With Ulster aiming to sign off with a win before the international break and continue their unbeaten home record, don't miss out on this vital URC clash with limited tickets still available:
The squad features six players who have been called up to the Ireland XV side to face England ‘A’ next Friday at Thomond Park.
The front row sees two changes from last week, with Australian international loosehead prop Angus Bell joined by hooker Rob Herring and tighthead prop Scott Wilson.
The second row remains unchanged, with captain Iain Henderson joined by Development lock, Charlie Irvine.
In the back row, Matthew Dalton starts at blindside flanker, Marcus Rea makes his first start of the season at openside flanker and David McCann starts at number eight.
In the half-back partnership, scrum-half Conor McKee joins fly-half Jack Murphy.
There are three changes to the backline, with the in-form Zac Ward coming back in to start on the left wing.
In the midfield positions, Ben Carson makes his first URC start of the season at inside centre, joined by James Hume at outside centre.
Completing the backline, Ethan McIlroy makes his first start of the season at full-back.
Murphy opts for a 5:3 split among the replacements, with Bryan O’Connor, Lorcan McLoughlin and Ben Moxham all in line for their first appearances of the season.
Moxham makes a welcome return to the matchday 23 after his recovery from an ACL injury sustained back in November 2024.
James McCormick, Sam Crean, O’Connor, Harry Sheridan, and McLoughlin provide the forward cover.
David Shanahan, Jake Flannery and Moxham are the backline options.
Ulster Rugby v Cardiff Rugby, Saturday 31st January 2026, 7.45pm, Round 11, BKT United Rugby Championship, Affidea Stadium (Live on Premier Sports)
(Player appearances in brackets)
1\. Angus Bell (6)
2\. Rob Herring (263)
3\. Scott Wilson (46)
4\. Iain Henderson (Capt) (169)
5\. Charlie Irvine (6)
6\. Matthew Dalton (19)
7\. Marcus Rea (55)
8\. David McCann (80)
9\. Conor McKee (11)
10\. Jack Murphy (24)
11\. Zac Ward (18)
12\. Ben Carson (14)
13\. James Hume (110)
14\. Werner Kok (24)
15\. Ethan McIlroy (69)
Replacements:
16\. James McCormick (11)
17\. Sam Crean (11)
18\. Bryan O’Connor (2)
19\. Harry Sheridan (53)
20\. Lorcan McLoughlin (2)
21\. David Shanahan (101)
22\. Jake Flannery (31)
23\. Ben Moxham (38)