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Houston excited as Ulster prepare for Interpros

5th August 2026

Ulster go into this season’s Vodafone Woman’s Interprovincial championship aiming to build on the progress made in recent years.

The last number of campaigns have proved quite frustrating for Ulster with near misses dominating the headlines, but Head Coach Murray Houston has been encouraged from what he has witnessed so far as he readies his side for another assault on interpro glory.

“It’s been building really nicely,” said Houston on this year’s preparations.

“After our first fixture last weekend with Leinster as a warm-up, there were loads of really positive things throughout the game.

“What we are trying to work on is that we are known for having good ball carriers, so we are just trying to add that bit of variety to our game and try to be as exciting as we can.”

Last season’s interpros clashed with Ireland’s preparations for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. But with no such obstacles this time around Houston is excited to have international stars Fiona Tuite and Sadhbh McGrath available for selection again.

“Having the Ireland players come back into the squad like Fiona and Sadhbh is going to be massive as both players missed out last year because of the World Cup,” continued Houston.

Their experience from playing on the world’s biggest stage will be a huge asset to a young squad that includes five new faces among the 34-player panel, alongside a number of development players, as Ulster prepare to open their Vodafone Women's Interprovincial Championship campaign against Connacht at Affidea Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 4.15pm).

FIND TICKETS TO SATURDAY'S GAME HERE

New faces earn their chance as Ulster Women begin interprovincial campaign

There's a first call-up for SAM Mouldings Ulster Girls Youth player of the Year, Caitlin Crowe.

The Virginia centre is one of five new faces brought into the squad by Houston.

Grace Simati, Jemina Johnson, Oliva McKinley, and Leah Irwin have also been rewarded for their fine club form, and Houston is hoping that they can all rise to the challenge of stepping up to inter-pro level.

“For all these guys that are playing within the province, it’s an opportunity to see what level they can get to and people from the province and how much they can achieve. So, it’s excellent to have that experience back into the squad to help out with those younger players," added Houston.

The action gets underway this Saturday afternoon with Connacht the visitors to the Affidea Stadium. (Kick-off 4.15pm.)

The sides clashed twice in last year’s competition with the Westerners edging out Ulster on both occasions.

“Connacht is always a great fixture. They’re a team that like to keep the ball alive, keep the ball moving, so we’ve got to make sure we’re stopping that.

In terms of our ability, we want to carry the ball and play with excitement and adventure. So, I’m really looking forward to it.”

In what promises to be another close encounter, Houston is hoping that home advantage will inspire his team to a winning start.

“Massive to have all that support, particularly as all our players are still playing with the club’s week in, week out.

“To them it’s even more important because they have that direct connect with their clubs and all the people that are coming to watch us. So, it’s so important to have them here.”

India Daley will yet again captain the team, and the Enniskillen stalwart is excited for another campaign in the heart of the Ulster pack.

“It’s a huge honour to captain Ulster again and something I’m incredibly proud of,” the Ulster hooker said.

“Representing your province is always special and to lead this group is a privilege. We’ve got a great mix of experienced players and younger talent coming through, and everyone is excited to get the campaign underway.

“We’re working hard to prepare and we’re looking forward to putting in performances that our supporters can be proud of.”

Holders Munster are being heavily tipped to retain their crown again this year, but with his troops a year further along in their development, Houston is confident that his troops can have a say in the destination of this year's championship.