Where to watch Bulls v Ulster: Kick-off time, TV channel and team news
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Round 4.
Ulster face a daunting trip to South Africa this afternoon as they take on the Bulls in Round Four of the United Rugby Championship at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
Richie Murphy’s side are still searching for their first URC victory of the season, having suffered one defeat and recorded two draws in their opening three league fixtures.
However, Ulster head into the contest on the back of an encouraging 40-21 victory over Zebre Parma in the Challenge Cup last weekend, a result that provided a timely confidence boost ahead of their South African tour.
The Bulls, meanwhile, have won seven consecutive competitive matches at Loftus Versfeld and have scored more than 50 points in each of their last two home games.
Here’s everything you need to know about Bulls v Ulster, including kick-off time, TV coverage in Ireland, the UK and South Africa, and the latest team news.
When is Bulls v Ulster?
Bulls take on Ulster on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
Kick-off is scheduled for 12.45pm Irish and UK time, which is 1.45pm in South Africa.
What TV channel is Bulls v Ulster on?
Bulls v Ulster will be broadcast live on Premier Sports 2 in Ireland and the UK, while South African viewers can watch the URC clash on SuperSport.
The match will also be available to stream through Premier Player for subscribers, while URC.tv offers another streaming option, subject to regional availability.
| Country | TV channel | Kick-off |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | Premier Sports 2 | 12.45pm |
| UK | Premier Sports 2 | 12.45pm |
| South Africa | SuperSport Rugby, Action and Grandstand | 1.45pm SAST |
In South Africa, coverage is scheduled on SuperSport Rugby (DStv channel 211), SuperSport Action (209) and SuperSport Grandstand (201), as well as SuperSport CSN.
Bulls v Ulster team news
Ulster have named eight members of Andy Farrell’s Ireland Nations Championship squad in their match-day 23, with hooker Tom Stewart captaining the province.
Tom O’Toole and Keynan Knox join Stewart in the front row, while Cormac Izuchukwu partners Ben Donnell in the second row.
Nick Timoney and David McCann start alongside South African number eight Juarno Augustus, who impressed in last weekend’s victory over Zebre Parma.
Nathan Doak and Jack Murphy form the half-back partnership, with Stuart McCloskey and Jamie Benson in midfield. Jacob Stockdale starts at full-back, with Michael Lowry and Chay Mullins on the wings.
The Bulls have made significant changes to their pack, with former Ulster captain Marcell Coetzee returning to lead the South African side.
Springbok World Cup winner Handre Pollard starts at out-half, while Elrigh Louw moves to number eight and Hanro Liebenberg joins Coetzee in the back row.
Bulls v Ulster confirmed teams
Bulls: Luan Giliomee; Sebastian de Klerk, Sango Xamlashe, Harold Vorster, Cheswill Jooste; Handre Pollard, Paul de Wet; Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Francois Klopper, Ruan Vermaak, Reinhardt Ludwig, Marcell Coetzee (capt), Hanro Liebenberg, Elrigh Louw.
Replacements: Marco van Staden, Alu Tshakweni, Khutha Mchunu, Cobus Wiese, Cameron Hanekom, Zak Burger, Curwin Bosch, Dylan Maart.
Ulster: Jacob Stockdale; Chay Mullins, Jamie Benson, Stuart McCloskey, Michael Lowry; Jack Murphy, Nathan Doak; Tom O’Toole, Tom Stewart (capt), Keynan Knox, Ben Donnell, Cormac Izuchukwu, David McCann, Nick Timoney, Juarno Augustus.
Replacements: Henry Walker, Eric O’Sullivan, Scott Wilson, Eli Snyman, James McNabney, Matthew Devine, Jake Flannery, James McKillop.
Can Ulster beat the Bulls?
Ulster face a significant challenge against a Bulls side that has made Loftus Versfeld one of the toughest venues to visit in the URC.
The Pretoria altitude and temperatures expected to reach around 30°C during the game will provide additional challenges for Murphy’s side.
Ulster have not won any of their last seven URC fixtures, although last weekend’s European victory should provide a welcome confidence boost.
The home team has won all five previous URC meetings between the Bulls and Ulster, a record the Irish province will be hoping to change this afternoon.
Following today’s encounter, Ulster will remain in South Africa for another difficult assignment against the Stormers in Cape Town next Saturday.
