Preview | Ulster Women v Connacht Women

Ulster's Senior Women take on the Westerners at Kingspan Stadium this Saturday 17th August, in Round 2 of the Vodafone Interprovincial Championship. (KO: 2.30pm)

Murray Houston's side will aim to take some of the positives out of Round 1's close 29-22 contest against a strong Munster side at Virgin Media Park last weekend.

Fiona Hayes' side had punished some early Ulster errors to race into a 17-0 lead during the first half, however Ulster regrouped and fought back into the match. A superb second half performance, despite being a player down for ten minutes showed the clear progression being made in the province. That spirited second half display secured two bonus-points to take back to Belfast.

The fixture marked a special moment for Ulster's captain and scrum-half, Kathryn Dane, who made a welcome return for her province after suffering a brain haemorrhage in 2022.

The Opposition

This promises to be a big one.

Connacht themselves will be looking to avenge last season's memorable play-off defeat against Ulster.

It marked a huge moment for Ulster, as the 36-14 victory at Virgin Media Park saw the team clinch their first interpro victory since December 2012.

Both sides head into this clash, hoping to grab their first win, after Round 1 seen Connacht lose away to the Champions, Leinster, in a 38-19 defeat at Energia Park.

Team News

Follow our social media channels and website on Friday as we announce the team at 12pm ahead of the match.

Coach's View - Murray Houston

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On progressing

"Really pleased with the progress we are making and how we responded in the second half last weekend, we have different expectations on ourselves this year and we know we can beat these teams."

Happy camp

" We are creating a positive environment where people want to be part of this Ulster squad, I feel that is helping drive the performances.

We have players coming through, our standards are improving and we had nine debutants at the weekend which is a testament to the work that clubs across the province are doing and what we are doing. They are excited and that helps drive things. It’s been great to be part of."

Connacht threat 

"We know the threats that Connacht have, they like to move the ball a lot and like to attack. They have a big kicking threat with Nicole Fowley and we have to be aware of that.

We can’t just hold onto last year’s win, it's done, we are a new team and this is another game. We have the ability to win if we get things right."

Grab your tickets for this unmissable interpro!

Join us at Kingspan Stadium this Saturday and let's help push our women over the line at home.

A ticket for this clash will also provide access to other Ulster Age-Grade games at the stadium that afternoon, as we make it a Saturday full of exciting rugby.

Fixture Schedule:

Ulster Senior Women v Connacht Senior Women (2.30pm)

Ulster U18 Clubs v Connacht U18 Clubs (4.30pm)

Ulster U19 v Connacht U19 (6.30pm)

Matchday info

Gates at Kingspan Stadium will be open from 1.30pm, with limited parking in the main car park on a first come first serve basis. A food vendor will be on site, providing hot food options.

The Clubhouse Bar will be also be open for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options.

For more info on getting to Kingspan Stadium, check out our handy guide here.