With the province firmly in the fight for play-off positions and Investec Champions Cup qualification, this Saturday presents a huge challenge to Richie Murphy's side, who are hoping to bounce back from last weekend's Round 15 defeat against Leinster.
Ulster put in a spirited display against the league's runaway leaders at Aviva Stadium, in a match that became disjointed for the province with multiple injuries throughout the contest.
That defeat left Ulster sitting in tenth position in the URC table, but a win this weekend against the fourth- placed Sharks could launch the province into the top eight.
John Plumtree's side won an important battle against Edinburgh last weekend, with a late converted try from Mapimpi grabbing the victory in the last seconds of the match for a 17-18 win at the Hive Stadium.
Roar on the Ulstermen in our last home fixture of the season!
Limited tickets are still available for our final home fixture of the campaign, with vital points on the line in the race for the top eight.
With eight senior players departing at the end of the season, Saturday offers supporters the chance to wish some long-serving players such as Alan O'Connor, Andrew Warwick, Kieran Treadwell, John Cooney and Matty Rea a fond farewell.
Match Details
🤝 Ulster Rugby v Hollywoodbets Sharks
🏟️ Kingspan Stadium
📅 Saturday 26th April
🕰️ 7.35pm
🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 16
📺 BBC Sport NI, Premier Sports, RTÉ
How things stand
Last time out
The last time the Sharks came to Belfast in 2022, Ulster edged a tight affair by 24-21 at Kingspan Stadium.
The win guaranteed Ulster a home Quarter-Final in the URC Play-Offs.
Converted tries from Michael Lowry, James Hume and Stuart McCloskey, with a John Cooney penalty helped fire the home side into a 24-7 lead, before two converted tries from the Sharks ensured a nervy end to the contest.
Nick Timoney was the player of the match on the night with a typical powerhouse display. The flanker made 21 tackles in the match, made five successful carries and won two vital turnovers.
Ulster wing, Werner Kok, was playing for the Sharks on the day and will face his former team as an Ulster player this weekend.
You can check out our behind the scenes footage of the match below:
Players to watch
Siya Kolisi:
Siya Kolisi is a icon of the game and the current captain of both the South Africa national team and the Sharks. Known for his leadership, resilience, and humility, Kolisi has become a symbol of unity and inspiration in South Africa.
Kolisi returned to the Sharks in 2024, citing a desire to be closer to family and to continue his international commitments with the Springboks.
Eben Etzebeth:
Giant lock, Eben Etzebeth is one of the most formidable competitors in world rugby.
Now 33 years of age, Etzebeth is the youngest player to achieve a century of test matches for his native South Africa. Further to that, he is now the most-capped Springbok of all time, is a two-time World Cup winner and was a victor over the British & Irish Lions back in 2021.
Standing at a height of 2.03m (6’6”) and weighing-in at 121kg (19 stone), Etzebeth boasts an impressive skillset to compliment his abrasive attitude towards the game.
Makazole Mapimpi:
One of the most dangerous wingers in world rugby, World Cup-winning winger Makazole Mapimpi is simply a try-scoring machine. His hard work and attitude are key aspects of his game, last weekend against Edinburgh was another example, with Mapimpi staying patient and producing the late try that saw the Sharks snatch victory against their Scottish opponents.
The 34 year-old wing went down in Springbok history when he became the first South African to score a try in a World Cup final in 2019, despite the nation having two World Cup victories in 1995 and 2007!
