Stewart hat-trick leads Ulster to URC win over visiting Dragons

Ulster are into second spot in the United Rugby Championship following a bonus-point securing 40-19 win on Friday night over the Dragons at the Kingspan Stadium.

Dave McCann opened the floodgates for the visitors, with Tom Stewart touching down twice in the first period, as Ulster took a healthy 19-7 advantage into the interval. Angus O'Brien went over for the visitors.

Elliot Dee and Rhodri Williams weighed in with second half tries, but further home tries from Tom Stewart - who went over three times on the night - Nick Timoney and a penalty sealed the Ulster success.

It puts Dan McFarland's side ahead of the Stormers in the race for second place and that home seeding in a potential semi-final.

Ulster now need to look to them to drop points as the Stormers prepare to face Munster and Benetton, as well as themselves securing a home win against Edinburgh next Friday to give themselves a real shot at the second spot.