Here is everything you need to know ahead of the game…
Match Details
🤝 Ulster v Connacht<br>
🗓️ Friday 5 May<br>
⏰ 7.35pm<br>
🏟️ Kingspan Stadium<br>
🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship Quarter-Final<br>
📺 Live on Viaplay, TG4
Tickets
Limited tickets are available via the link below.
Officials
Referee: Andrew Brace<br>
AR1&2: Frank Murphy, Eoghan Cross<br>
TMO: Brian MacNeice
Ulster go into the Quarter-Final in top form, having won five out of the last five URC fixtures. The Ulster men secured a second placed finish that guarantees a home Semi-Final, should the province see off the Westerners tonight.
Ulster will feel confident playing at Kingspan Stadium as they ended the regular season with two strong home performances against Dragons and Edinburgh. The Ulster men scored an impressive 68 points across the two matches, showing their attacking threat.
They face a Connacht side who they have already beaten twice this season but know all too well that in the play-off stages and in any interpro derby - anything can happen.
Team News
Jacob Stockdale will earn his 100th cap for Ulster, while Rob Herring is set to equal the all-time appearance record for the province.
Connacht have named a strong team, which includes the likes of Ireland internationals Mack Hansen, Bundee Aki and Finlay Bealham.
Both the Ulster and Connacht match day squads can be viewed in our match programme below 👇
Digital Match Programme
Our official digital match programme includes an exclusive interview with Jacob Stockdale, a Q&A with Forwards Coach Roddy Grant, an in-depth look at our opponents, plus all the usual latest news, stats and information on both teams.
View it for FREE here:
Did you know?
· Ulster have won their last five BKT United Rugby Championship fixtures since their 11-17 defeat at Glasgow in Round 14.
· Ulster have not been defeated at Kingspan Stadium in any competition since Munster were the visitors on New Year's Day.
· The Ulster men have never lost a United Rugby Championship play-off game in Belfast.
· Connacht’s six game winning run in the BKT United Rugby Championship ended with their 27-29 reversal at Glasgow in Round 18.
· This is Connacht’s first United Rugby Championship play off fixture since they were defeated by Ulster in Belfast in the 2019 quarter final.
· Ulster have won their last three fixtures against Connacht whilst Connacht’s most recent victory at Kingspan Stadium was in the Rainbow Cup in May 2021.
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!
Getting to Kingspan Stadium
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.
Free City Centre shuttle buses will also leave from Mount Merrion Avenue after the game and up to one hour after full-time.
Translink will be operating Rugby Special buses, traveling to and from the Europa Buscentre. For more information, visit translink.co.uk/ulsterrugby.
A new secure match day parking facility at Belfast Metropolitan College Castlereagh campus has also been introduced, which is just a 10 minute walk from the Mount Merrion Avenue entrance to the stadium. The cost is £5 per car which can be paid by contactless payment on arrival.
Entering & Exiting the Stadium
Turnstiles will be open from 6.05pm.
What else is on at Kingspan Stadium
Fan Zone
- The Kingspan Stadium Fan Zone will be up and running from gates open at 6.05pm.
- Pick up your free Ulster flag at the turnstiles and make some noise for the Ulster men!
- The Cool FM Crew will provide the pre-match soundtrack as supporters warm up for the game.
- Check out the new Kingspan 'Try-Cycle' challenge - see how many metres you can make in one minute and try to earn your place on the leaderboard!
- The Kukri Store will be open from gates open until 30 minutes post-match.
- Our team mascot Sparky will be in position around the stadium bowl.
- Audio descriptive match commentary earpieces to enhance the match experience for people affected by sight or hearing loss will be available from the Admin Building reception.
- The Food Village, Kukri Store and public bars only accept contactless payments.
Family Activity
- From 6.05-7.35pm Ulster Rugby coaching staff will be hosting fun games and activities at the 3G pitch located behind the AbbeyAutoline Family Stand. Access via Gate A at corner of the Grandstand and Family Stand.
Stadium Bars
- All public bars will be in operation from gates open.
- There will be live music from The Fusion Duo in the Clubhouse Bar both pre and post-match.
- The 1924 Bar in the Grandstand will be open for pass holders only. Light food provided by The Yellow Door will be available.
- The newly refurbished Spirit of '99 Lounge will be open with music from local artist Dan Mulligan. Admission is for pass holders only.
- Gourmet burgers will be served by Yellow Door in the A&L Goodbody Lounge in the Premium Stand, and Kyle John Suckling will be providing the live entertainment in the Lounge.
- Drinks can be consumed inside the public bars, within the Fan Zone or in your seats / terrace.
Also on the Pitch
- At half-time, there will be mini rugby exhibition games from the players of Dungannon, Ballyclare, Letterkenny and Virginia.
- Also at half-time, an Ulster player will be doing a live interview on the pitch before helping Sparky and Abbey to throw signed rugby balls into the AbbeyAutoline Family Stand, so get ready to catch and see which player has signed yours!
Post-Match
- Members of the playing squad plus those who are departing the club at the end of the season will meet supporters, sign autographs and pose for photos outside the players entrance at the back of the Grandstand, from approximately 15 minutes after full-time.
Official Mascots
The official match mascots will be 10-year-old Noah Campbell from Conlig and 8-year-old Harry Trainer from Crossmaglen.
