Ulster prop Tom O'Toole has emphasised that the Irish province will approach their European Challenge Cup opener against Italian side Zebre in Parma on Saturday with no complacency. O'Toole highlighted a past upset where Zebre defeated Ulster 15-14 in Belfast in January 2025 as a reason for their caution.
Zebre enters the match on a 19-game losing streak in the United Rugby Championship, having lost all three of their URC games this season. Ulster, coached by Richie Murphy, has had a mixed start to their URC campaign, with two draws and one loss from their first three matches.
O'Toole noted that Zebre, especially at home, are expected to be a very physical side. He also mentioned that recent games involving Zebre have seen tight scores at half-time, despite their eventual losses.
Ulster will be looking to build on their run to the Challenge Cup final last season, which concluded with a defeat by Montpellier. O'Toole also stressed the importance of improving discipline, citing avoidable penalties and a yellow card in their recent 26-26 draw against Munster.