In the dynamic landscape of the BKT United Rugby Championship, Zebre Rugby stands at a crossroads, having lost twenty-one matches since their triumphant victory against Dragons RFC in April 2022. This article delves into the statistics and narratives surrounding Zebre Rugby’s journey, particularly against formidable opponents like Ulster Rugby.

Zebre’s Struggles: A Streak That Persists

Zebre Rugby’s fortunes have been challenging, with a notable statistic being their inability to secure a victory against Irish provinces since their win over Connacht in Galway back in February 2018. The Italians face a daunting task, aiming to break this streak and redefine their standing in the championship.

Round One Woes: An Unfavorable History for Zebre

Round one has proven to be a formidable hurdle for Zebre, having tasted victory only once before, notably against Southern Kings in 2018. The team faces an uphill battle each season opener, seeking to replicate the success achieved in that solitary triumph.

Stats

Ulster Rugby

•Sean Reffell made 42 tackles against Munster in Round 11 – 11 more than any other player managed in a single match last season
•Ulster scored a total of 16 maul tries in BKT URC 2, more than any other team. Their maul made 473 metres across the season
•Ulster made an average of 147 tackles per 80 minutes last season – more than any other team. They also averaged the second-most carries (122 per 80 minutes)

Ulster’s Dominance and Recent Setback

Ulster Rugby concluded the 2022/23 BKT United Rugby Championship regular season with a powerful statement, securing five consecutive victories. However, their journey was halted in the quarterfinals against Connacht. Notably, Ulster’s longstanding six-game winning streak against Italian opponents was broken with a 29-31 reversal to Benetton in Treviso in January.

Consistency in Season Openers: Ulster’s Strength

Ulster Rugby boasts an impressive record of not losing their opening game of a new season since 2013. This remarkable consistency sets the tone for their campaigns, reflecting the team’s resilience and strategic prowess.

Zebre’s Past Triumphs: A Glimmer of Hope

Zebre’s historical victories over Ulster, both occurring in Parma in 2014 and 2017, serve as a glimmer of hope for the Italian side. These past successes against formidable opponents highlight the potential for Zebre to spring surprises and upset the balance in their encounters with Ulster.

**Recent URC Meetings: A Look Back at the Battle of Titans**

**Introduction:**
Beyond the statistics and historical context, the recent encounters between Ulster Rugby and Zebre Rugby in the BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) add an extra layer of intrigue to their ongoing rivalry. Let’s dive into the match history and dissect the outcomes of their clashes in the recent seasons.

Head-to-Head Showdowns: URC Meetings Between Ulster and Zebre

*1. 23 February 2019 – Kingspan Stadium*
– Venue: Kingspan Stadium, Parma
– Result: Ulster Rugby 54 – 7 Zebre

*2. 01 November 2019 – Kingspan Stadium*
– Venue: Kingspan Stadium, Parma
– Result: Ulster Rugby 22 – 7 Zebre

*3. 16 November 2020 – Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi*
– Venue: Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma
– Result: Zebre Parma 14 – 57 Ulster Rugby

*4. 19 March 2021 – Kingspan Stadium*
– Venue: Kingspan Stadium, Parma
– Result: Ulster Rugby 49 – 3 Zebre

*5. 02 October 2021 – Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi*
– Venue: Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma
– Result: Zebre Parma 3 – 36 Ulster Rugby

*6. 25 November 2022 – Kingspan Stadium*
– Venue: Kingspan Stadium, Parma
– Result: Ulster Rugby 36 – 15 Zebre

Analysis: Patterns and Trends

Ulster Rugby has consistently demonstrated dominance in recent meetings, with impressive scorelines showcasing their offensive prowess. However, the 2020 clash at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi saw a significant reversal, indicating the unpredictability that makes each encounter compelling.

Predicted Score: Ulster Rugby 32 – 14 Zebre Rugby

Based on the historical trends, recent performances, and considering Ulster’s dominance in their encounters with Zebre, a predicted score of 32-14 in favor of Ulster seems plausible. Bookmakers expect Ulster to win by 15pts

Team News for Zebre v Ulster Rugby 

Ahead of Ulster’s opening URC game of the 2023-24 season, the following players are currently unavailable for selection:

Marty Moore (Knee)

Greg Jones (Shoulder)

John Cooney (Calf)

Eric O’Sullivan (Shoulder)

Sean Reffell (Ankle)

James McCormick (Shoulder)

Alan O’Connor (Ankle)

Luke Marshall (Following graduated return to play protocols following a recent concussion)

Steven Kitshoff (RWC, South Africa)

Rob Herring (IRFU Player Management Programme)

Tom O’Toole (IRFU Player Management Programme)

Stuart McCloskey (IRFU Player Management Programme)

Iain Henderson (IRFU Player Management Programme)

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The past season saw Ulster secure a semi-final place in the inaugural United Rugby Championship, a number of historic away wins, and the opportunity to battle it out in the Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16.

McFarland, who joined Ulster Rugby in August 2018, said:

“I love my job here, which is only possible because of the good people I get to work with. It is through the growth, competitiveness, and teamwork of the support team and the players that we continue to compete for championships.”

Ulster Rugby CEO, Jonny Petrie, commenting on McFarland’s contract extension, said:

“I couldn’t be more pleased that Dan has chosen to extend his stay with us – I think that it’s really clear the impact that he has had on the club since joining, both on and off the pitch.

“We’ve made some impressive progress as a squad over the past couple of years, with play-off rugby against the best teams in Europe, and beyond, now a regular occurrence.”

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With Ulster, Leinster and Munster all having home advantage in the second leg, they will travel away on the weekend of 8, 9, 10 April.

Ulster visit Toulouse, Leinster have the short journey to Connacht, while Munster travel to Exeter Chiefs.

In all-French clashes Stade Francais will host Racing 92 while Union Bordeaux-Begles will entertain Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle.

Sale Sharks are at home to Bristol Bears in an all-English match, while French sides Montpellier and Clermont Auverge will host English teams Harlequins and Leicester Tigers respectively.

The second leg games will be played on the weekend of 15, 16, 17 April.

Exact dates and kick-off times will be confirmed in the coming days.

HEINEKEN CHAMPIONS CUP
Round of 16 first leg – 8/9/10 April
Stade Francais v Racing 92
Toulouse v Ulster
Union Bordeaux-Begles v La Rochelle
Connacht v Leinster
Sale Sharks v Bristol Bears
Exeter Chiefs v Munster
Montpellier v Harlequins
Clermont Auvergne v Leicester Tigers

Round of 16 second leg – 15/16/17 April
Racing 92 v Stade Francais
Ulster v Toulouse
La Rochelle v Union Bordeaux-Begles
Leinster v Connacht
Bristol Bears v Sale Sharks
Munster v Exeter Chiefs
Harlequins v Montpellier
Leicester Tigers v Clermont Auvergne

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Roberts is eligible to play for the Wales national team through his paternal grandmother, who came from the town of Llandysul.

The 25-year-old front-rower has made 10 appearances for the Irish province and joins the Wales squad for the first time.

He made his debut for the side when he came on as a replacement in their Pro14 clash against Edinburgh at Murrayfield last season.

Roberts has played in every United Rugby Championship game for Ulster so far this season, with his sole start for the club coming in their opener against Glasgow Warriors at Kingspan Stadium.

The South African-born rugby player also lines out for Energia Men’s All Ireland League side Rainey Old Boys.

Scarlets hooker Owens was initially named in the starting XV to face the All Blacks this weekend but was out of the squad half an hour later.

‘The Sheriff’ had failed a late fitness test on a back problem he had shortly before head coach Wayne Pivac faced the media – Pivac announced the news in his press conference.

Fellow Scarlets hooker Ryan Elias replaces Owens in the starting lineup for Saturday’s game in Cardiff – the first of Wales’ Autumn internationals.

An official announcement on Roberts’ call-up to the Welsh squad reads: “Wales have called on the services of hooker Bradley Roberts, following the announcement of Ken Owens’ back injury.

“The 25-year-old has made 10 appearances for Ulster, most recently as a try-scoring replacement against Connacht last weekend.

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Ulster are – alongside Munster – one of only two teams boasting a perfect haul of 15 points from their three matches so far.

Dan McFarland’s men have won their last four matches in total since losing a Rainbow Cup fixture to Leinster at the RDS Arena in May.

Ulster have played nine previous matches against South African opponents in the championship, winning seven, drawing one and losing another.

The Emirates Lions have won only two matches across the Rainbow Cup and URC and have been beaten by the Scarlets and Glasgow Warriors since opening their campaign with a win at Zebre.

Ivan van Rooyen’s team will be aiming to get their season back on track before it begins to fall apart but face an Ulster side who have earned all the points in their previous games.

This game will be the Emirates Lions’ final tour fixture before their first home game in the URC.

Ulster have no new injury concerns following last week’s 28-8 win against Benetton in Belfast.

Marty Moore suffered a concussion in training last week, and he is currently following the concussion Return to Play protocols.

Kieran Treadwell and Eric O’Sullivan have returned to the matchday squad after spells on the sidelines.

Rob Lyttle, Robert Baloucoune and David O’Connor have all now resumed full team training following their recent respective periods of unavailability but have not been picked for the match.

Lions lock Pieter Jansen van Vuren injured his left MCL against Glasgow Warriors and will be returning to South Africa – Reinhard Nothnagel replaces him in the starting XV.

Fred Zeilinga has joined the touring squad as cover for Jordan Hendrikse & Eddie Fouché, who have both returned to South Africa, and will wear number 22 against Ulster.

Team News

Ulster

(15-9) Will Addison, Craig Gilroy, James Hume, Stewart Moore, Ethan McIlroy, Billy Burns, Nathan Doak;

(1-8) Andrew Warwick, Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole, Alan O’Connor, Sam Carter (Capt.), Matty Rea, Nick Timoney, David McCann.

Replacements: Brad Roberts, Eric O’Sullivan, Ross Kane, Kieran Treadwell, Sean Reidy, David Shanahan, Mike Lowry, Ben Moxham.

Emirates Lions

1. Sti Sithole
2. Jaco Visagie
3. Carlu Sadie
4. Ruben Schoeman
5. Reinhard Nothnagel
6. Sibusiso Sangweni
7. Vincent Tshituka
8. Ruhan Straeuli
9. Andre Warner
10. EW Viljoen
11. Rabz Maxwane
12. Burger Odendaal (c)
13. Manuel Rass
14. Stean Pienaar
15. Divan Rossouw

Replacements

16. PJ Botha
17. Ruan Dreyer
18. Asenathi Ntlabakanye
19. Wilhelm van der Sluys
20. Emmanuel Tshituka
21. Morne van den Berg
22. Fred Zeilinga
23. Wandisile Simelane

Odds

Ulster 1/16

Draw 45/1

Lions 8/1

Where To Watch 

The game will kick-off at 7:35 pm on Friday, October 15 and will be available to watch on BBC Northern Ireland, RTÉ Two, Premier Sports, SuperSport and URC TV.

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Ulster Rugby’s new squad update has shown no new injury concerns following last week’s URC match in Belfast. In the game, they showed a strong team performance to beat Benetton at home 28-8 on Friday.

The bonus-point victory brings even more optimism for the fans of Dan McFarland’s team as they continue their winning run this season.

A fantastic @UlsterRugby try from @nathan_doak#URC | #ULSBEN pic.twitter.com/0oknVEIiy6

— United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) October 8, 2021

The Ulster Medical team has made an announcement today, giving a very positive squad update for the week ahead.

Marty Moore suffered a concussion in training last week, and he is currently following the concussion Return to Play protocols.

Kieran Treadwell, Rob Lyttle, Eric O’Sullivan, Robert Baloucoune and David O’Connor have all now resumed full team training following their recent respective periods of unavailability.

A try for @robert_herring2 on his 200th @UlsterRugby appearance! #ULSvBEN #URC #SUFTUM pic.twitter.com/xesOoIadKo

— Kevin Bateson (@kevbateson) October 8, 2021

Ulster’s next match will be a very challenging affair. They will face their first South African opponents of the new URC when they play against the Lions.

The match will kick off at 19:35 on Friday, 15th October in the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.

To read more in-depth and up-to-date Ulster and provincial rugby news, click here.

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The Ulster Rugby Medical Performance team has issued a squad update ahead of Friday’s United Rugby Championship fixture against Benetton at Kingspan Stadium.

The side has no new injury concerns arising out of Saturday’s game against Zebre, a 36-3 win in Parma.

Stuart McCloskey (hamstring) and Jordi Murphy sustained recent injuries in training and are currently unfit for selection.

Jacob Stockdale (ankle) and Rob Lyttle (back) also sustained recent training ground injuries and will have their fitness for selection monitored through the coming week.

Cormac Izuchukwu and Luke Marshall remain out with knee injuries while winger Robert Baloucoune recovers from a groin injury.

Captain Iain Henderson is sidelined with a thumb injury while former Leinster prop Jack McGrath is working his way to full fitness after a hip injury.

Kieran Treadwell is still sidelined with the shoulder injury he picked up during pre-season and is currently working his way back into contention.

Nathan Doak earned his first start for the province against Zebre after coming on in place of Cooney against Glasgow Warriors.

The Ireland international had to leave the field after 30 minutes and has recently had an MRI scan to determine the severity of his injury.

Doak scored one of Ulster’s conversions in the 33-point win over Zebre at the Stade Sergio Lanfranchi.

Dan McFarland’s side scored six tries to get their second win of the season and continue their strong start to the inaugural United Rugby Championship season.

Ethan McIlroy and Nick Timoney both scored braces on Saturday as the visitors blew away their hosts in a clear showcase of the gulf in class between the sides.

Will Addison also got on the scoresheet for the side as well as James Hume but Ulster could only manage to convert half of their kicking opportunities following the tries.

McFarland’s team will hope to go three-from-three against Benetton to maintain their impressive start.

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19-year-old scrum-half, Nathan Doak, will make his first competitive start for Ulster as John Cooney is currently out through injury – Doak played 50 minutes against Glasgow after the Ireland international’s withdrawal.

Doak, who scored his first senior try against Glasgow Warriors last Friday, has been named alongside Billy Burns at out-half.

In the midfield, James Hume has been paired up with Stewart Moore while Ethan McIlroy makes a positional switch to the left-wing, with Craig Gilroy coming in to take up the right-wing position, and Will Addison named at full-back.

It’s all change in the front row with Eric O’Sullivan and Tom O’Toole coming in to prop at either side of Rob Herring, who will be just one appearance away from the ‘200’ milestone when he takes the field tomorrow.

Alan O’Connor will skipper the Ulster side and is partnered by former Zebre lock Mick Kearney in the second row.

Matty Rea is selected at blindside flanker, and Nick Timoney switches to openside, with David McCann named at Number Eight.

Brad Roberts, Callum Reid, Marty Moore, Sam Carter and Sean Reidy are the forward options from the bench, and David Shanahan, Mike Lowry and Ben Moxham offer backline cover.

12 players are unavailable for the game, including Cooney, Jordi Murphy and club captain Iain Henderson.

Ulster Team v Zebre

(15-9) Will Addison, Craig Gilroy, James Hume, Stewart Moore, Ethan McIlroy, Billy Burns, Nathan Doak;

(1-8) Eric O’Sullivan, Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole, Alan O’Connor (Capt.), Mick Kearney, Matty Rea, Nick Timoney, David McCann.

Replacements: Brad Roberts, Callum Reid, Marty Moore, Sam Carter, Sean Reidy, David Shanahan, Mike Lowry, Ben Moxham.

Players not considered due to injury or unavailability:

Jack McGrath, Iain Henderson, Luke Marshall, Cormac Izuchukwu, David O’Connor, Jordi Murphy, John Cooney, Stuart McCloskey, Robert Baloucoune, Kieran Treadwell, Ian Madigan, Jacob Stockdale.

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The Ulster Schools’ U16 Cup will have a new format and feature 25 teams – it will be divided into two tiers of eight and a third tier of nine.

Participating schools were categorised based on their own suggested tier of entry and the rankings were then finalised by the Ulster Schools’ Committee Officers before teams were drawn into groups.

The top tier, known as Section One, will be composed of two groups of four schools.

Each team will play three games, with the two group winners to meet in the Ulster Schools’ U16 Cup Final at Kingspan Stadium at 2 pm on Wednesday, November 17.

In the second tier, Section Two, the same format will be used, with the group winners progressing to the Ulster Schools’ U16 Plate Final, also on November 17 at a venue yet to be decided.

The third tier, Section Three, will be composed of three groups of three schools. Each team will play two games, with the three group winners, and the best second-placed team, qualifying for the semi-final draw with ties to be played on Saturday, November 6.

The two semi-final winners will then go on to compete for the Ulster Schools’ U16 Bowl, also on November 17, at a venue yet to be decided.

This competition was created after the Ulster Schools’ Committee consulted with schools to assess their needs during the previous academic year.

Ulster Schools’ Committee Chairman Richard Clingan said: “From the outset, the purpose of this competition has been twofold.

“We want to provide a good level of competitive rugby for that group of players who missed out on last year’s Medallion Shield.

“We also see this as a way to help these players transition into senior rugby by keeping them together for a period of time.”

Richard Caldwell, Managing Director of GB and Corporate Strategy at Danske Bank added: “It’s fantastic to see the evolution of the wider Schools’ Cup tournament, to help support all players and to give an opportunity to some of those who missed out on a tournament last year.

“It’s been a difficult time for all sports over the past 18 months, and I’m delighted to see the Ulster Schools’ Committee providing a format to ensure players get more experience of competitive rugby this year.

“We’re an extremely proud sponsor of youth rugby, GAA and football across Northern Ireland, and we really hope to see more competitive games for all over the 2021/22 seasons. Good luck to all those taking part, and most importantly, enjoy the experience.”

Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ U16 Cup Competition Section 1 

Match Day 1: 9^th October

Group A: Belfast Royal Academy vs Ballymena Academy; RBAI vs Ballyclare High School

Group B: Sullivan Upper School vs Campbell College; Methodist College vs Wallace High School

Match Day 2: 23^rd October

Group A: Ballymena Academy vs RBAI; Ballyclare High School vs Belfast Royal Academy

Group B: Campbell College vs Methodist College; Wallace High School vs Sullivan Upper School

Match Day 3: 6^th November

Group A: Ballyclare High School vs Ballymena Academy; Belfast Royal Academy vs RBAI

Group B: Wallace High School vs Campbell College; Sullivan Upper School vs Methodist College

Group Winners qualify for the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ U16 Cup Final: 2pm, November 17^th, Kingspan Stadium

Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ U16 Competition Section 2 

Match Day 1: 9^th October

Group A: Down High School vs Banbridge Academy; Dromore High School vs Dalriada School

Group B: Enniskillen Royal Grammar School vs Royal School Armagh; Omagh Academy vs Rainey Endowed School

Match Day 2: 23^rd October

Group A: Banbridge Academy vs Dromore High School; Dalriada School vs Down High School

Group B: Royal School Armagh vs Omagh Academy; Rainey Endowed School vs Enniskillen Royal Grammar School

Match Day 3: 6^th November

Group A: Dalriada School vs Banbridge Academy; Down High School vs Dromore High School

Group B: Rainey Endowed School vs Royal School Armagh; Enniskillen Royal Grammar School vs Omagh Academy

Group winners qualify for the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ U16 Plate Final, November 17^th, venue TBC.

Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ U16 Competition Section 3 

Match Day 1: 9^th October

Group A: Grosvenor Grammar School vs Belfast High School

Group B: Limavady Grammar School vs Foyle and Londonderry College

Group C: Lurgan College vs Portadown College

Match Day 2: 16^th October

Group A: Belfast High School vs Regent House School

Group B: Foyle and Londonderry College vs Strabane Academy

Group C: Portadown College vs Friends’ School

Match Day 3: 23^rd October

Group A: Regent House School vs Grosvenor Grammar School

Group B: Strabane Academy vs Limavady Grammar School

Group C: Friends’ School vs Lurgan College

The three group winners, plus the best second-placed team, will qualify for the semi-finals, to be played at a neutral venue on November 6.

The semi-final winners will qualify for the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ U16 Bowl Final on November 17, venue TBC.

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The provincial outfit will be looking to get off to another good start in the league and build upon their three previous seasons – both seasons saw the side come close to silverware but fall short.

Dan McFarland, formerly an assistant coach with the Scottish outfit, led Ulster to 10 straight wins in the Pro14 at the start of last season but two losses to Leinster denied the Ulstermen a second league final in a row.

Ulster won both meetings with Glasgow Warriors last season and earned a bonus point in a 25-point win over Danny Wilson’s side at Ravenhill.

Glasgow, on the other hand, have not got one over their opponents since May 2019 – a 30-point thrashing in the 2018-19 Pro14 semi-final.

The side will be looking for their first win against Ulster on the road since September 2013.

The Warriors lost the final to Leinster that year and have not finished in the top two of their conference since.

10 players were unavailable for selection by McFarland and his backroom for the Ulster matchday squad, including Kieran Treadwell and Jordi Murphy.

New signing Duane Vermuelen will not join up with the squad until his duties with South Africa wrap up for the year.

The backs in the starting XV are mostly Ireland internationals – all aside from Ethan McIlroy have lined out for the boys in green.

Sam Carter captains the side from the second row.

Brad Thyer and Simon Berghan are in line for their debuts with the club at prop with Johnny Matthews starting at hooker in between them.

Scott Cummings and Richie Gray form a respectable second-row partnership while Ryan Wilson captains the Warriors for his 193rd cap with the side from blindside flanker.

Fly-half Duncan Weir is the most experienced player in the starting lineup with 107 caps and he plays in the same backline as a back three with only 46 caps to their name altogether.

The sole survivor from Glasgow’s last win in Belfast, Rob Harley, begins the game on the bench.

Fraser Brown, Jamie Bhatti and Ross Thompson are among the names that join him there.

The Fagerson brothers and Ali Price are among those unavailable for selection while Sebastian Cancelliere, Domingo Miotti and Enrique Pieretto are all on international duty.

Lineups

Ulster Rugby: Ethan McIlroy, Robert Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, John Cooney; Andrew Warwick, Brad Roberts, Marty Moore, Alan O’Connor, Sam Carter (C), Greg Jones, Sean Reidy, Nick Timoney.

Replacements: Rob Herring, Eric O’Sullivan, Tom O’Toole, Mick Kearney, Matty Rea, Nathan Doak, Mike Lowry, Will Addison.

Glasgow Warriors: Forbes, Steyn, Tuipulotu, Johnson, McLean, Weir, Horne; Thyer, Matthews, Berghan, Cummings, Gray, Wilson (C), Darge, Dempsey.

Replacements: Brown, Bhatti, McCallum, Bean, Harley, Dobie, Thompson, Smith.

Odds

Ulster Rugby 1/8

Draw 25/1

Glasgow Warriors 5/1

Where To Watch

The game will kick-off at 7:35 pm and will be available to watch on  Premier Sports 1 and URC TV (dependent on location).

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