Ulster Rugby defeated Zebre 40-21 in Parma on Saturday evening to secure a bonus-point win and begin their European Challenge Cup season.

The visitors clawed back into the contest during the second half, with full-back Giovanni Montemauri scoring a try that briefly put Ulster out of bonus-point territory.

However, Henry Walker delivered a standout performance on his first competitive start under Richie Murphy, netting two tries to anchor the province's attack.

Walker's second score came after he dived over in the opening thirty minutes, while David McCann added another try four minutes later to mark his debut as captain.

The Ulster defence held firm early on, stopping a dangerous set-piece opportunity created by a Zebre line-out before the hosts took control of the match.

Juarno Augusto saw an effort disallowed after a knock-on in the tight opening exchanges, but Walker immediately scored his first senior try for the province to restore momentum.

Nathan Doak's finishing move was initially ruled out for a knock-on, yet Stockdale corrected the error from his Ireland international teammate shortly after.

With the Challenge Cup fixture list paused until December, the province now faces a demanding schedule of three consecutive away trips in the United Rugby Championship.

The upcoming campaign begins with a double-header against South African giants Bulls and Stormers in their home territory.

Recent academy graduate Walker showed great promise in the front row against a tenacious Zebre outfit that fought hard to stay in contention.

Ulster's strong start and clinical finishing ensured they left Parma having established a commanding 19-point lead before the visitors mounted any late challenge.

The province will now turn its attention to their next URC fixture as they prepare for the long road trip ahead.

Six consecutive tries scored by Ulster players highlighted the depth of attack available under current management.

Zebre's afternoon performance deteriorated significantly after the first half, unable to overcome the provincial dominance on the pitch.

The match concluded with Ulster firmly in control, having converted their attacking opportunities into a comprehensive victory.

Full-back Walker and forward Stockdale were key contributors as the province maintained possession and pressure throughout the contest.