Zebre Parma 21–40 Ulster: Walker double delivers Challenge Cup bonus-point win
Zebre Parma 21–40 Ulster: Ulster began their 2026/27 EPCR Challenge Cup campaign with a six-try bonus-point victory in Parma on Saturday 17 October, securing their first competitive win of the season.
Walker double puts Ulster in control
Henry Walker marked his first competitive start for Ulster with two first-half tries, giving Richie Murphy’s side the platform for a convincing 19–0 interval lead at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.
The hooker opened the scoring in the 12th minute and crossed again in the 28th, either side of a Jacob Stockdale try. Nathan Doak kicked two of the three first-half conversions as Ulster combined a strong set piece with sharp finishing.
The match also brought a first captaincy for David McCann, while Daniel Hawkshaw made his first start in an Ulster shirt.
Zebre fight back after half-time
Giovanni Licata got Zebre on the scoreboard shortly after the restart, but McCann answered with Ulster’s fourth try in the 47th minute, extending the visitors’ lead to 26–7.
With Jack Murphy shown a yellow card in the 61st minute, Zebre took advantage through Alessandro Ortombina. Ulster still found a response: replacement Michael Lowry finished a wide attacking move in the 70th minute and Jamie Benson added the conversion.
Giovanni Montemauri’s converted try brought Zebre back to 33–21, putting pressure on Ulster’s attacking bonus point. Under the new EPCR rule, a side needs to finish with at least three more tries than its opponents to secure that extra competition point.
Moloney secures all five points
Martin Moloney settled matters in the 77th minute, finishing Ulster’s sixth try after the ball was moved across the pitch. Benson converted to complete the 40–21 scoreline. Zebre finished with three tries, leaving Ulster the required three-try margin and a five-point start to Pool 1.
Juarno Augustus was named Player of the Match, while Walker’s two tries were a major highlight of a much-needed victory following a winless opening three URC rounds.
Zebre Parma v Ulster: match facts
- Full-time: Zebre Parma 21–40 Ulster Rugby
- Half-time: Zebre Parma 0–19 Ulster Rugby
- Date: Saturday 17 October 2026
- Competition: EPCR Challenge Cup 2026/27, Pool 1, Round 1
- Venue: Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma
- Kick-off: 3.15pm BST (UK/Ireland); 4.15pm CEST (Parma)
- Ulster tries: Henry Walker (2), Jacob Stockdale, David McCann, Michael Lowry, Martin Moloney
- Ulster conversions: Nathan Doak (3), Jamie Benson (2)
- Zebre tries: Giovanni Licata, Alessandro Ortombina, Giovanni Montemauri
- Player of the Match: Juarno Augustus
What comes next for Ulster?
After opening their European campaign with five pool points, Ulster return to United Rugby Championship action for away matches against the Bulls and Stormers in South Africa. Their next Challenge Cup pool fixture is at home against Aviron Bayonnais on 12 December.
For the wider calendar, see our Ulster Rugby fixtures and results guide.