This Friday will see the resumption of the URC as Connacht V Ulster is one of two high profile inter-provincial derbies in the coming week. After two very different European campaigns, both sides will be aiming to climb up the ladder in the URC in this clash at the Sportsground. For Ulster, they will be aiming to get back on track after a difficult few weeks. For Connacht, they will be aiming for another victory to keep up their good form.
Here is all you need to know ahead of Connacht V Ulster.
When Is Connacht V Ulster?
Connacht V Ulster is this Friday, with kick-off at the Sportsground at 7.35.
How Can I Watch Connacht V Ulster?
Live coverage of Connacht V Ulster will be shown live by RTÉ Two, with coverage beginning at 7.00.
Form Guide
Since the sides last meeting on the first weekend of the season, a lot has changed. After a strong start to the season by Ulster, they are now on a three game losing streak, with everything going wrong at the moment for Dan McFarland's side. Last weekend's disappointing defeat to La Rochelle summed up their luck at the moment, as they played in a empty Aviva Stadium.
For Connacht, they are coming off the back of two straight victories in the Challenge Cup against Newcastle and Brive. After a rough start to the season, they seem to have found their rhythm at just the right time.
Team News
Both sides come into this game with several players missing through injury. For Connacht, second-row Gavin Thornbury is ruled out after surgery on his knee. Back-row Paul Boyle is also ruled out through a shoulder injury.
Jack Carty, Finlay Bealham, John Porch, Conor Oliver and Cian Prendergast are among those to come into the side.
🟢 𝙏𝙀𝘼𝙈 𝘼𝙉𝙉𝙊𝙐𝙉𝘾𝙀𝙈𝙀𝙉𝙏 🟢
Here's your squad representing Connacht in tomorrow's *vital* #BKTURC interpro with @UlsterRugby 🙌
Tickets: https://t.co/mXZ0kRteR8
Story: https://t.co/uGAQz12g3C pic.twitter.com/f2x5wOoT7Y— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) December 22, 2022
Ulster have several players on the sidelines ahead of Friday's encounter. Billy Burns, Rob Herring, James Hume, Jacob Stockdale, Robert Baloucoune and Ian Madigan are all injured.
Nathan Doak starts at fly-half, with Jake Flannery on the bench. Iain Henderson captain the side from the second row.
Your Ulster team to face Connacht tomorrow night at The Sportsground! 👊#BKTURC pic.twitter.com/v5LgPrpbkZ
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) December 22, 2022
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