In the final regular season home match, Richie Murphy's Ulster side will be aiming to finish with the maximum points on offer, with the team firmly in the mix for top eight qualification ahead of the Play-Offs.
With an EPCR Challenge Cup Final to look forward to, Ulster will have to keep battling on two fronts, with the focus on Glasgow Warriors this week.
Last week saw last minute drama at Affidea Stadium, as a late penalty try meant that DHL Stormers drew 38-38 with Ulster, denying two extra points and a bonus-point victory at the death.
Despite the disappointment, Ulster can be pleased with large elements of the performance, with a strong set piece and six tries scored, showing their attacking threat against the South Africans. Werner Kok (3), Zac Ward, Michael Lowry and Eric O'Sullivan were all on the scoresheet last week.
Ulster are the fourth most proficient attacking side in the league this season, with only the Bulls, Stormers and Lions tallying more points.
The province also had to deal with a 20 minute red card to Iain Henderson in the first half, showing great resilience to stay within the fight despite the player down.
With top eight qualification on the line, this weekend promises to be a thrilling finale to the regular season.
Get behind the team!
Limited tickets are still available for this Friday's fixture at Affidea Stadium and can be purchased via the link below:
Match Details
🤝 Ulster Rugby v Glasgow Warriors
🗓 Friday 15 May 2026, Kick Off 19:45
🏟 Affidea Stadium
🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship – Round 18
📺 Live on Premier Sports and URC.tv
The Opposition
Franco Smith's Glasgow Warriors are one of the strongest sides in European rugby, and this season they have competed well on both the URC and Champions Cup fronts.
The Warriors have remained around the top spot in the table for much of the season, boasting a very strong home record at Scotstoun Stadium and had an impressive Champions Cup campaign, defeating Clermont, Saracens, Toulouse and Vodacom Bulls.
Their European run came to an end against Toulon in the Quarter-Final and attentions have returned to finishing the URC campaign in strong form.
Round 17's 40-17 home bonus point victory against Cardiff was a strong statement of intent.
A brace from Johnny Matthews and scores from Kyle Steyn, Jack Dempsey, Patrick Schickerling and Kyle Rowe got the job done for Smith's side, who went first in the table with the result.
How Things Stand
Following last week's draw against the Stormers, Ulster sit in eighth spot level on points with Cardiff Rugby in seventh. (50)
A victory could see Ulster secure top eight and qualification for the Investec Champions Cup next season.
Franco Smith's Glasgow Warriors will be as motivated to try and keep hold of their position in first to guarantee home advantage all the way through the Play-Offs.
Fixture Rewind
Ulster Rugby 20-19 Glasgow Warriors, Round 1, BKT United Rugby Championship, 21 September 2024
The last time Glasgow Warriors came to Belfast, the home crowd went wild as David Shanahan's last gasp winner secured a narrow victory for Richie Murphy's side to kick off the 2024/25 campaign with a win against the then reigning champions.
Kiwi ten, Aidan Morgan, scored on his debut and David McCann dotted down but Kyle Steyn's late try, in addition to first-half tries from Johnny Matthews and Henco Venter had the visitors in command until the final late surge from Ulster.
With 84 minutes on the board, Shanahan was the hero, as the sharp scrum-half made the difference from close range, giving Ulster the victory.
Players to watch
Kyle Steyn:
Kyle Steyn is a dynamic and hard-working wing for Glasgow Warriors, known for his intelligent running lines, physicality in contact, and relentless work rate.
Born in Johannesburg but qualified through his Glaswegian mother, Steyn joined Glasgow in 2019 after impressing on the Scotland Sevens circuit and quickly became a fan favourite at Scotstoun.
He was appointed club captain in 2022 and famously led the Warriors to the 2023/24 United Rugby Championship title, becoming one of the key figures in the club’s modern era. The in-form wing was a nominee for the 2026 Guinness Six Nations Player of the Tournament after an impressive Championship in which he scored three tries and ranked first for defenders beaten.
Sione Tuipulotu:
Sione Tuipulotu is a powerful and skilful centre who has become one of the standout figures for Glasgow Warriors and Scotland. Born in Melbourne to Tongan and Scottish heritage, Tuipulotu began his professional career in Australia before moving to Scotland in 2021, where his combination of physicality, footwork, and creative passing quickly made him a key attacking threat.
Equally effective as a ball carrier and playmaker, he brings leadership and composure to midfield, forming a formidable partnership with Huw Jones for both club and country. Named Scotland captain during the 2024 Six Nations period, Tuipulotu has earned praise for his influence on and off the field.
Stafford McDowall:
A versatile and dependable backline player for Glasgow Warriors and the Scottish national team. McDowall came through the ranks at Glasgow and established himself through his composure, tactical awareness, and strong defensive game. Known for his calm distribution and leadership qualities, he has become an important figure in the Warriors squad and in Gregor Townsend's Scotland team.
McDowall played a significant role in Glasgow’s 2023/24 United Rugby Championship-winning campaign, offering consistency and adaptability across the backline while continuing to develop into one of the club’s most trusted players.
Matt Fagerson:
Matt Fagerson is a dynamic and hard-working back-row forward known for his physicality, relentless work rate, and leadership qualities. A key player for both Glasgow Warriors and the Scotland national rugby union team, Fagerson is comfortable across the back row positions, and has formed a strong partnership alongside Rory Darge and Jack Dempsey.
Renowned for his ball-carrying ability, defensive intensity, and breakdown work, he has become one of Scotland’s most dependable forwards.
