Ulster vs La Rochelle Predictions - Ulster to see off La Rochelle

Brad Newcomb

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Last updated: 10 Apr 2026

Brad Newcomb 10 Apr 2026

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Ulster boasts 8 wins in their last 9 home matches.
La Rochelle struggles on the road, with 7 losses in 9 games.
Ulster predicted to cover the handicap.

Expired

Ulster have performed well at home this season (Getty Images)

Ulster have enjoyed a solid EPCR Challenge Cup campaign and have performed well at home this season. La Rochelle have been in decent nick lately and won their last two visits to Ulster.

Ulster have won 3 of their last 4 fixtures in all competitions.
Ulster have won 8 of their last 9 home games in all competitions.
Ulster have lost two consecutive matches against La Rochelle.
La Rochelle have won 3 of their last 4 fixtures in all competitions.
La Rochelle have lost 7 of their last 9 away games in all competitions.

Head to Head

La Rochelle have a slight edge with three victories to one over Ulster in four meetings.

Ulster Form

Ulster did enough to beat the Ospreys 28-24 at home in their EPCR Challenge Cup round of 16 clash last weekend after trailing their opponents 17-14 at the break.

Ulster produced solid results during the European Challenge Cup Pool 3 qualifiers. They beat Racing 92 61-7 at home and lost 29-26 to Cardiff away before defeating the Cheetahs 28-0 away and Stade Francais 26-19 at home.

Ulster contested two home matches in the URC before their victory in the previous round of the competition. They defeated Cardiff 21-14 and lost 26-19 to Connacht.

Ulster have been consistently getting results at home this season, winning eight of their last nine fixtures, and they have won all their home games in the competition so far.

La Rochelle Form

La Rochelle left it late to get over the finish line in their EPCR Challenge Cup round of 16 match against Newcastle last weekend, winning 26-18 after leading 15-8 at half-time.

La Rochelle struggled during the Investec Champions Cup pool stages. They defeated the Leicester Tigers 39-20 at home before losing 42-21 to the Stormers away, 25-24 to Leinster away, and 27-17 to the Harlequins at home.

La Rochelle's last three away matches in the Top 14 before that result include a 32-27 loss to Clermont, a 31-26 victory against Castres, and a 26-15 loss to Bayonne.

La Rochelle will be pleased to have secured an away win in their previous outing, but they have struggled to get results on the road recently, losing seven of their last nine games.

Team News

Ulster

Winger Jacob Stockdale has stated he is looking forward to taking on La Rochelle in the quarter-finals: "It's an exciting game as they are a big French giant. I feel like we do play well whenever big French teams come to town, so, I'm really excited about it.

"I think there's an opportunity to put in a massive performance and hopefully create a bit of a statement for ourselves.

"We need to focus on ourselves, just bring the best version of ourselves, and hope that that's enough and I think it will be."

Rob Herring and Nathan Doak are doubtful starters against La Rochelle this weekend.

James McNabney, Michael Lowry, Stewart Moore, Rory McGuire, and Robert Baloucoune remain sidelined.

La Rochelle

David Kriel will join La Rochelle from the Bulls ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Verdict

Ulster v La Rochelle

Ulster have performed well at home this season and are tipped to cover the -17.5 handicap in their EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final match against La Rochelle.