Ulster Rugby vs Racing 92 Prediction & Betting Tips - Challenge Cup

Prediction published on 03/12/2025, 15:00  by Ita Emmanuel | Modified on 05/12/2025 at 02:53 in Challenge Cup Predictions

Ulster Rugby will open their 2025-26 Challenge Cup playing host to Racing 92 on Friday. Can the Ulstermen overcome the Sky Blue and Whites to kick off their campaign on a winning note? Here is our prediction.

After crashing out in the European Champions Cup round-16 last season, Ulster Rugby will aim for a stronger run in Europe this term with a winning start on Friday. They enjoyed a stellar start to their domestic campaign, winning four of their five opening games.

This includes a blowout 47-13 thrashing of Benetton in their most recent match. Richie Murphy's charges have swept all three of their home fixtures this season by at least 21 points and will look to replicate this fine run in European Rugby's second-tier. 

Racing 92 fell short of reaching their fourth European Rugby final after losing 29-15 to domestic rivals Lyon in the Challenge Cup semi-final last season. The Sky Blue and Whites will target another strong showing in the competition this term, but must pass the Ulster Rugby test in Belfast. 

They head into this match on the back of a 48-24 defeat to Stade Toulousain in their last game, and have been inconsistent in the domestic league this season. In fact, the Nanterre-based outfit have lost each of their last three away games by at least 24 points.