URC Preview | Ulster v Munster

Saturday, October 10, 17:30 UK / 18:30 ITA & SA, Affidea Stadium

Broadcasters: Premier Sports, SuperSport, URC.tv, FloRugby

The big picture

Ulster return to Belfast after a 33-33 draw at Glasgow in which both sides scored five tries, while Munster carry

momentum from a 26-22 home win over Vodacom Bulls, driven by two tries from 20-year-old Charlie O'Shea.

Match angles

• For the first time in the URC era, Ulster have failed to win either of their opening two matches of a season.

• Ulster are without a win in their last six URC matches since defeating Zebre 28-12 in Parma.

• Ulster have not won a URC match at Affidea Stadium since defeating Cardiff 21-14 in January; the five matches since

represent their longest winless URC run at the ground.

• Munster's only victory on the road so far in 2026 was 45-15 at Benetton in April.

• Ulster's only triumph in their last five clashes with Munster was 28-3 in January.

Ulster team

(Ulster Appearances in brackets) 

1. Eric O’Sullivan (140) 

2. Tom Stewart (77) (C)

3. Keynan Knox (2) 

4. Ben Donnell (1) 

5. Eli Snyman (2) 

6. Cormac Izuchukwu (56) 

7. Nick Timoney (184) 

8. Juarno Augustus (18) 

9. Nathan Doak (111)

10. Jack Murphy (37) 

11. Jacob Stockdale (149) 

12. Stuart McCloskey (217) 

13. Jamie Benson (2) 

14. Robert Baloucoune (80) 

15. Ethan McIlroy (79) 

Replacements: 

16. Henry Walker (2) 

17. Tom O’Toole (142)

18. Tom McAllister (7)

19. James McNabney (22)

20. David McCann (92)

21. Matthew Devine (2)

22. Jake Flannery (43)

23. Chay Mullins (1)

Form snapshot

Ulster last 6 URC: L-L-D-L-L-D

Munster last 6 URC: W-L-W-L-L-W

Recent URC meetings

In the last five meetings: Ulster 1 win, Munster 4 wins.

25 Apr 2026: Munster 41 Ulster 14

2 Jan 2026: Ulster 28 Munster 3

9 May 2025: Munster 38 Ulster 20

Overall URC H2H

Ulster 21 wins, Munster 27 wins, 2 draws.

Key players in the URC this season

Ulster: 9 players share the team try lead with 1 each; Jack Murphy leads their scoring with 20 points.

Munster: Charlie O'Shea leads the team with 2 tries and 16 points.

Match officials

Referee: Craig Evans (WRU, 76th game)

AR1: Jack Macneice (IRFU)

AR2: Max Weston (IRFU)

TMO: Aled Griffiths (WRU)