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Ulster travel to Cape Town to face DHL Stormers on Saturday 31 October 2026 in Round 5 of the BKT United Rugby Championship. Kick-off is at 12.45pm GMT in the UK and Ireland, which is 2.45pm South African Standard Time at DHL Stadium.

Stormers v Ulster: match details

• Fixture: DHL Stormers v Ulster Rugby
• Competition: BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 5
• Date: Saturday 31 October 2026
• Kick-off: 12.45pm GMT (UK and Ireland) / 2.45pm SAST (Cape Town)
• Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa
• UK and Ireland TV: Premier Sports 2
• Streaming: Premier Player for eligible subscribers; URC.tv availability depends on local broadcast rights
• Ulster: Away fixture

Ulster’s second South African away match

The Cape Town fixture completes Ulster’s two-match South African trip in the opening weeks of the 2026/27 URC season. Richie Murphy’s squad are scheduled to play the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on 24 October before moving on to face the Stormers seven days later.

That makes the Stormers match the second consecutive away fixture in South Africa and the final league outing before Ulster’s next scheduled URC match, away to Cardiff Rugby on Saturday 5 December.

What time is Stormers v Ulster?

Kick-off is scheduled for 12.45pm in the UK and Ireland on Saturday 31 October. The UK clocks go back on Sunday 25 October 2026, so this fixture takes place in GMT, not BST. In Cape Town, the corresponding time is 2.45pm SAST.

Supporters checking an older fixture graphic or a South African listing should note the two-hour difference on matchday.

Where is Stormers v Ulster being played?

The match takes place at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, rather than at Ulster’s home ground in Belfast. It is a BKT URC regular-season fixture, with Stormers as the home side.

How to watch Stormers v Ulster on TV

Premier Sports 2 is listed to show the game in the UK and Ireland, with Premier Player available for eligible subscribers. URC.tv is a further streaming option where territorial rights permit. Broadcasters and channel allocations can still change, so check the latest listings close to kick-off.

When will the Ulster team be announced?

Ulster’s starting XV and replacements for the Stormers fixture have not yet been confirmed at the time this preview is prepared. Official team selections are normally announced closer to matchday. We will add the confirmed Ulster lineup and any relevant team news when published rather than carry forward the side selected for a different match.

What follows the Stormers trip?

Ulster’s next scheduled URC fixture after Cape Town is Cardiff Rugby v Ulster on Saturday 5 December, followed by a home match against Ospreys on Friday 18 December. See our complete Ulster Rugby 2026/27 fixture guide for the full season schedule and the European fixtures between league rounds.

Stormers v Ulster: frequently asked questions

When is the Stormers v Ulster game?

Saturday 31 October 2026, with kick-off at 12.45pm GMT in the UK and Ireland.

What is the local kick-off time in Cape Town?

2.45pm SAST on Saturday 31 October.

What channel is Stormers v Ulster on?

The match is listed on Premier Sports 2 in the UK and Ireland.

Is Ulster at home or away?

Ulster are away. The Stormers are the home side at DHL Stadium, Cape Town.

Has the Ulster starting XV been announced?

No confirmed starting XV for this match has been included at this stage. The official team sheet will be added when available.

Vodacom Bulls host Ulster at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday 24 October 2026 in Round 4 of the BKT United Rugby Championship. Kick-off was at 12.45pm BST in the UK and Ireland (1.45pm South African time). Tom Stewart captains Richie Murphy’s selected Ulster side, with the confirmed starting XV and replacements below.

Bulls v Ulster: match details

• Fixture: Vodacom Bulls v Ulster Rugby
• Competition: BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 4
• Date: Saturday 24 October 2026
• Kick-off: 12.45pm BST (UK and Ireland) / 1.45pm SAST (Pretoria)
• Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, South Africa
• UK and Ireland TV: Premier Sports 2; Premier Player for subscribers
• Other streaming: URC.tv subject to territory and rights restrictions

Ulster starting XV against the Bulls

Hooker Tom Stewart leads the visitors. Tom O’Toole and Keynan Knox complete the front row; Ben Donnell and Cormac Izuchukwu are selected at lock. David McCann, Nick Timoney and South African number eight Juarno Augustus form the back row.

Nathan Doak and Jack Murphy are the half-backs, with Stuart McCloskey and Jamie Benson at centre. Michael Lowry and Chay Mullins start on the wings, while Jacob Stockdale is at full-back.

• 1. Tom O’Toole
• 2. Tom Stewart (captain)
• 3. Keynan Knox
• 4. Ben Donnell
• 5. Cormac Izuchukwu
• 6. David McCann
• 7. Nick Timoney
• 8. Juarno Augustus
• 9. Nathan Doak
• 10. Jack Murphy
• 11. Michael Lowry
• 12. Stuart McCloskey
• 13. Jamie Benson
• 14. Chay Mullins
• 15. Jacob Stockdale

Ulster replacements

Richie Murphy has named a six-forwards, two-backs bench. Matthew Devine and Jake Flannery provide the backline cover.

• 16. Henry Walker
• 17. Eric O’Sullivan
• 18. Scott Wilson
• 19. Eli Snyman
• 20. James McNabney
• 21. Matthew Devine
• 22. Jake Flannery
• 23. James McKillop

Team selection: the key talking points

Stewart leads Ulster in Pretoria

Stewart again wears the captain’s armband. With O’Toole and Knox alongside him, the Ulster front row faces a demanding away assignment at Loftus Versfeld.

Augustus returns to South Africa

Juarno Augustus starts at number eight after being named Player of the Match in Ulster’s 40–21 Challenge Cup victory away to Zebre Parma on 17 October. Alongside him, McCann and Timoney provide the starting back-row combination.

McCloskey and Benson start together

Jamie Benson returns to outside centre alongside Stuart McCloskey after featuring at fly-half in Parma, with Doak and Murphy returning as the starting half-back pairing. Lowry starts on the wing, Mullins is on the opposite flank and Stockdale plays at full-back.

Six forwards on the bench

Walker, O’Sullivan, Wilson, Snyman, McNabney and McKillop give Ulster six forward replacements. Devine and Flannery are the backline options, a 6–2 configuration that shapes the choices available to Murphy as the match develops.

What to watch against the Bulls

The Bulls’ starting side includes experienced fly-half Handré Pollard, with former Ulster captain Marcell Coetzee leading the home team. The contest between the packs and the half-back combinations will be central areas to follow, particularly in the conditions at altitude in Pretoria.

Ulster arrived in South Africa after two URC draws and an opening-round defeat; they secured a bonus-point European win in Parma the previous weekend. The Pretoria fixture begins a two-match South African URC trip, with a visit to the Stormers on Saturday 31 October.

How to watch Bulls v Ulster

The match kicked off at 12.45pm BST on Saturday 24 October. UK and Irish viewers can watch on Premier Sports 2, with online access for subscribers via Premier Player. URC.tv availability depends on where supporters are watching and local broadcasting rights.

Bulls v Ulster Match Hub

This is Rugby Ulster’s permanent Match Hub for Vodacom Bulls v Ulster on 24 October 2026. It contains the fixture details and pre-match team selection and can be updated with the official final score and match coverage after full time.

For the full campaign schedule, see our Ulster Rugby 2026/27 fixtures guide.

Team selection checked against reporting published on 22–23 October 2026. Lineups can change before kick-off. This page does not present unverified live scores or match incidents.

Zebre Parma 21–40 Ulster: Ulster began their 2026/27 EPCR Challenge Cup campaign with a six-try bonus-point victory in Parma on Saturday 17 October, securing their first competitive win of the season.

Walker double puts Ulster in control

Henry Walker marked his first competitive start for Ulster with two first-half tries, giving Richie Murphy’s side the platform for a convincing 19–0 interval lead at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.

The hooker opened the scoring in the 12th minute and crossed again in the 28th, either side of a Jacob Stockdale try. Nathan Doak kicked two of the three first-half conversions as Ulster combined a strong set piece with sharp finishing.

The match also brought a first captaincy for David McCann, while Daniel Hawkshaw made his first start in an Ulster shirt.

Zebre fight back after half-time

Giovanni Licata got Zebre on the scoreboard shortly after the restart, but McCann answered with Ulster’s fourth try in the 47th minute, extending the visitors’ lead to 26–7.

With Jack Murphy shown a yellow card in the 61st minute, Zebre took advantage through Alessandro Ortombina. Ulster still found a response: replacement Michael Lowry finished a wide attacking move in the 70th minute and Jamie Benson added the conversion.

Giovanni Montemauri’s converted try brought Zebre back to 33–21, putting pressure on Ulster’s attacking bonus point. Under the new EPCR rule, a side needs to finish with at least three more tries than its opponents to secure that extra competition point.

Moloney secures all five points

Martin Moloney settled matters in the 77th minute, finishing Ulster’s sixth try after the ball was moved across the pitch. Benson converted to complete the 40–21 scoreline. Zebre finished with three tries, leaving Ulster the required three-try margin and a five-point start to Pool 1.

Juarno Augustus was named Player of the Match, while Walker’s two tries were a major highlight of a much-needed victory following a winless opening three URC rounds.

Zebre Parma v Ulster: match facts

• Full-time: Zebre Parma 21–40 Ulster Rugby
• Half-time: Zebre Parma 0–19 Ulster Rugby
• Date: Saturday 17 October 2026
• Competition: EPCR Challenge Cup 2026/27, Pool 1, Round 1
• Venue: Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma
• Kick-off: 3.15pm BST (UK/Ireland); 4.15pm CEST (Parma)
• Ulster tries: Henry Walker (2), Jacob Stockdale, David McCann, Michael Lowry, Martin Moloney
• Ulster conversions: Nathan Doak (3), Jamie Benson (2)
• Zebre tries: Giovanni Licata, Alessandro Ortombina, Giovanni Montemauri
• Player of the Match: Juarno Augustus

What comes next for Ulster?

After opening their European campaign with five pool points, Ulster return to United Rugby Championship action for away matches against the Bulls and Stormers in South Africa. Their next Challenge Cup pool fixture is at home against Aviron Bayonnais on 12 December.

For the wider calendar, see our Ulster Rugby fixtures and results guide.

Ulster v Munster: Ulster welcome Munster to Affidea Stadium in Belfast today, Saturday 10 October 2026, for a BKT United Rugby Championship round-three derby. Kick-off is at 5.30pm BST, with the match broadcast live on Premier Sports.

Ulster look to build on Glasgow comeback

Richie Murphy’s side return to Belfast after a dramatic 33–33 draw away to Glasgow Warriors, where Juarno Augustus crossed late and Nathan Doak converted to secure a share of the points. Having lost to Edinburgh in their opening round, Ulster are still searching for their first league win of the season.

Stewart captains as Ireland internationals return

Tom Stewart captains Ulster from hooker, with Nathan Doak returning to the starting scrum-half role alongside Jack Murphy. Stuart McCloskey returns in the midfield, while Nick Timoney and Cormac Izuchukwu come into the back row alongside Augustus, who makes his first start of the season.

Jacob Stockdale is selected on the left wing and is set to make his 150th senior Ulster appearance. Robert Baloucoune starts on the opposite wing, with Ethan McIlroy at full-back. Jamie Benson partners McCloskey in midfield.

Munster welcome back Beirne

Munster make nine changes to their starting side, including the return of captain Tadhg Beirne in the second row. Craig Casey partners JJ Hanrahan at half-back, with Alex Nankivell and Dan Kelly in the centres. Munster arrive having beaten the Bulls 26–22 in round two.

Ulster starting XV

15–9: Ethan McIlroy; Robert Baloucoune, Jamie Benson, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale; Jack Murphy, Nathan Doak.

1–8: Eric O’Sullivan, Tom Stewart (captain), Keynan Knox; Ben Donnell, Eli Snyman; Cormac Izuchukwu, Nick Timoney, Juarno Augustus.

Replacements: Henry Walker, Tom O’Toole, Tom McAllister, James McNabney, David McCann, Matthew Devine, Jake Flannery, Chay Mullins.

Munster starting XV

15–9: Ben O’Connor; Shane Daly, Alex Nankivell, Dan Kelly, Seán O’Brien; JJ Hanrahan, Craig Casey.

1–8: Jeremy Loughman, Marnus van der Merwe, Kieran Brookes; Evan O’Connell, Tadhg Beirne (captain); Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, Josh Wycherley, Jack Aungier, Tom Ahern, Brian Gleeson, Ben O’Donovan, Charlie O’Shea, John Hodnett.

Ulster v Munster: kick-off and TV

Date: Saturday 10 October 2026. Kick-off: 5.30pm BST (Belfast, UK and Ireland). Venue: Affidea Stadium, Belfast. Competition: United Rugby Championship, round three. TV: Premier Sports.

Competitive rugby is back at Affidea Stadium tonight. Ulster open the 2026/27 BKT United Rugby Championship season at home to Edinburgh, with kick-off in Belfast at 7.45pm BST.

Ulster v Edinburgh: matchday details

• Fixture: Ulster Rugby v Edinburgh Rugby
• Competition: BKT United Rugby Championship – Round 1
• Date: Friday 25 September 2026
• Kick-off: 7.45pm BST / UK-Ireland time
• Venue: Affidea Stadium, Belfast
• TV: Premier Sports

The league season starts here

Tonight is Ulster’s first competitive fixture of 2026/27 after the September warm-up programme. It is also a quick rematch with Edinburgh: Ulster won 28-26 at Hive Stadium in the pre-season meeting on 4 September, but Round 1 brings league points and a very different level of consequence.

What to watch tonight

The step up from pre-season: the warm-ups gave Ulster a chance to test combinations and new faces. Tonight is the first indication of how those combinations look when URC points are at stake.

Edinburgh’s new-look side: Edinburgh have named four starting debutants — Alec Hepburn, James Grayson, Kienan Higgins and Geordie Gwynn — while Magnus Bradbury and Matt Currie co-captain the visitors.

A home start: beginning the league campaign at Affidea Stadium gives Ulster the opportunity to put early points on the board before the Round 2 trip to Glasgow Warriors.

Watching on TV

The game is being shown live on Premier Sports. Kick-off is at 7.45pm BST.

Getting home from Affidea Stadium

Translink lists a special return service for the Ulster v Edinburgh fixture, with buses due to depart Affidea Stadium at 9.45pm. Supporters using the service should check their departure point with the driver when they arrive at the stadium.

Ulster v Edinburgh Match Hub

Our permanent Ulster v Edinburgh Match Hub has the core fixture information in one place. Team news, matchday coverage, the result and reaction can all sit around that hub without duplicating the main fixture page.

SUFTUM.

Michael Lowry will captain Ulster in Friday night’s United Rugby Championship opener against Edinburgh at Affidea Stadium, with Richie Murphy naming a starting XV containing five summer signings.

Eight players in the matchday 23 are in line to make their first competitive Ulster appearances, while James McNabney returns to competitive action at number eight after missing all of last season with a long-term knee injury.

Ulster v Edinburgh: match details

• Fixture: Ulster Rugby v Edinburgh Rugby
• Date: Friday 25 September 2026
• Kick-off: 7.45pm BST / UK-Ireland time
• Venue: Affidea Stadium, Belfast
• Competition: United Rugby Championship – Round 1
• TV / stream: Premier Sports and URC.tv

For the permanent fixture information and any late updates, see the Ulster v Edinburgh Match Hub.

Ulster team v Edinburgh

Eric O’Sullivan, James McCormick and Argentina international Eduardo Bello form the front row. Bello is one of the new arrivals making a first competitive start, with fellow summer signings Eli Snyman and Ben Donnell paired together in the second row.

David McCann starts at blindside flanker, Martin Moloney makes his competitive Ulster debut at openside and McNabney returns at number eight.

Conor McKee and Jack Murphy are the half-backs. Jamie Benson makes his competitive debut at inside centre alongside Ben Carson, while Aitzol Arenzana-King and Robert Baloucoune start on the wings. Lowry captains the side from full-back.

Starting XV

1. Eric O’Sullivan
2. James McCormick
3. Eduardo Bello
4. Eli Snyman
5. Ben Donnell
6. David McCann
7. Martin Moloney
8. James McNabney
9. Conor McKee
10. Jack Murphy
11. Aitzol Arenzana-King
12. Jamie Benson
13. Ben Carson
14. Robert Baloucoune
15. Michael Lowry (captain)

Replacements

16. Henry Walker
17. Tom McAllister
18. Keynan Knox
19. Harry Sheridan
20. James McKillop
21. Matthew Devine
22. Jake Flannery
23. Zac Ward

Five new signings start

Bello, Snyman, Donnell, Moloney and Benson are all handed their first competitive Ulster starts. It gives the opening league team a noticeably different look from last season, particularly in the tight five and midfield.

There is also experience around the new faces. Baloucoune returns to the starting side after his involvement with Ireland over the summer, while last season’s leading try scorer Zac Ward is among the replacements.

McNabney makes his competitive return

McNabney’s selection at number eight is another significant part of the team news. He missed the whole of last season after a serious knee injury and now returns for Ulster’s first competitive fixture of 2026/27.

Arenzana-King also keeps his place after an eye-catching pre-season in which he scored four tries across the Edinburgh and Ospreys warm-up matches.

What the bench looks like

Murphy has gone with a 5:3 split. Henry Walker, Tom McAllister, Keynan Knox, Harry Sheridan and James McKillop provide the forward cover, with Matthew Devine, Jake Flannery and Zac Ward covering the backs.

Walker, Knox and Devine are among the players who could make their competitive Ulster debuts if introduced.

Season starts under the lights in Belfast

Friday’s match is Ulster’s first league fixture of the new season and a quick competitive rematch with Edinburgh after the sides met in pre-season earlier this month. Kick-off is at 7.45pm at Affidea Stadium.

We’ll keep the Match Hub as the permanent home for fixture details, broadcast information and further match updates.