Ulster's Tuite: 'We need to execute more' after Connacht defeat

Ulster's women's rugby side suffered a narrow 15-10 home defeat to Connacht in the opening round of the Interprovincial Championship. The match was tight throughout the first half, but a stronger second-half performance from Connacht proved decisive.

Second row Fiona Tuite said the display was one of Ulster's most spirited in recent opening-round fixtures, noting the team usually saves that level of intensity for finals. She praised Connacht's performance, pointing to the accuracy of their backline passing and the try-scoring impact of Anna McGann.

Tuite said she was proud of her side's effort and is looking forward to building on the performance ahead of the next round.

Looking ahead to Munster

Ulster will next travel to Musgrave Park to face Munster on Saturday, 15 August, aiming for their first win of the campaign. Tuite said the team needs to sharpen its execution, particularly at the lineout, and be more clinical when creating opportunities near the opposition's 22-metre line.

She praised the team's defensive display as excellent and said maintaining that standard would be key going forward. Tuite expressed confidence that a first win is close, citing a growing group of emerging young players and hoping the squad's international players will get more game time next week.