Ulster Rugby secured a thrilling 29-24 win over Connacht at the Dexcom Stadium, recording their fifth bonus-point victory of the United Rugby Championship 2025 season. Despite trailing early and both sides struggling with discipline, Ulster’s clinical finishing and second-half composure saw them come from behind to claim a vital interprovincial derby win.

Zac Ward Stars for Ulster

Flanker Zac Ward was the hero for the northern province, scoring two crucial tries to complement efforts from Werner Kok and a penalty try. Ward’s performances at the breakdown and his ability to finish off Ulster’s attacking moves were key to overturning Connacht’s first-half advantage.

Connacht, meanwhile, were competitive throughout, with late tries from Sean Jansen and Matthew Devine narrowing the margin, but Jack Murphy’s late penalty ensured Ulster secured the win.

Match Highlights

• Ulster 29 – Tries: Z Ward 2, Kok, Penalty try | Cons/Pens: Murphy 2
• Connacht 24 – Tries: Treacy, Jansen, Devine | Cons: Gilbert 3 | Pen: Gilbert

Connacht started strongly, leading 10-0 after Finn Treacy’s early try and Sam Gilbert’s penalty, capitalizing on Ulster’s early indiscipline. Ulster struggled for territory in the opening exchanges due to conceding multiple penalties, including two at their own feed during scrums.

Zac Ward’s first try, seven minutes before halftime, gave Ulster a lifeline, while his second try at the end of the first half, assisted by Kok, put Ulster ahead 12-10 at the break.

Discipline Shapes the Derby

The game was punctuated by disciplinary issues, with four yellow cards shown across both teams:

• Ulster: Jack Murphy, Stuart McCloskey
• Connacht: Bundee Aki, Joe Joyce

These sin-bins, along with 26 penalties in the first hour, disrupted the flow of play and limited attacking opportunities. Despite being reduced to 14 players in periods, Ulster’s structured game plan and maul-based attack remained effective.

Second-Half Surge Secures Victory

After halftime, Ulster changed both props, bringing on Angus Bell and Tom O’Toole, and quickly scored their third try through Werner Kok following slick passing. A penalty try awarded for illegally stopping an Ulster maul further extended their lead.

Connacht’s late surge included tries from Jansen and Devine, threatening a dramatic finish. However, Ulster’s aerial control, strong defense, and Murphy’s final penalty ensured the northern province held on for the win.

Coaches’ Reactions

Ulster head coach praised the squad’s resilience under pressure:

“It was a physical, intense game. Despite the discipline issues and Connacht’s early lead, the boys executed our game plan and showed composure in key moments.”

Connacht management reflected on missed opportunities:

“Ulster were clinical and punished our errors. We created chances, but indiscipline and handling mistakes prevented us from capitalizing. We’ll look to improve as we head to Leinster next week.”

Line-Ups

Ulster: Stockdale; Kok, Hume, McCloskey, Z Ward; Crean, Stewart, Wilson; Sheridan, Izuchukwu; McCann, Timoney, Augustus
Replacements: Andrew, Bell, O’Toole, Hopes, B Ward, Doak, Flannery, Postlethwaite
Yellow cards: Murphy, McCloskey

Connacht: Gilbert; Ryan, Forde, Aki, Treacy; Carty, B Murphy; Buckley, Heffernan, Bealham; Joyce, O’Connor; J Murphy, Prendergast, Jansen
Replacements: Tierney-Martin, Duggan, Barrett, Murray, O’Brien, Devine, Ioane, Gavin
Yellow cards: Aki, Joyce

Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU)