Ulster Rugby Affidea Stadium
The countdown is on for the return of Ulster Rugby, with Ospreys heading to Belfast next Friday for a Bank of Ireland Pre-Season Friendly at Affidea Stadium.
Photo: Ulster Rugby on X
Rugby is almost back in Belfast.
Ulster will welcome Welsh side Ospreys to Affidea Stadium on Friday, 11 September, with kick-off scheduled for 7.45pm, as preparations step up ahead of the new 2026/27 campaign.
The pre-season encounter will offer supporters their first opportunity to see Ulster back in action at home and, importantly, get an early look at some of the club’s new signings.
First glimpse of Ulster’s new-look squad
Pre-season fixtures are rarely just about the final score. For the coaching staff, the Ospreys game provides an important opportunity to test combinations, build match fitness and assess the squad before the competitive season gets underway.
For supporters, it means something rather simpler: rugby under the lights is returning to Belfast.
With new faces in the squad and another busy campaign ahead, the Friday-night meeting with Ospreys should provide an intriguing first indication of how Ulster are shaping up.
The match is also included in all 2026/27 Ulster Rugby Season Tickets.
A big autumn of rugby at Affidea Stadium
The Ospreys friendly is only the beginning of a packed run of home fixtures.
Ulster’s BKT United Rugby Championship home campaign begins against Edinburgh on Friday, 25 September at 7.45pm.
One of the biggest fixtures of the early season follows soon afterwards, with Munster visiting Belfast on Saturday, 10 October at 5.30pm.
European rugby then returns later in the year when Ulster host French side Aviron Bayonnais on Saturday, 12 December at 1pm in the opening round of the EPCR Challenge Cup.
Upcoming Ulster home fixtures
- Ulster v Ospreys — Friday 11 September, 7.45pm — Bank of Ireland Pre-Season Friendly
- Ulster v Edinburgh — Friday 25 September, 7.45pm — BKT URC Round 1
- Ulster v Munster — Saturday 10 October, 5.30pm — BKT URC Round 3
- Ulster v Aviron Bayonnais — Saturday 12 December, 1pm — EPCR Challenge Cup Round 1
All four fixtures will take place at Affidea Stadium, Belfast.
One week to go
After a summer without competitive club rugby in Belfast, the sight of the Ulstermen running out at Affidea Stadium will be a welcome one for supporters.
Ospreys provide the first test. Then the serious business begins.
Ulster v Ospreys
📅 Friday 11 September 2026
⏰ Kick-off: 7.45pm
📍 Affidea Stadium, Belfast
🏉 Bank of Ireland Pre-Season Friendly
🎟️ Included with 2026/27 Ulster Rugby Season Tickets
Read more: Ospreys Name Strong Squad for Tonight’s Ulster Friendly at Affidea Stadium · Rory Best Walks Bangor to Affidea Stadium This Sunday for Miles 2 Mayo
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