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Ulster vs Dragons Predictions - Ulster poised for big URC win against Dragons

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Last updated: 1 hour ago

Ulster take on Dragons in the opening round of the United Rugby Championship 2025/26 season. Ulster are aiming to rebound after a disappointing previous campaign which saw them win just 7 of 18 matches, but they remain formidable at home. The Dragons, who posted only one win and a -302 points difference last season, face an uphill battle. Ulster’s deep squad, led by Iain Henderson and featuring key players like Jacob Stockdale, is expected to cover the -16.5 handicap comfortably. Dragons, with few bright spots, are unlikely to challenge Ulster strongly.

Simon Lewis 1 hour ago
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  • Ulster finished 14th in URC last season, winning 7 of 18 games.
  • Dragons lost 17 of 18 and had the worst points difference in the league.
  • Ulster favored to cover the -16.5 handicap, with a stronger squad and home advantage.
Ulster vs Dragons
Ulster won their last match against the Dragons. (Getty Images)

Ulster vs Dragons Predictions


Ulster have a very good squad and despite last season’s average outcome, they are generally quite strong at home. I am backing them to cover the -16.5 handicap against the Dragons.
  • Ulster vs Dragons Predictions
  • Head to Head
  • Ulster Form
  • Ulster Team News
  • Dragons Form
  • Dragons Team News

  • Ulster won 7 of their 18 matches in the URC last season.
  • Ulster won their last match against the Dragons.
  • Dragons lost 17 of their 18 URC matches last season.

Head to Head


Ulster defeated the Dragons 34-30 away from home in the 2024/25 URC season. The game was played in late March which meant that Ulster were nowhere near full strength for the fixture.

Ulster Form


Ulster come into the 2025/26 URC campaign hoping for far better than they produced last season. It was one of their worst campaigns in recent memory.

Ulster are used to challenging towards the top end of the table, and they have the squad to do so once again. Last season, they finished 14th with just seven wins in their 18 matches.

While they were just 10 points off the quarterfinals, it remains a stain for a club with such pedigree. Injuries certainly played their part but Ulster will want to start strong, and they have the perfect opportunity against Dragons.

Ulster Team News


Ulster have a squad littered with quality, whether it be young or international. Many eyes will be on back row Juarno Augustus who received a Springbok call up but got injured. Jacob Stockdale is still a superb rugby players out wide while Iain Henderson will lead from the front at lock.

Dragons Form


The Newport club are perennial bottom feeders in the URC, seldom venturing out of the bottom three on the table. Last season, they could only muster up nine points, losing 17 games, winning one.

The -302 points difference was more than a 100 worse than the next worst – Zebre. With talk in Wales continuing about the possibility of cutting two teams, the Dragons will want to put up a strong performance this season.

However, given their squad, they lack the quality of most other sides. I don’t see them challenging Ulster, nor many of the other sides.

Dragons Team News


There is certainly some talent in the Dragons setup with Rio Dyer on the wing possibly their biggest attacking threat. They also have experienced South African flyhalf, Tinus de Beer to call upon while Wyn Jones will be looking for a solid season in the front-row.

Verdict

Ulster are tipped to cover the -16.5 handicap.

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26 Sep 2025

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