Richie Murphy's side make the trip to Scotland hoping to put in a positive performance after three tough successive defeats in the URC.
Round 17's 38-20 defeat against Munster in Limerick, with the weekend's other results meant that the province's hopes of making the play-off positions ended and that Ulster will be playing in the EPCR Challenge Cup next season.
Edinburgh will be fired up for Friday night's match, as they sit two points outside the top eight, on 44 points in tenth spot.
Ulster will be looking to finish the season off in as high a position as possible, with the province placed in 12th place on 38 points.
Match Details
🤝 Edinburgh Rugby v Ulster Rugby
🏟️ Hive Stadium
📅 Friday 16th May
🕰️ 7.35pm
🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 18
📺 Premier Sports
How things stand
### Last time out
Ulster's last trip to Edinburgh resulted in a tight but thrilling 10-16 victory for the away side, who put in a steely defensive display to maintain the lead and gain four points.
Despite Nick Timoney being shown an early yellow card and Iain Henderson having to be replaced in the opening minutes of the contest, Ulster struck their only try of the game with 14 men.
Stewart Moore showed good hands to fire out a pass to Rob Baloucoune, with the winger dotting down in the corner for the finish. Nathan Doak's conversion from the touchline made it 7-0.
Ulster would punish the home side's ill-discipline, as Nathan Doak struck two penalties to extend the scoreline to 0-13. On the stroke of half-time, the Scottish side notched their first points of the day, with Emiliano Boffelli taking a penalty.
Early into the second half, Nathan Doak hit his third penalty of the match, after Edinburgh got pinged for an off the ball tackle.
Ulster then went through a ten minute spell defending with 14, after Alan O'Connor was shown a yellow card. They held out against the home side for the duration of the sin-bin, but shortly afterwards finally made their breakthrough after Mark Bennett scored after a chip and chase. Boffelli added the extras from the tee.
Despite Edinburgh's surge towards the Ulster tryline, the defence held firm and the ball was knocked on, giving Ulster the chance to kill the game.
Players to watch
Jamie Ritchie:
An aggressive back-rower, Ritchie is a threat to teams with his ability in and around the breakdown. A leader for his club and country, Ritchie has been capped 54 times for Scotland and has captained the side in a number of test matches.
It will possibly be Ritchie's last match at Hive Stadium, with the forward joining French Top 14 side, Perpignan, at the end of the season.
Ben Healy:
Former Munster fly-half and Scottish international, Healy, is renowned for his exceptional goal-kicking, often delivering under pressure.
His tactical kicking and game management make him a central figure in Edinburgh's playmaking. In the 2023/24 URC season, he played every minute of the team's matches, leading the tournament in individual points scored.
Pierre Schoeman:
The powerful Scottish international prop is a key reason why Edinburgh rank second in the league for scrum success, and is part of a front row that have won the most scrum penalties in the league. (42)
The South African born forward is also a try-scoring threat, having scored five tries in 11 matches this campaign.
He was recently rewarded for his consistency with a call-up to the British and Irish Lions summer touring squad.
