News

Vodafone Women's Interprovincial Preview - Leinster (H)

19th August 2026

Ulster Women’s Head Coach Murray Houston will be hoping to see a positive reaction from his side this week, as they prepare for the visit of Leinster to the Affidea Stadium in the final regulation game of this year’s Vodafone Interprovincial Championship.

While Ulster have been on the wrong end of the scoreboard so far this term, but Houston will be delighted at how some of the younger members of his squad have adjusted to life in the senior ranks.

The Head Coach could well dip into his young squad to allow more players the chance to sample big game experience against what is likely to be a star-studded Leinster line-up.

After a battling performance against Connacht two-weeks ago, Ulster’s hopes of a top two finish ended in defeat against reigning champions Munster last Saturday.

But a home tie against last season’s runners-up on home soil this Saturday afternoon presents Houston’s side with a great opportunity to restore some pride and confidence ahead of finals weekend in Dexcom Stadium, Galway next week.

Match Details

🤝 Ulster Rugby v Leinster
🗓 Saturday 22^nd August 2026, Kick Off 14.30

🏟 Affidea Stadium
🏆 Vodafone Interprovincial Championship
📺 Live on TG4 YouTube Channel

The Opposition

Leinster’s bid to reclaim the title they lost to Munster last year got off to a disappointing start when they lost to their arch-rivals by 20-points in round 1 of this year’s championship.

They did however bounce back in style last time out against Connacht at Energia Park.

After a tense first-half, the light blues pulled away for a convincing 36-21 victory to give their season the jolt in the arm it so badly required.

Sana Govender’s team will now travel north with renewed confidence as they chase down the win that will secure their place in next week’s final.

Players to Watch

Stacey Flood

Utility back Flood has been a central figure for Ireland over the last number of years. Her ability to switch from fly-half to full back has made her one of Irish rugby’s most valuable player’s.

Aoife Dalton

Dalton earned the first of her 28 Irish caps in 2022, and she was also a member of the Irish Seven’s squad for the 2023 Paris Olympics. Her direct running and pace from outside centre make her one of Irish Rugby’s most dangerous attacking threats.

Linda Djougang

Experienced, reliable and versatile are just three words that you can use to describe Linda Djougang.

The 52 times Irish capped Irish forward started her career as a blindside flanker before moving to the front row where she is equally home at both loose and tight-head prop.

Djougang also poses a threat in the loose, and to date she has also claimed 10 tries in the green of Ireland.