All you need to know ahead of Ulster's Bank of Ireland Pre-Season fixture against Ospreys at Affidea Stadium this Friday 11th September. (KO: 7.45pm)
Ulster are back in front of home support in Belfast as the team continue to prepare for the upcoming season!
Last Friday, Ulster ran out 28-26 winners against URC rivals, Edinburgh Rugby, at Hive Stadium in the province's opening pre-season fixture.
With a 27-player squad used across both halves, important match minutes were shared across the team and there were a number of encouraging performances on the night.
While there were first appearances in an Ulster jersey for a number of new signings, there was also a welcome return to the pitch for talented back-rower, James McNabney, after his ACL injury.
This week, the focus switches to URC opposition in the form of Ospreys, who won their pre-season fixture last weekend against Coventry by 52-12, scoring eight tries.
Match Tickets
Tickets are still available for this pre-season fixture at Affidea Stadium and can be purchased via the button below!
Please note this fixture is included in our season ticket package.
Match Details
🤝 Ulster Rugby v Ospreys
🗓 Friday 11th September, 7.45pm
🏟 Affidea Stadium
🏆 Bank of Ireland Pre-Season Fixture
Where To Watch
Can't make it to the match? The fixture can be purchased and streamed via Ulster Rugby Live.
The Opposition
Ospreys come to Belfast looking to sharpen their prep ahead of the new URC season kicking off.
The Welsh side have a lot to look forward to this campaign, including a new home as the Swansea based club will play their home matches at St Helen's Sports Ground.
Now into his second season in charge, Head Coach, Mark Jones, will be aiming for a URC top eight push and to build on the potential shown last season.
Ospreys finished in 11th position in the URC, with seven wins from 18. They were strong in their Welsh derby matches, finishing the season with the Welsh Shield after derbies against Cardiff, Scarlets and Dragons.
The team has lost influential international stalwarts in Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake to Gloucester, however they have brought in exciting players this summer such as Welsh international Tom Rogers and Australian internationals Marika Koroibete and Lalakai Foketi.
Former Waratahs back, Lawson Creighton, is also a new addition, replacing the influential Jack Walsh.
Player Watch
Tom Rogers
An electric player who can play wing or full-back, Welsh international Tom Rogers joined Ospreys from Scarlets this summer.
Last autumn he made history, becoming the first Welshman to score a hat trick against the All Blacks.
Rogers offers a commanding aerial presence and is an all-out dangerman with the ball in hand, whilst also possessing a relentless work rate that makes him a precious commodity in defence.
Last Time Out
Ulster Rugby 28-24 Ospreys, EPCR Challenge Cup, Round of 16, Affidea Stadium, April 2026
Talk about some last minute drama.
The last time both sides faced each other in the Challenge Cup Round of 16 earlier this year, it was a fierce battle in the midst of a storm.
Storm 'Dave' brought huge gusts of wind with heavy rain, making it difficult conditions for both sides to master at Affidea Stadium.
Despite trailing 14-17 at half-time, the home side fought back in the second half after tries from Ireland internationals Jacob Stockdale and Nick Timoney.
Ospreys hit back through a penalty try, while Jack Murphy was shown a yellow card.
The away side thought they had snatched a victory in the 76th minute through Kieran Hardy, however a TMO check confirmed that the pass to Hardy was forward and it was no try.
Ulster saw out the lead on a memorable night for those brave enough to face the conditions.
Pre-Season Highlights
Missed the Edinburgh win last week?
Check out our match highlights featuring tries from James McCormick, Aitzol Arenzana-King, Matthew Devine and Eric O'Sullivan.