Here is everything you need to know ahead of the game…
Match Details
🤝 Ulster v Edinburgh<br>
🗓️ Friday 21 April<br>
⏰ 7.35pm<br>
🏟️ Kingspan Stadium<br>
🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship Round 18<br>
📺 Live on Viaplay
Tickets
Limited terrace tickets are available via the link below. All seated sections are now sold out.
Officials
Referee: Andrea Piardi<br>
AR1&2: Eoghan Cross, Sam Holt<br>
TMO: Matteo Liperini
What's at stake?
Ulster have already secured a home quarter-final on the weekend of 5/6 May but will need a victory over Edinburgh to guarantee a top two finish in the league, which would book home advantage right through to the semi-finals.
The Ulster men leapfrogged reigning champions the DHL Stormers into second place last weekend, thanks to a combination of a bonus point 40-19 victory against the Dragons along with Munster beating the Stormers 24-26 in Cape Town.
Edinburgh are unable to force their way into the play-off spots, but a 45-21 victory over Ospreys last weekend demonstrated their determination to finish the season on a high.
Team News
Alan O'Connor will lead out a familiar looking Ulster squad, with a potent mix of experience and youth.
Edinburgh have also named a strong squad with the starting XV featuring the likes of Hamish Watson, Jamie Ritchie, Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe.
Both the Ulster and Edinburgh match day squads can be viewed in our match programme below 👇
Digital Match Programme
Our official digital match programme includes an exclusive interview with Kieran Treadwell, a Q&A with Stuart McCloskey, 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’s have won their last four BKT United Rugby Championship matches since their 11-17 loss to Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun on 17 February.
• The Ulstermen’s most recent reversal in the Championship at Kingspan Stadium was by a solitary point to Munster on New Year's Day.
• Ulster’s loss in Glasgow in Round 14 ended a run of seven successive victories against Scottish opponents.
• Ulster have lost at home to a Scottish opponent just once since September 2013 at that was by a single point to today’s opponents Edinburgh in February 2018.
• Edinburgh’s four game losing run in BKT United Rugby Championship ended with their 45-21 victory at home to Ospreys last weekend.
• The Scotsmen have lost their last four away games in the Championship since beating Cardiff Rugby at the Arms Park at the end of October.
• Edinburgh have gained only three victories over Irish provinces since November 2019, and all of those were against Connacht.
• Ulster have won their last seven encounters with Edinburgh since the Scotsman’s 17-16 win in Belfast in February 2018.
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!
- Keep an eye out for the Britvic giveaway in the fan zone before the game, as their promo team will be handing out samples of their Energise Glucose energy drink & Ballygowan's new Hint of Fruit range.
- 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
- Bank of Ireland's unique catching challenge will be available for supporters to try, from 6.05-7.35pm 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 David Wright 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 Alex Hall. Admission is for pass holders only and it is sold out for this fixture.
- 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 Instonians, Enniskillen, Larne and Inishowen.
- Also at half-time, an Ulster player will be doing a live interview on the pitch.
Post-Match
- Members of the playing squad will meet supporters, sign autographs and pose for photos outside the player’s entrance at the back of the Grandstand, from approximately 15 minutes after full-time.
Official Mascots
The official match mascots will be 11-year-old George Rankin from Ballyclare and 10-year-old Conor Grimes from Collon, County Louth.
