With the 2026/27 season just three weeks from getting underway, Ulster make the short trip to the Scottish capital to take on Edinburgh in a pre-season clash at Hive Stadium.
The two BKT URC sides know each other very well and usually serve up thrilling encounters, as both sides like to play an exciting brand of attacking rugby.
After a 2025/26 season that showed a team on the rise, Ulster narrowly missed out on the URC Play-offs, while reaching a European Challenge Cup Final in Bilbao.
One of the most dangerous attacking sides in the URC, Ulster have added experience to the forward pack this summer, with Eduardo Bello, Keynan Knox, Eli Snyman, Ben Donnell and Martin Moloney all bolstering the side.
There are exciting additions to the backline, with scrum-half Matthew Devine, fly-half Jamie Benson, winger Chay Mullins and centre Daniel Hawkshaw all coming in to reinforce.
With back-row talent, James McNabney, also closing in on a return after an ACL injury, his addition would be a huge boost for the season ahead.
With an experienced core group, promising talents and stronger squad depth, Richie Murphy's side are set for an exciting season ahead.
Match Details
🤝 Edinburgh Rugby v Ulster Rugby
🗓 Friday 4th September, 7.45pm
🏟 Hive Stadium
🏆 Pre-Season Fixture
Where To Watch
The pre-season fixture is being broadcast on Premier Sports 2.
If you can't watch, make sure to follow our social media channels for match updates.
The Opposition
Edinburgh have strengthened across several areas of the squad this summer.
James Grayson arrives at stand-off with nearly 100 caps for Northampton Saints behind him, while Scotland international prop Alec Hepburn has made the move north from Scarlets.
Geordie Gwynn (Ealing Trailfinders) and Kienan Higgins (New England Free Jacks) bolster the backline, while Scottish-qualified pair Riley Higgins and Louie Chapman will follow later in the year, along once their New Zealand commitments are complete.
The changes extend to the coaching group too, with Defence Coach Brad Davis (Queensland Reds), Attack Coach Tim Sampson (Fijian Drua) and Skills and Contact Coach Michael Hodge (IRFU) all bringing Southern Hemisphere experience to Sean Everitt’s staff.
Last Time Out
Ulster's last trip to Hive Stadium was a thriller.
The Ulstermen put on a superb six-try performance in the Scottish capital, securing a bonus point 40-19 victory.
The tries came from Charlie Irvine, Juarno Augustus, Jake Flannery, Scott Wilson, Conor McKee and Ben Carson.
Jack Murphy was strong from the kicking tee, adding five conversions.
The match was not without controversial moments, with both sides receiving red cards in the second half.
Supporters might also remember a special night for Academy prop, Tom McAllister, who made his senior debut on the night from the start.
Head Coach's View | Richie Murphy
“We’re really looking forward to a tough pre-season match this Friday in Edinburgh.
“Both sides know each other well from our league matches and this will be a useful exercise for our preparation into the URC.
“We arrive looking to get important match minutes into the players and build on our work ahead of the new season.”
Pre-Season Tickets
Can't make it to Edinburgh this week?
It's not long until we are back home at Affidea Stadium again, as Ulster face Welsh side, Ospreys, on Friday 11th September (KO: 7.45pm) in a Bank of Ireland Pre-Season fixture.
It will be the final pre-season match before the URC action kicks off against Edinburgh on Friday 25th September.
Get ready to show your support to the team ahead of the new campaign!