Ulster Rugby return to Belfast for a pivotal URC clash against DHL Stormers, with both teams entering the weekend in strong positions as the playoff race intensifies. Ulster currently occupy a postseason spot, while the Stormers sit atop the standings and continue to build momentum heading toward the knockout rounds.

The hosts, captained by Iain Henderson, will look to capitalize on home advantage at Affidea Stadium with a lineup blending experience and emerging talent. DHL Stormers, meanwhile, arrive with a dynamic squad featuring attacking threats across the field despite several enforced changes.

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Director of rugby John Dobson acknowledged the adjustments made to his side while emphasizing the importance of the occasion. “We have been forced to make a few changes, but we are excited about what this team can do and we know it will take the best of us to get the win,” Dobson said.

“As we get closer to the play-offs the stakes get higher each week and this is a crucial match in the context of our season,” he added.

With both teams chasing momentum and playoff positioning, the contest in Belfast is set to test physicality, execution and composure.

Ulster Rugby vs. DHL Stormers Kickoff Time

Ulster Rugby host DHL Stormers on Friday at Affidea Stadium in Belfast. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. ET, with Andrea Piardi serving as referee.

How To Watch Ulster Rugby vs. DHL Stormers

The match will stream live on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States.

Ulster Rugby Lineup vs. DHL Stormers

1. Michael Lowry
2. Werner Kok
3. Ethan McIlroy
4. Jude Postlethwaite
5. Zac Ward
6. Jack Murphy
7. Nathan Doak
8. Angus Bell
9. James McCormick
10. Tom O’Toole
11. Iain Henderson (C)
12. Charlie Irvine
13. Cormac Izuchukwu
14. Nick Timoney
15. Juarno Augustus

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Eric O’Sullivan, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Bryn Ward, Conor McKee, Jake Flannery, Wilhelm De Klerk

DHL Stormers Lineup vs. Ulster Rugby

1. Warrick Gelant
2. Wandisile Simelane
3. Dan du Plessis
4. Damian Willemse
5. Leolin Zas
6. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
7. Imad Khan
8. Ntuthuko Mchunu
9. André-Hugo Venter
10. Sazi Sandi
11. Adré Smith
12. Ruben van Heerden
13. Deon Fourie (C)
14. Ben-Jason Dixon
15. Evan Roos

Replacements: Paul de Villiers, Oli Kebble, Zachary Porthen, Connor Evans, Hacjivah Dayimani, Keke Morabe, Stefan Ungerer, Jurie Matthee

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A FloRugby annual subscription provides access to live matches and replays from the URC, Gallagher PREM Rugby, Top 14 and EPCR competitions throughout the global rugby season.

Rugby Union Club Rankings - May 6, 2026

1. Leinster (URC) - 10-6 - Last: 1
2. Stormers (URC) - 12-4 - Last: 2
3. Bath Rugby (PREM) - 11-3 - Last: 3
4. Bordeaux Bègles (Top 14) - 12-10 - Last: 4
5. Northampton Saints (PREM) - 12-1-1 - Last: 5
6. Glasgow Warriors (URC) - 11-5 - Last: 6
7. Ulster (URC) - 9-7 - Last: 7
8. Montpellier (Top 14) - 13-8-1 - Last: 8
9. Hurricanes (SRP) - 8-2 - Last: 11
10. Saitama Wild Knights (JRLO) - 15-2 - Last: 10
11. Chiefs (SRP) - 8-2 - Last: 12
12. Bristol Bears (PREM) - 10-4 - Last: 13
13. Toulouse (Top 14) - 16-6 - Last: 14
14. Toulon (Top 14) - 11-10-1 - Last: 15
15. Kubota Spears (JRLO) - 14-3 - Last: 17
16. Kobelco Kobe Steelers (JRLO) - 15-2 - Last: 16
17. Exeter Chiefs (PREM) - 8-5-1 - Last: 9
18. Reds (SRP) - 6-4 - Last: 20
19. Stade Français (Top 14) - 12-9-1 - Last: 18
20. Leicester Tigers (PREM) - 10-4 - Last: 21
21. Pau (Top 14) - 14-8 - Last: 22
22. Brumbies (SRP) - 5-6 - Last: 19
23. Lions (URC) - 10-5-1 - Last: 23
24. Cardiff Rugby (URC) - 10-6 - Last: 24
25. Racing 92 (Top 14) - 13-8-1 - Last: 25

Investec Champions Cup Final

Saturday, May 23

• 9:45 a.m. ET - Leinster Rugby vs. Union Bordeaux Bègles - San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao

EPCR Challenge Cup Final

Friday, May 22

• 3:00 p.m. ET - Ulster Rugby vs. Montpellier Hérault Rugby - San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao

How The Rankings Work

These cross-competition power rankings compare professional rugby union clubs across major leagues using a standings-based rating model. Each team’s rating is shaped by record, point differential, league strength, previous rating and major knockout competition status.

Champions Cup semifinalists receive an added boost because those results provide the strongest cross-league signal, while Challenge Cup semifinalists receive a smaller adjustment. The model also uses league-specific caps and movement limits, so strong records in developing or lower-strength competitions do not outweigh proven performance in deeper leagues.

The rankings are meant to estimate current club strength across competitions, not simply mirror domestic league tables.

A FloRugby annual subscription provides access to live matches and replays from the URC, Gallagher PREM Rugby, Top 14 and EPCR competitions throughout the global rugby season.

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: 

• United Rugby Championship
• PREM Rugby
• Top 14
• Investec Champions Cup
• EPCR Challenge Cup
• Currie Cup
• And more

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

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