3 Things To Know About Ulster Rugby Entering 2025--26 URC Season

3 Things To Know About Ulster Rugby Entering 2025--26 URC Season

Ulster’s 2025–26 URC outlook: set-piece strength, discipline issues, and reliance on homegrown depth.

Sep 26, 2025 by Joe Harrington
3 Things To Know About Ulster Rugby Entering 2025--26 URC Season

Ulster Rugby enters the 2025–26 United Rugby Championship season looking to rebound after finishing 14th a year ago with just 38 points. Their campaign was marked by narrow defeats and inconsistency, but the squad remains packed with experienced internationals and homegrown talent. 

With a strong fanbase at the Affidea Stadium in Belfast, Ulster will aim to turn close contests into wins this time around.

Ulster’s rugby identity is rooted in resilience and passionate support. The province, with a history dating back to the 19th century, has claimed four league titles and the 1999 European Cup. In the modern URC, Ulster remains a club with lofty ambitions, even if recent seasons have fallen short of expectation. This season’s dual campaign in the URC and EPCR Challenge Cup gives them multiple platforms to reassert themselves.Statistically, Ulster struggled last year. 

They scored 420 points but conceded 472. Their tackle success rate sat at 80% with over 3,100 tackles made. Discipline was another issue, as they conceded 175 penalties. However, their set piece remained competitive with an 87% lineout success rate.

Top 100 Presence With No Superstar Gap

Unlike rivals Leinster, Connacht and Munster, Ulster does not feature a heavy concentration of players on FloRugby’s Top 100 list. Their standout inclusion is flanker Nick Timoney, who continues to grow into an Ireland regular. The lack of multiple marquee-ranked stars places more responsibility on depth and cohesion. Ulster’s pathway system has always been central to their identity, and this season will test its output.

Set Piece Keeps Ulster Competitive

Even during a difficult campaign, Ulster’s set piece remained a weapon. They won 199 lineouts at 87% efficiency and stole 25 opposition throws. Their scrum operated at a reliable 89% success. These numbers kept them in games, and under pressure from physical packs like the Bulls and Sharks, Ulster will continue to rely on their forwards to establish a platform.

Discipline And Defense Must Improve

Ulster’s 2024–25 struggles came largely from lapses in defense and discipline. They conceded 472 points, were shown nine yellow cards, and allowed opponents too many scoring opportunities. To move back up the table, their tackle accuracy must climb above 80% and their penalty count must drop. A more composed Ulster side could flip close losses into playoff contention.

How To Watch Ulster Rugby in the U.S.

All Ulster Rugby matches in the 2025–26 URC and EPCR Challenge Cup will stream live on FloRugby in the United States. Fans can also watch on the FloSports app, available on mobile, tablet, and smart TV platforms.

Subscribe To The FloRugby Annual Plan To Watch Every Ulster Match in 2025–26

The FloRugby annual plan is the best way to watch Ulster all season. The subscription includes every URC and Challenge Cup match, plus the Investec Champions Cup and other global competitions.

European Union Rugby Lives On FloSports And FloRugby

Rugby fans can stream every match from the Top 14, Gallagher Premiership, and United Rugby Championship on FloRugby, along with the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, making the platform the U.S. home for the world’s biggest club competitions and the game’s top players

How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby

Professional club rugby in Europe all streams on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

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