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Sharks v Ulster Rugby – Preview, Teams & Prediction

JoeNa Connacht — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 12:18:59 +0000

Hollywoodbets Sharks v Ulster Rugby – Preview, Teams & Prediction

Venue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025 Kick-off: 3pm (UK/IRL) / 4pm (SA) Live on: Premier Sports & URC.tv

Match Preview

The Hollywoodbets Sharks finally return home to Durban after three consecutive away games, still searching for their first win of the 2025/26 BKT United Rugby Championship. Standing in their way are Ulster Rugby, who arrive in South Africa with maximum points from their opening two matches but a poor record on their travels. The Sharks welcome back several of their Springbok stars, including Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch, while the explosive Grant Williams and Andre Esterhuizen also start in a much-strengthened lineup. Their only defeat in the last ten home Championship games was a narrow 10–7 loss to Leinster in March, and they will fancy their chances of finally putting a win on the board. For Ulster, Richie Murphy makes five changes from last week’s win over the Vodacom Bulls. Ireland internationals Iain Henderson and Jacob Stockdale return to the starting XV, while Michael Lowry is fit again to start at full-back. Young fly-half Jack Murphy continues his partnership with Nathan Doak, who was Player of the Match last weekend. The Ulstermen’s form at home has been excellent, but they’ve lost their last four visits to South Africa and will need to front up physically against a Sharks pack brimming with World Cup winners.

Form & Head-to-Head

Sharks are winless this season but did draw 17-all away to Dragons in Round 2.
Their last ten home URC games include only one defeat — 7-10 to Leinster (March 2025).
Sharks have won just one of their last four fixtures against Irish provinces.
Ulster have maximum points from their two games so far in 2025/26.
Ulster won only twice away from home in last season’s URC.
These sides have met four times, with two wins apiece; Ulster’s last victory in Durban was 31-24 in February 2023.

Hollywoodbets Sharks Team News

Hollywoodbets Sharks: 15. Edwill van der Merwe 14. Ethan Hooker 13. Jurenzo Julius 12. Andre Esterhuizen 11. Makazole Mapimpi 10. Siya Masuku 9. Grant Williams 1. Ox Nche 2. Bongi Mbonambi 3. Vincent Koch 4. Eben Etzebeth 5. Marvin Orie 6. Siya Kolisi 7. Vincent Tshituka (C) 8. Phepsi Buthelezi Replacements: 16. Fez Mbatha, 17. Simphiwe Matanzima, 18. Ruan Dreyer, 19. Bathobele Hlekani, 20. Emmanuel Tshituka, 21. Jaden Hendrikse, 22. Jordan Hendrikse, 23. Lukhanyo Am

Ulster Rugby Team News

Ulster Rugby (caps in brackets): 15. Michael Lowry (125) 14. Werner Kok (16) 13. James Hume (101) 12. Stuart McCloskey (206) 11. Jacob Stockdale (135) 10. Jack Murphy (15) 9. Nathan Doak (91) 1. Sam Crean (4) 2. Tom Stewart (57) 3. Scott Wilson (37) 4. Iain Henderson (165) CAPTAIN 5. Harry Sheridan (43) 6. David McCann (70) 7. Nick Timoney (169) 8. Juarno Augustus (2)

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📊 URC Round 3 – Weekly Betting Preview & Team News

JoeNa Connacht — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 18:19:33 +0000

URC Round 3 – Weekly Betting Preview & Team News

The teams for this weekend’s Round 3 fixtures of the BKT United Rugby Championship have been named, with full match officials, broadcast details, and betting market reactions below.

Team News Headlines

#MUNvEDI: Ten changes for Munster; Dylan Richardson debuts for Edinburgh.
#SCAvSTO: Marnus van der Merwe returns for Scarlets; Willemse and Feinberg-Mngomezulu start for Stormers.
#BENvLIO: John Bryant named for Benetton debut; JC Pretorius returns for Lions.
#OSPvZEB: Harri Deaves hits 50 for Ospreys; Paolo Buonfiglio captains Zebre.
#GLAvDRA: Johnny Matthews could reach 100 for Glasgow; Seb Davies & Jac Lloyd debut for Dragons.
#LEIvSHA: Josh van der Flier captains Leinster; Sharks welcome back several Springboks.
#ULSvBUL: Juarno Augustus makes first Ulster start; Handré Pollard among eight Springboks for Bulls.
#CARvCON: George Nott & Osian Darwin-Lewis in line for Cardiff debuts; Shamus Hurley-Langton returns for Connacht.

Friday Betting Lines (Post Team Announcements)

Glasgow -26 v Dragons (+26)
Leinster -24 v Sharks (+24)
Cardiff -3 v Connacht (+3)
Ulster +6 v Bulls (-6)
Munster -6 v Edinburgh (+6)
Scarlets +6 v Stormers (-6)
Benetton -9 v Lions (+9)
Ospreys -15 v Zebre (+15)

Key Betting Movements

Connacht backed (+4 ➜ +3) – market confident in the visitors’ structure; Cardiff drift slightly. Strength: 3/5
Bulls backed (-4 ➜ -6) – money continues for Pretoria side with Pollard’s inclusion. Strength: 4/5
Leinster drift (-27 ➜ -24) – punters taking the Sharks with the big start; some books offering +26. Strength: 3/5
Stormers backed (-4 ➜ -6) – Springboks return and support follows. Strength: 3/5
Munster drift (-10 ➜ -6) – Edinburgh still +8 in places and heavily backed; punters fancy the upset. Strength: 5/5

Market Trends

Edinburgh and Sharks are the most popular underdogs with punters this week.
Cardiff–Connacht remains the most finely balanced line of the weekend.
Glasgow (-26) continues to hold the biggest spread.
Two Irish provinces (Leinster & Munster) remain firm favourites, while Connacht and Ulster start as underdogs.

Full Fixture List, Officials & Team Lineups

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10

Munster Rugby v Edinburgh Rugby – Virgin Media Park, Cork (KO 19.45 IRE/UK)

Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU, 110th league game) | Live on: TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Munster: Mike Haley, Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Seán O’Brien, Andrew Smith, JJ Hanrahan, Paddy Patterson, Mikey Milne, Diarmuid Barron (C), Oli Jager, Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley, Jack O’Donoghue, Ruadhán Quinn, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: L. Barron, J. Wycherley, J. Ryan, E. Edogbo, B. Gleeson, E. Coughlan, T. Butler, D. Kelly.

Edinburgh: Goosen, Graham, O’Conor, Lang, Van der Merwe, Healy, Vellacott, Schoeman, Ashman, Rae, Sykes, Skinner, McConnell, Richardson, Bradbury (C).
Replacements: Harrison, Venter, Hill, Young, Douglas, Muncaster, Shiel, Paterson.

Sean Everitt: “It’s a completely different challenge this week – a tough test at a difficult venue in Cork. There’s been massive growth already within this group and the energy has been excellent.”

Scarlets v DHL Stormers – Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli (KO 19.45 IRE/UK)

Referee: Federico Vedovelli (FIR) | Live on: S4C, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Scarlets: Murray, Rogers, Roberts, Williams (C), Mee, Hawkins, Davies, Hepburn, Van der Merwe, Thomas, T. Davies, Douglas, Taylor, D. Davis, Plumtree.
Replacements: Myhill, O’Connor, Holz, Cummins, B. Williams, Blacker, Costelow, Page.

Stormers: Willemse, Senatla, Simelane, Nel (C), Zas, Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ungerer, Vermaak, Kotze, Sandi, Schickerling, Van Heerden, De Villiers, Dixon, Roos.
Replacements: Venter, Matongo, Porthen, Evans, Theunissen, Fourie, Khan, Matthee.

Dwayne Peel: “Stormers have real strength up front and in transition play. We must be brave with and without the ball.”

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11

Benetton v Lions – Stadio Monigo, Treviso (KO 15.00 IRE/UK)

Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU) | Live on: Sky Italia, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Ospreys v Zebre Parma – Bridgend (KO 15.00 IRE/UK)

Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU) | Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Glasgow Warriors v Dragons RFC – Scotstoun (KO 17.30 IRE/UK)

Referee: Peter Martin (IRFU) | Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Leinster Rugby v Hollywoodbets Sharks – Aviva Stadium (KO 17.30 IRE/UK)

Referee: Craig Evans (WRU) | Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Ulster Rugby v Vodacom Bulls – Affidea Stadium, Belfast (KO 19.45 IRE/UK)

Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU) | Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Cardiff Rugby v Connacht Rugby – Cardiff Arms Park (KO 19.45 IRE/UK)

Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR) | Live on: S4C, TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Stuart Lancaster: “My experience playing against Cardiff, home or away, it’s never easy. They’re well organised and play a great brand of rugby, so it should make for a fantastic game.”

Betting Insights & Predictions

Connacht (+3) – live underdog; capable of another tight finish in Cardiff.
Bulls (-6) – power advantage could tell late in Belfast.
Edinburgh (+6 to +8) – most backed team of the week; upset potential high.
Sharks (+26) – value line with altitude and depth concerns for Leinster.

All odds accurate as of Friday evening. Markets subject to fluctuation.

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Ulster v Dragons URC Preview, Teams & Betting Odds

JoeNa Connacht — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:28:21 +0000

Ulster v Dragons Line-Ups Named – Hume’s 100th Cap Headlines Friday Night Belfast Showdown

Affidea Stadium, Belfast – Friday 26 September, 20:05 (IRE/UK)
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Betting: Ulster -16.0 | Total Points ~46.5

Ulster Starting XV

15. Michael Lowry 14. Zac Ward 13. James Hume 12. Stuart McCloskey 11. Jacob Stockdale
10. Jack Murphy 9. Nathan Doak
1. Callum Reid 2. Rob Herring 3. Tom O’Toole 4. Iain Henderson (C) 5. Harry Sheridan 6. Cormac Izuchukwu 7. Nick Timoney 8. David McCann

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Sam Crean, Scott Wilson, Matthew Dalton, Juarno Augustus, Conor McKee, Jake Flannery, Ben Carson

Dragons RFC Starting XV

15. Angus O’Brien (CC) 14. Rio Dyer 13. Joe Westwood 12. Aneurin Owen 11. Jared Rosser
10. Tinus de Beer 9. Rhodri Williams
1. Wyn Jones 2. Elliot Dee 3. Rob Hunt 4. Matthew Screech 5. Ben Carter (CC) 6. Shane Lewis-Hughes 7. Harrison Keddie 8. Aaron Wainwright

Replacements: Brodie Coghlan, Rodrigo Martinez, Dillon Lewis, Levi Douglas, Mackenzie Martin, Che Hope, Fine Inisi, Huw Anderson

Quotes

Ulster Head Coach Richie Murphy: “The team are hungry and very focused. There is a good plan in place and we want to give our supporters something to cheer about on Friday night at Affidea Stadium.”

Dragons Head Coach Filo Tiatia: “We’re looking forward to going to Ulster, they’re a good side and they’ll be tough over there. They have a heavy pack and plenty of experience in midfield, but our players are excited for the challenge and ready to see where we are at.”

Betting & Market Moves

The handicap opened -16.5 but has eased slightly to -16.0, with some support for Dragons to cover. Total points market is steady near 46–47, suggesting bookmakers expect a lively contest but not a blowout.

Key Talking Points

James Hume celebrates his 100th Ulster appearance, adding emotional motivation.
Dragons hand debuts to Wyn Jones, Rob Hunt and Tinus de Beer.
Ulster’s home record and strong pack give them a clear edge.

Prediction

Ulster’s dominance at the breakdown and set piece should prove decisive, though Dragons may stay in touch early with Wainwright leading from the back row.

Verdict: Ulster by 10 points.

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Ireland Rugby Team Named – Casey and Sam Prendergast start against Georgia

JoeNa Connacht — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 06:33:48 +0000

Ireland Rugby Team Named – Casey and Sam Prendergast start against Georgia

The Ireland team to face Georgia this weekend has been named — and there’s a notable mix of youth, form, and provincial pride across the 23. With several players away on British & Irish Lions duty and others out through injury, this is a chance for fresh talent to shine.

Here’s how the squad breaks down by province:

Connacht – 4 Players

5. Darragh Murray (Buccaneers) – Uncapped
18. Jack Aungier (Clontarf) – Uncapped
20. Cian Prendergast (UCD) – 4 caps
21. Ben Murphy (Clontarf) – Uncapped

Munster – 5 Players

9. Craig Casey (Shannon) – 18 caps (Captain)
8. Gavin Coombes (Young Munster) – 2 caps
19. Tom Ahern (Shannon) – Uncapped
22. Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution) – 24 caps
23. Calvin Nash (Young Munster) – 10 caps

Ulster – 5 Players

4. Cormac Izuchukwu (Ballynahinch) – Uncapped
7. Nick Timoney (Banbridge) – 3 caps
11. Jacob Stockdale (Lurgan) – 38 caps
12. Stuart McCloskey (Bangor) – 19 caps
16. Tom Stewart (Ballynahinch) – 2 caps

Leinster – 9 Players

1. Jack Boyle (UCD) – 2 caps
2. Gus McCarthy (UCD) – 4 caps
3. Thomas Clarkson (Dublin University) – 6 caps
6. Ryan Baird (Dublin University) – 27 caps
10. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne) – 8 caps
13. Jamie Osborne (Naas) – 7 caps
14. Tommy O’Brien (UCD) – Uncapped
15. Jimmy O’Brien (Naas) – 8 caps
17. Michael Milne (UCD) – Uncapped

Total Breakdown

Leinster – 9 players
Ulster – 5 players
Munster – 5 players
Connacht – 4 players

Commentary

Absolutely delighted to see Darragh Murray make his first start for Ireland.

Only one Connacht player in the starting XV is a little disappointing, especially given how many front-liners are unavailable. Still, with three more Connacht men on the bench, there’s every chance they’ll get decent game time.

The bookies have Ireland as 16-point favourites, which feels like a stretch. With a squad full of new caps, any sort of win would be a bonus. What matters most is the experience this group gains at international level.

Ireland Team Named for Summer Tour Opener in Tbilisi

Paul O’Connell, interim Head Coach of the Ireland Men’s team, has named his matchday 23 to face Georgia in the opening game of the two-Test Summer Series this Saturday evening at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Tbilisi (kick-off 9pm local time / 6pm Irish time).

There are two debutants in the starting XV and a further four uncapped players on the bench, as Ireland looks to build depth during this developmental tour.

Captain Casey Makes History

Craig Casey will captain Ireland for the first time, becoming the 112th Test captain in the nation’s history. The Munster scrum-half also becomes just the third 9 to lead Ireland in the professional era, following Niall Hogan (3 times) and Eoin Reddan (once).

He’ll form a half-back partnership with exciting young out-half Sam Prendergast, while the midfield pairing sees Stuart McCloskey and Jamie Osborne link up.

Tommy O’Brien will make his international debut on the wing, joining Jimmy O’Brien and Jacob Stockdale in the back three.

Milestone in Sight for Stockdale

Jacob Stockdale is set to win his 39th cap. One more try would see him become the 21st Irish player to reach 100+ points for the national side. It would also move him into outright 6th on Ireland’s all-time try-scoring list, ahead of Girvan Dempsey and Geordan Murphy.

New Faces in the Pack

Darragh Murray (Connacht) earns his first cap in the second row alongside Cormac Izuchukwu. The front row features Jack Boyle, Gus McCarthy, and Thomas Clarkson, while the back row sees Ryan Baird, Nick Timoney, and Gavin Coombes complete the starting pack.

Four More Uncapped Players on the Bench

The replacements bench includes four potential debutants: Munster duo Michael Milne and Tom Ahern, and Connacht pair Jack Aungier and Ben Murphy.

They are joined by Tom Stewart, Cian Prendergast, and Calvin Nash — all of whom will be expected to make an impact off the bench.

Coach’s View – Paul O’Connell

“I’ve been really impressed with the application of this group in the build-up to the tour. Saturday presents a fantastic opportunity for these players to represent their country and show what they can do on the international stage.

To Craig — I’d like to congratulate him on his first game as captain. He’s taken to the role superbly and I know how much he’s looking forward to leading the team.”

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Munster v Ulster URC Preview: Five Changes for Hosts as Munster Look Strong Bet at -7

JoeNa Connacht — Thu, 08 May 2025 11:56:35 +0000

Munster v Ulster URC Preview: Five Changes for Hosts as Munster Look Strong Bet at -7

Friday night lights return to Thomond Park as Munster welcome Ulster in a mouth-watering BKT United Rugby Championship Round 17 clash (7.35pm, live on RTÉ and Premier Sports). With five changes to their starting line-up and home advantage, Graham Rowntree’s men look in prime position to cover the -7 handicap, which is shaping up as one of the weekend’s best rugby bets.

Munster Team News: Five Big Names Return

Munster head coach Graham Rowntree has brought Stephen Archer, Jean Kleyn, Peter O’Mahony, John Hodnett and Diarmuid Kilgallen back into the starting XV after their gritty win over Cardiff. Thaakir Abrahams moves to full-back, forming a dangerous back three alongside Calvin Nash and Kilgallen. This is one of the strongest Munster teams to be selected all season.

The midfield remains settled with Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell continuing their partnership, while Jack Crowley and Craig Casey form a sharp half-back pairing. Up front, Michael Milne earns his second start alongside experienced campaigners Niall Scannell and Archer.

Kleyn and Tadhg Beirne, who captains the side, anchor the second row, with a robust back-row trio of O’Mahony, Hodnett and Coombes providing firepower at the breakdown.

Ulster Team News: Henderson Returns but Key Questions Remain

Richie Murphy welcomes back Iain Henderson from injury to captain the side and pair up with Cormac Izuchukwu in the second row. Rob Baloucoune returns on the wing, while Michael Lowry starts at full-back after concussion protocols. However, Ulster remain inconsistent on the road and have won just one of their last four away games in the URC.

In the backline, Nathan Doak and Jack Murphy continue at 9 and 10, while the experienced Stuart McCloskey teams up with Jude Postlethwaite in midfield. With Jacob Stockdale and Baloucoune out wide, Ulster’s back three can threaten but could struggle for clean ball against Munster’s aggressive pack.

Betting Tips: Munster -7 Looks a Very Strong Play

Thomond Park is a fortress and Munster have covered the spread in 5 of their last 6 home URC matches. With several key starters returning and momentum building ahead of the playoffs, Munster -7 is a bet with excellent value. Ulster’s form is patchy and they’ve failed to win at Thomond in their last four visits.

Verdict: Back Munster -7 on the handicap at around 10/11 (1.91). Expect a fired-up home performance and a potential double-digit margin.

Match Details

Fixture: Munster v Ulster
Competition: BKT United Rugby Championship – Round 17
Venue: Thomond Park, Limerick
Date: Friday, 9 May
Kick-off: 7.35pm
Live: RTÉ & Premier Sports
Referee: Adam Jones (WRU)

Munster Team: 15. Thaakir Abrahams 14. Calvin Nash 13. Tom Farrell 12. Alex Nankivell 11. Diarmuid Kilgallen 10. Jack Crowley 9. Craig Casey 1. Michael Milne 2. Niall Scannell 3. Stephen Archer 4. Jean Kleyn 5. Tadhg Beirne (Captain) 6. Peter O’Mahony 7. John Hodnett 8. Gavin Coombes Replacements: 16. Lee Barron 17. Josh Wycherley 18. John Ryan 19. Fineen Wycherley 20. Tom Ahern 21. Alex Kendellen 22. Conor Murray 23. Seán O’Brien Ulster Team: 15. Michael Lowry 14. Rob Baloucoune 13. Jude Postlethwaite 12. Stuart McCloskey 11. Jacob Stockdale 10. Jack Murphy 9. Nathan Doak 1. Andrew Warwick 2. Rob Herring 3. Scott Wilson 4. Iain Henderson (Captain) 5. Cormac Izuchukwu 6. Matty Rea 7. Nick Timoney 8. James McNabney Replacements: 16. Tom Stewart 17. Callum Reid 18. Tom O’Toole 19. Alan O’Connor 20. David McCann 21. Dave Shanahan 22. Stewart Moore 23. Werner Kok

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Irish Rugby Transfers: 2025/26 Signings for Munster, Leinster, Ulster & Connacht (Updated Weekly)

JoeNa Connacht — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 20:06:52 +0000

Irish Rugby Transfers: 2025/26 Signings for Munster, Leinster, Ulster & Connacht (Updated Weekly)

Last Updated: March 5, 2025

The 2025/26 season is on the horizon, and while player movement across Ireland’s four provinces has been minimal, a few key signings have been confirmed. Will we see more transfers in the coming weeks? Here’s a weekly updated list of confirmed signings for each province.

Munster – Leading the Transfer Market

Munster have been the most active province so far, confirming four signings:

Michael Milne (Prop, 25) – from Leinster (IRL)
Lee Barron (Hooker, 24) – from Leinster (IRL)
JJ Hanrahan (Fly-half, 32) – from Connacht (IRL)
Dan Kelly (Centre, 24) – from Leicester Tigers (ENG)

With two front-row additions, a playmaker, and a promising centre in Dan Kelly, Munster are strengthening across key areas.

Ulster – A Single But Significant Addition

Ulster have made just one signing so far:

Juarno Augustus (Back row, 27) – from Northampton Saints (ENG)

The powerful South African No. 8 will bring much-needed physicality to Ulster’s back row.

Leinster – No Confirmed Signings Yet

Leinster have yet to announce any additions. Given their incredible academy pipeline, they may not feel the need to recruit externally. Will that change?

Connacht – Yet to Enter the Market

Like Leinster, Connacht have yet to confirm any signings. With JJ Hanrahan leaving for Munster, will they look for a replacement?

Should We Be Concerned About the Lack of Transfers?

Compared to previous seasons, Irish rugby’s transfer activity has been unusually quiet. Munster and Ulster have made moves, but Leinster and Connacht remain inactive.

Are budgets tighter than before?
Is there confidence in homegrown talent?
Will we see late-window signings?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Latest Irish Rugby Transfers (Updated Weekly)

Province	Player	Position	Age	From
Munster	Michael Milne	Prop	25	Leinster
Munster	Lee Barron	Hooker	24	Leinster
Munster	JJ Hanrahan	Fly-half	32	Connacht
Munster	Dan Kelly	Centre	24	Leicester
Ulster	Juarno Augustus	Back row	27	Northampton
Leinster
Connacht

This table will be updated weekly as new signings are announced.

Have Your Say!

Are you surprised by the lack of movement so far? Which province needs to strengthen most? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Irish Rugby Transfers: 2025/26 Signings for Munster, Leinster, Ulster & Connacht (Updated Weekly) appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Zebre v Ulster Rugby – Preview, Stats and Starting Team News

JoeNa Connacht — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 12:25:28 +0000

Breaking Down the Rivalry: Zebre Rugby vs. Ulster Rugby in the BKT United Rugby Championship. Kick off 1pm Saturday.

In the dynamic landscape of the BKT United Rugby Championship, Zebre Rugby stands at a crossroads, having lost twenty-one matches since their triumphant victory against Dragons RFC in April 2022. This article delves into the statistics and narratives surrounding Zebre Rugby’s journey, particularly against formidable opponents like Ulster Rugby.

Zebre’s Struggles: A Streak That Persists

Zebre Rugby’s fortunes have been challenging, with a notable statistic being their inability to secure a victory against Irish provinces since their win over Connacht in Galway back in February 2018. The Italians face a daunting task, aiming to break this streak and redefine their standing in the championship.

Round One Woes: An Unfavorable History for Zebre

Round one has proven to be a formidable hurdle for Zebre, having tasted victory only once before, notably against Southern Kings in 2018. The team faces an uphill battle each season opener, seeking to replicate the success achieved in that solitary triumph.

Stats

Ulster Rugby

•Sean Reffell made 42 tackles against Munster in Round 11 – 11 more than any other player managed in a single match last season
•Ulster scored a total of 16 maul tries in BKT URC 2, more than any other team. Their maul made 473 metres across the season
•Ulster made an average of 147 tackles per 80 minutes last season – more than any other team. They also averaged the second-most carries (122 per 80 minutes)

Ulster’s Dominance and Recent Setback

Ulster Rugby concluded the 2022/23 BKT United Rugby Championship regular season with a powerful statement, securing five consecutive victories. However, their journey was halted in the quarterfinals against Connacht. Notably, Ulster’s longstanding six-game winning streak against Italian opponents was broken with a 29-31 reversal to Benetton in Treviso in January.

Consistency in Season Openers: Ulster’s Strength

Ulster Rugby boasts an impressive record of not losing their opening game of a new season since 2013. This remarkable consistency sets the tone for their campaigns, reflecting the team’s resilience and strategic prowess.

Zebre’s Past Triumphs: A Glimmer of Hope

Zebre’s historical victories over Ulster, both occurring in Parma in 2014 and 2017, serve as a glimmer of hope for the Italian side. These past successes against formidable opponents highlight the potential for Zebre to spring surprises and upset the balance in their encounters with Ulster.

**Recent URC Meetings: A Look Back at the Battle of Titans**

**Introduction:**
Beyond the statistics and historical context, the recent encounters between Ulster Rugby and Zebre Rugby in the BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) add an extra layer of intrigue to their ongoing rivalry. Let’s dive into the match history and dissect the outcomes of their clashes in the recent seasons.

Head-to-Head Showdowns: URC Meetings Between Ulster and Zebre

*1. 23 February 2019 – Kingspan Stadium*
– Venue: Kingspan Stadium, Parma
– Result: Ulster Rugby 54 – 7 Zebre

*2. 01 November 2019 – Kingspan Stadium*
– Venue: Kingspan Stadium, Parma
– Result: Ulster Rugby 22 – 7 Zebre

*3. 16 November 2020 – Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi*
– Venue: Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma
– Result: Zebre Parma 14 – 57 Ulster Rugby

*4. 19 March 2021 – Kingspan Stadium*
– Venue: Kingspan Stadium, Parma
– Result: Ulster Rugby 49 – 3 Zebre

*5. 02 October 2021 – Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi*
– Venue: Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma
– Result: Zebre Parma 3 – 36 Ulster Rugby

*6. 25 November 2022 – Kingspan Stadium*
– Venue: Kingspan Stadium, Parma
– Result: Ulster Rugby 36 – 15 Zebre

Analysis: Patterns and Trends

Ulster Rugby has consistently demonstrated dominance in recent meetings, with impressive scorelines showcasing their offensive prowess. However, the 2020 clash at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi saw a significant reversal, indicating the unpredictability that makes each encounter compelling.

Predicted Score: Ulster Rugby 32 – 14 Zebre Rugby

Based on the historical trends, recent performances, and considering Ulster’s dominance in their encounters with Zebre, a predicted score of 32-14 in favor of Ulster seems plausible. Bookmakers expect Ulster to win by 15pts

Team News for Zebre v Ulster Rugby

Ahead of Ulster’s opening URC game of the 2023-24 season, the following players are currently unavailable for selection:

Marty Moore (Knee)

Greg Jones (Shoulder)

John Cooney (Calf)

Eric O’Sullivan (Shoulder)

Sean Reffell (Ankle)

James McCormick (Shoulder)

Alan O’Connor (Ankle)

Luke Marshall (Following graduated return to play protocols following a recent concussion)

Steven Kitshoff (RWC, South Africa)

Rob Herring (IRFU Player Management Programme)

Tom O’Toole (IRFU Player Management Programme)

Stuart McCloskey (IRFU Player Management Programme)

Iain Henderson (IRFU Player Management Programme)

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Dan McFarland signs contract extension until 2025

JoeNa Connacht — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 17:55:38 +0000

Ulster Rugby Head Coach, Dan McFarland, will remain at the helm of the province’s Senior Men’s squad until at least 2025 after signing a contract extension. The deal will make him Ulster’s longest-serving coach in the professional era.

The past season saw Ulster secure a semi-final place in the inaugural United Rugby Championship, a number of historic away wins, and the opportunity to battle it out in the Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16.

McFarland, who joined Ulster Rugby in August 2018, said:

“I love my job here, which is only possible because of the good people I get to work with. It is through the growth, competitiveness, and teamwork of the support team and the players that we continue to compete for championships.”

Ulster Rugby CEO, Jonny Petrie, commenting on McFarland’s contract extension, said:

“I couldn’t be more pleased that Dan has chosen to extend his stay with us – I think that it’s really clear the impact that he has had on the club since joining, both on and off the pitch.

“We’ve made some impressive progress as a squad over the past couple of years, with play-off rugby against the best teams in Europe, and beyond, now a regular occurrence.”

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Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 Fixtures

JoeNa Connacht — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 22:00:21 +0000

The Heineken Champions Cup round of 16 games have been confirmed following this weekend’s action in Europe’s premier rugby tournament.

With Ulster, Leinster and Munster all having home advantage in the second leg, they will travel away on the weekend of 8, 9, 10 April.

Ulster visit Toulouse, Leinster have the short journey to Connacht, while Munster travel to Exeter Chiefs.

In all-French clashes Stade Francais will host Racing 92 while Union Bordeaux-Begles will entertain Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle.

Sale Sharks are at home to Bristol Bears in an all-English match, while French sides Montpellier and Clermont Auverge will host English teams Harlequins and Leicester Tigers respectively.

The second leg games will be played on the weekend of 15, 16, 17 April.

Exact dates and kick-off times will be confirmed in the coming days.

HEINEKEN CHAMPIONS CUP
Round of 16 first leg – 8/9/10 April
Stade Francais v Racing 92
Toulouse v Ulster
Union Bordeaux-Begles v La Rochelle
Connacht v Leinster
Sale Sharks v Bristol Bears
Exeter Chiefs v Munster
Montpellier v Harlequins
Clermont Auvergne v Leicester Tigers

Round of 16 second leg – 15/16/17 April
Racing 92 v Stade Francais
Ulster v Toulouse
La Rochelle v Union Bordeaux-Begles
Leinster v Connacht
Bristol Bears v Sale Sharks
Munster v Exeter Chiefs
Harlequins v Montpellier
Leicester Tigers v Clermont Auvergne

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Ulster hooker Bradley Roberts called up to Wales squad

JoeNa Connacht — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 15:30:23 +0000

Ulster Rugby hooker Bradley Roberts has been called up to the Wales squad ahead of their Autumn internationals after Ken Owens picked up a back injury.

Roberts is eligible to play for the Wales national team through his paternal grandmother, who came from the town of Llandysul.

The 25-year-old front-rower has made 10 appearances for the Irish province and joins the Wales squad for the first time.

He made his debut for the side when he came on as a replacement in their Pro14 clash against Edinburgh at Murrayfield last season.

Roberts has played in every United Rugby Championship game for Ulster so far this season, with his sole start for the club coming in their opener against Glasgow Warriors at Kingspan Stadium.

The South African-born rugby player also lines out for Energia Men’s All Ireland League side Rainey Old Boys.

Scarlets hooker Owens was initially named in the starting XV to face the All Blacks this weekend but was out of the squad half an hour later.

‘The Sheriff’ had failed a late fitness test on a back problem he had shortly before head coach Wayne Pivac faced the media – Pivac announced the news in his press conference.

Fellow Scarlets hooker Ryan Elias replaces Owens in the starting lineup for Saturday’s game in Cardiff – the first of Wales’ Autumn internationals.

An official announcement on Roberts’ call-up to the Welsh squad reads: “Wales have called on the services of hooker Bradley Roberts, following the announcement of Ken Owens’ back injury.

“The 25-year-old has made 10 appearances for Ulster, most recently as a try-scoring replacement against Connacht last weekend.

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