Ulster bounce into URC action fresh and confident after a three match winning streak. An EPCR Challenge Cup Quarter-Final victory over French side, La Rochelle, means that the province have a home Semi-Final against Exeter Chiefs to look forward to in early May.
Before the Semi-Final, Richie Murphy's side first face two huge interprovincial derbies against Leinster and Munster.
This Friday sees Leo Cullen's Leinster come to Belfast, with the province building their momentum towards the business end of the season.
Don't miss out on this derby battle under the Friday Night Lights!
Tickets are selling fast, with limited availability and standing room only for this Friday's match, which is sure to be stacked with top-level talent and interprovincial derby intensity.
To secure your place, follow the link below to purchase your tickets:
The Opposition
The reigning URC champions have their top Irish internationals back and are starting to put in some dominant performances, following two convincing Investec Champions Cup home victories against Edinburgh Rugby and Sale Sharks.
Like Ulster, Leinster also have an upcoming European Semi-Final to consider, as they face French side, RC Toulon, in three weeks time for a spot in the Champions Cup Final.
With Europe to the side, both teams will be as fired up as ever to get one over the other in a fiercely fought provincial derby.
Last time out, a second half comeback meant Leinster edged a tight contest back in December at Aviva Stadium, beating Ulster by 24-20 in a tightly contested fixture.
How Things Stand
Both sides sit in a strong position to attack the final three rounds of the URC regular season and push to secure home advantage for the play-offs.
Ulster sit in third spot on 47 points, with Leinster one place behind in fourth on 46 points. The stakes couldn't be much higher this Friday night, with both sides aiming to secure vital points at this late stage of the season.
Match Details
🤝 Ulster Rugby v Leinster Rugby
🗓 Friday 17th April 2026, Kick Off 19.45
🏟 Affidea Stadium
🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 15
📺 Live on Premier Sports and URC TV
Fixture Rewind
Ulster 23-21 Leinster, BKT United Rugby Championship Round 17, May 2024
Ulster secured a famous victory over Leinster in Belfast back in 2024, with a last gasp 79th minute penalty from scrum-half John Cooney winning the derby in front of a sold out stadium.
Ulster had started off the brighter side and took the lead through Rob Herring's maul try, only for Leo Cullen's side to grab two tries to lead at half-time.
Leinster looked to have landed a killer blow early in the second half with their third try, but an inspired try from Jacob Stockdale and Cooney's late penalty from distance secured a famous victory for Richie Murphy's team.
Players to watch
Hugo Keenan
The Ireland star and British & Irish Lions tourist is making up for lost time after an injury hit campaign in 2025/26. A hand injury in training before the 2026 Guinness Six Nations cost the dynamic full-back an appearance during the Triple Crown winning campaign, however he has since returned to fitness and has produced some classy performances for Leinster in the URC and Investec Champions Cup.
Keenan is a strong operator in the backfield, with a good ability in the aerial contest to win possession for his team. His relentless energy and line breaking ability will be threats for any side.
Caelan Doris
The Ireland and Leinster captain is the leader of the forward pack and his ball-carrying gains his sides important metres in breaking beyond the gain line. Doris is a workhorse and is very strong around the breakdown, winning vital penalties and turnovers for his side. He will look to impose himself around the contact area.
Joshua Kenny
Currently leading the URC's try scoring charts with 9 tries, winger Joshua (JJ) Kenny has been a breakthrough player for Leo Cullen's team this season. The young wing has a great burst of acceleration, deft hands and a great strike rate with his finishing talent. With James Lowe out injured, the winger has taken his opportunity and is competing with All-Black Reiko Ioane and Ireland international star Tommy O'Brien for position on Leinster's attacking flanks.
