All you need to know ahead of Ulster's BKT URC opener against Edinburgh at Affidea Stadium this Friday night. (KO: 7.45pm)
A new season gets underway this Friday.
After a strong pre-season, Richie Murphy's team get their 2026/27 campaign underway under the Friday Night Lights at Affidea Stadium.
With nine new signings, emerging talents and number of in-form Ireland internationals, this season promises to be a thriller.
Up first, Scottish rivals Edinburgh Rugby, who always make it a tough contest.
Supporters attending the season opener can also look forward to a number of enhancements to the matchday experience at Affidea Stadium.
A bigger pre-match atmosphere in the Supporter Village, live entertainment, new food and beverage offerings, the introduction of the pre-match Go Power Light Show and the Abbey Autoline Half Time Quiz will all contribute to an exciting opening night.
The fixture marks the start of an 18-round regular season that will see Ulster face teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and South Africa in pursuit of a place in the URC Play-Offs.
Match Tickets
Tickets are still available for this our season opener fixture at Affidea Stadium and can be purchased via the button below.
Secure your spot and back the boys!
FIND EDINBURGH TICKETS SEASON TICKETS
Match Details
🤝 Ulster Rugby v Edinburgh Rugby
🗓 Friday 25th September 2026, 7.45pm
🏟 Affidea Stadium
🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 1
Where To Watch
Can't make it to the match? The match will be live on Premier Sports 2, with coverage starting from 7pm.
Supporters can also watch via URC.tv
The Opposition
Edinburgh, like Ulster, will be aiming to make a strong start to the URC as they too target a position in the top eight after missing out last season.
The Scottish side finished last season in 12th position, with seven wins and 11 losses.
The coaching team has seen significant changes this summer, Defence Coach Brad Davis (Queensland Reds), Attack Coach Tim Sampson (Fijian Drua) and Skills and Contact Coach Michael Hodge (IRFU) all bring Southern Hemisphere experience to Sean Everitt’s staff.
On the player front, fly-half James Grayson arrives 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 new signings come in to bolster a side full of Scottish internationals such as Darcy Graham, Magnus Bradbury and Pierre Schoeman.
Player Watch
Darcy Graham:
One of the most exciting players to watch in the URC, Scottish international wing, Darcy Graham, is a huge try-scoring threat with his electric pace, footwork and ability to find space in opposition territory.
Earlier this year, Graham broke the Scottish Rugby international record for most tries scored. The Edinburgh back holds the record currently at 38 tries for his national side - showing his attacking threat.
Graham was also a British & Irish Lions tourist in 2025, although an injury cruelly ruled him out of action.
Magnus Bradbury:
Magnus Bradbury is an experienced Scottish back-row forward and captain of Edinburgh Rugby.
A product of Edinburgh’s academy, Bradbury made his professional debut for the club in 2014 and has established himself as a powerful ball carrier and influential leader.
He spent a two year spell with Bristol Bears between 2022-2024 before returning to his boyhood club.
Capped 24 times for Scotland, Bradbury is a reliable presence in the Edinburgh forward pack.
Last Time Out
Edinburgh Rugby 26-28 Ulster Rugby, Friday 4th September 2026, Hive Stadium
The two teams met each other very recently, with Ulster kicking off their pre-season prep against Sean Everitt's men at the start of the month.
The fixture was a useful workout for both sides, with Ulster getting important match minutes across the squad. There were a number of new signings in action, while James McNabney made his return to action following an ACL injury.
Three first half tries from James McCormick, Aitzol Arenzana-King and Matthew Devine sent Ulster into a half-time lead of 21-14.
An early Eric O'Sullivan score extended the lead, however Edinburgh would pile on the pressure with two tries from Paul Hill and Conor McAlpine.
In the end Ulster, with six Academy players on field, saw out the narrow two point difference and kicked off their pre-season with a well-earned victory in the Scottish capital.
Try-Lights
Miss our final pre-season clash against Ospreys?
Check out the highlights from the seven try 45-28 victory.