Match Previews

Preview | Connacht Women v Ulster Women

12th August 2025

Murray Houston's side battled hard against the reigning champions, Leinster, in Round 1 but found it a tough task to stop a confident home side at Energia Park.

Ben Martin's side won the contest by 37-21 to make the ideal start to their title defence.

There were some areas of positivity for Ulster, with some encouraging performances.

Siobhán Sheerin, India Daley and Sophie Barrett all scored for the province, who missed out on a bonus-point fourth try.

This weekend's opponents, Connacht, go into the match after a tough opening round 44-5 loss to Munster at Virgin Media Park.

Ava Ryder scored the Westerners' sole try against a rampant Munster side, who scored eight tries and showcased their attacking ability.

Where to watch

Saturdays Round 2 match and every match of the Vodafone Interprovincial Championship will be shown live on TG4's Youtube Channel.

Be there to cheer Ulster on!

Ulster Senior Women will take on Munster at Affidea Stadium on Saturday 23rd August in the final round before the Vodafone Interprovincial Championship Play-Offs. (KO: 4.15pm)

Don't miss out on this vital interpro clash and secure your ticket today!

The match is included in our 2025/26 season ticket package and also includes entry to Ulster U18 Girls PwC Interprovincial Series match against Munster U18 Girls. (KO: 1pm)

FIND ULSTER SENIOR WOMEN TICKETS

Last time out

Ulster last met Connacht in last year's Vodafone Interprovincial Championship third-place Play-Off in Belfast.

Connacht were the winners on the day, winning 19-33 to secure third position.

Ulster made a strong start to the match, with Sophie Barrett's close- range try getting Ulster off the mark, with Abby Moyles converting.

Then came the turning point when Ulster's vital number eight and captain, Brittany Hogan, was shown a red card after what was deemed a dangerous tackle. Ulster were then sent down to 13 players, after Lucinda Kinghan was shown a yellow card for an offside under Connacht's attack.

Edel McMahon would score Connacht's first under the player advantage and then Faith Oviawe put the away side into the lead with a try before the break.

After the second half, with Ulster back up to 14, the home side showed great grit to notch back a try through Abby Moyles.

Hannah Clarke put Connacht back into the lead, winning a kick and chase for their third try.

Ulster responded once again, with Abby Moyles grabbing her second from a quick tap penalty and then converting her own score.

However with Ulster tiring and Connacht exploiting space, two converted tries from Faith Oviawe and Beibhinn Gleeson put the contest to bed.

Players to watch

Siobhán Sheerin

The powerful Clogher Valley RFC centre made her Ulster Senior Women's debut last weekend against Leinster and made a strong start, with a debut try and three successful conversions. A strong ball carrier in the midfield, with a strong kicking game, Sheerin has a fine skillset, honed through years of playing both GAA and AFL down under.

Her unique sporting journey has led her to now looking like a key member of the Ulster team for the future.

You can read more on Siobhán and her story here.

India Daley

Ulster's captain marked her return to action with a strong 40 minute display from the base of the forward pack. Her physicality and energy were on display in the first half, with some strong carrying.

She scored Ulster's second try of last weekend, running a good support line to her teammate, Brenda Barr, who put the Enniskillen forward through for the score.

Sophie Barrett

Tighthead prop, Sophie Barrett, was a strong presence up front for Ulster last weekend, using her aggression and power to gain Ulster metres into Leinster territory.

Early into the second half, Sophie showed her attacking work rate and strength as she received a pass close to the Leinster line and crashed over despite there being two defenders in her way.