All you need to know ahead of the first interpro derby of the season, as Ulster take on Munster in Round 3 of the URC this Saturday evening at Affidea Stadium. (KO: 5.30pm)
Richie Murphy's side return home to Affidea Stadium after battling to a dramatic 33-33 draw against Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium in Round 2.
In a top performance against one of the strongest sides in the URC, Ulster scored five tries in Glasgow, with Bryn Ward, Ethan McIlroy, Jack Murphy, Chay Mullins and Juarno Augustus all on the scoresheet.
Tom Stewart, Cormac Izuchukwu, Bryn Ward, Nathan Doak and Juarno Augustus all returned to action in the victory, with other big names in contention for this week's interprovincial derby.
Match Tickets
Limited tickets are still available for Saturday and can be purchased via the button below.
Secure your spot and back the team for this unmissable derby!
Team News
Ulster's team will be announced on Thursday at 2pm across social channels and the website.
Match Details
🤝 Ulster Rugby v Munster Rugby
🗓 Saturday 10th October 2026, 5.30pm
🏟 Affidea Stadium
🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 3
Where To Watch
Can't make it to the match? The match will be live on Premier Sports 1, with coverage starting from 5.15pm.
Supporters can also watch via URC.tv
Coach's View
Looking ahead to this weekend, Head Coach Richie Murphy said:
"Munster is huge. Our record at home over the last number of games hasn't been good enough for us.
"There's been reasons in relation to team selection and things, but we need to right that. We're really looking forward to it."
The Opposition
Munster go into the weekend with positive momentum after their Round 2 victory over Vodacom Bulls at Thomond Park.
Clayton McMillan's side started their season off with a 26-20 loss at home against Glasgow Warriors.
Round 2 saw a return to winning ways against the Bulls, with debutant fly-half Charlie O'Shea putting on an impressive try-scoring performance, scoring 16 points against the South Africans.
After a summer of much change, Munster have plenty of new faces in both the playing squad and the coaching staff.
Former Ulster Rugby coaches, Jimmy Duffy and Jared Payne, have joined the province as Forwards and Attack coaches respectively.
With Tadhg Beirne leading the province as captain, Munster have a strong blend of experienced internationals and emerging young talent.
The squad has also been strengthened by the arrivals of Jack Aungier, Kieran Brookes, Will Harrison and Marnus van der Merwe, while several academy graduates such as Evan O'Connell, Brian Gleeson and Ben O'Connor have stepped up to the senior squad.
Players To Watch
Tadhg Beirne
Tadhg Beirne is one of Ireland and Munster’s most versatile and influential forwards. Primarily a lock but equally capable of operating in the back row, the Kildare native has built a reputation for his work-rate, physicality, lineout ability and knack for making an impact around the pitch.
An Ireland international since 2018, Beirne has established himself as a key member of the national pack, winning Six Nations titles and representing Ireland at two Rugby World Cups.
He was also part of the British & Irish Lions squads in 2021 and 2025, starting all three Tests against Australia on the 2025 tour and earning the Player of the Series honour.
In July 2026, he also captained Ireland for the first time, underlining his standing as one of the senior figures in Irish rugby.
Craig Casey
A dynamic Ireland international scrum-half who has developed into an important figure for both Munster and Ireland. A product of the Munster Academy and Shannon RFC, Casey made his senior Munster debut in 2019 and has since established himself as a key part of the province’s backline.
Known for his quick service, sharp passing and energetic style, he brings quick tempo to the game and keeps defences under pressure.
Fixture Throwback
Ulster Rugby 28-3 Munster Rugby, 2nd January 2026, Affidea Stadium, BKT United Rugby Championship
Last season, Ulster kicked off 2026 with a dominant 28-3 victory over Munster in a memorable snowy night at Affidea Stadium.
In cold conditions, Ulster combined first-half discipline and territorial control with a ruthless, high-tempo second half that overwhelmed their provincial rivals.
Tom Stewart, Jake Flannery and Bryn Ward were all on the scoresheet, with Nathan Doak adding three penalties and two conversions from the kicking tee.
Bryn Ward was the Player of the Match and celebrated it with his first try for his province.