URC — Friday 08 May 2026

The Stormers settled for a 38-38 draw against Ulster in Belfast, a result that proved more damaging than the points gained, seeing them slip from the top of the Vodacom URC log. The drama centred on the 80th minute corner where, after the initial decision ruled Leolin Zas held up, referee Andrea Piardi overturned the call after reviewing replays. He ruled that Ulster scrumhalf Nathan Doak had made contact, awarding a penalty try and keeping the title race alive—though not for the Stormers.

The match featured dramatic swings, including an early try for Ulster from Werner Kok, and a significant retaliatory period after the Stormers’ centre Damian Willemse sustained a head injury assessment (HIA) minutes into the game. Scoring efforts came from prop Ntuthuko Mchunu, whose run setup an early try for Evan Roos, marking his 12th URC of the season.

However, the disciplinary charges overshadowed the scoreline. After the openside flank won a turnover, Ulster captain Iain Henderson was yellow-carded for a croc roll on Deon Fourie. Following a bunker review, Henderson’s sanction was upgraded to a 20-minute red card. Stormers coach John Dobson expressed visible frustration with the individual errors and indiscipline, admitting that while the draw was a relief, his side needed to have won comfortably.