Ulster Start Five New Signings in URC Opener Against Edinburgh

Ulster Rugby have named a new-look side for their United Rugby Championship (URC) season opener against Edinburgh at the Affidea Stadium on Friday, 25 September 2026, kicking off at 19:45 BST. The team features five summer signings in the starting XV, reflecting a clear intent to refresh the squad after last season’s mixed results.

The new recruits starting are Eduardo Bello at tighthead prop, Eli Snyman and Ben Donnell in the second row, Martin Moloney at openside flanker, and Jamie Benson at inside centre. These additions form part of a broader group of nine players brought in over the summer, with five immediately entrusted with starting roles.

Ulster’s matchday squad includes eight players who could make their competitive debuts for the province. Among the replacements, hooker Henry Walker, prop Keynan Knox, and scrum-half Matthew Devine are also in line for their first appearances.

Experienced full-back Michael Lowry will captain the side, providing leadership from the back. Ireland wing Robert Baloucoune returns to the starting line-up on the right wing, while last season’s top try-scorer Zac Ward is named among the replacements.

One of the notable returns is James McNabney, who starts at number eight after missing the entire previous season due to a serious knee injury. His comeback adds strength and experience to Ulster’s back row.

The full Ulster starting XV is: Michael Lowry (captain), Robert Baloucoune, Ben Carson, Jamie Benson, Aitzol Arenzana-King, Jack Murphy, Conor McKee, Eric O’Sullivan, James McCormick, Eduardo Bello, Eli Snyman, Ben Donnell, David McCann, Martin Moloney, and James McNabney. The replacements bench includes Henry Walker, Tom McAllister, Keynan Knox, Harry Sheridan, James McKillop, Matthew Devine, Jake Flannery, and Zac Ward.

This opening fixture follows a pre-season encounter between the two teams in early September, which Ulster won 28-26, with several of the new players featuring and McNabney making his first appearance since injury. The match will be broadcast live on Premier Sports, offering fans a first glimpse of how Richie Murphy’s squad is shaping up for the new campaign.