Following the province's qualification for the Challenge Cup Final later this month against Montpellier, focus now returns to URC action, as Ulster resume their battle for the top eight positions.
Friday night's penultimate regular season match sees the Ulstermen face the in-form URC side, with Stormers sitting in first position.
The Cape Town based team have had a strong campaign and boast a number of top quality Springbok internationals such as Damian Willemse, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Frans Malherbe and the URC's top try scorer, Evan Roos.
Richie Murphy's squad will approach the fixture with confidence, after a dominant Challenge Cup semi-final victory over a strong Exeter Chiefs team.
In a highly physical match, the Ulstermen came out on top at Affidea Stadium, with a solid set piece creating the platform for Ulster's exciting backline players to exploit.
Against a powerful South African pack, that huge level of physicality will be expected again this week.
Secure your tickets today!
Limited tickets are still available for this Friday's showdown and can be purchased using the link below:
Match Details
🤝 Ulster Rugby v DHL Stormers
🗓 Friday 8 May 2026, Kick Off 19:45
🏟 Affidea Stadium
🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship – Round 17
📺 Live on Premier Sports and URC.tv
How things stand
With only two rounds left to play in the regular season, Ulster sit in a strong position to attack both fixtures against the Stormers and Glasgow in front of home support in Belfast.
The Stormers will want to keep their spot at the top of the pile and secure their home advantage for the URC Play-Offs.
A victory for Ulster could potentially see the province lifted to fifth, with every point vital at this stage of the season.
Fixture Rewind
Ulster Rugby 38-34 DHL Stormers, BKT United Rugby Championship, 28 March 2025
Richie Murphy's side overcame a strong Stormers side to clinch a bonus-point victory. The home side showed remarkable resilience to fight back, after the South African side went 17-0 up following a dominant start. Evan Roos and Ben Louder tries, followed by a Sacha Feinburg Mngomezulu penalty put the visitors in front.
Ulster hit back through Rob Baloucoune, Andy Warwick and Jack Murphy to tie the scoreline up at HT.
Jacob Stockdale's dot down on the wing secured the bonus point for Ulster just three minutes into the second half.
The match took a dramatic twist when Neethling Fouche was shown a red card for a dangerous tackle on Ben Carson.
Zac Ward's try after great work from Stockdale put Ulster into a 31-20 lead.
Willie Engelbrecht scored for the 14 men of Stormers, before a brilliant counter saw Ulster's Stewart Moore sent away for the home side's sixth try of the day.
With 70 minutes on the clock, Harry Sheridan was shown a yellow card for an infringement around a ruck and the Stormers made the ending nervous for Ulster fans, as Evan Roos went over for his second try of the match.
Ulster were able to see out the clock and finish a thrilling fixture that was full of action and drama.
Players to watch
Damian Willemse
Primarily operating as a fullback or fly-half, is a key figure for both the Stormers and the Springboks.
Willemse combines sharp footwork with excellent vision, allowing him to break defensive lines and create scoring opportunities.
The 27-year-old is a two time Rugby World Cup winner and a former URC champion. His adaptability and confidence with ball in hand make him one of the most exciting talents in rugby.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Comfortable at fly-half, centre, or fullback, he brings a natural attacking flair, sharp decision-making, and a confident kicking game. Known for his composure under pressure and ability to unlock defences with both passing, pace and footwork, he adds creativity and unpredictability to the Stormers’ backline.
24-year-old Feinberg-Mngomezulu is a developing talent and is making his mark in Rassie Eramus' Springbok side, with 19 caps and plenty more to come.
He already holds the record for most tries scored by a Springbok fly-half (9) and in the 2025 Rugby Championship he broke the record for the most amount of points scored by an individual player in one game for South Africa. (37 v Argentina)
Evan Roos
The 26 year-old back rower operates mainly at No. 8 and he combines strength, speed, and a high work rate to consistently make an impact around the park.
As the URC’s top try scorer this season, Roos has showcased exceptional support lines and a sharp instinct for finishing, often turning forward play into crucial points.
His aggressive style at the breakdown and ability to gain metres after contact make him a constant threat, while his competitive edge and energy have established him as a key figure in the Stormers’ pack. Roos has been capped five times for South Africa and is earmarked as a future international star.
