Ulster Vs Connacht: Live team news and injury updates ahead of interpro
ulster vs connacht is set for a high-stakes United Rugby Championship meeting with Connacht naming a near-full-strength matchday 23 and Ulster confirming a major coaching departure; kick-off is 7: 45pm ET on Friday 20th March 2026 at the Affidea Stadium. Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster named his side on 19 March 2026, putting five internationals straight into the starting XV, while Ulster confirmed forwards coach Jimmy Duffy will leave at the end of the season. The teams meet with momentum and selection headlines dominating the build-up.
Team selection: Connacht front-line pick for Ulster Vs Connacht
Stuart Lancaster, Connacht Rugby head coach, named a starting XV that includes Cian Prendergast as captain and five players returning from international duty: Bundee Aki, Darragh Murray, Finlay Bealham and Academy prop Billy Bohan. Lancaster said, “We’ve been building some nice momentum this past month or two, but tomorrow will be the biggest challenge yet in this block. Ulster have been very strong this season and their home form is also impressive, but we are excited about the game and what lies ahead. ” The bench features Paul Boyle, James-ready replacements and several forwards with recent match experience, with Sean Jansen retained at number 8 and Boyle named among the replacements.
Coaching shake-up at Ulster and squad continuity
Ulster confirmed that Jimmy Duffy, forwards coach, will depart at the end of the season despite a contract extension announced in January that tied Duffy and the rest of the coaching team to 2028. Duffy, who joined Ulster in 2024 from Western Force and previously worked with Connacht and Ireland Under-20s, said he was sad to be leaving but that the move would bring him closer to his family in Galway. Richie Murphy, Ulster head coach, described Duffy as “vital” to the province’s revival and praised his contribution to player progression and development. Rory Best, Ulster general manager, said he was “disappointed” to lose Duffy but accepted it was the best choice for the coach and his family.
Match context, form and final preparations
The encounter arrives with contrasting headlines: Ulster sit third in the United Rugby Championship as noted in recent club statements; last season the province finished 14th, a low point the coaching group have since addressed. One report in the context notes Ulster climbed to second in the table after a bonus-point win in Edinburgh and have already surpassed last season’s points tally with games to spare. Connacht’s named starting line-up includes Dave Heffernan, recovered from a calf injury to complete the front row, and a backs combination led by Jack Carty at out-half and Cathal Forde at outside centre. Kick-off is scheduled for 7: 45pm ET on Friday 20th March 2026 at the Affidea Stadium.
Immediate reactions and what to watch live
Jimmy Duffy, forwards coach, said, “This decision was the best thing for me and my family. My focus is now on continuing our work, keep pushing on and giving everything to have a strong end to the season. ” Richie Murphy, Ulster head coach, added, “He has been important for the progression and development of our players. He is an excellent coach with wealth of experience, and I wish him and his family all the best for the future. ” Stuart Lancaster highlighted the physical intensity expected in the interpro and stressed the significance of international returns and the front-row reinforcements.
What’s next: teams will complete final preparations before the 7: 45pm ET kick-off; the match will test Connacht’s returning internationals against Ulster’s coached forward pack while both camps aim to close the block strongly. Expect live momentum swings, set-piece battles and the immediate fallout over coaching succession and selection to dominate post-match attention on ulster vs connacht.
