Tag Affidea Stadium

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.

It is matchday at Affidea Stadium. Ulster host Ospreys tonight in their final pre-season fixture before the United Rugby Championship campaign begins, with kick-off in Belfast at 7.45pm.

The game is also available to watch live through Ulster Rugby’s official streaming service, giving supporters a final chance to see how Richie Murphy’s side is shaping up before competitive rugby returns.

Ulster v Ospreys: match details

• Fixture: Ulster Rugby v Ospreys
• Date: Friday 11 September 2026
• Kick-off: 7.45pm BST / UK-Ireland time
• Venue: Affidea Stadium, Belfast
• Competition: Bank of Ireland pre-season friendly
• Watch: Ulster Rugby Live (£7.50)

What to watch tonight

James Hume is back in the midfield

One of the most encouraging selections is the return of James Hume at outside centre. Jamie Benson moves to inside centre and Jack Murphy starts at fly-half, giving Ulster a different midfield combination to the one used in Edinburgh last week.

Hume’s return gives Ulster another experienced attacking option in a backline that also includes Matthew Devine at scrum-half and Michael Lowry, who captains the side from full-back.

A new-look pack gets its chance

Eduardo Bello starts at tighthead, while Ben Donnell and Eli Snyman form the second row. David McCann, Martin Moloney and James McNabney make up the back row, with McNabney wearing number eight.

Pre-season is about more than the final score, so the set piece, defensive organisation and how quickly the new combinations settle should all be worth watching closely.

One final rehearsal before the URC

This is Ulster’s last warm-up before the competitive season starts at home to Edinburgh on Friday 25 September. That makes tonight a useful final opportunity to sharpen combinations, build match fitness and put pressure on the selection picture before the league opener.

Ulster team v Ospreys

Ulster’s starting XV is Eric O’Sullivan, James McCormick, Eduardo Bello, Ben Donnell, Eli Snyman, David McCann, Martin Moloney, James McNabney, Matthew Devine, Jack Murphy, Aitzol Arenzana-King, Jamie Benson, James Hume, Chay Mullins and Michael Lowry.

For the full replacements list and the selection changes from last week’s Edinburgh game, see our Ulster v Ospreys team-news guide.

How to watch Ulster v Ospreys

Kick-off is at 7.45pm BST. The match is being streamed live on Ulster Rugby Live, with the official stream listed at £7.50.

For supporters heading to the ground, the fixture is at Affidea Stadium in Belfast.

What are you watching for?

Hume’s return, the Murphy-Benson combination, the new-look pack and the battle for places all give Ulster supporters plenty to keep an eye on. What do you most want to see from the final pre-season hit-out?