Richie Murphy's team will feel full of confidence after an outstanding 19-40 bonus-point victory over Edinburgh Rugby, that saw the team fight through multiple setbacks in the match to put in a commanding performance in the Scottish capital.
Murphy was able to call upon returning South African forward, Juarno Augustus, who was named the BKT United Rugby Championship Player of the Match following his try-scoring efforts after three months out with an ankle injury.
The team return to Affidea Stadium for their first home match in two months, aiming to continue the unbeaten home record this season.
Stuart Lancaster's Connacht Rugby are the visitors this weekend, and promise to be a difficult opponent, like any Irish interprovincial derby.
Ulster's provincial rivals have seen an upturn in results, coming into this week's derby on a three match winning streak after wins against Zebre Parma, Glasgow Warriors and Scarlets.
We are back at home!
Back the Ulster men at Affidea Stadium for this crucial Irish interpro derby and get behind the team as they aim to keep their unbeaten home record up!
Match Details
🤝 Ulster Rugby v Connacht Rugby
🗓 Friday 20th March 2026, Kick Off 19:45
🏟 Affidea Stadium
🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship – Round 13
📺 Live on Premier Sports and URC.tv
How Things Stand
Following Ulster's 19-40 victory over Edinburgh at Hive Stadium in last Friday's rescheduled Round 2 fixture, Ulster now sit third in the URC table, level on points with second-placed DHL Stormers and Leinster in fourth.
Connacht sit in ninth position, climbing up the league table following back-to-back victories.
Fixture Rewind
Ulster 32-27 Connacht, 12 October 2024, BKT United Rugby Championship
The last time Ulster welcomed Connacht to Belfast, Richie Murphy's team edged a tight contest in a one score match.
In a thrilling first half, there were six tries scored between the two sides.
John Andrew, Jude Postlethwaite and John Cooney scored for the home side and Shayne Bolton, Joe Joyce and Ben Murphy got themselves on the scoresheet for the Westerners.
David McCann went over for Ulster's fourth and try bonus point just twelve minutes into the second half.
Dylan Tierney-Martin would reply for Connacht and Josh Ioane's conversion levelled the scoreline.
A red card for Josh Murphy gave Ulster a penalty which Cooney slotted over to push Ulster in front. With a man advantage, Nick Timoney would then score Ulster's fifth try and end the entertaining contest.
Players To Watch
Cian Prendergast:
The Connacht captain continues to grow in stature with each season and is a key member of the forward pack, with Prendergast able to play in the second or back row positions.
He brings power, physicality and a high work rate, making him menace around the breakdown.
Prendergast comes into the fixture after playing an important role for Ireland in the Guinness Six Nations, having made a big impact in the record victory against England at Twickenham.
He was recently named the Player of the Match in Connacht's gritty home victory against Glasgow Warriors in Round 12.
Bundee Aki:
A powerful and experienced centre for Connacht Rugby and Ireland national rugby union team who is renowned for his explosive ball-carrying, physical defence and leadership in midfield. The New Zealand-born back has been a key figure for Connacht since joining in 2014 and played a major role in their historic Pro12 title win in 2016.
He has been on two British and Irish Lions tours, and has played a huge role for Ireland on the international stage, playing a major part in three Six Nations Championship titles and now five Triple Crowns.
Aki was nominated for the World Rugby Men's Player of the Year award in 2023, showcasing his ability.
Sean Jansen:
A powerful back-row forward for Connacht Rugby known for his physical ball-carrying and high work rate around the field. Born in Dunedin, New Zealand, he previously played for Leicester Tigers before joining Connacht in 2023.
Primarily a No.8 but capable across the back row, Jansen brings strong carrying, aggressive defence and breakdown presence, quickly becoming an important member of the province’s pack.
