2021–22 Ulster Rugby season explained

Club:Ulster Rugby
Season:2021–22
Manager:Dan McFarland
Mgrtitle:Head Coach
Chairman:Bryn Cunningham
Chrtitle:Operations Director
Captain:Iain Henderson
Alan O'Connor
Nick Timoney
League:United Rugby Championship
League Result:Semi-final
Cup1:European Rugby Champions Cup
Cup1 Result:Round of 16
Points Scorer:Nathan Doak (132)
Try Scorer:Robert Baloucoune (11)
Pattern La1:_blackborder
Pattern B1:_redcollar
Pattern Ra1:_blackborder
Pattern Sh1:_blackbottom
Pattern So1:_blacktop
Leftarm1:fcfcfc
Body1:fcfcfc
Rightarm1:fcfcfc
Shorts1:fcfcfc
Socks1:fcfcfc
Pattern La2:_blackborder
Pattern B2:_blackcollar
Pattern Ra2:_blackborder
Pattern Sh2:_goldbottom
Pattern So2:_blacktop
Leftarm2:FFBF00
Body2:FFBF00
Rightarm2:FFBF00
Shorts2:080808
Socks2:FFBF00
Pattern B3:_blackcollar
Pattern Sh3:_redsides
Pattern So3:_blacktop
Leftarm3:cb1b1b
Body3:cb1b1b
Rightarm3:cb1b1b
Shorts3:080808
Socks3:cb1b1b
Prevseason:2020–21
Nextseason:2022–23

The 2021–22 season was Ulster Rugby's 28th season since the advent of professionalism in rugby union, and Dan McFarland's fourth season as head coach. They competed in the inaugural United Rugby Championship (successor competition to the Pro14) and the European Rugby Champions Cup.

The major new signing was South African number eight Duane Vermeulen. Ulster finished third in the URC, and second in the Irish Shield, qualifying for the playoffs and for next season's Champions Cup. They beat Munster at home in the quarter-final, but went out in the semi-final to the Stormers in Cape Town. Lock Alan O'Connor won the URC Tackle Machine award, and flanker Nick Timoney and centre James Hume were named in the league's Dream Team. Ulster won all four of their pool games in the Champions Cup, finishing second and qualifying for a two-legged round of sixteen playoff against Toulouse, which they lost by an aggregate score of 49–50. Fullback Michael Lowry was nominated for European Player of the Year and made his debut for Ireland. James Hume was Ulster's Player of the Year.

Ulster used 46 players this season, compared to Leinster with 60, Munster with 59 and Connacht with 46. Alan O'Connor, Billy Burns and Nick Timoney made the most appearances for the province, each appearing in 24 out of 26 games. Robert Baloucoune was top try scorer with 11. Nick Timoney was RTÉ's choice for Ulster's player of the season, and Andrew Warwick was their most underrated player.[1] Nathan Doak had a breakthrough season, deputising for the injured John Cooney as scrum-half and goal kicker,[2] and finishing the season the team's leading scorer with 132 points.

Events

Personnel changes

Assistant coach Dwayne Peel left in the off-season to become head coach of Scarlets.[3] Skills coach Dan Soper was promoted to assistant,[4] and Craig Newby joined as the new skills coach.[5] Gavin Hogg, formerly rugby development officer, became the new academy manager, assisted by Willie Faloon as elite performance development officer.[6]

After the departure of Marcell Coetzee last season, Ulster attempted to sign Fijian forward Leone Nakarawa, but the move fell through following a medical report.[7] As the season began, Ulster announced the signing of South African number 8 Duane Vermeulen, who would join the squad in November after the autumn internationals.[8] Other new arrivals were lock Mick Kearney, signed from Zebre Parma, and hooker Declan Moore, signed from Munster as short-term injury cover.

Joining the senior squad from the academy on development contracts were wing Aaron Sexton,[9] scrum-half Nathan Doak,[10] hooker Tom Stewart,[11] wing Ethan McIlroy,[12] prop Callum Reid[12] flanker David McCann,[13] lock Cormac Izuchukwu,[14] and wing Ben Moxham.[15]

Five new players joined the academy: out-half James Humphreys, son of Ulster great David Humphreys, joining from the Gloucester academy; RBAI centre Jude Postlethwaite; and three players from Sullivan Upper School, lock Harry Sheridan, prop George Saunderson and scrum-half Conor McKee.[16]

Departing were hooker Adam McBurney to Edinburgh, Matt Faddes to Otago, and out-half Bill Johnston to Ealing Trailfinders, making his loan move last season permanent. Fullback Louis Ludik retired. Scrum-half Alby Mathewson and prop Kyle McCall were released, and academy centre Hayden Hyde moved to Harlequins' academy.

Sponsorship

British government minister Michael Gove wrote to Ulster in December, urging the team to end their relationship with principal sponsor Kingspan, after the firm was criticised by the inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire for supplying some of the insulation materials involved.[17] This led to protests outside Ravenhill before Ulster's Champions Cup game against Clermont in January 2022.[18]

Summer internationals

Lock Iain Henderson was selected for the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa. He didn't play in any of the tests, but made four appearances, including starting against Japan and captaining the side against the Sharks.[19]

Centre James Hume,[20] wing Robert Baloucoune[21] and flanker Nick Timoney[22] all made their Ireland debuts in the summer international against the United States in July, and uncapped fullback Michael Lowry trained with the Ireland squad for the summer internationals.[23]

Pre-season

Ulster played two friendlies, home and away, against Saracens. The home match was played at the Kingspan on 3 September 2021, and Saracens won 45–21. The away match at the Honourable Artillery Company grounds in London on 9 September 2021, and Ulster won 33–3.

First block

Ulster won their first four matches of the URC season. Hooker Bradley Roberts made his first competitive start, and scored a try in the season opener at home to Glasgow Warriors. Scrum-half John Cooney went off injured in the first half, replaced by 19-year-old Nathan Doak, who scored a try and three conversions.[24] With Cooney missing, Doak started in the away win against Zebre Parma and the home wins against Benetton and Lions, and continued to impress.[25] Hooker Rob Herring made his 200th appearance for Ulster against Benetton.[26] Fullback Will Addison sustained a fracture to his lower leg in the October match against the Lions.[27] Ulster's winning run was halted by a defeat away to Connacht at the Aviva Stadium on 23 October.[28]

Autumn international break

Club competition then took a break for the Autumn internationals. Lock Iain Henderson came on as a replacement for Ireland in the 60–5 win over Japan,[29] and started in the 29–20 victory over New Zealand, with hooker Rob Herring coming off the bench.[30] Henderson and wing Robert Baloucoune started, with prop Tom O'Toole and flanker Nick Timoney coming off the bench, in the 53–7 win against Argentina.[31] Centres James Hume and Stuart McCloskey were named in the 38-man squad, but did not make an appearance.[32] Hooker Bradley Roberts was called up for Wales, and made his international debut from the bench against South Africa.[33]

Second block

After the break, John Cooney returned to action for a 20–10 away win over Leinster, with the back row of Marcus Rea, Nick Timoney and David McCann impressing,[34] but this was followed by a disappointing away loss to Ospreys,[35] in which wing Craig Gilroy made his 200th appearance for Ulster.[36]

Having been awarded development contracts at the start of the season, scrum-half Nathan Doak and wing Ethan McIlroy signed long-term senior contracts in December - Doak for four years, McIlroy for three.[37]

It was announced that Former head coach Neil Doak would return to Ulster as elite player development officer for the academy in early 2022.[38]

Ulster opened their Champions Cup season on 11 December with an away win against Clermont, which marked Duane Vermeulen's debut for the province.[39] The following weekend they defeated Northampton Saints at home, with fullback Michael Lowry scoring two tries.[40] The next two scheduled URC matches, Interpros at home to Connacht on 26 December and Leinster on 1 January, were postponed because of Covid-19 cases.[41] Ulster's next game was a tight away defeat to Munster,[42] before the Champions Cup resumed with an away win against Northampton Saints, which marked Nathan Doak's first European start,[43] and a home win against Clermont, in which Ulster built up a 22-point lead before Clermont almost pulled it back with three late tries.[44] These four pool victories earned Ulster a two-legged round of 16 tie against reigning champions Toulouse.

Six Nations international break

Robert Baloucoune, James Hume, Michael Lowry, Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Tom O'Toole and Nick Timoney were called up to the Ireland squad for the 2022 Six Nations Championship on 19 January.[45] Bradley Roberts was called up for Wales.[46]

A depleted Ulster side, missing most of their internationals, defeated Scarlets at home on 28 January.[47] Wing Craig Gilroy, who received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle during the game, was later cited and banned for four matches.[48] The home tie against Connacht was rescheduled for 4 February, on the eve of Ireland's opening match of the Six Nations against Wales. Robert Baloucoune, Michael Lowry and Nick Timoney, who had not been selected for that game, were temporarily released from the Ireland camp back to Ulster. Baloucoune and Lowry started, Timoney came off the bench, and Baloucoune scored two tries, in a 32–12 victory.[49] Hooker Declan Moore, who had joined Ulster as short-term injury cover from Munster, and had just agreed to a permanent move next season, unexpectedly made his debut after a last-minute injury to John Andrew, and scored a try.[50] The following day, James Hume came off the bench in Ireland's 29–7 victory over Wales.[51]

Fullback Michael Lowry was named on the long list for EPCR European Player of the Year for the 2021–22 season,[52] and made his debut for Ireland against Italy in the Six Nations on 27 February 2022.[53]

James McCormick, Reuben Crothers, James McNabney, Josh Hanlon, Adam McNamee, Scott Wilson, Jude Postlethwaite, Lorcan McLoughlin and Ben Carson appeared for Ireland in the 2022 U20 Six Nations.

In February, lock David O'Connor joined Ealing Trailfinders until the end of the season,[54] and academy centre Jude Postlethwaite signed a development contract, to be upgraded to a full senior contract after a year.[55] Academy scrum-half Lewis Finlay signed for English Championship club Ampthill.[56]

Third block

Having beaten Leinster away in November, Ulster completed a rare double by defeating them at home on a rainy night in March.[57] They then travelled to South Africa, losing narrowly to the Stormers in Cape Town after a late try by Callum Reid, which would have put Ulster ahead, was disallowed after TMO review.[58] URC head of officials Tappe Henning later admitted the try should have stood.[59] Alan O'Connor made his 150th appearance for Ulster against the Stormers.[60] The following week, against the Bulls in Pretoria, Andrew Warwick made his 150th appearance[61] as Ulster fell to a 34–16 defeat.[62] The trip to South Africa saw centre Luke Marshall return to action after 16 months out with a knee injury.[63] He came off the bench against the Stormers, and started, and scored, against the Bulls.

Ulster won the away leg of their Champions Cup round of 16 tie against Toulouse 26–20, with Robert Baloucoune scoring a hat-trick after Toulouse wing Juan Cruz Mallia was shown an early red card.[64] Taking a six-point lead into the second leg at home, they lost 30–23, going out of the competition 49–50 on aggregate.[65] Flanker Nick Timoney made his 100th appearance for the province in the second leg.[66]

Former Springboks and Ulster flanker Pedrie Wannenburg was killed in a car accident in Texas in April.[67]

In the wake of the defeat at home to Toulouse, Ulster suffered their first home loss in the URC, at home to Munster.[68] The following week, they ended their losing run by inflicting a first home league defeat on Edinburgh in a close contest,[69] confirming their qualification for the quarter-finals.[70] Two weeks later, they secured a home quarter-final by defeating the Sharks at home.[71] They defeated Munster in the quarter-final at Ravenhill on 3 June,[72] earning a semi-final away to the Stormers.[73] They led late in the semi-final in Cape Town, but the Stormers came back to win with a last-minute converted try.[74]

Post-season

Alan O'Connor won the URC Tackle Machine award for the 2021–22 season, after making 195 tackles with a 97.5% success rate in that competition.[75] Flanker Nick Timoney and centre James Hume were named in the URC Dream Team.[76]

In the annual Ulster Rugby Awards, James Hume was named Men's Player of the Year and Rugby Writers' Player of the Year; Michael Lowry was Supporters' Club Player of the Year; and Ethan McIlroy was Young Men's Player of the Year.

Staff

PositionNameNationality
Chief executive officerJonny Petrie
Operations directorBryn Cunningham Ireland
Head coachDan McFarland
Assistant coachDan Soper New Zealand
Defence coachJared Payne Ireland
Forwards coachRoddy Grant
Skills coachCraig Newby New Zealand
Academy managerGavin Hogg
Elite performance development officerWillie Faloon
Elite performance development officerNeil Doak

Squad

Senior squad

Players in

Promoted from academy

Players out

Ulster Rugby squad[86]
Props

Hookers

Locks

Back row

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

Centres

Wings

Fullbacks

(c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players.
* denotes players qualified to play for Ireland on residency or dual nationality.
ST denotes a short-term signing.

Academy squad

Players in

Players out

Ulster Rugby academy squad
Props
  • George Saunderson (1)

Hookers

  • James McCormick (2)

Locks

Back row
  • Azur Allison (3)
  • Reuben Crothers (2)

Scrum-halves

  • Lewis Finlay (3)
  • Conor McKee (1)

Fly-halves

  • James Humphreys (1)
Centres

Wings

  • Conor Rankin (2)

Fullbacks

  • None currently named
Number in brackets indicates players stage in the three-year academy cycle.
* denotes players qualified to play for Ireland on residency or dual nationality.
Players and their allocated positions from the Ulster Rugby website.[89] [90]

Ulster 'A'

The following players, other than players from the senior squad and academy, appeared for Ulster 'A this season.

2021–22 European Rugby Champions Cup

See main article: 2021–22 European Rugby Champions Cup.

Round of 16

2021–22 United Rugby Championship

See main article: 2021–22 United Rugby Championship.

Semi-final

Home attendance

Domestic LeagueEuropean CupTotal
LeagueFixturesAverage AttendanceHighestLowestLeagueFixturesAverage AttendanceHighestLowestTotal AttendanceAverage Attendance
1011,69616,2749,5422021–22 European Rugby Champions Cup314,969 18,19612,000161,86912,452

Ulster Women

2021-22 Women's Interprovincial Series

See main article: IRFU Women's Interprovincial Series.

TeamPWDLPFPABPPts
1330010019012
23201814308
33012316013
430122911902

Awards

The Ulster Rugby Awards were announced online on 23 June 2022. Winners were:[91] [92]

Season reviews

Notes and References

  1. Neil Treacy, "False dawn - The Irish provinces' end of season report", RTÉ Sport, 19 June 2022
  2. Jamie Lyall, "Nathan Doak: 'I fell out of love with the game'", Rugby Pass, 10 June 2022
  3. https://www.scarlets.wales/article/dwayne-peel-appointed-head-coach-ahead-of-2021-2022-season/ "Dwayne Peel appointed head coach ahead of 2021-22 season"
  4. https://www.irishrugby.ie/2021/02/03/soper-named-ulster-rugby-assistant-coach/ "Soper Named Ulster Assistant Coach"
  5. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56405656 "Craig Newby: Former All Black to join Ulster as skills coach"
  6. https://www.hugerugby.news/urc/ulster-rugby-appoint-new-academy-manager-with-faloon-also-set-to-make-a-return/ "Ulster Rugby appoint new Academy Manager with Faloon also set to make a return"
  7. Gerry Thornley, "Ulster’s Leone Nakarawa move falls through over medical report", Irish Times, 10 January 2021
  8. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/58585664 "Duane Vermeulen: Ulster sign Springbok World Cup-winning forward"
  9. News: Baloucoune, Marshall, O'Connor and Sexton commit to Ulster. Ulster Rugby. 25 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210202014217/https://www.ulsterrugby.com/2021/01/baloucoune-marshall-oconnor-and-sexton-commit-futures-to-ulster/ . 25 January 2021. 2021-02-02 .
  10. News: Andrew, Treadwell, Warwick and Doak to remain at Ulster. Ulster Rugby. 26 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210201102012/https://www.ulsterrugby.com/2021/01/andrew-treadwell-warwick-and-doak-to-remain-at-ulster/ . 26 January 2021. 2021-02-01 .
  11. Michael Sadlier, "Carter, Lowry and Stewart extend stay at Ulster", Belfast Telegraph, 30 January 2021
  12. News: Future at Ulster for Milasinovich, McIlroy, Reid and Shanahan. Ulster Rugby. 2 February 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210205150624/https://www.ulsterrugby.com/2021/02/future-at-ulster-for-milasinovich-mcilroy-reid-and-shanahan/ . 2 February 2021. 2021-02-05 .
  13. News: Ulster: David McCann and Ross Kane agree contract extensions. BBC Sport. 3 March 2021. 3 March 2021.
  14. News: Ulster young gun Izuchukwu signs new contract. The42.ie. 16 April 2021. 16 April 2021.
  15. News: Moxham rewarded for Ulster performances with upgraded contract. Ulster Rugby. 24 December 2021. 3 January 2022.
  16. https://ulster.rugby/content/ulster-rugby-academy-squad-for-2021-22-season-confirmed "Ulster Rugby Academy squad for 2021/22 season confirmed"
  17. Rebecca Black, "Ulster Rugby urged to reconsider relationship with sponsor Kingspan", Yahoo News, 22 December 2021
  18. Justin Kelly, "Protests urge Ulster Rugby to cut ties with sponsor Kingspan", Derry Now, 22 January 2022
  19. https://www.lionsrugby.com/players/iain-henderson/#profile Iain Henderson profile at Lionsrugby.com
  20. Neil Treacy, "'I'd be bricking it going into games' - Ulster's Hume flourishing after finding his self belief", RTÉ Sport, 22 January 2022
  21. Darren Fullerton, "Robert Baloucoune thanks Ulster teammate for helping him have a 'bawl' on his Ireland debut", Belfast Live, 19 August 2021
  22. https://www.rugbypass.com/news/the-dramatic-sos-call-ireland-put-into-belfast-on-sunday-morning-ireland-timoney/ "The dramatic 7.45 am SOS call Ireland put into Belfast on Sunday morning"
  23. Cian Tracey, "Uncapped Ulster back Michael Lowry to train with Ireland squad ahead of summer tests", Irish Independent, 22 June 2021
  24. Michael Morrow, "Ulster 35-29 Glasgow Warriors: Hosts hold on to win league opener in nine-try thriller", BBC Sport, 24 September 2021
  25. Michael Sadlier, "Nathan Doak: I want to make a name for myself and win silverware with Ulster", Belfast Telegraph, 28 January 2022
  26. Ruaidhri O'Connor, "Herring hungry for more with Ireland after joining 200 club", Irish Independent, 13 October 2021
  27. Jonathan Bradley, "Ulster's luckless Will Addison sustains broken leg", Belfast Telegraph, 18 October 2021
  28. https://ulster.rugby/content/match-report-connacht-36-ulster-11 "Report | Connacht 36 Ulster 11"
  29. Ruaidhri O'Connor, "Ireland show ambition, aggression and accuracy to rout Japan as Sexton celebrates century with a try", Irish Independent, 6 November 2021
  30. https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/ireland-vs-new-zealand/100326 "Ireland 29-20 New Zealand: Ireland claim pulsating win over All Blacks"
  31. https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/ireland-vs-argentina/report/100337 "Ireland 53-7 Argentina: Ireland score seven tries to demolish Argentina", Sky Sports, 21 November 2021
  32. https://www.irishrugby.ie/2021/10/20/ireland-squad-named-for-autumn-nations-series/ "Ireland Squad Named For Autumn Nations Series"
  33. David Skippers, "United Rugby Championship: Bradley Roberts to swap Ulster for the Dragons", Planet Rugby, 25 January 2022
  34. Michael Morrow, "Leinster 10-20 Ulster: Courageous visitors end Leinster's unbeaten start" BBC Sport, 27 November 2021
  35. https://ulster.rugby/content/match-report-ospreys-19-ulster-13 "Report | Ospreys 19 Ulster 13"
  36. https://ulster.rugby/content/200-club-craig-gilroy "200 Club | Craig Gilroy"
  37. https://ulster.rugby/content/doak-mccloskey-and-mcilroy-agree-long-term-extensions-with-ulster "Doak, McCloskey and McIlroy agree long-term extensions with Ulster"
  38. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/59682416 "Ulster: Neil Doak set for coaching return with academy"
  39. Michael Morrow, "Clermont Auvergne 23-29 Ulster: Visitors deny Clermont fightback to claim famous win", BBC Sport, 11 December 2021
  40. https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/ulster-vs-northampton/101330 "Heineken Champions Cup: Ulster hold off Northampton Saints for 27-22 win"
  41. https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/pro14/new-dates-set-for-ulsters-inter-pro-clashes-against-connacht-and-leinster-41264416.html "New dates set for Ulster’s inter-pro clashes against Connacht and Leinster"
  42. https://ulster.rugby/content/report-munster-18-ulster-13 "Report | Munster 18 Ulster 13"
  43. https://ulster.rugby/content/report-northampton-20-ulster-24 "Report | Northampton 20 Ulster 24"
  44. Michael Cantillon, "Ulster 34-31 Clermont Auvergne: Irish province hold off comeback to claim Heineken Champions Cup win in Belfast", Sky Sports, 22 January 2022
  45. https://www.irishrugby.ie/2022/01/19/farrell-names-37-player-squad-for-2022-guinness-six-nations/ "Farrell Names 37 Player Squad For 2022 Guinness Six Nations"
  46. https://inews.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/wales-six-nations-2022-squad-full-line-up-36-players-rugby-championship-captain-1408246 "Wales Six Nations 2022 squad: The full line-up of 36 players for this year’s rugby championship", iNews, 1 February 2022
  47. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/rugby-union/60178042 "Ulster 27-15 Scarlets: Gareth Milosinovich and Craig Gilroy tries seal bonus-point win"
  48. https://www.rugbypass.com/news/craig-gilroy-hit-with-ban-for-reckless-horror-tackle-on-tom-rogers/ "Craig Gilroy hit with ban for 'reckless' horror tackle on Tom Rogers"
  49. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/60242062 "Ulster 32-12 Connacht: Baloucoune stars as northern province go top of URC"
  50. https://www.unitedrugby.com/latest/analysis-opinion/5-things-we-learned-from-the-weekend-ulster-reach-urc-summit "5 things we learned from the weekend: Ulster reach URC summit"
  51. Michael Morrow, "Six Nations: Ireland hammer sorry Wales 29-7 in one-sided opener", BBC Sport, 5 February 2022
  52. https://www.the42.ie/epic-european-player-of-the-year-longlist-2022-5670454-Feb2022/ "Five Irish players nominated for European Rugby Player of Year"
  53. Conor O'Donoghue, "Michael Lowry is delighted to have fulfilled his childhood dream after making Ireland debut", Irish Post, 1 March 2022
  54. https://www.rugbyplayersireland.ie/highlights-february-2022/ "Highlights: February 2022"
  55. News: Jude Postlethwaite: "It has been a dream of mine to play for Ulster". Ulster Rugby. 12 February 2022. 13 February 2022.
  56. https://www.ampthillrufc.com/match-preview-1881-v-richmond-vikings-sat-12th-feb-2022/ "Match Preview: 1881 v Richmond Vikings, Sat 12th Feb 2022"
  57. https://rugby365.com/tournaments/united-rugby-championship/news-united-rugby-championship/ulster-do-the-double-over-urc-leaders-leinster/ "Ulster do the double over URC leaders Leinster"
  58. Jonathan Bradley, "Controversial finish sees Ulster slip to defeat in Cape Town as disallowed Callum Reid try hands Stormers victory", Belfast Telegraph, 26 March 2022
  59. Adam McKendry, "URC head of officials Tappe Henning admits that disallowed Ulster try should have stood against Stormers", Belfast Telegraph, 28 March 2022
  60. Adam McKendry, "Alan O’Connor to captain Ulster on milestone appearance as province prepare for first Stormers clash", Belfast Telegraph, 25 March 2022
  61. Adam McKendry, "Andrew Warwick to make milestone 150th appearance as Ulster make 10 changes for Bulls clash", Belfast Telegraph, 1 April 2022
  62. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/60913056 "United Rugby Championship: Bulls 34-16 Ulster - Coetzee inspires Bulls' second-half blitz"
  63. Darren Fullerton, "Ulster boosted by return of experienced player for South African double header", Belfast Live, 22 March 2022
  64. https://www.epcrugby.com/report/baloucoune-hat-trick-as-ulster-win-at-toulouse/#report "Baloucoune hat-trick as Ulster win at Toulouse"
  65. https://www.epcrugby.com/report/toulouse-edge-thriller-against-ulster/#report "Toulouse edge thriller against Ulster"
  66. Jonathan Bradley, "Toulouse have to mix it up with key names missing, as Nick Timoney hits 100th Ulster cap", Belfast Telegraph, 16 April 2022
  67. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/61181441 "Pedrie Wannenburg: Former Ulster & South Africa flanker, 41, killed in car accident"
  68. https://www.unitedrugby.com/latest/match-report/munster-survive-ulster-fightback-in-belfast-to-go-second-in-urc-standings "Munster survive Ulster fightback in Belfast to go third in URC standings"
  69. https://www.unitedrugby.com/latest/match-report/ulster-cling-on-for-valuable-victory-over-edinburgh "Ulster cling on for valuable victory over Edinburgh"
  70. Lloyd Burnard, "URC playoff picture: All 8 quarter-finalists confirmed as Sharks, Stormers deadlocked in battle for 2nd", Sport24, 1 May 2022
  71. https://www.unitedrugby.com/latest/match-report/ulster-secure-home-play-off-with-victory-over-cell-c-sharks-in-belfast "Ulster secure home play-off with victory over Cell C Sharks in Belfast"
  72. https://www.unitedrugby.com/latest/match-report/ulster-storm-into-final-four-with-five-try-victory-over-munster "Ulster storm into Final Four with five-try victory over Munster"
  73. https://www.unitedrugby.com/latest/news/united-rugby-championships-final-four-line-up-confirmed "United Rugby Championship's Final Four Line-Up Confirmed"
  74. https://ulster.rugby/content/urc-semi-final-report-dhl-stormers-17-ulster-15 "URC Semi-Final Report | DHL Stormers 17 Ulster 15"
  75. https://www.unitedrugby.com/latest/news/alan-oconnor-and-jac-morgan-win-named-first-winners-in-the-urc-awards "Alan O'Connor Awarded Tackle Machine In This Years URC Awards"
  76. https://www.unitedrugby.com/latest/news/the-united-rugby-championship-dream-team-has-been-named "The United Rugby Championship Dream Team Has Been Named"
  77. News: Ulster sign Kearney on short-term contract. Ulster Rugby. 26 August 2021. 26 August 2021.
  78. News: Munster hooker joins Ulster as short-term injury cover. The42.ie. 24 December 2021. 24 December 2021.
  79. News: Duane Vermeulen: Ulster sign Springbok World Cup-winning forward. BBC Sport. 16 September 2021. 16 September 2021.
  80. Web site: Bulls confirm high-profile Marcell Coetzee signing . planet rugby . 28 December 2020 . 10 March 2021.
  81. News: Otago add Matt Faddes and Highlanders prop Jermaine Ainsley to stacked NPC squad. Stuff.co.nz. 12 June 2021. 12 June 2021.
  82. News: Bill Johnston signs for Ealing Trailfinders. Ealing Trailfinders. 28 June 2021. 6 July 2021.
  83. https://web.archive.org/web/20210527111927/https://www.ulsterrugby.com/2021/05/ulster-rugbys-louis-ludik-announces-retirement// "Ulster Rugby's Louis Ludik announces retirement"
  84. News: Dan McFarland ready to 'live on Ian Madigan kicking winning goals' as Ulster prepare for new-look future over summer break. Belfast Telegraph. 7 June 2021. 7 June 2021.
  85. News: McBurney hooked from Ulster. Edinburgh Rugby. 16 March 2021. 16 March 2021.
  86. https://ulster.rugby/content/ulster-rugby-senior-mens-squad-for-2021-22-season-confirmed "Ulster Rugby Senior Men’s squad for 2021/22 season confirmed"
  87. News: Harlequins announce host of new senior academy contracts. Harlequins. 5 March 2021. 5 March 2021.
  88. https://www.scottishrugby.org/news/kelly-confirms-heriots-rugby-squad-ahead-of-the-new-fosroc-super6-season "Kelly confirms Heriot’s Rugby squad ahead of the new FSROC Super6 season"
  89. https://ulster.rugby/teams/academy/squad-list Academy squad list
  90. News: Ulster Rugby Academy squad for 2021/22 season confirmed. Ulster Rugby. 12 August 2021. 12 August 2021.
  91. https://ulster.rugby/content/2021-22-heineken-ulster-rugby-award-winners-revealed "2021-22 Heineken Ulster Rugby Award winners revealed"
  92. https://ulster.rugby/content/nominees-announced-for-2021-22-heineken-ulster-rugby-awards "Nominees announced for 2021/22 Heineken Ulster Rugby Awards"

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "2021–22 Ulster Rugby season".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.