Ulster hope to make it three wins on the bounce in all competitions, when they take on Leinster in an interprovincial derby to kick off the new year.

Ulster ended 2023 on a high, beating French giants, Racing 92, in the Investec Champions Cup and interpro rivals, Connacht, in the URC.

The 20-19 home win against Connacht, leaves Ulster in 5th position in the table on 24 points, after five wins from the opening eight rounds.

Those two wins have helped lift the mood, after a disappointing three losses in all competitions had curbed the momentum of a positive start to the campaign.

Dan McFarland's side will face a tough task against the URC leaders, who have won 7 out of their 8 league fixtures so far.

Leo Cullen's side also picked up two great results in Europe, beating La Rochelle by 7 points away and coming out of top against in form English side, Sale Sharks, in their second fixture.

Both teams will go into the. match off the back of an interpro win, as Leinster edged Munster in their Boxing Day clash, beating Munster 3-9 at Thomond Park.

In wet conditions, Leinster controlled possession for large periods of the match and their fly-half, Harry Bryne, made the difference from the tee, as three penalties were enough to secure the victory.

Match Details

🏟️ RDS Arena

📅 Monday 1 January

🕰️ 5.15pm

🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 9

📺 RTE, Viaplay and URC.tv

How It Stands

Last Time Out

The last time Dan McFarland's side made the trip to the RDS, the province landed several blows on the home side, who ultimately came from behind to seal a memorable win in December 2022.

Leinster had an early setback when stalwart prop, Cian Healy, was shown a red card just after 20 minutes played. Ulster went into half time in front, after tries from Rob Herring, Kieran Treadwell and Ethan McIlroy, with Cooney adding a penalty to his two conversions. Leinster though had replied just before half-time, leaving the scoreline at 10-22.

Ulster errors after the break allowed the 14 men to gain good field position, and the home side punished Ulster. James Hume was shown a yellow after a clash of heads, before Garry Ringrose showed his quality and scored the first try of the second half. Ringrose got his second try minutes later, with Nick Timoney also receiving a yellow card after an infringement.

Ireland internationals, Andrew Porter and James Lowe added themselves to the scoresheet, with former Ulster second rower, Sam Carter, grabbing a late consolation try.

A day to forget for Ulster, who had wished to capitalise on their lead going into the break.