Ulster are aiming to bounce back after last weekend's 27-22 defeat against Scarlets in Round 10.
The province are still in a strong position, sitting in sixth place and a victory this weekend could see the team jump up the league positions. The match is the final fixture before the international break and Richie Murphy's side will be aiming to continue their unbeaten home run before the international action kicks off.
Cardiff come into the fixture on a high, after producing a gritty 17-8 home win against Benetton at Arms Park last weekend.
Ulster know all too well the threats that the Welsh side have, after a nail-biting 29-26 defeat in December during the Challenge Cup Pool stage.
Cardiff have had a strong season under Corniel van Zyl, sitting fourth in the URC table and also qualifying for the Round of 16 in the Challenge Cup, with a knock-out match against Benetton in Treviso to look forward to in April.
Secure your spot!
Limited tickets are still available for this huge URC clash, with vital points up for grabs as two in-form sides face each other.
Tickets can be purchased via the link below:
Match Details
🤝 Ulster Rugby v Cardiff Rugby <br>
🗓 Saturday 31st Jan 2026
🏟 Affidea Stadium <br>
🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship – Round 11<br>
📺 Live on Premier Sports and URC.tv
How things stand - URC table
Fixture Rewind
Ulster 19-17 Cardiff, 19 April 2024, Round 14, BKT United Rugby Championship
In Head Coach Richie Murphy's first home match in charge, Ulster secured a dramatic late victory in Belfast after John Cooney struck a late penalty to secure the four points on the night.
The Welsh side led at the break, after a Theo Cabango score and Ulster's Nathan Doak hit home two penalties to make it 7-6 at HT.
After the break Cabango was at it again, showing great pace to grab his second score. Flanker, David McCann, replied for the home side after going over from close range.
Cooney would add a penalty to then take the lead. Cardiff almost scored to re-take the lead but a superb recovery tackle from Cormac Izuchukwu forced a knock on.
Tinus de Beer punished an infringement with a penalty to edge the Welsh side in front again at 16-17, however Cooney and Ulster had the final say, with the scrum-half's penalty from distance being the difference in the scoreline.
Players to watch
Callum Sheedy
After progressing through the Bristol Bears system, Sheedy enjoyed a decade-long stint with Bristol — making over 160 appearances and helping the club earn promotion to the Premiership early in his career. He joined Cardiff ahead of the 2024-25 season, returning to his hometown club on a long-term deal and quickly becoming a key playmaker in the URC.
At Cardiff, Sheedy has brought creativity and game-management excellence, often praised for his vision, incisive kicking and ability to set up scoring opportunities for teammates. He has also captained the side and rediscovered his enjoyment of rugby in the familiar surroundings of the Arms Park.
Josh McNally
Standing 6 ft 7 in tall and weighing around 126 kg, McNally brings significant physical presence, leadership and set-piece strength to the Cardiff pack.
McNally joined Cardiff ahead of the 2024/25 season, arriving from Bath Rugby where he had spent five seasons, made over 80 appearances and captained the side on numerous occasions.
Iwan Stephens
In 2024 he signed for Cardiff Rugby, bringing attacking flair to the back-three and Welsh-qualified status through his father, former Wales and Llanelli fly-half Colin Stephens.
23-year-old Stephens combines explosive running and strong finishing with developing experience at a high level, making him one of Cardiff’s exciting talents on the wing.
