Ulster v Munster: Stewart captains as interprovincial derby kicks off at 5.30pm
Ulster v Munster: Ulster welcome Munster to Affidea Stadium in Belfast today, Saturday 10 October 2026, for a BKT United Rugby Championship round-three derby. Kick-off is at 5.30pm BST, with the match broadcast live on Premier Sports.
Ulster look to build on Glasgow comeback
Richie Murphy’s side return to Belfast after a dramatic 33–33 draw away to Glasgow Warriors, where Juarno Augustus crossed late and Nathan Doak converted to secure a share of the points. Having lost to Edinburgh in their opening round, Ulster are still searching for their first league win of the season.
Stewart captains as Ireland internationals return
Tom Stewart captains Ulster from hooker, with Nathan Doak returning to the starting scrum-half role alongside Jack Murphy. Stuart McCloskey returns in the midfield, while Nick Timoney and Cormac Izuchukwu come into the back row alongside Augustus, who makes his first start of the season.
Jacob Stockdale is selected on the left wing and is set to make his 150th senior Ulster appearance. Robert Baloucoune starts on the opposite wing, with Ethan McIlroy at full-back. Jamie Benson partners McCloskey in midfield.
Munster welcome back Beirne
Munster make nine changes to their starting side, including the return of captain Tadhg Beirne in the second row. Craig Casey partners JJ Hanrahan at half-back, with Alex Nankivell and Dan Kelly in the centres. Munster arrive having beaten the Bulls 26–22 in round two.
Ulster starting XV
15–9: Ethan McIlroy; Robert Baloucoune, Jamie Benson, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale; Jack Murphy, Nathan Doak.
1–8: Eric O’Sullivan, Tom Stewart (captain), Keynan Knox; Ben Donnell, Eli Snyman; Cormac Izuchukwu, Nick Timoney, Juarno Augustus.
Replacements: Henry Walker, Tom O’Toole, Tom McAllister, James McNabney, David McCann, Matthew Devine, Jake Flannery, Chay Mullins.
Munster starting XV
15–9: Ben O’Connor; Shane Daly, Alex Nankivell, Dan Kelly, Seán O’Brien; JJ Hanrahan, Craig Casey.
1–8: Jeremy Loughman, Marnus van der Merwe, Kieran Brookes; Evan O’Connell, Tadhg Beirne (captain); Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, Josh Wycherley, Jack Aungier, Tom Ahern, Brian Gleeson, Ben O’Donovan, Charlie O’Shea, John Hodnett.
Ulster v Munster: kick-off and TV
Date: Saturday 10 October 2026. Kick-off: 5.30pm BST (Belfast, UK and Ireland). Venue: Affidea Stadium, Belfast. Competition: United Rugby Championship, round three. TV: Premier Sports.