Richie Murphy's side will be aiming to have a quick response following Round 15's 21-29 interpro derby defeat against Leinster at Affidea Stadium, that ended a three match winning streak in all competitions.
After losing two key players in Angus Bell and James Hume to injury within the opening few minutes, Ulster were pinned back against a confident Leinster side, who would take command of the match going into half-time.
After the restart, Leo Cullen's side stormed into a 29-0 lead, before Ulster showed impressive resilience to score three tries and narrow the scoreline. Despite their efforts, the bonus-point try never came and the province were left to rue missed opportunities.
Still well in the fight for the URC play-off places, Ulster know that a result this weekend against Munster could be vital in the weeks ahead, with two home matches against DHL Stormers and Glasgow Warriors to complete the regular season.
With a home European Semi-Final fixture against Exeter Chiefs to come, Richie Murphy's team have it all to play for in the weeks ahead.
Having defeated Munster back in January, this weekend promises to be an exciting contest between two dangerous teams.
The Opposition
Clayton McMillan's Munster side put a difficult few results behind them in Round 15, as the province put in a top away performance against Italian side, Benetton Rugby, scoring seven tries on the road to secure a bonus-point victory.
The performance showed the attacking threats that the team have, with a big defensive efforts, having gone down to 13 men at one point and keeping the Italians at bay.
The win was much needed for the province, who bounced back after being knocked out of the Challenge Cup by Exeter Chiefs in the Round of 16 stage, on the back of two straight URC defeats on the road against Hollywoodbets Sharks and Vodacom Bulls in South Africa.
With influential Irish internationals such as Tadhg Beirne, Jack Crowley and Craig Casey all back, Munster have an exciting blend to their team as they look to make a charge for the play-offs.
Match Details
🤝 Munster Rugby v Ulster Rugby
🗓 Saturday 25th April 2026, Kick Off 17.30
🏟 Thomond Park
🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 16
📺 Live on Premier Sports and URC TV
How Things Stand
Following 15 Rounds played, Ulster sit in fifth spot in the table with 47 points, with Munster one place below in sixth on 46 points.
With every point vital at this stage in the race for top eight, both sides will be massively up for the battle this weekend.
Fixture Rewind
Ulster 28-3 Munster, BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 9, Jan 2026, Affidea Stadium
In the last meeting between the sides earlier this season, Ulster showed their game management skills against Munster in a snowy night at Affidea Stadium.
After a cagey start to the match, three Nathan Doak penalties gave Ulster a 9-3 advantage early in the second half.
From there, Ulster started to dominate the breakdown and create attacking opportunties.
Tom Stewart's pick and go got Ulster off the mark for the first try, before Jake Flannery added a second minutes later after some slick attacking play.
Bryn Ward would power his way over add a third try, marking his first senior try for his province and sealing a comfortable home victory.
Players To Watch
Jack Crowley:
The Ireland international fly-half had a strong Guinness Six Nations for his country and has showcased his class since coming back into the Munster side after international duty.
Despite being on the losing side against Exeter Chiefs in the Challenge Cup, he scored a superb individual try by chipping and chasing over the Exeter backline.
Against Benetton in Round 15, Crowley pulled the strings for his side and his cross field kick for Alex Kendellen's second half try was pinpoint accuracy. He will look to put his side into attacking territory with his strong kicking game.
Calvin Nash:
Calvin Nash is a Irish international winger known for his pace, physicality, and sharp finishing ability. He is a key back for Munster, where his work rate and defensive commitment blend well with his attacking flair.
Nash came through the Munster academy system and has developed into a reliable back-three option.
Thomas Ahern:
The 26 year-old forward primarily plays as a lock but is equally comfortable in the back row, offering valuable versatility.
Standing out for his height and athleticism, he is a dominant presence at lineout time and a dynamic ball carrier in open play.
