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)

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!

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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)

The post Zebre v Ulster Rugby – Preview, Stats and Starting Team News appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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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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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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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Ulster are – alongside Munster – one of only two teams boasting a perfect haul of 15 points from their three matches so far.

Dan McFarland’s men have won their last four matches in total since losing a Rainbow Cup fixture to Leinster at the RDS Arena in May.

Ulster have played nine previous matches against South African opponents in the championship, winning seven, drawing one and losing another.

The Emirates Lions have won only two matches across the Rainbow Cup and URC and have been beaten by the Scarlets and Glasgow Warriors since opening their campaign with a win at Zebre.

Ivan van Rooyen’s team will be aiming to get their season back on track before it begins to fall apart but face an Ulster side who have earned all the points in their previous games.

This game will be the Emirates Lions’ final tour fixture before their first home game in the URC.

Ulster have no new injury concerns following last week’s 28-8 win against Benetton in Belfast.

Marty Moore suffered a concussion in training last week, and he is currently following the concussion Return to Play protocols.

Kieran Treadwell and Eric O’Sullivan have returned to the matchday squad after spells on the sidelines.

Rob Lyttle, Robert Baloucoune and David O’Connor have all now resumed full team training following their recent respective periods of unavailability but have not been picked for the match.

Lions lock Pieter Jansen van Vuren injured his left MCL against Glasgow Warriors and will be returning to South Africa – Reinhard Nothnagel replaces him in the starting XV.

Fred Zeilinga has joined the touring squad as cover for Jordan Hendrikse & Eddie Fouché, who have both returned to South Africa, and will wear number 22 against Ulster.

Team News

Ulster

(15-9) Will Addison, Craig Gilroy, James Hume, Stewart Moore, Ethan McIlroy, Billy Burns, Nathan Doak;

(1-8) Andrew Warwick, Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole, Alan O’Connor, Sam Carter (Capt.), Matty Rea, Nick Timoney, David McCann.

Replacements: Brad Roberts, Eric O’Sullivan, Ross Kane, Kieran Treadwell, Sean Reidy, David Shanahan, Mike Lowry, Ben Moxham.

Emirates Lions

1. Sti Sithole
2. Jaco Visagie
3. Carlu Sadie
4. Ruben Schoeman
5. Reinhard Nothnagel
6. Sibusiso Sangweni
7. Vincent Tshituka
8. Ruhan Straeuli
9. Andre Warner
10. EW Viljoen
11. Rabz Maxwane
12. Burger Odendaal (c)
13. Manuel Rass
14. Stean Pienaar
15. Divan Rossouw

Replacements

16. PJ Botha
17. Ruan Dreyer
18. Asenathi Ntlabakanye
19. Wilhelm van der Sluys
20. Emmanuel Tshituka
21. Morne van den Berg
22. Fred Zeilinga
23. Wandisile Simelane

Odds

Ulster 1/16

Draw 45/1

Lions 8/1

Where To Watch 

The game will kick-off at 7:35 pm on Friday, October 15 and will be available to watch on BBC Northern Ireland, RTÉ Two, Premier Sports, SuperSport and URC TV.

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Ulster Rugby’s new squad update has shown no new injury concerns following last week’s URC match in Belfast. In the game, they showed a strong team performance to beat Benetton at home 28-8 on Friday.

The bonus-point victory brings even more optimism for the fans of Dan McFarland’s team as they continue their winning run this season.

A fantastic @UlsterRugby try from @nathan_doak#URC | #ULSBEN pic.twitter.com/0oknVEIiy6

— United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) October 8, 2021

The Ulster Medical team has made an announcement today, giving a very positive squad update for the week ahead.

Marty Moore suffered a concussion in training last week, and he is currently following the concussion Return to Play protocols.

Kieran Treadwell, Rob Lyttle, Eric O’Sullivan, Robert Baloucoune and David O’Connor have all now resumed full team training following their recent respective periods of unavailability.

A try for @robert_herring2 on his 200th @UlsterRugby appearance! #ULSvBEN #URC #SUFTUM pic.twitter.com/xesOoIadKo

— Kevin Bateson (@kevbateson) October 8, 2021

Ulster’s next match will be a very challenging affair. They will face their first South African opponents of the new URC when they play against the Lions.

The match will kick off at 19:35 on Friday, 15th October in the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.

To read more in-depth and up-to-date Ulster and provincial rugby news, click here.

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The Ulster Rugby Medical Performance team has issued a squad update ahead of Friday’s United Rugby Championship fixture against Benetton at Kingspan Stadium.

The side has no new injury concerns arising out of Saturday’s game against Zebre, a 36-3 win in Parma.

Stuart McCloskey (hamstring) and Jordi Murphy sustained recent injuries in training and are currently unfit for selection.

Jacob Stockdale (ankle) and Rob Lyttle (back) also sustained recent training ground injuries and will have their fitness for selection monitored through the coming week.

Cormac Izuchukwu and Luke Marshall remain out with knee injuries while winger Robert Baloucoune recovers from a groin injury.

Captain Iain Henderson is sidelined with a thumb injury while former Leinster prop Jack McGrath is working his way to full fitness after a hip injury.

Kieran Treadwell is still sidelined with the shoulder injury he picked up during pre-season and is currently working his way back into contention.

Nathan Doak earned his first start for the province against Zebre after coming on in place of Cooney against Glasgow Warriors.

The Ireland international had to leave the field after 30 minutes and has recently had an MRI scan to determine the severity of his injury.

Doak scored one of Ulster’s conversions in the 33-point win over Zebre at the Stade Sergio Lanfranchi.

Dan McFarland’s side scored six tries to get their second win of the season and continue their strong start to the inaugural United Rugby Championship season.

Ethan McIlroy and Nick Timoney both scored braces on Saturday as the visitors blew away their hosts in a clear showcase of the gulf in class between the sides.

Will Addison also got on the scoresheet for the side as well as James Hume but Ulster could only manage to convert half of their kicking opportunities following the tries.

McFarland’s team will hope to go three-from-three against Benetton to maintain their impressive start.

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19-year-old scrum-half, Nathan Doak, will make his first competitive start for Ulster as John Cooney is currently out through injury – Doak played 50 minutes against Glasgow after the Ireland international’s withdrawal.

Doak, who scored his first senior try against Glasgow Warriors last Friday, has been named alongside Billy Burns at out-half.

In the midfield, James Hume has been paired up with Stewart Moore while Ethan McIlroy makes a positional switch to the left-wing, with Craig Gilroy coming in to take up the right-wing position, and Will Addison named at full-back.

It’s all change in the front row with Eric O’Sullivan and Tom O’Toole coming in to prop at either side of Rob Herring, who will be just one appearance away from the ‘200’ milestone when he takes the field tomorrow.

Alan O’Connor will skipper the Ulster side and is partnered by former Zebre lock Mick Kearney in the second row.

Matty Rea is selected at blindside flanker, and Nick Timoney switches to openside, with David McCann named at Number Eight.

Brad Roberts, Callum Reid, Marty Moore, Sam Carter and Sean Reidy are the forward options from the bench, and David Shanahan, Mike Lowry and Ben Moxham offer backline cover.

12 players are unavailable for the game, including Cooney, Jordi Murphy and club captain Iain Henderson.

Ulster Team v Zebre

(15-9) Will Addison, Craig Gilroy, James Hume, Stewart Moore, Ethan McIlroy, Billy Burns, Nathan Doak;

(1-8) Eric O’Sullivan, Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole, Alan O’Connor (Capt.), Mick Kearney, Matty Rea, Nick Timoney, David McCann.

Replacements: Brad Roberts, Callum Reid, Marty Moore, Sam Carter, Sean Reidy, David Shanahan, Mike Lowry, Ben Moxham.

Players not considered due to injury or unavailability:

Jack McGrath, Iain Henderson, Luke Marshall, Cormac Izuchukwu, David O’Connor, Jordi Murphy, John Cooney, Stuart McCloskey, Robert Baloucoune, Kieran Treadwell, Ian Madigan, Jacob Stockdale.

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