In Round 7 against Leinster at Aviva Stadium, Ulster started off strongly against the URC Champions with three first half tries giving Richie Murphy's team a 7-17 lead at the interval.
The second half saw a different Leinster performance, with a big impact from Irish International replacements who increased the intensity for the home side. Dan Sheehan's late converted try was the difference in the scoreline, with Leinster winning by 24-20 and Ulster heading back up the road with a losing bonus point.
Connacht will be looking for a reaction after a difficult away day against Dragons in Round 7. The Westerners came up against a flying home side at Rodney Parade, who won the contest by 48-28 which secured their first league victory since the opening day of last season.
Tries from new Kiwi back, Sam Gilbert, two from Cian Prendergast and a late score from Sean Jansen secured Stuart Lancaster's team a try bonus point.
Connacht have shown their attacking threats in recent weeks at Dexcom Stadium, including putting 44 points past Hollywoodbets Sharks in the URC and 52 past Black Lion in a commanding EPCR Challenge Cup group stage victory.
Match Details
🤝 Connacht Rugby v Ulster Rugby<br>
🗓 Saturday 27th December 2025, Kick Off 17.30
🏟 Dexcom Stadium<br>
🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship – Round 8<br>
📺 Live on Premier Sports and URC.tv
How things stand
Despite Round 7's defeat against the Champions, Ulster sit in fifth position and within striking distance of the top four positions.
Connacht sit in ninth spot after two wins from six, with Stuart Lancaster's side aiming to propel themselves up the table with a win in front of their home support.
Fixture Rewind
In last year's URC Christmas interpro derby at Dexcom Stadium, a heavily disrupted Ulster side put in a resilient display to beat Connacht by 7-17, with captain, Nick Timoney, putting in a superb display with a try and numerous turnovers to keep the home side at bay.
Eric O'Sullivan's early converted try and a Nathan Doak penalty got Ulster going in the match, before Mack Hansen replied with a freakish try before HT.
Timoney's powerful surge over the Connacht whitewash proved pivotal in the final score, with Ulster's defence holding firm to see out the gutsy victory in Galway.
Players to watch
Ben Murphy:
A dynamic and pacy number nine, Murphy has quickly established himself as one of Connacht’s in-form performers since joining from Leinster. The 24-year-old is fast and sharp around the ruck while also showing a try scoring threat after nine tries last season. His performances have seen him capped for Ireland in the 2025 summer tour and he continues to push for the starting jersey at Connacht.
Shayne Bolton:
Born in South Africa and qualifying for Ireland through his Irish grandmother, Bolton joined Connacht in 2021 initially as a centre before transitioning to the wing, where his explosive running and finishing ability have made him an increasingly important figure in the back three.
He was recently capped for Ireland in the summer tour against Portugal and also featured for Ireland XV in their fixture against Spain.
Paul Boyle:
A powerful, dynamic ball carrier and physical presence at the back of the scrum, 28-year-old Boyle has become one of Connacht’s most influential forwards since making his senior debut in January 2018 after progressing through the province’s academy.
Boyle has been on strong form for his province and impressed for Ireland XV against Spain during the international break.
Stats
- Connacht have won just one of their last five BKT United Rugby Championship matches: 44-17 against the Sharks in Round 6.
- Connacht have lost their last nine encounters with fellow Irish provinces since their victory over Munster on New Year’s Day 2024.
- Ulster have won their last three matches against Connacht whilst Connacht’s only victory at Dexcom Stadium in the series since 2018 was 22-20 in November 2023.