Cardiff remains undefeated at home in the 2025-26 season.
European Challenge Cup
Cardiff (12) 29
Tries: Nott, Bowen, Southworth, D Thomas Cons: Halfpenny, Sheedy 2 Pen: Sheedy
Ulster (14) 26
Tries: Stewart, Hume, Kok 2 Cons: Flannery 3
Callum Sheedy’s late penalty secured a dramatic 29-26 victory for Cardiff over Ulster in a thrilling Challenge Cup encounter at the Arms Park.
Sheedy’s composed kick capped off a remarkable comeback for Cardiff, who had trailed 26-12, ensuring a victorious return for Leigh Halfpenny.
Cardiff surged to an early 12-0 lead with tries from George Nott and Tom Bowen.
Ulster responded strongly, with tries from Tom Stewart, James Hume, and a brace from Werner Kok, giving the visitors a 14-point advantage with 15 minutes remaining.
Cardiff rallied with tries from Danny Southworth and Dan Thomas, setting the stage for Sheedy’s decisive kick.
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Ulster entered the match following a dominant 61-7 victory over Racing 92 in their opening European fixture.
Cardiff, in contrast, suffered a 38-17 defeat away to Stade Francais.
Both teams made significant changes, with Ulster resting key players such as Jacob Stockdale and Rob Baloucoune.
Alun Lawrence, James Botham, Rhys Barratt and Thornton were the only players to retain their places in the Cardiff starting XV from the Paris match.
Ben Thomas, Keiron Assiratti and Rory Thornton marked their 100th Cardiff appearance, leading the team onto the field accompanied by their children.
Halfpenny, approaching his 37th birthday, made his first Cardiff appearance in 4,347 days since his departure for Toulon in 2014.
Following spells with Scarlets, Crusaders, and Harlequins, and a coaching role with Wales, Halfpenny returned to the Arms Park 11 years later as a player-coach.
Despite the occasion, it was Nott who opened the scoring after a clever pass from Thornton.
Bowen, only three years old when Halfpenny debuted in 2008, scored a superb solo try, outpacing Werner Kok after collecting his own kick.
The try was awarded after a lengthy review, with the TMO confirming no further touch from Halfpenny’s hand after an apparent knock-on.
Ulster responded through Stewart, who scored from a rolling maul in his first game as captain.
Assiratti was replaced just before half-time, while Bowen showcased his talent at both ends of the field, highlighting his potential for Wales.
After a try-saving tackle denying Stewart a second score, Bowen’s break almost led to a third Cardiff try.
Instead, Ulster weathered the pressure, and Hume capitalised on a Sheedy error to score.
Flannery’s conversion gave Ulster a 14-12 lead at half-time, which they extended early in the second half through Kok.
Ulster then introduced Angus Bell, Cormac Izuchukwu and Juarno Augustus.
The visitors’ dominance continued with Kok’s second try.
Halfpenny was replaced by Cameron Winnett after 57 minutes, before tempers flared following a challenge by James Botham on Zac Ward.
Harry Sheridan and Botham were both sin-binned, before Ulster were reduced to 13 men when Carson was yellow-carded.
Cardiff capitalised on their advantage, with Thomas driven over to level the scores with six minutes remaining.
A dominant home scrum then forced a penalty, providing Sheedy with the opportunity to win the match.
Despite previous scrutiny, Sheedy demonstrated his class to secure the victory.
Both teams return to the United Rugby Championship (URC) next weekend, where Cardiff are currently second and Ulster fourth, both having lost only one league game this season.
Cardiff face a series of Welsh derbies over the Christmas and New Year period, hosting Scarlets on Friday, 19 December, before welcoming Dragons seven days later and traveling to play Ospreys on 1 January.
Ulster travel to face Leinster on Friday, 19 January, before playing Connacht eight days later and hosting Munster on Friday, 2 January.
Cardiff: Halfpenny; Adams, Millard, B Thomas, Bowen; Sheedy, A Davies; Barratt, D Hughes, Assiratti, Nott, Thornton, Botham, D Thomas, Lawrence (capt).
Replacements: E Lloyd, Southworth, Wainwright, McNally, De la Rua, Bevan, Beetham, Winnett.
Sin-bin: Botham 68
Ulster: S Moore; Kok, Hume, Carson, Ward; Flannery, McKee; Crean, Steward (capt), O’Toole, Sheridan, Irvine, McCann, Reffell, Ward.
Replacements: Andrew, Bell, McGuire, Izuchukwu, Augustus, Shanahan, Humphreys, McNamara,
Sin-bin: Sheridan 68, Carson 72.
Referee: Evan Urruzmendi (France)
Assistant referees: Pierre-Baptiste Nuchy (France), Anthony Lac (Monaco)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)
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