Snow fell steadily over Belfast’s Affidea Stadium on January 2, 2026, but the chill in the air did nothing to cool Ulster Rugby’s fiery determination as they stormed to a commanding 28-3 victory over their fierce Irish rivals, Munster, in United Rugby Championship Round 9 action. With the win, Ulster leapfrogged their competition to sit just one point behind the league-leading Stormers, putting themselves firmly in the title conversation as the URC season heats up.
The much-anticipated derby drew the first sold-out crowd of the season to Affidea Stadium, and the home supporters were treated to a spectacle of grit, power, and, ultimately, attacking flair—especially after halftime. Ulster, led by captain Iain Henderson, showcased both their depth and discipline, overcoming challenging, snowy conditions to outscore Munster by 22 unanswered points in the second half.
Ulster’s lineup, brimming with both experience and youthful exuberance, featured the likes of Jacob Stockdale, James Hume, and the ever-reliable Nathan Doak at scrum-half. Doak, fresh off signing a new contract that will keep him in Belfast until 2028, delivered a masterclass in game management, patience, and precision from the tee. He contributed 13 crucial points—three penalties and two conversions—to keep the scoreboard ticking over for the hosts when tries proved hard to come by early on.
"It’s going to be a massive test for us," Ulster head coach Richie Murphy said before the match. "We know that whatever Munster team turns up, it’s going to be a very difficult task." Murphy’s words rang true in the first half, as Munster’s defense, despite fielding a rotated squad with several Irish internationals rested, proved stubborn. The visitors, captained by Diarmuid Barron, made 10 changes from their previous outing, but their physicality and commitment at the breakdown kept Ulster’s attack at bay.
The first half was a cagey affair, with Ulster’s attacking intent blunted by a combination of handling errors and Munster’s resilience. Jacob Stockdale’s early surge past JJ Hanrahan brought the crowd to life, but Munster twice forced turnovers within five metres of their own tryline, setting the tone for a tense opening forty minutes. Doak slotted two penalties to give Ulster a narrow 6-3 lead at the break, with Munster’s only points coming from a Hanrahan penalty after a botched Ulster restart.
But whatever was said in the Ulster dressing room at halftime worked wonders. The hosts emerged with renewed vigor, and it didn’t take long for the momentum to shift decisively in their favor. Doak opened the second-half scoring with another penalty, and shortly after, Tom Stewart powered over from close range for Ulster’s first try of the night. The try was a testament to the pack’s dominance, with Stewart’s lineout throws operating at a 90% success rate and the forwards consistently bossing the gain-line.
Munster, reeling from back-to-back derby defeats, struggled to regain their composure as Ulster’s attack clicked into gear. The home side’s second try came 25 minutes from time, capitalizing on a Munster turnover deep in their own territory. Replacement Jake Flannery, who had come on for Stockdale after a disallowed try, finished off a sweeping counterattack, with Stuart McCloskey’s crucial turnover and Werner Kok’s slick pass setting up the score.
Ulster’s third and final try was the icing on the cake. Bryn Ward, who was later named man of the match, capped off a standout performance with his first senior try, barreling over with nine minutes left. Ward’s relentless work rate and physicality in both attack and defense epitomized the Ulster pack’s effort all night. "Got better and better as the game progressed as Ulster bossed the gain-line... Rightly rewarded with a try," read one post-match player rating. The back row’s emergence in the absence of Juarno Augustus bodes well for Ulster’s squad depth as the season intensifies.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Munster had their moments. Their forwards, marshaled by Barron and Jean Kleyn, fought valiantly at the set-piece, and the backline—featuring playmakers JJ Hanrahan and Alex Nankivell—showed glimpses of threat. But the visitors simply couldn’t match Ulster’s clinical edge after halftime. The loss leaves Munster searching for answers as they prepare for a Champions Cup clash against Toulon.
Individually, Ulster’s stars shone in the snow. Zac Ward, one of the wings, enjoyed a fine outing, beating defenders at will and racking up over 100 running metres—a remarkable feat given the slippery surface. Werner Kok, praised for his skill execution and acrobatic mark in the first half, provided a crucial assist and injected energy when Ulster needed it most. In the midfield, James Hume and Stuart McCloskey combined effective decision-making with defensive steel, while Jack Murphy, targeted by Munster’s attack, stood firm and distributed well under pressure.
Ulster’s replacements also made their mark, with Flannery’s try and Jude Postlethwaite’s solid shift in the midfield helping to maintain the home side’s stranglehold in the final quarter. The only criticism? Ulster couldn’t quite find the fourth try that would have secured a bonus point, despite two late incursions into the Munster 22. "Tries were hard to come by today," one analyst noted, highlighting the challenging conditions and Munster’s defensive resolve.
Referee Mike Adamson (SRU) managed proceedings with a steady hand, ensuring the contest remained fiercely competitive but fair throughout. The match’s significance was not lost on either side, with vital URC points on the line and both teams eyeing European challenges ahead.
For Ulster, the victory marks their sixth win in eight league matches this season—a testament to their consistency and ambition under Richie Murphy. The squad’s blend of seasoned internationals and emerging talent has them well positioned as they turn their attention to the European Challenge Cup, where they’ll face the Cheetahs in Amsterdam on January 11. Munster, meanwhile, will look to regroup before their own European test against Toulon on the same day.
As the snow finally stopped falling and the crowd filed out into the Belfast night, Ulster’s statement win over Munster sent a clear message to the rest of the URC: this team is very much in the hunt for glory, and their best rugby may still be ahead of them.
