Ulster's pre-season campaign opened on 2 September with a home friendly against Exeter Chiefs,"Match Day Guide | Ulster v Exeter", Ulster Rugby, 2 September 2022 which they won 31-12. Jacob Stockdale scored a try on his return from injury, and new scrum-half Michael McDonald was named man of the match."Report | Ulster 31 Exeter Chiefs 12", Ulster Rugby, 2 September 2022
