, scored the match winning try in the second period and the home side put up a strong defence to hold on for a big derby win.
Supporters might remember the match for Rob Herring breaking the appearance making record and an eye-catching Ulster debut from Scott Wilson.
Players to watch
Jack Crowley
An Ireland international ten with 30 caps, Jack Crowley is a composed and creative fly-half who has quickly established himself as one of Ireland’s most reliable playmakers.
Known for his calm decision-making, goal-kicking, and strong game management, Crowley brings control and confidence to the backline. His ability to be calm under pressure and compete physically make him a key figure at both provincial level with Munster and international level for Ireland.
Tadhg Beirne
Beirne is a dynamic and influential forward whose leadership has been central to Munster’s recent success. As captain, he leads by example with heavy work rate, physicality, and a knack for big moments at the breakdown and in the lineout.
Equally effective at lock or blindside flanker, Beirne combines defensive steel with impressive ball skills, making him a cornerstone of Munster’s pack and one of Ireland’s most complete forwards.
Beirne was named the Player of the Series in the recent 2025 British and Irish Lions Summer Tour, showing his top class quality. The forward was also a nominee for the 2025 World Rugby Player of the Year Award, which was awarded to Springbok hooker, Malcolm Marx.
Alex Nankivell
A powerful and intelligent centre who adds balance and bite to Munster’s midfield. Strong in contact and defensively sound, he brings a direct carrying threat while also showing sharp awareness and distribution skills.
