Ulster Rugby Explained

Teamname:	Ulster Rugby
Nickname:	The Ulstermen
Ground:	Ravenhill Stadium
Location:	Belfast, Northern Ireland
Capacity:	18,196
Chairman:	Hugh McCaughey (interim)
Coach:	Richie Murphy
Captain:	Iain Henderson
Appearances:	Rob Herring (240)
Top Scorer:	David Humphreys (1,585)
Most Tries:	Andrew Trimble (76)
League:	United Rugby Championship
Season:	2022–23
Position:	Quarter-finals 2nd Irish Shield (2nd overall)
Url:	https://ulster.rugby/
Countryflag:	IRE
Countryflagvar:	rugby
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Currentseason:	2023–24 Ulster Rugby season

Ulster Rugby is one of the four professional provincial rugby union teams from the island of Ireland. They compete in the Irish regional pool of the United Rugby Championship and in the European Rugby Champions Cup, each of which they have won once. Ulster were the first Irish team and the first team outside England and France to win the European Cup in 1999.

The team represents the IRFU Ulster Branch, which is one of the four primary branches of the IRFU and is responsible for rugby union throughout the geographical Irish province of Ulster, comprising Northern Ireland (Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone) and three counties in the Republic of Ireland which are Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan.

Prior to professionalisation, Ulster were a representative amateur team taking part in the IRFU Interprovincial Championship. They have also competed in the now defunct Celtic Cup (2003–05). Their development team, Ulster A, formerly known as the Ulster Ravens, have competed in the British and Irish Cup (2009–18) and a revived Celtic Cup (2018–20).

History

Foundation (1868–1879)

A number of clubs were operating in Ulster prior to the foundation of the Irish Rugby Football Union and the Ulster branch. The Belfast-based North of Ireland F.C., founded in 1868, was the earliest club to operate in the province. Clubs from this era still in existence include Dungannon and Queen's University. The first Irish inter-provincial game took place in 1875 between Ulster and Leinster, with Ulster being the victors.^[1] In 's first international match, which was played in 1875 against, eight Ulster-based players took part. Rugby in Ulster at this time was mostly overseen by the Irish Football Union, with the Northern Football Union of Ireland controlling the game in Belfast. The two unions amalgamated in 1879, with the provincial branches of Ulster, Leinster and Munster being founded as part of the terms of this arrangement.^[2] The final Irish provincial side, Connacht, was founded in 1885.^[3]

Amateur era (1879–1995)

During the amateur era Irish players primarily played for their respective clubs, with provincial games effectively treated as Irish trial matches.^[4] The provincial teams were also used to provide competitive club opposition for touring international sides. Inter-provincial games were played on an irregular basis but starting in the 1946–47 season, the provinces played against each other in the annual Irish Interprovincial Championship.^[3] Ulster won this tournament 26 times in total, with eight of these titles being shared. The team's greatest period of success was in the 1980s and 1990s when they won ten titles in a row.^{[5] [6] [7]}

Professional success (1999–2006)

After rugby union was declared open to professionalism in 1995, the IRFU gradually developed the provincial sides as professional teams.^[8] The Heineken Cup was launched in 1995 to provide a new level of European cross-border competition,^[9] and Ulster, coached by Harry Williams and captained by David Humphreys, became the first Irish team to win it in the 1998–99 season, beating beat French side US Colomiers 21–6 in the final at Lansdowne Road in Dublin.^[10]

The Celtic League, featuring all four Irish provinces plus teams from Scotland and Wales, was launched in 2001.^[11] From 2001 to 2004, the Ulster team was coached by Alan Solomons, a former assistant coach of the Springboks and head coach of The Stormers and Western Province in his native South Africa. Solomons coached Ulster to a three-year unbeaten home record in the Heineken Cup.^[12] In the 2003–04 season, Ulster finished second in the Celtic League, only overtaken by Llanelli on the final day of the campaign. Two of Ulster's most impressive achievements in this period were a 33–0 win over English giants Leicester Tigers in the Heineken Cup in January 2004,^[13] and winning the inaugural Celtic Cup on 20 December 2003, beating Edinburgh in a rain-soaked Murrayfield final.^[14]

Solomons was succeeded by Mark McCall, former captain of the province and a member of Ulster's Heineken Cup winning squad,^[15] with former teammate Allen Clarke as his assistant,^[16] and Ulster's unbeaten home run in Europe was extended to four years.^{[17] [18]} Dominant forward play by Australian lock Justin Harrison, New Zealand-born Irish scrum-half Isaac Boss, and a rapid maturing of a youthful home-grown three-quarter line made Ulster champions of the 2005–06 Celtic League. On the last day of the season, the title came down between Ulster and Leinster, before being decided in Ulster's favour by a 40-metre David Humphreys drop goal against Ospreys.^[19]

Decline (2006–2010)

Ulster started the 2006–07 season well, including beating Toulouse 30–3 in the Heineken Cup.^[20] But this form did not continue, they were eliminated from the competition early, and finished fifth in the Celtic League. Back row forward Roger Wilson was Player of the Year.^[21]

The team began the 2007-08 season with a poor run of results, and Mark McCall resigned in November following Ulster's embarrassing 32–14 home defeat to Gloucester in the opening round of the 2007–08 Heineken Cup.^[22] Assistant coach Steve Williams took temporary charge, and Matt Williams took charge in February, but failed to turn the season around, with Ulster finishing 9th in the 10 team Celtic League. Centre Darren Cave made his debut from the academy.^[23] At the end of the season wing Tommy Bowe, who was named Player of the Year,^[24] left for Ospreys.^[25] Roger Wilson went to Northampton Saints.^[26] Out-half David Humphreys retired, and was appointed the province's Director of Operations.^[27]

The following season out-half Ian Humphreys, David's younger brother, was signed from Leicester Tigers.^[28] Ulster finished third in their Heineken Cup group and eighth in the Celtic League, and Williams resigned.^[29] Hooker Rory Best was Player of the Year.^[30]

For the 2009-10 season a new management structure was put in place, with David Humphreys as director of rugby and Brian McLaughlin as head coach, assisted by Jeremy Davidson and Neil Doak. New signings included lock Dan Tuohy from Exeter.^[31] Centre Nevin Spence made his debut from the academy.^[32] The season saw an improvement in Ulster's Heineken Cup form, including their first away win in England against Bath,^[33] but they finished eighth in the Celtic League. Flanker Chris Henry was Player of the Year.^[34] At the end of the season, scrum-half Isaac Boss left for Leinster,^[35] and prop Justin Fitzpatrick retired.^[36]

Revival (2010–2014)

The 2010-11 season saw significant improvement. Ulster signed key players including 2007 Rugby World Cup winning Springboks Ruan Pienaar^[37] and Johann Muller.^[38] Out-half Paddy Jackson.^[39] and centre Luke Marshall^[40] made their debuts from the academy. Ulster made the semi-finals of the Celtic League and the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup. Ruan Pienaar was Player of the Year.^[41]

New signings for the 2011-12 season included prop John Afoa^[42] and utility back Jared Payne.^[43] Academy lock Iain Henderson made his senior debut.^[44] Ulster reached the Heineken Cup final, losing to Leinster at Twickenham.^[45] The Celtic League had been renamed the Pro12 after the addition of two Italian teams, and Ulster finished sixth. Brian McLaughlin was replaced as head coach by Mark Anscombe.^[46] Flanker Chris Henry was Player of the Year.^[47]

New signings for the 2012–13 season included back row forward Nick Williams from the now defunct Aironi,^[48] wing Tommy Bowe, returning from his four-year stay at the Ospreys,^[49] back row forward Roger Wilson, returning from Northampton Saints,^[50] and Irish-qualified South African hooker Rob Herring, initially on a six-month trial.^[51] Out-half Ian Humphreys left for London Irish.^[52] Centre Nevin Spence died in an accident at the family farm.^[53] Ulster started the season with 13 consecutive wins in all competitions, the longest unbeaten run in their history.^[54] They finished top of their group in the Heineken Cup, qualifying for the quarter-finals, where they lost to Northampton Saints. They finished top of the table in the Pro12, earning a home semi-final, in which they defeated Scarlets 27–16 in the last match before the old grandstand was demolished. The redevelopment of Ravenhill meant the final against Leinster had to be played at the RDS Arena in Dublin. Leinster won 24–18. Lock Alan O'Connor made his debut from the academy this season.^[55] Wing Andrew Trimble was Player of the Year.^[56]

The 2013–14 season proved trophyless again. For the first time, Ulster won all their Heineken Cup group games, with away victories against Montpellier and Leicester Tigers being the highlight. They were knocked out at the quarterfinal stage with a 17–15 home defeat to Saracens. The Pro12 season was racked with inconsistency and Ulster finished the league season in fourth place. This set up an away semi-final with Leinster, and for the fourth time in four seasons the season was ended by their old foes with a 13–9 defeat. Centre Stuart McCloskey^[57] and prop Andrew Warwick made their debuts from the academy.^[58] Andrew Trimble was Player of the Year for the second year running.^[59] The season ended with the retirements of captain Johann Muller, centre Paddy Wallace, and flanker Stephen Ferris. Director of Rugby David Humphreys also left the province to take up a similar position at Gloucester Rugby. Following Humphreys' departure, Mark Anscombe was sacked by the province and was replaced by Ireland defence coach Les Kiss on an interim basis.^[60]

2014–17 – the Les Kiss years

The 2014–15 season was Ulster's first under director of rugby Les Kiss^[61] and head coach Neil Doak.^[62] The redeveloped Ravenhill, renamed the Kingspan Stadium, now had a capacity of 18,196.^[63] Rory Best was named captain after the retirement of Johann Muller.^[64] New signings included out-half Ian Humphreys, returning from London Irish,^[65] lock Franco van der Merwe from the Lions,^[66] outside back Louis Ludik from Agen, and flanker Sean Reidy from Counties Manukau. Ulster were knocked out of the new European Champions Cup at the group stage. They finished fourth in the Pro12 but narrowly lost in the playoff semifinal to eventual champions Glasgow Warriors. Prop Declan Fitzpatrick retired at the end of the season.^[67] Wing Craig Gilroy was named Player of the Year.^[68]

In 2015–16, Ulster were knocked out of the Champions Cup at the group stage despite a memorable back to back win over Toulouse. They finished fourth in the Pro12 but reached the semi-finals, losing to Leinster. Wing Jacob Stockdale made his debut from the academy.^[69] Centre Stuart McCloskey was Player of the Year.^[70]

Before the 2016–17 season, Nick Williams left for Cardiff Blues^[71] and Dan Tuohy for Bristol Bears,^[72] and Ian Humphreys retired.^[73] Ulster signed back row forward Marcell Coetzee,^[74] fullback Charles Piutau^[75] and lock Kieran Treadwell.^[76] Academy flanker Nick Timoney made his debut.^[77] Ulster finished the season bottom of their pool in the Heineken Cup, and fifth in the Pro12. Charles Piutau was Player of the Year.^[78]

2017–18 - the "basket case" season

For the 2017–18 season, the Pro12 became the Pro14 with the addition of two South African teams. Head coach Neil Doak's contract was not renewed and he was replaced by Jono Gibbes.^[79] Assistant coach Allen Clarke also left, replaced by Dwayne Peel.^[80] All-time appearance holder Roger Wilson retired, and scrum-half Ruan Pienaar was blocked by the IRFU from extending his contract.^[81] John Cooney was signed from Connacht to replace him.^[82]

Before the season started, out-half Paddy Jackson and centre Stuart Olding were charged with rape and suspended from playing pending trial.^[83] Both would be acquitted, but have their contracts revoked.^[84] Australian out-half Christian Lealiifano was signed on loan.^[85] Prop Tom O'Toole made his debut from the academy.^[86] After a poor run of form over the Christmas period, Les Kiss resigned as Director of Rugby,^[87] and Gibbes cut his contract short, leaving at the end of the season.^[88] Ulster finished third in their Champions Cup pool, and fourth in Conference B of the Pro14, failing to qualify for the playoffs and needing to win a playoff to qualify for the next season's Champions Cup.^[89] Former Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll described the province as "a bit of a basket case", facing "Administration issues, senior players retiring, the well documented court case, now no number 10 to build the team around, no coach next year, struggling for Champions Cup rugby next season."^[90] Scrum-half John Cooney was named Player of the Year.^[91]

2018–24: the Dan McFarland years

For the 2018–19 season Dan McFarland was brought in as the new head coach.^[92] Jared Payne, Tommy Bowe, Andrew Trimble and Chris Henry all retired, and Charles Piutau left for Bristol Bears.^[93] Out-half Billy Burns was signed from Gloucester,^[94] prop Marty Moore from Wasps,^[95] flanker Jordi Murphy from Leinster,^[96] and utility back Will Addison from Sale Sharks.^[97] Prop Eric O'Sullivan, wing Robert Baloucoune, centre James Hume, fullback Michael Lowry and flanker Marcus Rea all made their debuts from the academy. Ulster finished the season as quarter-finalists in the Champions Cup, and semi-finalists in the Pro14, losing to Glasgow Warriors.^[98] Rory Best^[99] and Darren Cave retired at the end of the season.^[100] Centre Stuart McCloskey was Player of the Year for the second time.^[101]

Lock Iain Henderson was named captain for the 2019–20 season.^[102] Ulster were again quarter-finalists in the Champions Cup, going out to Toulouse,^[103] and reached the final of the Pro14, losing to Leinster.^[104] Centre Stewart Moore and wing Ethan McIlroy^[105] made their debuts from the academy, and scrum-half John Cooney was Player of the Year for the second time.^[106]

The 2020–21 season was shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, and games were played behind closed doors. Ulster finished second in Conference A of the Pro14, but failed to make the knockout stages of the Champions Cup and were entered into the Challenge Cup. They progressed to the semi-finals, where they were beaten by Leicester Tigers. The season's final competition was the Pro14 Rainbow Cup, pitting the Pro14's European teams against the four South African teams who were leaving Super Rugby. Ulster's form in this competition was poor, and they finished tenth in the European pool. Marcell Coetzee cut short his contract and left for the Bulls before the end of the season.^[107] Academy players Cormac Izuchukwu, Nathan Doak, David McCann, Callum Reid and Aaron Sexton all made their senior debuts this season.^[108] Lock Alan O'Connor was Player of the Year.^[109]

In 2021–22 the Pro14 became the United Rugby Championship, with the addition of four new South African teams. Ulster made the semi-finals, where they narrowly lost to the Stormers in Cape Town. In the Champions Cup, they made the knockout stage, but went out in a two-legged round of sixteen playoff against Toulouse by an aggregate score of 50–49. Centre James Hume was Player of the Year.^[110]

New signings for the 2022-23 season included prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen.^[111] Lock Harry Sheridan^[112] and centre Jude Postlethwaite^[113] made their senior debuts. Despite a poor run of results in mid-season,^[114] Ulster made the knockout stage of the Champions Cup, going out in the round of 16 to Leinster.^[115] They became the first European team in the URC to win all four league games against South African opposition, and secured a home quarter-final with a home win over the Bulls in March,^[116] which they lost to Connacht.^[117] Hooker Tom Stewart scored 16 tries in the URC, a league record, and 17 tries in all competitions, an Ulster record.^[118]

New signings for the 2023–24 season included prop Steven Kitshoff and flanker Dave Ewers. After a difficult first half of the season, McFarland left his position, to be replaced by assistant coach Dan Soper until after the Six Nations Under 20s Championship, after which Ireland under-20 coach Richie Murphy would take over until the end of the season.^[119] Chief Executive Jonny Petrie left not long after, replaced on an interim basis by Hugh McCaughey.^[120] Murphy signed a two-year contract in May.^[121]

Previous season summaries

	Domestic League				European Cup		Domestic / 'A' Cup
Season	Competition	Final Position (Pool)	Points	Play-offs	Competition	Performance	Competition	Performance
1995–96	No competition	Heineken Cup	4th in pool	Interprovincial Championship	2nd
1996–97	No competition	Heineken Cup	4th in pool	Interprovincial Championship	3rd
1997–98	No competition	Heineken Cup	4th in pool	Interprovincial Championship	3rd
1998–99	No competition	Heineken Cup	Champions	Interprovincial Championship	2nd
1999–00	No competition	Heineken Cup	4th in pool	Interprovincial Championship	2nd
2000–01	No competition	Heineken Cup	4th in pool	Interprovincial Championship	2nd
2001–02	Celtic League	2nd (A)	13	Semi-final	Heineken Cup	2nd in pool	Interprovincial Championship	2nd
2002–03	Celtic League	3rd (A)	22	Semi-final	Heineken Cup	3rd in pool	No competition
2003–04	Celtic League	2nd	72	N/A	Heineken Cup	3rd in pool	Celtic Cup	Champions
2004–05	Celtic League	8th	43	N/A	Heineken Cup	3rd in pool	Celtic Cup	Quarter-final
2005–06	Celtic League	Champions	75	N/A	Heineken Cup	3rd in pool	No competition
2006–07	Magners League	5th	55	N/A	Heineken Cup	3rd in pool	No competition
2007–08	Magners League	9th	29	N/A	Heineken Cup	4th in pool	No competition
2008–09	Magners League	8th	36	N/A	Heineken Cup	3rd in pool	No competition
2009–10	Magners League	8th	36	Did not qualify	Heineken Cup	2nd in pool	British and Irish Cup	Semi-final
2010–11	Magners League	3rd	67	Semi-final	Heineken Cup	Quarter-final	British and Irish Cup	5th in pool
2011–12	RaboDirect PRO12	6th	56	Did not qualify	Heineken Cup	Runner-up	British and Irish Cup	Quarter-final
2012–13	RaboDirect PRO12	1st	81	Runner-up	Heineken Cup	Quarter-final	British and Irish Cup	2nd in pool
2013–14	RaboDirect PRO12	4th	70	Semi-final	Heineken Cup	Quarter-final	British and Irish Cup	2nd in pool
2014–15	Guinness PRO12	4th	69	Semi-final	Champions Cup	3rd in pool	British and Irish Cup	3rd in pool
2015–16	Guinness PRO12	4th	69	Semi-final	Champions Cup	2nd in pool	British and Irish Cup	3rd in pool
2016–17	Guinness PRO12	5th	68	Did not qualify	Champions Cup	4th in pool	British and Irish Cup	Quarter-final
2017–18	Guinness PRO14	4th (B)	62	Did not qualify	Champions Cup	3rd in pool	British and Irish Cup	Quarter-final
2018–19	Guinness PRO14	2nd (B)	63	Semi-final	Champions Cup	Quarter-final	Celtic Cup	3rd in pool
2019–20	Guinness PRO14	2nd (A)	44	Runner-up	Champions Cup	Quarter-final	Celtic Cup	Runner-up
2020–21	Guinness PRO14	2nd (A)	64	Did not qualify	Challenge Cup	Semi-final	Rainbow Cup	10th in pool
2021–22	United Rugby Championship	3rd	59	Semi-final	Champions Cup	Round of 16	URC Shield	2nd in pool
2022–23	United Rugby Championship	2nd	68	Quarter-final	Champions Cup	Round of 16	URC Shield	2nd in pool
2023–24	United Rugby Championship	6th	54	Quarter-final	Challenge Cup	Quarter-final	URC Shield	2nd in pool

Gold background denotes champions
Silver background denotes runner-up

* After dropping into the competition from the Champions Cup/Heineken Cup

Current standings

European Rugby Champions Cup

Pool B

Honours

• European Rugby Champions Cup
  • Winners: 1 (1998–99)
  • Runners Up: 1 (2011–12)
• PRO14
  • Winners: 1 (2005–06)
  • Runners Up: 3 (2003-04, 2012-13, 2019-20)
• United Rugby Championship Irish Shield
  • Runners Up: 1 (2021-22)
• Celtic Cup
  • Winners: 1 (2003–04)
• Irish Inter-Provincial Championships
  • Winners: 26 (8 shared) (1946–47, 1950–51, 1951–52, 1953–54, 1955–56 (shared), 1956–57 (shared), 1966–67 (shared), 1967–68, 1969–70, 1970–71, 1972–73, 1974–75, 1975–76 (shared), 1976–77, 1977–78 (shared), 1982–83 (shared), 1984–85, 1985–86, 1986–87, 1987–88 (shared), 1988–89, 1989–90, 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94 (shared)
• Glasgow City Sevens
  • Winners: 1 (2013–14)^[122]

Crest

The current crest was introduced in 2003. The new, stylised crest is made specific to Ulster Rugby as it incorporates the red hand from the provincial flag of Ulster with two rugby balls.^[123] The Ulster Rugby crest is on all official club merchandise including replica jerseys.

Stadium

The Ravenhill Stadium, known for sponsorship reasons as the Kingspan Stadium since 2014, opened in 1923.^[124] It has hosted two Rugby World Cup matches, several Ireland national team matches, the 2015 Pro12 Grand Final and many 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup matches, including the final.

The Premium Stand opened in 2009. In 2011, the Northern Ireland Executive announced that it had granted £138m for various stadium redevelopment projects throughout Northern Ireland. Ulster Rugby received £14.5m, which was used to redevelop Ravenhill and expand its capacity from 12,000 to 18,000.^[125] The rest of the redevelopment took place from 2012 to 2014. In 2012, Ulster Rugby confirmed that three new stands would be built at Ravenhill, with work commencing in late 2012. Two new stands at the Memorial and Aquinas ends of the stadium were completed while the main stand was demolished and rebuilt. The major refurbishment was completed in April 2014.^[126] After the rest of the redevelopment was completed, the stadium was renamed the Kingspan Stadium.

Home attendance

Domestic League					European Cup					Total
League	Fixtures	Average Attendance	Highest	Lowest	League	Fixtures	Average Attendance	Highest	Lowest	Total Attendance	Average Attendance
–	–	–	–	–	1995–96 Heineken Cup	1	2,500	2,500	2,500	2,500	2,500
–	–	–	–	–	1996–97 Heineken Cup	2	5,750	8,000	3,500	11,500	5,750
–	–	–	–	–	1997–98 Heineken Cup	3	2,617	3,250	2,100	7,850	2,617
–	–	–	–	–	1998–99 Heineken Cup	5	11,000	20,000	4,500	55,000	11,000
–	–	–	–	–	1999–00 Heineken Cup	3	8,667	12,000	6,000	26,000	8,667
–	–	–	–	–	2000–01 Heineken Cup	3	12,500	13,500	12,000	37,500	12,500
2001–02 Celtic League	4	8,500	12,000	6,000	2001–02 Heineken Cup	3	11,833	13,000	10,000	69,500	9,929
2002–03 Celtic League	4	8,375	10,500	6,000	2002–03 Heineken Cup	3	11,717	12,500	11,000	68,650	9,807
2003–04 Celtic League	12•	6,863	12,000	5,041	2003–04 Heineken Cup	3	11,489	12,300	10,243	116,819	7,788
2004–05 Celtic League	10	6,693	8,145	5,638	2004–05 Heineken Cup	3	9,452	11,435	7,320	95,283	7,330
2005–06 Celtic League	10	9,181	12,300	6,487	2005–06 Heineken Cup	3	12,284	12,300	12,252	128,665	9,897
2006–07 Celtic League	10	10,207	12,900	7,429	2006–07 Heineken Cup	3	12,599	12,772	12,278	139,862	10,759
2007–08 Celtic League	9	9,661	13,132	6,592	2007–08 Heineken Cup	3	10,335	13,000	8,340	117,956	9,830
2008–09 Celtic League	9	9,085	13,500	7,368	2008–09 Heineken Cup	3	9,329	10,397	8,729	109,752	9,146
2009–10 Celtic League	9	8,863	11,800	7,334	2009–10 Heineken Cup	3	10,509	11,000	8,262	109,947	9,162
2010–11 Celtic League	11	8,476	11,426	6,651	2010–11 Heineken Cup	3	8,863	10,566	7,777	119,829	8,559
2011–12 Pro12	11	8,258	11,379	6,296	2011–12 Heineken Cup	3	9,593	11,900	7,494	119,620	8,544
2012–13 Pro12	12	10,373	11,078	8,108	2012–13 Heineken Cup	3	11,123	11,451	10,940	157,840	10,523
2013–14 Pro12	11	13,348	16,950	10,693	2013–14 Heineken Cup	4	14,464	16,853	12,977	204,678	13,645
2014–15 Pro12	11	16,037	17,139	13,501	2014–15 European Rugby Champions Cup	3	16,179	16,931	15,659	224,946	16,068
2015–16 Pro12	11	15,310	17,332	12,640	2015–16 European Rugby Champions Cup	3	16,111	17,108	15,108	216,740	15,481
2016–17 Pro12	11	15,961	17,676	13,663	2016–17 European Rugby Champions Cup	3	16,028	16,843	14,924	223,658	15,976
2017–18 Pro14	12*	14,026	17,631	7,014	2017–18 European Rugby Champions Cup	3	15,314	15,646	15,004	214,247	14,283
2018–19 Pro14	11	13,835	17,358	11,882	2018–19 European Rugby Champions Cup	3	14,039	16,842	12,124	194,300	13,879
2019–20 Pro14	7‡	13,818	17,483	10,975	2019–20 European Rugby Champions Cup	3	17,024	17,923	15,466	147,796	14,780
2020–21 Pro14 Pro14 Rainbow Cup	0‡	–	–	–	2020–21 European Rugby Champions Cup	0‡	–	–	–	–	–
	10	11,696	16,274	9,542	2021–22 European Rugby Champions Cup	3	14,969	18,196	12,000	161,869	12,452
	10	13,413	16,741	10,858	2022–23 European Rugby Champions Cup	1	18,196	18,196	18,196	152,330	13,848
	8†	13,679	18,196	10,181	2023–24 European Rugby Champions Cup	2	14,437	16,592	12,282	138,305	13,831
•Match figures inclusive of both Celtic League and Celtic Cup fixtures.
*Match figures inclusive of both Pro14 League fixtures and a European Champions Cup playoff fixture.
‡Match figures include fixtures in which COVID-19 restrictions limited attendance, but exclude fixtures in which no spectators were allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
†Only matches in which there was a reported attendance are included.

Up to date as of the 2023–24 season.

Key
	Record high
	Record low
	Affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

Current squad

Ulster Rugby United Rugby Championship squad
Props Marty Moore Eric O'Sullivan Tom O'Toole Callum Reid Andrew Warwick Scott Wilson Hookers John Andrew Rob Herring James McCormick Tom Stewart Locks Iain Henderson (c) Cormac Izuchukwu Alan O'Connor Harry Sheridan Kieran Treadwell	Back row Reuben Crothers David McCann Lorcan McLoughlin James McNabney Marcus Rea Matty Rea Sean Reffell* Nick Timoney Zac Ward (trial) Scrum-halves John Cooney Nathan Doak Conor McKee Michael McDonald David Shanahan Fly-halves Jake Flannery James Humphreys Aidan Morgan*	Centres Ben Carson James Hume Stuart McCloskey Stewart Moore Jude Postlethwaite Wings Robert Baloucoune Werner Kok Ben Moxham Aaron Sexton Jacob Stockdale Fullbacks Michael Lowry Ethan McIlroy
(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. Players and their allocated positions from the Ulster Rugby website.^[127]

Academy squad

Ulster Rugby academy squad
Props Jack Boal (2) Jacob Boyd (2) Cameron Doak (2) Hookers Zac Solomon (2) Henry Walker* (2) Locks Joe Hopes (3) Charlie Irvine (2)	Back row Tom Brigg (2) James McKillop (1) Josh Stevens (2) Bryn Ward (1) Scrum-halves Clarke Logan (1) Fly-halves Jack Murphy (1)	Centres Sam Berman (1) Wilhelm De Klerk (1) Jonathan Scott (1) Back three Ethan Graham (2) Lukas Kenny (2) Ben McFarlane (2) Rory Telfer (3)
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.^[128]

Staff

Position	Name	Nationality
Chief executive officer	Hugh McCaughey	Ireland
Operations director	Bryn Cunningham	Ireland
Head coach	Richie Murphy	Ireland
Attack coach	Dan Soper	New Zealand
Defence coach	Jonny Bell	Ireland
Forwards coach	Jimmy Duffy
Academy manager	Gavin Hogg
Elite performance development officer	Willie Faloon
Elite performance development officer	Neil Doak

Results versus representative sides

Scores and results list Ulster's points tally first.

Date	Opponent	Location	Result	Score	Notes
13 December 1902	Canada	Belfast	Lost	8–11	Match Report^[129]
December 1912	South Africa	Belfast	Lost	0–19	Match Report
5 November 1924	New Zealand	Ravenhill, Belfast	Lost	6–28	Tour Article
December 1931	South Africa	Ravenhill, Belfast	Lost	3–30	Match Report
30 November 1935	New Zealand	Ravenhill, Belfast	Draw	3–3	Match Report
1 December 1951	South Africa	Ravenhill, Belfast	Lost	5–27	Match Report
2 January 1954	New Zealand	Ravenhill, Belfast	Draw	5–5	Match Report
30 November 1957	Australia	Ravenhill, Belfast	Lost	0–9	Match Report
28 January 1961	South Africa	Belfast	Lost	6–19	Match Report
25 January 1964	New Zealand	Ravenhill, Belfast	Lost	5–24	Match Report
29 November 1969	South Africa	Ravenhill, Belfast	Draw	0–0*	Tour Article
18 November 1972	New Zealand	Ravenhill, Belfast	Lost	6–19	Match Report
3 November 1973	Argentina XV	Ravenhill, Belfast	Won	23–13	Match Report
16 November 1974	New Zealand	Ravenhill, Belfast	Lost	15–30	Match Report
15 November 1975	Australia	Ravenhill, Belfast	Lost	25–30	Match Report
7 November 1978	New Zealand	Ravenhill, Belfast	Lost	7–23	Match Report
11 October 1980	Romania	Ravenhill, Belfast	Lost	13–15	Match Report
14 November 1981	Australia	Ravenhill, Belfast	Lost	6–12	Tour article
14 November 1984	Australia	Ravenhill, Belfast	Won	15–13	Match Report
23 October 1985	Fiji	Ravenhill, Belfast	Won	23–9	Match Report
2 November 1988	Western Samoa	Ravenhill, Belfast	Won	47–15	Match Report
21 November 1989	New Zealand	Ravenhill, Belfast	Lost	3–21	Match Report
4 September 1990	Spain	Ravenhill, Belfast	Won	28–13	Match Report^[130]
24 October 1992	Australia	Ravenhill, Belfast	Lost	11–35	Match Report
16 November 1996	Australia	Ravenhill, Belfast	Lost	26–39	Match Report
10 August 1998	Morocco	Ravenhill, Belfast	Won	50–5	Match Report
10 November 2008	Portugal	Ravenhill, Belfast	Won	62–6	Match Report
9 November 2018	Uruguay	Ravenhill, Belfast	Won	21–5	Match Report
*Match was cancelled by the Northern Irish government due to concerns that law and order could not be maintained with anti-apartheid demonstrations expected to take place.^[131]

Records against URC and European Cup opponents

width=180xp	Against	width=48xp	Played	width=48xp	Won	width=48xp	Drawn	width=48xp	Lost	width=48xp	% Won
	8	8	0	0	100.00%
	9	5	0	4	%
	7	6	0	1	%
Benetton†	28	24	2	2	%
	6	2	0	4	33.33%
	2	0	0	2	00.00%
	8	8	0	0	100.00%
	4	1	0	3	25.00%
	1	1	0	0	100.00%
	3	2	0	1	66.66%
	1	0	0	1	0.00%
	1	1	0	0	100.00%
	1	1	0	0	100.00%
	36	22	1	13	%
	5	3	0	2	%
	2	2	0	0	100.00%
	2	2	0	0	100.00%
	4	2	1	1	%
Connacht*		32	1	13	%
	39	26	2	11	%
	2	2	0	0	100.00%
	45	31	1	13	%
	2	1	0	1	50.00%
	44	23	1	20	%
	5	1	0	4	%
	9	6	0	3	%
	4	1	0	3	%
	11	7	0	4	%
Leinster*		12	3	40	%
	3	3	0	0	%
	2	1	0	1	50.00%
	3	3	0	0	100.00%
Munster*		21	2	23	%
	3	2	0	1	66.67%
	8	5	0	3	%
	41	21	0	20	%
	2	2	0	0	100.00%
	1	1	0	0	100.00%
	3	2	0	1	66.67%
	8	1	0	7	%
	2	1	0	1	%
Scarlets†	48	26	3	19	%
	2	1	0	1	%
	11	5	0	6	%
	4	1	0	3	%
	5	5	0	0	100.00%
	4	2	0	2	50.00%
	2	0	0	2	0.00%
	14	6	1	7	%
	1	1	0	0	%
	8	3	0	5	%
	18	16	0	2	%
Total	629	360	18	250	%
*Matches played as part of the Irish Interprovincial Rugby Championship, separate from Celtic League fixtures, are not included in this table.|-| colspan="6" style="text-align: left;font-size:80%" |  †Results do not include a match between the Benetton and Ulster declared a 0–0 draw due to the COVID-19 pandemic, nor do they include the cancelled Ulster vs Scarlets Rainbow Cup fixture in which Scarlets were awarded victory due to positive Covid tests in the Ulster squad.^[132] ^[133] |}Updated as of 8 June 2024. Records against Irish Provinces (1946–present) width=175 Against width=48 Played width=48 Won width=48 Drawn width=48 Lost width=48 % Won 77 4 22 % 38 6 68 % 55 10 41 % Total 321 170 20 131 % Correct as of 8 June 2024. Head coaches (professional era) ^[134] ^[135] ^[136] Coach Season(s) GP* W D L Win % Loss % Championships / Notes Brian Bloomfield†^[137] ^[138] 1995/96 7 4 0 3 % % Tony Russ^[139] ^[140] 1996/97 7 2 0 5 % % Dave Haslett^[141] 1997/98 9 2 0 7 % % Harry Williams^[142] 1998/99 – 2000/01 41 18 2 21 % % European Cup (1998–99) ^[143] 2001/02 – 2003/04 63 41 2 20 % % 2003-04 Celtic Cup ^[144] 2004/05 – 2007/08 (mid-season) 91 46 3 42 % % 2005-06 Celtic League ^[145] 2007/08 (mid-season) 8 2 0 6 % % Interim ^[146] 2007/08 (mid-season) – 2008/09 37 15 1 21 % % Brian McLaughlin^[147] 2009/10 – 2011/12 93 54 2 37 % % ^[148] 2012/13 – 2013/14 69 47 5 17 % % ^[149] 2014/15 5 3 1 1 % % Interim ^[150] 2014/15 (mid-season) – 2016/17 85 48 2 35 % % ^[151] 2017/18 30 17 2 11 % % 2018/19 – 2023/24 (mid-season) 150 92 3 55 % % ^[152] 2023/24 (mid-season) 1 1 0 0 % % Interim 2023/24 (mid-season) – 10 5 0 5 % % Total 1995 – 706 397 23 286 % %  ^*Games played are inclusive of matches played against touring international sides and friendlies against club opposition. †Bloomfield was Ulster coach from 1993 to 1995. However, only matches from the professional era (1995/96 season) are included in this table. Personnel honours and records Bold indicates active player All Competitions Most tries Rank Player Tries align=center 1 Andrew Trimble align=center 76 align=center 2 Craig Gilroy align=center 69 align=center 3 Tommy Bowe align=center 62 align=center 4 Darren Cave align=center 45 align=center 5 Jacob Stockdale align=center 44 align=center 6 Rob Herring align=center 39 align=center 7 Nick Timoney align=center 36 align=center 8 Stuart McCloskey align=center 32 align=center 9 John Cooney align=center 31 align=center 10 Luke Marshall align=center 30 Most caps Rank Player Caps align=center 1 Rob Herring 241 align=center rowspan=2 2 align=center 229 align=center 229 align=center 4 align=center 218 align=center 5 align=center 217 align=center 6 align=center 213 align=center 7 align=center 206 align=center 8 Robbie Diack align=center 205 align=center 9 Alan O'Connor align=center 196 align=center 10 Andrew Warwick align=center 195 Most points Rank Player Points align=center 1 David Humphreys align=center 1,585 align=center 2 John Cooney align=center 1,121 align=center 3 Ruan Pienaar align=center 877 align=center 4 Paddy Jackson align=center 872 align=center 5 Ian Humphreys align=center 745 align=center 6 Paddy Wallace align=center 411 align=center 7 Andrew Trimble align=center 382 align=center 8 Craig Gilroy align=center 345 align=center 9 Tommy Bowe align=center 310 align=center 10 Nathan Doak align=center 287 (correct as of 8 June 2024)^[153] European Rugby Champions Cup Category Player Totals Years Tries Andrew Trimble align=center 27 2004–2018 Appearances Rory Best align=center 75 2004–2019 Points David Humphreys align=center 564 1996–2008 (correct as of 10 December 2023)^[154] United Rugby Championship Category Player Totals Years Tries Craig Gilroy align=center 58 2010–2023 Appearances Darren Cave align=center 180 2007–2019 Points David Humphreys align=center 786 1996–2008 Pens & Cons John Cooney align=center 286 2017- (correct as of 8 June 2024)^[155] Team of the Year Competition Irish players Overseas players 2006–07^[156] — Justin Harrison 2007–08^[157] — 2008–09^[158] — — 2009–10^[159] — — 2010–11^[160] — Ruan Pienaar 2011–12^[161] — — 2012–13^[162] Nick Williams 2013–14^[163] Johann Muller 2014–15^[164] Franco van der Merwe 2015–16^[165] Craig Gilroy (2) — 2016–17^[166] — Ruan Pienaar (2), Charles Piutau 2017–18^[167] — 2018–19^[168] — 2019–20^[169] John Cooney (3), Stuart McCloskey (2) — 2020–21^[170] Marcell Coetzee 2021–22^[171] — 2022–23^[172] — — 2023–24^[173] align=center John Cooney (5) — Pro14 Player of the Year Competition Irish players Overseas players 2010–11^[174] — Ruan Pienaar 2012–13^[175] — Nick Williams — Charles Piutau 2020–21^[176] — Marcell Coetzee Pro14 Individual Awards Category Player Season Total Top Try Scorer Tommy Bowe (Joint) 2005–06 align=center 10 Craig Gilroy (Joint) 2015–16 align=center 10 Marcell Coetzee (Joint) 2020–21 align=center 9 Top Point Scorer 2001–02 align=center 122 2017–18 align=center 175 John Cooney (2) (Joint) 2020–21 align=center 113 Young Player of the Year Luke Marshall 2012–13 align=center N/A Try of the Season Andrew Trimble (Ulster vs Connacht) 2012–13 align=center N/A Craig Gilroy (Ulster vs Scarlets) 2014–15 align=center N/A Ruan Pienaar (Ulster vs Glasgow Warriors) 2016–17 align=center N/A Pro14 Team Awards 2012–13 Pro12 Fair Play Award 2013–14 Pro12 Fair Play Award (joint) 2015–16 Pro12 Fair Play Award British & Irish Lions The following Ulster players, in addition to representing Ireland, have also represented the British & Irish Lions.^[177] Bold indicates player was tour captain for the year in question Note: Phillip Matthews played for the Lions in their victory against France in Paris. The game formed part of the celebrations of the bi-centennial of the French Revolution, but did not count as a "formal" Lions international. Ulster Rugby Awards Season Player of the Year Personality of the Year Supporters' Club Player of the Year Young Player of the Year Rugby Writers' Player of the Year 1997–98^[178] Andy Ward Andy Ward 1998–99^[179] Simon Mason David Humphreys 1999–2000^[180] Tony McWhirter David Humphreys (2) 2000–01^[181] Tyrone Howe Gary Longwell Tyrone Howe 2001–02^[182] David Humphreys Paddy Wallace David Humphreys 2002–03^[183] Bryn Cunningham Allen Clarke Robbi Kempson 2003–04^[184] Roger Wilson Alan Solomons Andy Ward 2004–05^[185] Neil Best Tommy Bowe Kieran Campbell 2005–06^[186] Andrew Trimble Justin Harrison Stephen Ferris 2006–07 Roger Wilson (2) David Humphreys (3) David Pollock 2007–08 Tommy Bowe Rory Best Niall O'Connor 2008–09 Rory Best Stephen Ferris Darren Cave Stephen Ferris 2009–10 Andrew Trimble (2) Chris Henry Chris Henry Jamie Smith Chris Henry 2010–11 Ruan Pienaar Johann Muller Johann Muller Nevin Spence 2011–12 Chris Henry Stephen Ferris (2) Pedrie Wannenburg Craig Gilroy 2012–13 Andrew Trimble (3) Nevin Spence Andrew Trimble Iain Henderson 2013–14 Andrew Trimble (4) Johann Muller Andrew Trimble (2) Paddy Jackson Andrew Trimble 2014–15 Craig Gilroy Rory Best (2) Darren Cave Stuart McCloskey Craig Gilroy 2015–16 Stuart McCloskey Nick Williams Paddy Jackson Kyle McCall Franco van der Merwe 2016–17 Charles Piutau Ruan Pienaar Ruan Pienaar Jacob Stockdale Sean Reidy 2017–18 John Cooney Paul Marshall John Cooney Nick Timoney John Cooney 2018–19 Stuart McCloskey (2) Rory Best (3) Stuart McCloskey Eric O'Sullivan Marcell Coetzee 2019–20 John Cooney (2) Marcell Coetzee Marcell Coetzee Tom O'Toole Marcell Coetzee (2) 2020–21 Alan O'Connor Iain Henderson John Cooney (2) James Hume Nick Timoney 2021–22 James Hume Ashleigh Orchard Michael Lowry Ethan McIlroy James Hume 2022–23^[187] Tom Stewart Tom Stewart Stewart Moore Stuart McCloskey 2023–24^[188] David McCann Luke Marshall John Cooney (3) Harry Sheridan David McCann Club rugby in Ulster The IRFU Ulster Branch oversees a pyramid of club rugby competitions in Ulster. Senior level Ulster currently has thirteen senior rugby clubs, which compete in the All-Ireland League, the Ulster Rugby Premiership, the Ulster Senior Cup and the Ulster Senior Shield. They are: Ballynahinch (AIL Div 1A) City of Armagh (AIL Div 1A) Queen's University (AIL Div 1B) Ballymena (AIL Div 2A) Banbridge (AIL Div 2A) Instonians (AIL Div 2A) Clogher Valley (AIL Div 2B) Dungannon (AIL Div 2B) Malone (AIL Div 2B) Rainey (AIL Div 2B) Ballyclare (AIL Div 2C Belfast Harlequins (AIL Div 2C) Omagh Academicals (AIL Div 2C) Ballynahinch are currently the highest ranked in the All-Ireland League, finishing fifth in Division 1A in 2023–24.^[189] They are holders of the 2023-24 Ulster Rugby Premiership, having won it three seasons in a row.^[190] Instonians are the holders of the 2023-24 Ulster Senior Cup.^[191] Ballyclare were promoted to senior level for the first time in 2023 after finishing top of the 2022-23 Ulster Rugby Championship and winning playoffs against Connacht junior champions Creggs and Leinster League champions Monkstown.^[192] ^[193] Junior level The second tier includes the three divisions of the Ulster Rugby Championship, and the 2nd XV League. Clubs in the Championship Division 1, and some of the clubs in the Second XV league, also compete in the Ulster Junior Cup. Clubs in the Championship Division 2, and some of the clubs in the Second XV league, compete in the Ulster Junior Shield. Clubs in the Championship Division 3 also compete in the Gordon West Cup and Gordon West Plate. Clubs in all the tier 2 divisions also compete in the McCrea Cup and the Ulster Towns Cup. The third tier contains the two divisions of the Ulster Provincial Premiership, the Crawford Cup and the Crawford Plate. The fourth tier consists of three divisions of the Provincial Regional - North, East 1 and East 2. These clubs also compete in the Forster Cup and the Forster Plate. The fifth tier consists of five divisions: Regional North, Regional South divisions 1 and 2, and Regional East divisions 1 and 2. Clubs at this level also compete in the McCambley Cup and the Butler Shield.^[194] See also United Rugby Championship European Rugby Champions Cup History of rugby union matches between Leinster and Ulster History of rugby union matches between Munster and Ulster History of rugby union matches between Connacht and Ulster External links The UAFC – Ulster Rugby Supporters site The UAFC – Ulster Supporters Forum Videos of Ulster Matches InTouch Rugby Ulster Rugby Online News The FRU Ulster Supporters Fanzine ercrugby Profile

Notes and References

1. Book: Peter, Richard . The Origins and Development of Football in Ireland . 1999 . Belfast . Ulster Historical Foundation . 6 . 0-901905-93-3 .
2. Web site: History of the Irish Rugby Football Union . . 22 April 2018.
3. Web site: Connacht Rugby . . 28 April 2016 . 22 April 2018.
4. Web site: Ray McLoughlin - Connacht Rugby Legend . Connacht Rugby Supporters . 25 March 2006 . 31 January 2018.
5. Web site: Irish Rugby 1874–1999 — A History: INTERPROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS page 442 . . 7 January 2018 . 4 March 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071622/http://www.irishrugby.ie/history/css/arch_history_116.htm . dead .
6. Web site: Irish Rugby 1874–1999 — A History: INTERPROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS page 443 . . 7 January 2018 . 4 March 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084006/http://www.irishrugby.ie/history/css/arch_history_117.htm . dead .
7. Web site: Irish Rugby 1874–1999 — A History: INTERPROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS page 444 . . 7 January 2018 . 4 March 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304085534/http://www.irishrugby.ie/history/css/arch_history_118.htm . dead .
8. https://www.dai-sport.com/irish-provinces-moulded-history-modernity-leave-welsh-regions-trailing-far-behind/ "How The Irish Provinces Moulded History With Modernity To Leave The Welsh Regions Trailing So Far Behind"
9. Web site: European Rugby Cup : History . ERC . 21 March 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070208134810/http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/37_74.php . 8 February 2007.
10. Web site: Rugby Union: European Cup final - Ulster take a red-carpet ride . . 31 January 1999 . 22 April 2018.
11. "Celtic League gets green light to kick off in August", Evening Herald, 31 May 2001
12. Web site: Alan Solomons Director of Rugby . Worcester Warriors . 24 September 2021.
13. Gavin Mairs, "Wisdom of Solomons in finest hour", Belfast Telegraph, 12 January 2004
14. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/irish/3324669.stm "Ulster hold on for victory"
15. https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/mccall-gets-call-to-coach-ulster-1.1136572 "McCall gets call to coach Ulster"
16. https://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/15373851/clarke-named-assistant-coach-ulster "Clarke named assistant coach at Ulster"
17. Web site: Gloucester lose their foothold in Belfast bog . The Guardian . 8 January 2005 . 24 September 2021.
18. Web site: Ulster 19 - 10 Saracens . The Guardian . 10 December 2005 . 24 September 2021.
19. http://rd.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/4596.php "Humphreys drop snatches title for Ulster"
20. Tom Glover, "Ulster 30 Toulouse 3: Humphreys master of the guillotine", The Independent, 22 October 2006
21. Gavin Mairs, "Rory heads for World Cup as Personality of the Year", Belfast Telegraph, 18 May 2007
22. News: Ulster coach quits . Sky Sports . 13 November 2007.
23. Ciaran Donaghy, "Cave finds ray of light in shape of first start for Ulster", Belfast Telegraph, 6 October 2007
24. Richard Mulligan, "Humphreys steals the limelight while Monaghan boy Bowe bows out in style", News Letter, 16 May 2008
25. https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/bowe-to-join-ospreys-1.1220070 "Bowe to join Ospreys"
26. Web site: Double signing strengthens Saints squad . 2008-01-27 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160208035907/http://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/3831_4543.php . February 8, 2016 .
27. Richard Mulligan, "New Role in Ulster for Humphreys", News Letter, 5 June 2008
28. https://www.thefrontrowunion.com/2020/05/ulsters-maverick-out-half-ian-humphreys/ "Ulster’s maverick out half: Ian Humphreys"
29. News: Williams leaves Ulster . Sky Sports . 21 May 2009.
30. Richard Mulligan, "Ferris claims top accolade", News Letter, 15 May 2009
31. Richard Mulligan, "New signings given an early opportunity", News Letter, 19 August 2009
32. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19615900 "Nevin Spence: Ulster rugby player"
33. https://www.thefrontrowunion.com/2010/01/bath-10-ulster-28/?rcp_action=lostpassword "Bath 10 Ulster 28"
34. Richard Mulligan, "Henry hat-trick caps super year", News Letter, 21 May 2010
35. Web site: Leinster Rugby : Leinster announce squad for 2010/11... . www.leinsterrugby.ie . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100619084545/http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/newsroom/4833.php . 2010-06-19.
36. https://www.irishrugby.ie/2010/08/30/fitzpatrick-takes-charge-of-dungannon/ "Fitzpatrick Takes Charge Of Dungannon"
37. "Ulster secure signing of 'Boks star Pienaar", Irish Independent, 28 May 2010
38. "Springbok duo are straight into fray", News Letter, 13 August 2010
39. https://www.newsletter.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/rugby-paddy-jackson-agrees-two-year-ulster-contract-extension-1147864 "RUGBY: Paddy Jackson agrees two-year Ulster contract extension"
40. https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/pro14/marshall-gets-chance-to-showcase-talent-26708012.html "Marshall gets chance to showcase talent"
41. Niall Crozier, "Boks bag top gongs at awards", Belfast Telegraph, 11 May 2011
42. Web site: Ulster Sign All-Black Prop John Afoa . Ulster Rugby . 16 March 2011.
43. Web site: Payne signs with Ulster . 1 April 2011 . The Blues.
44. https://www.rugbyworld.com/players/iain-henderson-ten-things-should-know-125268 "Who is Iain Henderson: Ten things you should know about the Ireland lock"
45. News: Leinster 42-14 Ulster. RTÉ Sport. RTÉ. 19 May 2012. 19 May 2012.
46. https://dementedmole.com/2018/03/04/its-grim-up-north-ulsters-malaise/ "It's Grim Up North - Ulster's Malaise"
47. "Ferris lost for words as he scoops top Ulster award", News Letter, 12 May 2012
48. http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/10598.php Williams signs for Ulster
49. News: Bowe going back to his roots. The Irish Times .
50. News: Ospreys' Bowe signs Ulster deal. BBC Sport.
51. https://ulsterrugbylad.co.uk/rugby-thoughts/ulster-rugby-lad-meets-rob-herring/ "Ulster Rugby Lad meets… Rob Herring"
52. News: Humphreys signs for London Irish. BBC Sport.
53. Web site: Ulster star Nevin Spence dies in accident on Co. Down farm. 16 September 2012. 16 September 2012. thescore.ie. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120917000755/http://www.thescore.ie/ulster-star-nevin-spence-dies-in-accident-on-co-down-farm-597031-Sep2012/. 17 September 2012.
54. Web site: Ulster boss Saints from start to finish . espnscrum . 21 April 2021.
55. https://ulster.rugby/content/talented-quartet-sign-new-ulster-contracts "Talented Quartet Sign New Ulster Contracts"
56. Richard Mullugan, "Nevin Spence honoured at Ulster Rugby awards", News Letter, 11 May 2013
57. Gerry Thornley, "Stuart McCloskey eager to add to his sole Ireland cap", The Irish Times, 28 October 2018
58. Web site: "Andrew Warwick on his first appearance for Ulster", Ulster Rugby, 30 March 2014 . 2015-06-06 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150420132717/http://www.ulsterrugby.com/News/LatestNews/TabId/149/ArtMID/793/ArticleID/1364/Andrew-Warwick-on-his-first-appearance-for-Ulster-.aspx . 2015-04-20 .
59. Richard Mulligan, "Trimble celebrates hat-trick", News Letter, 5 May 2014
60. Web site: Ulster Rugby Update. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140706142641/http://www.ulsterrugby.com/News/LatestNews/TabId/149/ArtMID/793/ArticleID/1604/Ulster-Rugby-Update.aspx. 2014-07-06.
61. Web site: Mark Anscombe follows Humphreys out Ulster's exit door with immediate effect . The Score . 2 July 2014 . 30 June 2014.
62. Web site: Kiss to take Ulster DOR role after World Cup, Doak confirmed as head coach . The Score . 19 October 2014 . 7 October 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20141202000944/http://www.thescore.ie/neil-doak-ulster-les-kiss-ulster-1711377-Oct2014/ . 2 December 2014 .
63. Niall Crozier, "Money is the name of the game in Ulster stadium name-change" Belfast Telegraph, 5 June 2014
64. Web site: Rory Best relishing return to Ulster captaincy . Irish times . 1 August 2014 . 1 August 2014.
65. David Kelly, "Connacht signings trump rival provinces’ purchases", Irish Independent, 23 August 2013
66. Web site: Franco replaces Johann at Ulster . Rugby365 . 24 April 2014 . 24 April 2014.
67. News: Ulster and Ireland prop Declan Fitzpatrick retires on medical advice. BBC Sport. 16 April 2015.
68. https://www.irishrugby.ie/2015/05/02/best-gilroy-and-cave-among-the-ulster-award-winners/ "Best, Gilroy And Cave Among The Ulster Award Winners"
69. Gerry Thornley, "Jacob Stockdale living the dream playing alongside his boyhood heroes", The Irish Times, 11 November 2017
70. https://www.ulstertatler.com/2016/05/nick-williams-wins-the-heineken-ulster-rugby-personality-of-the-year-award/ "Nick Williams Wins The Heineken Ulster Rugby Personality of The Year Award"
71. News: Nick Williams: Cardiff Blues sign Ulster number eight. BBC Sport. 23 December 2015.
72. News: Bristol sign Ireland and Ulster lock Dan Tuohy. Bristol Post. 6 December 2016.
73. News: Ulster fly-half Ian Humphreys announces retirement at end of season. BBC Sport. 8 March 2016.
74. News: Springboks back row Marcell Coetzee agrees Ulster move. Sky Sports. 11 February 2016.
75. News: All-Black utility back Charles Piutau confirm move to Ulster. BBC Sport. 1 April 2015.
76. News: Ulster have signed Irish-qualified England Under-20 lock Kieran Treadwell. BBC Sport. 22 January 2016.
77. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBYdR5fVhQk "URTV: Nick Timoney discusses his first cap for Ulster"
78. https://www.irishrugby.ie/2017/05/07/departing-duo-receive-ulster-rugby-awards/ "Departing Duo Receive Ulster Rugby Awards"
79. Jonathan Bradley, "All Black Jono Gibbes joins Ulster in coaching role", Belfast Telegraph, 13 February 2017
80. Jonathan Bradley, "Doak plans to end 23 years at Kingspan with a flourish", Belfast Telegraph, 5 April 2017
81. Tom Hamilton, "IRFU rules force Springboks star Ruan Pienaar to leave Ulster", ESPN, 31 August 2016
82. https://therunnersports.com/ulster-sign-john-cooney-from-connacht/ "Ulster Sign John Cooney From Connacht"
83. https://punditarena.com/rugby/thepateam/paddy-jackson-stuart-olding/ "IRFU Suspend Paddy Jackson & Stuart Olding After Being Charged By The PSNI"
84. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-43766959 "Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding's contracts revoked"
85. Beth Newman, "Lealiifano on loan to Ulster", 22 August 2017
86. News: Ulster team named for trip to Edinburgh. 5 April 2018. Ulster Rugby. 2 April 2019.
87. https://www.thefrontrowunion.com/2018/06/ulster-rugby-who-did-what-2017-18/ Ulster Rugby: Who did what 2017-18
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