Ulster have lost in round one of the Magners League for the past two seasons. The Ulstermen concluded last campaign with back to back victories over Edinburgh and Connacht, but are winless in their last five encounters with Welsh teams.

Defending Magners League champions, Ospreys, have only once before begun a Magners League season with defeat: in 2007 at Cardiff Blues, this is despite playing away from home for a fourth successive season. Ospreys ended last season with a run of four successive victories, and have won on four of their last five visits to Ireland.

The two teams have met in round one on two previous occasions, with Ospreys winning 41-30 at The Gnoll in 2003 and Ulster gaining revenge 17-16 at Ravenhill in 2007. Ulster's only victory over Ospreys in their last seven meetings in all competitions was 20-16 at Liberty Stadium on 12 September 2009.

Referee: Peter Allan (SRU, 39th League game).
Assistant Referees: Dudley Phillips, Eanna O'Dowd (both IRFU).
TMO: Peter Ferguson (IRFU).

Live on BBC Sport NI and BBC Cymru Wales.