20 October 2026
Ulster forwards coach Clarke Dermody insists the province has a definitive blueprint to dismantle the Bulls in Pretoria this Saturday at 13:45 SAST, despite a punishing six-man injury list complicating their South African safari. The northern province hunts its first United Rugby Championship victory on local soil this season following a mixed start comprising two draws and a defeat.
The travelling squad faces a serious physical examination at altitude at Loftus Versfeld against a notoriously bruising Bulls pack. "We have clear plans in place to have a real crack at them," Dermody stated, emphasising tactical clarity over excuses. Veterans with prior experience playing in South Africa are currently anchoring the preparation to ready younger squad members for the harsh atmospheric and physical realities of the Highveld.
Medical staff face a race against time to clear several frontline players before Friday's team announcement. Clean-out specialist Nick Timoney and midfield powerhouse Stuart McCloskey are both tipped to recover from minor muscle tweaks suffered during training. However, flying winger Zac Ward remains a major doubt with an ankle issue, while locks Ben Donnell and Eli Snyman must pass late fitness tests alongside utility back Ethan McIlroy.
This high-altitude fixture kicks off a critical two-week tour for the Irish province, which travels down to Cape Town the following week to face the Stormers.