URC Preview | Benetton Rugby (H)

A look ahead to Ulster's BKT United Rugby Championship Round 6 fixture against Italian side, Benetton Rugby, at Affidea Stadium this Friday night.

Ulster get their campaign back and running against the Italians after the international break.

It's the province's first match since collecting six points from their South Africa trip in October, with a victory against Hollywoodbets Sharks in Round 4 and a defeat against Emirates Lions in Round 5.

Richie Murphy's team will be looking to showcase the exciting brand of rugby shown in the early parts of the season, with 65 points scored in the past two rounds.

With eleven of Benetton's international players on duty for Italy against Chile last weekend, the Italian side's Head Coach, Calum MacRae, will perhaps look to utilise his squad depth in this week's showdown in Belfast.

Be there to watch Ulster back in action at Affidea Stadium!

Match Details

🤝 Ulster Rugby v Benetton Rugby <br>
🗓 Friday 28th November 2025

🏟 Affidea Stadium <br>
🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship – Round 6<br>
📺 Live on Premier Sports and URC.tv

How things stand

Richie Murphy's side sit in fifth position going into the weekend, with 16 points on the board after five rounds.

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Fixture Rewind

Ulster 38-34 Benetton, Round 15, BKT United Rugby Championship, April 2024

A nail-biting contest in Belfast, with the home side edging the contest by four points in the end after Benetton's second half comeback effort.

Both sides scored five tries a piece with Tom Stewart, Reuben Crothers, Jacob Stockdale, Will Addison and Cormac Izuchukwu scoring tries for the home side.

For both Crothers and Izuchukwu, it was a first try in an Ulster jersey.

Ulster's accuracy from the tee and the boot of Player of the Match, John Cooney, provided the winning margins on the scoreline, which gave the team a big boost in a push for the play-off positions.

Players to watch

Onisi Ratave:

A powerful, hard-running Fijian back who has become a key weapon for Benetton Rugby. Equally comfortable on the wing or in the centres, Ratave brings explosive pace, strong carries, and a knack for breaking tackles. Since joining the club in 2022, he’s delivered consistent impact in attack and remains one of Benetton’s most dangerous finishers.

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Jacob Umaga:

A dynamic fly-half, Umaga brings his technical skill, vision, and tactical kicking to help drive their attack. Signed in 2022 after the Wasps’ collapse, he has quickly cemented himself as a key playmaker.

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Andy Uren:

An experienced, high-tempo scrum-half who has brought control and composure to Benetton’s attack since arriving from Bristol Bears. With a sharp passing game, strong organisational skills, and an eye for quick opportunities around the ruck, he’s become a key decision-maker for the Leoni and an important driver of their tempo.