Richie Murphy's Ulster side go into the URC fixture on a high after last weekend's crucial 52-24 Investec Champions Cup victory over Exeter Chiefs, a result that booked Ulster's place in the Round of 16 knockout stages against French high-flyers, Bordeaux, in April.
Before that, the race for the play-off positions in the URC heats up, with Ulster looking to get back to back wins in the competition, after Round 9's victory over interpro rivals, Connacht, at Dexcom Stadium.
That win lifted Ulster to just outside the top eight play-off positions, sitting on ninth with 22 points. A victory this Sunday would be huge for the province in their efforts to climb up the URC league table.
Zebre Parma are looking to climb the table themselves, with the Italians sitting in 15th spot after two wins from the opening nine rounds.
Massimo Brunello's side showed their competitiveness over the last two URC Rounds, after two tight contests against Benetton Rugby.
The Italians also took home a memorable 42-33 victory over Munster in Round 2, showing their ability to compete against tough opposition.
Make it a day of rugby to remember!
This Sunday marks a historic first for Ulster Rugby, with the trial of the first ever Sunday Danske Bank Ulster Schools' Cup Round of 16 fixture being played as a curtain-raiser to the URC clash.
The fixture between Sullivan Upper and Banbridge Academy will be played before the Senior Men's game, as the province looks at combining domestic and professional matches to form a day of activity at Kingspan Stadium.
Just one ticket will provide access to both games, with turnstiles opening from 1.30pm for the Schools' Cup clash.
As part of our efforts to recruit and retain the next generation of Ulster fans, we are also offering a 'kids for a quid' promotion on the day. Up to 2 x Under 18 tickets can be purchased for £1 each when bought along with a full price adult ticket in the Family Terrace or Memorial Terrace.\*
\Cost excludes ticketing provider service charge.*
KO times:
2.00pm | Banbridge Academy v Sullivan Upper - Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup Round of 16
5.30pm | Ulster Rugby v Zebre Parma – BKT United Rugby Championship
How it stands
Last time out
The last time the Italians came to Belfast in 2022, Ulster put in a superb performance to secure a bonus-point victory at a sold-out Kingspan Stadium.
Two tries in quick succession from Tom Stewart and Matty Rea gave Ulster the cushion of a two try lead before a yellow card to Sam Carter gave the Italians a lift. Pani scored for the away side to narrow the score, before prop, Callum Reid, powered over from a 5m tap penalty.
A converted Stewart Moore try gave the home side the bonus-point before the stroke of half-time, with a scoreline of 26-8.
In the second half, Tom Stewart grabbed his second off the back of another rolling lineout maul. Replacment hooker, John Andrew, would grab the home side's sixth using the same method, with the Italians unable to hold Ulster's powerful maul back.
A late try gave Zebre fans something to cheer about but Ulster had got the job done and took home maximum points at home.
FT: Ulster 36-15 Zebre Parma
Players to watch
Giacomo Da Re: Having offered lots of promise on the Italian U20s, the 25-year-old has broken free from rivals Benetton in the hopes of establishing himself as a regular in the Zebre Parma XV. The 25 year-old full back has been capped for Italy twice.
Giovanni Licata:
The Italian has been capped 13 times for his country and is a big physical presence in Zebre's back row. Licata is an effective tackler and a threat around the breakdown.
Simone Gesi: One of the key men for Zebre with his explosive speed, agility, and finishing ability. He consistently keeps defenders on their heels with his ability to break tackles and score tries. Gesi’s energy and eye for the tryline are crucial for Zebre Parma’s dynamic and counter-attacking style. The 23 year-old has four tries in eight matches this season.
Lorenzo Pani: A versatile backline player, Pani has shown promise with his evasive running and strong defensive skills. A rising star in the Zebre Parma ranks, the 22-year-old will be one of the Italian sides' big threats.