Richie Murphy's side get their European Challenge Cup campaign underway, with an opening pool stage test against URC side, Zebre Parma, at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi this Saturday. (KO: 3.15pm IRL/ UK time)
After two successive URC draws against Glasgow Warriors and Munster, focus now turns to the Challenge Cup and getting off to a winning start in Pool 1.
Last season the province enjoyed a strong run in Europe, reaching the Challenge Cup Final after beating top sides such as Racing 92, La Rochelle and Exeter Chiefs.
Top 14 Finalists, Montpellier, would prove too much for an injury-depleted Ulster side in Bilbao, who had brought the province back to their first European Final since 2012.
Ulster will be aiming to showcase their credentials this season, with it all kicking off against Italians Zebre Parma this weekend.
Team News
Ulster's team will be announced on Friday at 12pm across social channels and the website.
Where To Watch
Supporters can watch the match live via EPCR TV by purchasing a game pass. Follow the link below to purchase your pass:
The Opposition
Zebre Parma will be aiming to make a winning start in a competition they fared well in last season.
Despite finishing 16th in the URC table, the Italian side reached their first-ever European Quarter-Final in the Challenge Cup last season after a memorable 31-15 Round of 16 victory over French Top 14 side, Pau.
There was late drama in the Quarter-Final stage against Welsh URC side Dragons, who took a dramatic 32-35 victory in Parma to break Italian hearts.
Massimo Brunello's side have had an aggressive recruitment approach in the summer, and have added the nous of Italian international Tommaso Allan to their talented young backline.
What does Pool 1 look like?
Ulster have been drawn in Pool 1 alongside Toyota Cheetahs, USAP, Dragons RFC, Aviron Bayonnais and Zebre Parma.
After Round 1, French side Aviron Bayonnais to Affidea Stadium in Round 2.
An away clash against USAP in Perpignan follows in January, before the pool stage concludes with a home fixture against Dragons RFC.
SECURE ULSTER V BAYONNE TICKETS
What are the changes to points scoring in Europe this year?
EPCR have updated the points system for the 2026/27 competitions, with a major change for attacking bonus points that follows the French Top 14.
An attacking bonus point will be awarded to any team scoring a minimum of three more tries than their opponents during a game.
A defensive bonus point remains the same as in previous years, and is awarded to any team losing by seven or fewer points.
Four match points will be awarded for a win, and two match points will be awarded for a draw during the pool stage.
Players To Watch
Tommaso Allan
A vastly experienced back, capable of playing at ten or full-back, Allan is the club's marquee signing and looks to add his international quality to the side.
The 33-year-old's goal-kicking, game management and experience should be especially valuable to a young squad.
Allan has previous top experience across various leagues at Perpignan, Harlequins and Benetton alongside his 91 caps for Italy.
Alessandro Fusco
A dynamic scrum-half who combines quick distribution with sharp decision-making and an energetic approach around the breakdown.
Fusco has become an established leader at Zebre, having joined the Parma-based side in 2020.
With 27 Italy caps, he brings considerable experience to a developing team.
Simone Gesi
An explosive, attack-minded Italian winger renowned for his pace, footwork and ability to create something from limited space.
Gesi is one of Zebre's most dangerous attacking threats and a player capable of changing a match with an individual moment of brilliance.
Leonard Krumov
A powerful, experienced second-row forward who provides Zebre with physical presence, lineout reliability and leadership in the pack.
Krumov's main strengths are his work in the lineout, physicality in contact and consistency in the set-piece.
