Ulster Juniors return to action this weekend with silverware on the line as they host Leinster Juniors at Lisburn RFC in the final round of the 2026 Interprovincial Series.
A victory on Saturday would see Ulster crowned Interprovincial champions for a third consecutive season, completing a remarkable three-peat and further underlining the strength of junior rugby across the province.
Match Details
- Fixture: Ulster Juniors v Leinster Juniors
- Date & Time: Saturday 9th May 2026, Kickoff 2pm
- Venue: Lisburn RFC
Ulster Building Momentum
Ulster enter the final round in strong form after opening the campaign with back-to-back victories over Munster Rugby and Connacht Rugby.
The campaign began with an impressive 40–34 away win over Munster at Virgin Media Park, where Ulster showcased their attacking quality and resilience in a thrilling ten-try contest. Despite trailing during periods of the game, Ulster produced a composed second-half display to secure a deserved opening-round victory.
They followed that result with another entertaining performance at Enniskillen RFC, edging Connacht in a dramatic encounter to maintain their unbeaten start. Ulster once again demonstrated their ability to deliver under pressure, combining physicality up front with clinical finishing in key moments.
Across both performances, Ulster’s strength in depth and strong club representation from across the province have been central to their success, with players from clubs including Enniskillen RFC, Dromore RFC, Omagh Academicals RFC, Lurgan RFC and Portadown RFC all contributing throughout the campaign.
Now, with the title within touching distance, Ulster will look to finish the job on home soil.
Leinster Seeking Redemption
Leinster arrive in Lisburn still searching for their first win of the campaign following narrow defeats to Connacht and Munster.
Their opening-round clash with Connacht Rugby ended in heartbreak, with Connacht scoring late to secure a dramatic 34–31 victory. Leinster responded with another competitive display against Munster but again came up just short in a tightly contested encounter.
Despite those results, Leinster have remained highly competitive throughout the series and will travel north determined to finish their campaign on a high. Their performances have highlighted strong attacking intent and resilience, ensuring Ulster will face another stern test in the final round.
One Final Step
With two wins from two and a title within reach, Ulster now have the opportunity to complete a memorable campaign in front of a home crowd at Lisburn RFC.
A third consecutive Interprovincial crown would represent another significant achievement for the programme and further recognition of the strength of junior rugby throughout the province.
Team News
Head Coach Damien Campbell has named a strong side for Saturday’s title decider, with James Wright captaining the side from the second row.
There is once again strong representation from clubs across the province, reflecting the continued depth and quality of the Ulster club game.
The front row sees David Braden, Tom Arthur Donnan and Ryan Emerson pack down together, while the back row combination of Henry Keys, Ryan Hughes and Michael Rooney provides a balance of physicality and work rate.
In the backs, the experienced half-back pairing of Charlie Williamson and Eddie Keys continues, with midfielders Dean Dillon and James Ferguson retaining their places following strong performances throughout the campaign.
The back three sees Scott Ballentine, Sam Balfour and Jack Dillon named to start as Ulster aim to finish the campaign strongly.
Ulster’s management team remains led by Head Coach Damien Campbell alongside assistants Graeme Eastwood and Simon Patterson, Team Manager Jeremy Ogle and Physio Molly Mathers.
Ulster Starting XV
1 David Braden Omagh
2 Tom-Arthur Donnan Ards
3 Ryan Emerson Lurgan
4 James Wright Portadown (c)
5 Richard Dickson Dromore
6 Henry Keys Enniskillen
7 Ryan Hughes Dromore
8 Michael Rooney Enniskillen
9 Charlie Williamson Lurgan
10 Eddie Keys Enniskillen
11 Scott Ballentine Omagh
12 Dean Dillon Dromore
13 James Ferguson Enniskillen
14 Sam Balfour Enniskillen
15 Jack Dillon Dromore
Replacements
16 Niall Keenan Enniskillen
17 Andrew Shaw Bangor
18 Simon Creane Omagh
19 Andy Smyth Bangor
20 Jack Rutledge Enniskillen
21 Daire Hill Enniskillen
22 James Wright Ballymoney
23 Ethan Patterson Dromore
Management
• Head Coach Damien Campbell
• Assistants Graeme Eastwood and Simon Patterson
• Team Manager Jeremy Ogle
• Physio Molly Mathers