Ulster and Dragons RFC open their United Rugby Championship campaigns at Affidea Stadium in Belfast, where the first round brings together two sides eager to lay down an early marker. 

For Ulster, the match is a chance to deliver a strong performance in front of home supporters, while Dragons make the trip from Wales with ambitions of showing their progress against one of the league’s most experienced outfits.

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Ulster head coach Richie Murphy underlined the sense of focus within his squad. 

“The team are hungry and very focused, there is a good plan in place and we want to give our supporters something to cheer about on Friday night at Affidea Stadium,” Murphy said. His side features established internationals such as Iain Henderson, Stuart McCloskey, and Jacob Stockdale, complemented by emerging talents ready to seize their opportunity.

Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia was equally clear about the scale of the task. “We're looking forward to going to Ulster, they’re a good side and they'll be tough over there,” he said. “They have a heavy pack, they’ve certainly got some experience in the midfield, and they’ve got speed. We're looking forward to the challenge. The players are excited, so are the coaches, no different to Ulster, they'll be excited to play against us. It’s time to see where we are at.” With both lineups set and anticipation building, here’s a closer look at kickoff details, team sheets, and how to watch.

Ulster vs. Dragons RFC Kickoff In Round 1 Of The United Rugby Championship

Kickoff for Ulster vs. Dragons RFC is set for 3:05 p.m. ET at Affidea Stadium, Belfast. The game will be contested as part of Round 1 of the United Rugby Championship.

Ulster Rugby Lineup vs. Dragons RFC In Round 1 Of United Rugby Championship

• Ulster’s starting XV: Michael Lowry, Zac Ward, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Jack Murphy, Nathan Doak, Callum Reid, Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole, Iain Henderson (captain), Harry Sheridan, Cormac Izuchukwu, Nick Timoney, David McCann.
• Replacements: Tom Stewart, Sam Crean, Scott Wilson, Matthew Dalton, Juarno Augustus, Conor McKee, Jake Flannery, Ben Carson.

Dragons RFC Lineup vs. Ulster In Round 1 Of United Rugby Championship

• Dragons RFC’s starting XV: Angus O’Brien (co-captain), Rio Dyer, Joe Westwood, Aneurin Owen, Jared Rosser, Tinus de Beer, Rhodri Williams, Wyn Jones, Elliot Dee, Rob Hunt, Matthew Screech, Ben Carter (co-captain), Shane Lewis-Hughes, Harrison Keddie, Aaron Wainwright.
• Replacements: Brodie Coghlan, Rodrigo Martinez, Dillon Lewis, Levi Douglas, Mackenzie Martin, Che Hope, Fine Inisi, Huw Anderson.

How To Watch Ulster vs. Dragons RFC In Round 1 Of The United Rugby Championship

The match between Ulster and Dragons RFC will stream live on FloRugby and the FloSports app. Coverage begins shortly before kickoff at 3:05 p.m. ET. Fans can also watch on Premier Sports, SuperSport, and URC.tv. A FloRugby subscription is required to watch every game of Round 1 in the United Rugby Championship.

United Rugby Championship Round 1 Fixtures

Sept. 26

• DHL Stormers vs Leinster, DHL Stadium, 1:00 p.m. ET
• Ulster vs Dragons, Affidea Stadium, 3:05 p.m. ET
• Glasgow Warriors vs Sharks, Scotstoun Stadium, 3:05 p.m. ET

Sept. 27

• Vodacom Bulls vs Ospreys, Loftus Versfeld, 8:00 a.m. ET
• Zebre Parma vs Edinburgh, Stadio Lanfranchi, 10:05 a.m. ET
• Scarlets vs Munster, Parc y Scarlets, 12:30 p.m. ET
• Cardiff Rugby vs Lions, Cardiff Arms Park, 1:45 p.m. ET
• Connacht vs Benetton, Dexcom Stadium, 1:45 p.m. ET

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