FT: Ulster 19-26 Connacht (19:45)
FT: Ulster 19-26 Connacht
That is all from us this evening as Ulster's hopes of a top-four finish are dented by Connacht, who extend their unbeaten run to four games.
Ulster will look to bounce back from their first defeat at home this season against Zebre, while Connacht face Ospreys next.
Thanks for joining us tonight - enjoy!
FT: Ulster 19-26 Connacht
Ulster Head Coach Richie Murphy on Premier Sports:
"We're bitterly disappointed to lose at home.
"Credit to Connacht, but we weren't clinical enough. Sometimes, these things happen.
"Some bounces of the ball didn't really go our way but at least we got ourselves a bonus point and we will be ready to go to Zebre next week."
FT: Ulster 19-26 Connacht
Stephen Ferris
Former Ireland and Ulster flanker on Premier Sports
"Stuart Lancaster has really given this squad belief.
"We weren't quite sure on where they were going early in the year but they are gaining serious momentum.
FT: Ulster 19-26 Connacht
Connacht Head Coach Stuart Lancaster on Premier Sports:
"We knew how good Ulster are, particularly at home and it's a big win for us and a big squad effort.
"We knew we had to be good on both sides of the ball and we were. The intent was there for 80 minutes and, while it wasn't perfect, we were very good.
"The injection of tempo that our subs gave us was massive too."
FT: Ulster 19-26 Connacht
Speaking of Stuart Lancaster, let's hear some reaction from him to the big win.
FT: Ulster 19-26 Connacht
Gavin Duffy
Former Connacht captain on Premier Sports
"This performance and result has been coming for Connacht.
"There is still a long way to go but that's a big boost for Stuart Lancaster.
FT: Ulster 19-26 Connacht
Connacht's number eight Sean Jansen on Premier Sports:
"Momentum is so important, particularly at this stage of the season, so we want to build on this now and make sure it's not just a one-off.
"We have the Ospreys to come before the Challenge Cup and our trip to South Africa and we know how tough they are.
"I've never had a scoring run like this before. I'm seeing the try line more and more at the minute and I'm just delighted to help the team in any way I can."
FT: Ulster 19-26 Connacht
Connacht left wing Finn Treacy on Premier Sports:
"We are missing so many players at the minute so having the experience with the likes of Jack Carty and Bundee Aki is so crucial.
"The training with Stuart [Lancaster] has been another level this season and we are thriving on it.
"Obviously delighted to get the two tries, but it was more important that the team came away from a tough place with a win."
FT: Ulster 19-26 Connacht
Connacht flanker Cian Prendergast on Premier Sports:
"We have some super young backs who are starting to really push the door down and play well for us.
"It is brilliant to see them deliver on a big night like this.
"We are trusting our training and building every week. We will enjoy this today and tomorrow and then rest and recover."
FT: Ulster 19-26 Connacht
Incredibly, that is Connacht's first inter-pro victory since they beat Munster in Galway on New Year's Day 2024.
They will enjoy that one tonight.
FT: Ulster 19-26 Connacht
Player of the Match Bundee Aki speaking on Premier Sports:
"We knew it was going to be tough.
"Ulster are a great team and well coached and we knew we had to dig deep.
"The boys who have been playing the last few weeks have dug in well and made a good platform for us for the boys who have been away in camp to come back and play.
"It is a hostile area, a great place to play and a hard place to come and play. Big credit to the boys."
Ulster 19-26 Connacht
Bundee Aki is presented with the Man of the Match award after a big, physical performance in the Connacht midfield.
He had had a bit of a coming-together with Jacob Stockdale early in the game and the two have some words post-game again.
Aki celebrates his new contract in style tonight.
We will bring you some reaction shortly so stay with us!
Ulster 19-26 Connacht
A disappointing end to this one as Conor McKee's pass is far too loose and Paul Boyle dives on it.
Ben Murphy hammers the ball into the Main Stand and the Affidea Stadium is quiet as the home crowd witness a defeat here for the first time this season.
Ulster 19-26 Connacht
A cheap penalty given away by Connacht for not rolling away on halfway.
Jack Murphy pops it up to the 22 as the clock ticks towards the red.
Angus Bell (Murphy con)
A lifeline for Ulster with five minutes left!
Angus Bell is back on the field for the injured Sam Crean and he forces his way over the line after patient phase play.
Jack Murphy knocks over the easy conversion quickly and his dad is now on his feet in the coaching box.
A grandstand finish on our hands in Belfast!
Ulster 12-26 Connacht
Angus Bell gets over the line but did he get it down? On-field decision is try but we'll go to the TMO.
Ulster 12-26 Connacht
Connacht win a big turnover at the ruck just outside their own 22 as Paul Boyle jackals perfectly. The men in green clear their lines to halfway but Ulster win a turnover penalty of their own thanks to Tom O'Toole.
They must do something with this as Jack Murphy ekes out every last inch of his kick deep into Connacht territory.
Finn Treacy (Naughton con)
The Connacht back three link up superbly as Shane Jennings makes ground before Sean Naughton wraps around the back and sets Finn Treacy away.
It looked as though Ulster would use the touchline as an extra defender, but Treacy evades Zac Ward and produces a brutal fend on Jack Murphy.
He then out-paces Jacob Stockdale to the line and Naughton adds the extras. Another massive moment in this one and Ulster have just 10 minutes to respond.
Zac Ward
A perfect response from Ulster! Simple hands and ground gained out left puts Zac Ward away. He shrugs off Shane Jennings' tackle and sells Sean Naughton a dummy to canter over in the corner.
Jack Murphy can't nail the conversion, but Ulster needed that.
Finn Treacy
A quick-fire double from Connacht and Ulster aren't quite on the ropes but they are wobbling!
A great kick recovery from Ben Murphy and another nice bit of handling from Josh Ioane finds Cian Prendergast.
He sends it out to Dave Heffernan and, if you enjoyed Rhys Carre against Ireland, you'd enjoy this as he puts the after burners on before sending Finn Treacy away down the wing and his pace and power gets him over.
Sean Naughton pushes a difficult conversion attempt wide and that's a big moment in this one.
