All you need to know ahead of Ulster's BKT United Rugby Championship Round 5 fixture against DHL Stormers at DHL Stadium this Saturday. (KO: 12.45pm UK/ IRL time) 

After a battling 34-26 defeat against Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria, Richie Murphy's side turn their focus to DHL Stormers in Cape Town, with the province targeting a victory to cap off their South African double-header before the November international break. 

Match Details 

🤝 DHL Stormers v Ulster Rugby  
🗓 Saturday 31st October, 12.45pm 

🏟 DHL Stadium
🏆 BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 5

Team News

Ulster's team will be announced on Thursday at 2pm across social channels and the website. 

Where To Watch 

Saturday's match will be live on Premier Sports. 

The match will also be available to listen to via the BBC Sport NI website and on the BBC Sport App. 

Supporters can also watch via URC.tv

The Opposition

The Stormers have made an encouraging start to the 2026/27 United Rugby Championship campaign, winning three of their opening four matches. 

Despite a narrow away defeat to Edinburgh in Round 2, the Cape side responded strongly with victories over the Sharks and Scarlets at DHL Stadium, showcasing their attacking quality. 

With a squad full of established Springboks such as Siya Kolisi and Wilco Louw adding leadership and Damian Willemse providing creativity and versatility in the backline, the squad has a blend of experience, flair and youthful energy. Their home support at DHL Stadium also remains a major asset.

John Dobson's team have demonstrated that they can score freely and fight their way through challenging moments. 

Players To Watch 

Siya Kolisi 

One of South Africa's most respected rugby players and an inspirational leader in the game. Born in Zwide, Gqeberha, he overcame significant challenges during his childhood to become a professional rugby player and one of the most recognisable figures in South African sport.

Kolisi began his professional career with the DHL Stormers, making his debut in 2012. His performances earned him selection for the Springboks, and he became South Africa's first Black national team captain in 2018. Under his leadership, the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup in both 2019 and 2023, cementing his place in South African rugby history.

Kolisi brings physical strength, defensive commitment, ball-carrying ability and leadership to the field.  His return to the Stormers in 2026 represents a homecoming to the club where his professional journey began, as well as the chance to mentor younger players.

Paul de Villiers

Tipped as a future Springbok captain, de Villiers is an exciting young South African loose forward who has established himself as an important member of the DHL Stormers. Having progressed through the Western Province junior rugby system, he has demonstrated the value of hard work, discipline and determination in reaching the professional level.

De Villiers is known for his high work rate, strong tackling and ability to compete at the breakdown. His speed and awareness allow him to challenge opposition ball carriers, contest possession and contribute effectively in attack. He has also shown his leadership potential through his time with the Junior Springboks, where he served as captain.

Damian Willemse

A talented and versatile South African rugby player who has developed into a key figure for the DHL Stormers and the Springboks. Originally from Strand in the Western Cape, he progressed through the local rugby system before joining the Stormers senior setup after finishing school at Paul Roos Gymnasium.

Willemse made his Stormers debut in 2017 at just 18 years old and has since built a reputation for his attacking creativity and adaptability. Capable of playing fly-half, centre and fullback, he offers coaches valuable flexibility and can influence a match from several positions across the backline.

His playing style is characterised by a sharp sidestep, excellent handling skills, attacking vision and the ability to break through defensive lines. He also possesses the composure needed to make important decisions under pressure. At international level, Willemse contributed to South Africa's Rugby World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023, further establishing his reputation as a world-class utility back.

Recent URC meetings

In the last five meetings: DHL Stormers 2 wins, Ulster 2 wins, 1 draw.

8 May 2026: Ulster 38 DHL Stormers 38

28 Mar 2025: Ulster 38 DHL Stormers 34

30 Mar 2024: DHL Stormers 13 Ulster 7

Overall URC H2H

DHL Stormers 3 wins, Ulster 2 wins, 1 draw.

Key players in the URC this season

DHL Stormers: Hacjivah Dayimani leads with 3 tries; Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu leads the scoring with 21 points.

Ulster: Chay Mullins and Dave McCann share the try lead with 3; Jack Murphy leads the scoring with 32 points.

Match officials

Referee: Sam Grove-White (SRU, 66th game)

AR1: Stephan Geldenhuys (SARU)

AR2: Sean Muller (SARU)

TMO: Ru Campbell (SRU)