Ospreys Name Strong Squad for Tonight’s Ulster Friendly at Affidea Stadium
Photo: Ulster Rugby on X
Ulster complete their pre-season preparations tonight as the Ospreys arrive at Affidea Stadium for a 7.45pm kick-off.
Although the result will not count towards the league table, this is far more than a meaningless friendly. It is the final opportunity for both teams to sharpen their game plans, test combinations and build confidence before the competitive action begins.
The Ospreys travel to Belfast with a squad combining experienced internationals and emerging Welsh talent. Newly appointed co-captains Sam Parry and Owen Watkin will lead the side together for the first time since taking on the shared role for the 2026/27 campaign.
They will be supported by several familiar and dangerous names, including Ross Moriarty, Morgan Morris, Keelan Giles, Luke Morgan and Tom Rogers.
The visitors will also be hoping to carry momentum from an encouraging pre-season performance away to Coventry.
Ospreys starting XV
- Cam Jones
- Sam Parry (co-captain)
- Rhys Henry
- Rhys Davies
- Huw Sutton
- Liam Wright
- Ross Moriarty
- Morgan Morris
- Luke Davies
- Harri Wilde
- Keelan Giles
- Lalakai Foketi
- Owen Watkin (co-captain)
- Luke Morgan
- Tom Rogers
Ospreys replacements
Steffan Thomas, Lewis Lloyd, Tom Botha, James Ratti, Ben Roberts, Harri Deaves, Gwilym Evans, Morgan Morse, Nick Fisk-Jones, Steffan Jac Jones, Iestyn Hopkins, Keiran Williams, Evardi Boshoff, Harri Houston, Lewis Edwards, Efan Daniel and Kian Hire.
Our view: this friendly still matters
Let’s be honest: supporters always want Ulster to win at home, whether it is a league match, a European night or a pre-season friendly.
The final score is not the most important thing tonight, but the performance certainly matters. Ulster need to show intensity, discipline and some attacking sharpness before the new campaign begins. A strong display would send the squad into the season with confidence and give the home crowd something to feel optimistic about.
Ospreys have selected enough experience to make this a proper test. Moriarty and Morris will bring real physicality around the breakdown, while Watkin, Giles, Morgan and Rogers provide plenty of threat across the backline. Ulster will not be allowed to drift through this one at pre-season pace.
This is also the stage when coaches make some of their most important decisions. Players on the edge of the starting team have one last chance to make a statement, while new combinations must begin looking settled rather than experimental.
Nobody should panic if every pass does not stick, but Ulster will want to avoid a flat performance at home. The best outcome would be a victory accompanied by a clear sense that the team is ready for the serious business ahead.
Our prediction? A competitive and physical encounter, with Ulster’s home advantage helping them edge a close game.
Ulster v Ospreys
📍 Affidea Stadium, Belfast
📅 Friday 11 September
⏰ Kick-off: 7.45pm
📺 Available to stream on Ulster TV
Tonight may officially be a friendly—but once the whistle blows, neither side will treat it like one.
Read more: Ulster Rugby Affidea Stadium: Ulster Rugby return to Affidea Stadium as Ospreys pre-season clash draws closer · Rory Best Walks Bangor to Affidea Stadium This Sunday for Miles 2 Mayo
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