Ulster Rugby
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.
| Nickname(s) | The Ulstermen |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1879 |
| Location | Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Ground(s) | Ravenhill Stadium (Capacity: 18,196) |
| Chairman | Jonny Petrie |
| Coach(es) | Dan McFarland |
| Captain(s) | Iain Henderson |
| Most caps | Rob Herring (233) |
| Top scorer | David Humphreys (1,585) |
| Most tries | Andrew Trimble (76) |
| League(s) | United Rugby Championship |
| 2022–23 | Quarter-finals 2nd Irish Shield (2nd overall) |
| Official website | |
| ulster | |
| Current season | |
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 edit
Foundation (1868–1879) edit
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 Ireland's first international match, which was played in 1875 against England, 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) edit
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) edit
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) edit
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.[29] 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) edit
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 edit
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.[65] 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 edit
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–present – rebuilding under Dan McFarland edit
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]
Previous season summaries edit
| 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 |
Gold background denotes champions
Silver background denotes runner-up
* After dropping into the competition from the Champions Cup/Heineken Cup
Current standings edit
United Rugby Championship edit
| |||||||||||||||||
| Team | P | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | TA | Try bonus | Losing bonus | Pts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leinster | 8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 236 | 139 | +97 | 33 | 17 | 5 | 0 | 33 | ||||
| 2 | Benetton | 9 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 192 | 161 | +31 | 22 | 22 | 2 | 0 | 32 | ||||
| 3 | Glasgow Warriors | 9 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 244 | 192 | +52 | 36 | 19 | 6 | 1 | 31 | ||||
| 4 | Edinburgh | 9 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 200 | 198 | +2 | 22 | 25 | 1 | 1 | 26 | ||||
| 5 | Bulls | 8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 294 | 182 | +112 | 40 | 21 | 4 | 2 | 26 | ||||
| 6 | Stormers | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 213 | 163 | +50 | 26 | 22 | 3 | 3 | 26 | ||||
| 7 | Ulster | 8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 195 | 187 | +8 | 23 | 27 | 2 | 2 | 24 | ||||
| 8 | Munster | 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 175 | 131 | +44 | 23 | 15 | 3 | 3 | 24 | ||||
| 9 | Ospreys | 8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 176 | 159 | +17 | 23 | 19 | 3 | 1 | 20 | ||||
| 10 | Connacht | 8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 193 | 206 | –13 | 23 | 28 | 1 | 3 | 20 | ||||
| 11 | Cardiff | 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 206 | 177 | +29 | 27 | 22 | 2 | 4 | 20 | ||||
| 12 | Lions | 7 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 210 | 157 | +53 | 27 | 19 | 3 | 4 | 19 | ||||
| 13 | Zebre Parma | 9 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 194 | 319 | –125 | 27 | 46 | 3 | 3 | 12 | ||||
| 14 | Scarlets | 8 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 136 | 297 | –161 | 17 | 40 | 2 | 1 | 11 | ||||
| 15 | Sharks | 8 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 155 | 186 | –31 | 21 | 23 | 1 | 3 | 8 | ||||
| 16 | Dragons | 8 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 129 | 294 | –165 | 15 | 40 | 0 | 2 | 6 | ||||
If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:[119]
| |||||||||||||||||
| Green background indicates teams that are play-off places and earn a place in the 2024–25 European Champions Cup Plain background indicates teams that earn a place in the 2024–25 European Challenge Cup. | |||||||||||||||||
European Rugby Champions Cup edit
Pool B
| 2022–23 European Rugby Champions Cup Pool B | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | W | D | L | PF | PA | Diff | TF | TA | TB | LB | Pts | |
| La Rochelle | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 120 | 57 | +63 | 15 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 18 |
| Toulouse | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 110 | 53 | +57 | 12 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 17 |
| Stormers | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 106 | 68 | +38 | 13 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 15 |
| Leicester Tigers | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 116 | 89 | +27 | 11 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 14 |
| Ospreys | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 100 | 88 | +12 | 12 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 14 |
| Munster | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 73 | 67 | +6 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 10 |
| Montpellier | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 92 | 104 | –12 | 13 | 13 | 2 | 1 | 9 |
| Ulster | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 54 | 93 | –39 | 7 | 11 | 1 | 2 | 7 |
| Clermont | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 85 | 111 | –26 | 8 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| Sale Sharks | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 74 | 94 | –20 | 11 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| London Irish | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 76 | 115 | –39 | 10 | 15 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Northampton Saints | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 54 | 121 | –67 | 5 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Green background (rows 1 to 8) indicates qualification places for the Champions Cup round of 16. Blue background (rows 9 to 10) indicates qualification places for the Challenge Cup round of 16. Starting table — source: European Professional Club Rugby | ||||||||||||
Honours edit
- European Rugby Champions Cup
- PRO14
- 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)[120]
Crest edit
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.[121] The Ulster Rugby crest is on all official club merchandise including replica jerseys.
Stadium edit
The Ravenhill Stadium, known for sponsorship reasons as the Kingspan Stadium since 2014, opened in 1923.[122] 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.[123] 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.[124] After the rest of the redevelopment was completed, the stadium was renamed the Kingspan Stadium.
Home Attendance edit
| 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‡ | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2021–22 United Rugby Championship | 10 | 11,696 | 16,274 | 9,542 | 2021–22 European Rugby Champions Cup | 3 | 14,969 | 18,196 | 12,000 | 161,869 | 12,452 |
| 2022–23 United Rugby Championship | 10 | 13,413 | 16,741 | 10,858 | 2022–23 European Rugby Champions Cup | 1 | 18,196 | 18,196 | 18,196 | 152,330 | 13,848 |
| •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. | |||||||||||
Up to date as of the 2022–23 season.
| Key | |
|---|---|
| Record high | |
| Record low | |
| * | Affected by the COVID-19 pandemic |
Current squad edit
| Ulster Rugby United Rugby Championship squad[a] | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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. Players and their allocated positions from the Ulster Rugby website.[125]
|
Academy squad edit
| Ulster Rugby academy squad | ||
|---|---|---|
| Props Hookers Locks | Back row Scrum-halves
Fly-halves | Centres
Back three |
| 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.[126] |
Staff edit
| Position | Name | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Chief executive officer | Jonny Petrie | Scotland |
| Operations director | Bryn Cunningham | Ireland |
| Head coach | Dan McFarland | England |
| Assistant coach | Dan Soper | New Zealand |
| Defence coach | Jonny Bell | Ireland |
| Forwards coach | Roddy Grant | Scotland |
| Skills coach | Craig Newby | New Zealand |
| Academy manager | Gavin Hogg | Ireland |
| Elite performance development officer | Willie Faloon | Ireland |
| Elite performance development officer | Neil Doak | Ireland |
Results versus representative sides edit
- 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[127] | ||||||
| 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[128] | ||||||
| 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.[129] | |||||||||||
Records against URC and European Cup opponents edit
| Against | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | % Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aironi | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% |
| ASM Clermont Auvergne | 8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 62.5% |
| Bath | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 85.71% |
| Benetton† | 27 | 23 | 2 | 2 | 85.19% |
| Biarritz | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 33.33% |
| Bordeaux | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 00.00% |
| Border Reivers | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% |
| Bourgoin | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 25.00% |
| Bridgend | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% |
| Bulls | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 66.66% |
| CA Brive | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.00% |
| Caerphilly | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% |
| Caledonia Reds | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% |
| Cardiff Blues | 35 | 21 | 1 | 13 | 60% |
| Cardiff RFC | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 60% |
| Castres | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% |
| Celtic Warriors | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% |
| Cheetahs | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 50% |
| Connacht* | 46 | 32 | 1 | 13 | 69.57% |
| Dragons | 38 | 25 | 2 | 11 | 65.79% |
| Ebbw Vale RFC | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% |
| Edinburgh | 45 | 31 | 1 | 13 | 68.89% |
| Exeter Chiefs | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 50.00% |
| Glasgow Warriors | 44 | 23 | 1 | 20 | 52.27% |
| Gloucester | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 20% |
| Harlequins | 8 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 75% |
| La Rochelle | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 25% |
| Leicester Tigers | 11 | 7 | 0 | 4 | 63.64% |
| Leinster* | 52 | 10 | 3 | 39 | 19.23% |
| Lions | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 100% |
| London Irish | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 50.00% |
| Montpellier | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 50.00% |
| Munster* | 45 | 21 | 2 | 22 | 46.67% |
| Neath RFC | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 66.67% |
| Northampton Saints | 8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 62.5% |
| Ospreys | 40 | 21 | 0 | 19 | 52.5% |
| Oyonnax | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% |
| Pontypridd | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% |
| Racing 92 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 66.67% |
| Saracens | 8 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 12.5% |
| Sale Sharks | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 50% |
| Scarlets† | 47 | 25 | 3 | 19 | 53.19% |
| Sharks | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100% |
| Stade Français | 11 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 45.45% |
| Stormers | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 33.33% |
| Southern Kings | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 100.00% |
| Swansea RFC | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 50.00% |
| Toulon | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.00% |
| Toulouse | 13 | 6 | 1 | 6 | 46.15% |
| US Colomiers | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100% |
| Wasps | 8 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 60% |
| Zebre | 18 | 16 | 0 | 2 | 88.89% |
| Total | 613 | 353 | 18 | 242 | 57.59% |
| *Matches played as part of the Irish Interprovincial Rugby Championship, separate from Celtic League fixtures, are not included in this table. | |||||
| †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.[130][131] | |||||
Updated as of 22 December 2023.
Head coaches (professional era) edit
| Coach | Season(s) | GP* | W | D | L | Win % | Loss % | Championships / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Bloomfield†[133][134] | 1995/96 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 57.1% | 42.9% | |
| Tony Russ[135][136] | 1996/97 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 28.6% | 71.4% | |
| Dave Haslett[137] | 1997/98 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 22.2% | 77.8% | |
| Harry Williams[138] | 1998/99 – 2000/01 | 41 | 18 | 2 | 21 | 43.9% | 51.2% | European Cup (1998-99) |
| Alan Solomons[139] | 2001/02 – 2003/04 | 63 | 41 | 2 | 20 | 65.1% | 31.7% | 2003-04 Celtic Cup |
| Mark McCall[140] | 2004/05 – 2007/08 (mid-season) | 91 | 46 | 3 | 42 | 50.5% | 46.2% | 2005-06 Celtic League |
| Steve Williams[141] | 2007/08 (mid-season) | 8 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 25% | 75% | Interim |
| Matt Williams[142] | 2007/08 (mid-season) – 2008/09 | 37 | 15 | 1 | 21 | 40.5% | 56.8% | |
| Brian McLaughlin[143] | 2009/10 – 2011/12 | 93 | 54 | 2 | 37 | 58.1% | 39.8% | |
| Mark Anscombe[144] | 2012/13 – 2013/14 | 69 | 47 | 5 | 17 | 68.1% | 24.6% | |
| Les Kiss[145] | 2014/15 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 60% | 20% | Interim |
| Neil Doak[146] | 2014/15 (mid-season) – 2016/17 | 85 | 48 | 2 | 35 | 56.5% | 41.2% | |
| Jono Gibbes[147] | 2017/18 | 30 | 17 | 2 | 11 | 56.7% | 36.7% | |
| Dan McFarland | 2018/19 – | 146 | 91 | 3 | 52 | 62.3% | 35.6% | |
| Total | 1995 – | 691 | 390 | 23 | 278 | 56.4% | 40.2% | |
| *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 edit
Bold indicates active player
All Competitions edit
|
|
|
(correct as of 22 December 2023)[148][149]
European Rugby Champions Cup edit
| Category | Player | Totals | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tries | Andrew Trimble | 27 | 2004–2018 |
| Appearances | Rory Best | 75 | 2004–2019 |
| Points | David Humphreys | 564 | 1996–2008 |
(correct as of 10 December 2023)[149]
United Rugby Championship edit
| Category | Player | Totals | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tries | Craig Gilroy | 58 | 2010–2023 |
| Appearances | Darren Cave | 180 | 2007–2019 |
| Points | David Humphreys | 786 | 1996–2008 |
| Pens & Cons | David Humphreys | 272 | 1996–2008 |
(correct as of 28 January 2022)[150]
Team of the Year
| Competition | Irish players | Overseas players |
|---|---|---|
| 2006–07[151] | — | Justin Harrison |
| 2007–08[152] | Tommy Bowe | — |
| 2008–09[153] | — | — |
| 2009–10[154] | — | — |
| 2010–11[155] | — | Ruan Pienaar |
| 2011–12[156] | — | — |
| 2012–13[157] | Luke Marshall | Nick Williams |
| 2013–14[158] | Andrew Trimble | Johann Muller |
| 2014–15[159] | Craig Gilroy, Rory Best | Franco van der Merwe |
| 2015–16[160] | Craig Gilroy (2) | — |
| 2016–17[161] | — | Ruan Pienaar (2), Charles Piutau |
| 2017–18[162] | John Cooney | — |
| 2018–19[163] | John Cooney (2), Stuart McCloskey | — |
| 2019–20[164] | John Cooney (3), Stuart McCloskey (2) | — |
| 2020–21[165] | John Cooney (4), Michael Lowry, Eric O'Sullivan | Marcell Coetzee |
| 2021–22[166] | James Hume, Nick Timoney | — |
| 2022–23[167] | — | — |
Pro14 Player of the Year
| Competition | Irish players | Overseas players |
|---|---|---|
| 2010–11[168] | — | Ruan Pienaar |
| 2012–13[169] | — | Nick Williams |
| 2016–17[161] | — | Charles Piutau |
| 2020–21[170] | — | Marcell Coetzee |
Pro14 Individual Awards
| Category | Player | Season | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Try Scorer | Tommy Bowe (Joint) | 2005–06 | 10 |
| Craig Gilroy (Joint) | 2015–16 | 10 | |
| Marcell Coetzee (Joint) | 2020–21 | 9 | |
| Top Point Scorer | David Humphreys | 2001–02 | 122 |
| John Cooney | 2017–18 | 175 | |
| John Cooney (2) (Joint) | 2020–21 | 113 | |
| Young Player of the Year | Luke Marshall | 2012–13 | N/A |
| Try of the Season | Andrew Trimble (Ulster vs Connacht) | 2012–13 | N/A |
| Craig Gilroy (Ulster vs Scarlets) | 2014–15 | N/A | |
| Ruan Pienaar (Ulster vs Glasgow Warriors) | 2016–17 | 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 edit
The following Ulster players, in addition to representing Ireland, have also represented the British & Irish Lions.[171]
- Tommy Smyth: 1910
- Alexander Foster: 1910
- Robert Alexander: 1938
- George Cromey: 1938
- Harry McKibbin: 1938
- Paddy Mayne: 1938
- Jack Kyle: 1950
- Jimmy Nelson: 1950
- Robin Thompson: 1955
- Cecil Pedlow: 1955
- David Hewitt: 1959
- Raymond Hunter: 1962
- Willie John McBride: 1962, 1966, 1968, 1971, 1974
- Syd Millar: 1962, 1968
- Mike Gibson: 1966, 1968, 1971, 1974, 1977
- Roger Young: 1966, 1968
- Stewart McKinney: 1974
- Richard Milliken: 1974
- Colin Patterson: 1980
- David Irwin: 1983
- Trevor Ringland: 1983, 1986
- Nigel Carr: 1986
- Steve Smith: 1989
- Eric Miller: 1997
- Jeremy Davidson: 1997, 2001
- Tyrone Howe: 2001
- Stephen Ferris: 2009
- Tommy Bowe: 2009, 2013
- Rory Best: 2013, 2017
- Tom Court: 2013
- Iain Henderson: 2017, 2021
- Jared Payne: 2017
- 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 edit
Club rugby in Ulster edit
The IRFU Ulster Branch oversees a pyramid of club rugby competitions in Ulster.
Senior level edit
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)
- Malone (AIL Div 2A)
- Belfast Harlequins (AIL Div 2B)
- Dungannon (AIL Div 2B)
- Instonians (AIL Div 2B)
- Rainey Old Boys (AIL Div 2B)
- Bangor (AIL Div 2C)
- Clogher Valley (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 2022-23.[198] They are holders of the 2023-24 Ulster Rugby Premiership, having won it three seasons in a row,[199] and the 2022-23 Ulster Senior Cup.[200]
Clogher Valley were promoted to senior level for the first time in 2023 after finishing top of the 2022-23 Ulster Rugby Championship[201] and winning playoffs against Leinster League champions Bective Rangers[202] and Munster junior champions Richmond.[203]
Junior level edit
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.[204]
See also edit
Notes edit
- ^ Original research sourced from https://www.ulsterrugby.com/fixtures-results/
- ^ "Statistics".
References edit
- ^ Peter, Richard (1999). The Origins and Development of Football in Ireland. Belfast: Ulster Historical Foundation. p. 6. ISBN 0-901905-93-3.
- ^ "History of the Irish Rugby Football Union". Irish Rugby. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
- ^ a b "Connacht Rugby". Galway Advertiser. 28 April 2016. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
- ^ "Ray McLoughlin - Connacht Rugby Legend". Connacht Rugby Supporters. 25 March 2006. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
- ^ . Irish Rugby. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
- ^ . Irish Rugby. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
- ^ . Irish Rugby. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
- ^ "How The Irish Provinces Moulded History With Modernity To Leave The Welsh Regions Trailing So Far Behind", Dai Sport, 21 January 2019
- ^ . ERC. Archived from the original on 8 February 2007. Retrieved 21 March 2007.
- ^ "Rugby Union: European Cup final - Ulster take a red-carpet ride". The Independent. 31 January 1999. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
- ^ "Celtic League gets green light to kick off in August", Evening Herald, 31 May 2001
- ^ "Alan Solomons Director of Rugby". Worcester Warriors. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
- ^ Gavin Mairs, "Wisdom of Solomons in finest hour", Belfast Telegraph, 12 January 2004
- ^ "Ulster hold on for victory", BBC Sport, 20 December 2003
- ^ "McCall gets call to coach Ulster", The Irish Times, 23 March 2004
- ^ "Clarke named assistant coach at Ulster", ESPN, 8 April 2004
- ^ "Gloucester lose their foothold in Belfast bog". The Guardian. 8 January 2005. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
- ^ "Ulster 19 - 10 Saracens". The Guardian. 10 December 2005. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
- ^ "Humphreys drop snatches title for Ulster", Pro12 Rugby, 26 May 2006
- ^ Tom Glover, "Ulster 30 Toulouse 3: Humphreys master of the guillotine", The Independent, 22 October 2006
- ^ Gavin Mairs, "Rory heads for World Cup as Personality of the Year", Belfast Telegraph, 18 May 2007
- ^ "Ulster coach quits". Sky Sports. 13 November 2007.
- ^ Ciaran Donaghy, "Cave finds ray of light in shape of first start for Ulster", Belfast Telegraph, 6 October 2007
- ^ Richard Mulligan, "Humphreys steals the limelight while Monaghan boy Bowe bows out in style", News Letter, 16 May 2008
- ^ "Bowe to join Ospreys", Irish Times, 25 January 2008
- ^ . Archived from the original on 8 February 2016. Retrieved 27 January 2008.
- ^ Richard Mulligan, "New Role in Ulster for Humphreys", News Letter, 5 June 2008
- ^ "Ulster’s maverick out half: Ian Humphreys", The Front Row Union, 6 May 2020
- ^ a b "Williams leaves Ulster". Sky Sports. 21 May 2009.
- ^ Richard Mulligan, "Ferris claims top accolade", News Letter, 15 May 2009
- ^ Richard Mulligan, "New signings given an early opportunity", News Letter, 19 August 2009
- ^ "Nevin Spence: Ulster rugby player", BBC News, 16 September 2012
- ^ "Bath 10 Ulster 28", The Front Row Union, 24 January 2010
- ^ Richard Mulligan, "Henry hat-trick caps super year", News Letter, 21 May 2010
- ^ www.leinsterrugby.ie. Archived from the original on 19 June 2010.
- ^ "Fitzpatrick Takes Charge Of Dungannon", Irish Rugby, 30 August 2010
- ^ "Ulster secure signing of 'Boks star Pienaar", Irish Independent, 28 May 2010
- ^ "Springbok duo are straight into fray", News Letter, 13 August 2010
- ^ "RUGBY: Paddy Jackson agrees two-year Ulster contract extension", News Letter, 1 March 2017
- ^ "Marshall gets chance to showcase talent", Irish Independent, 25 February 2011
- ^ Niall Crozier, "Boks bag top gongs at awards", Belfast Telegraph, 11 May 2011
- ^ "Ulster Sign All-Black Prop John Afoa". Ulster Rugby. 16 March 2011.
- ^ "Payne signs with Ulster". The Blues. 1 April 2011.
- ^ "Who is Iain Henderson: Ten things you should know about the Ireland lock", Rugby World, 10 June 2021
- ^ "Leinster 42-14 Ulster". RTÉ Sport. RTÉ. 19 May 2012. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
- ^ "It's Grim Up North - Ulster's Malaise", Digging Like a Demented Mole, 4 March 2018
- ^ "Ferris lost for words as he scoops top Ulster award", News Letter, 12 May 2012
- ^ Williams signs for Ulster Ulster Rugby, 22 June 2012
- ^ "Bowe going back to his roots". The Irish Times.
- ^ "Ospreys' Bowe signs Ulster deal". BBC Sport.
- ^ "Ulster Rugby Lad meets… Rob Herring", Ulster Rugby Lad, undated
- ^ "Humphreys signs for London Irish". BBC Sport.
- ^ . thescore.ie. 16 September 2012. Archived from the original on 17 September 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
- ^ "Ulster boss Saints from start to finish". espnscrum. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
- ^ "Talented Quartet Sign New Ulster Contracts", Ulster Rugby, 20 March 2015
- ^ Richard Mullugan, "Nevin Spence honoured at Ulster Rugby awards", News Letter, 11 May 2013
- ^ Gerry Thornley, "Stuart McCloskey eager to add to his sole Ireland cap", The Irish Times, 28 October 2018
- ^ . Archived from the original on 20 April 2015. Retrieved 6 June 2015.
- ^ Richard Mulligan, "Trimble celebrates hat-trick", News Letter, 5 May 2014
- ^ . Archived from the original on 6 July 2014.
- ^ "Mark Anscombe follows Humphreys out Ulster's exit door with immediate effect". The Score. 30 June 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
- ^ . The Score. 7 October 2014. Archived from the original on 2 December 2014. Retrieved 19 October 2014.
- ^ Niall Crozier, "Money is the name of the game in Ulster stadium name-change" Belfast Telegraph, 5 June 2014
- ^ "Rory Best relishing return to Ulster captaincy". Irish times. 1 August 2014. Retrieved 1 August 2014.
- ^ a b David Kelly, "Connacht signings trump rival provinces’ purchases", Irish Independent, 23 August 2013
- ^ "Franco replaces Johann at Ulster". Rugby365. 24 April 2014. Retrieved 24 April 2014.
- ^ "Ulster and Ireland prop Declan Fitzpatrick retires on medical advice". BBC Sport. 16 April 2015.
- ^ "Best, Gilroy And Cave Among The Ulster Award Winners", Irish Rugby, 1 May 2015
- ^ Gerry Thornley, "Jacob Stockdale living the dream playing alongside his boyhood heroes", The Irish Times, 11 November 2017
- ^ "Nick Williams Wins The Heineken Ulster Rugby Personality of The Year Award", Ulster Tatler, 13 May 2016
- ^ "Nick Williams: Cardiff Blues sign Ulster number eight". BBC Sport. 23 December 2015.
- ^ "Bristol sign Ireland and Ulster lock Dan Tuohy". Bristol Post. 6 December 2016.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Ulster fly-half Ian Humphreys announces retirement at end of season". BBC Sport. 8 March 2016.
- ^ "Springboks back row Marcell Coetzee agrees Ulster move". Sky Sports. 11 February 2016.
- ^ "All-Black utility back Charles Piutau confirm move to Ulster". BBC Sport. 1 April 2015.
- ^ "Ulster have signed Irish-qualified England Under-20 lock Kieran Treadwell". BBC Sport. 22 January 2016.
- ^ "URTV: Nick Timoney discusses his first cap for Ulster", YouTube, 8 April 2017
- ^ "Departing Duo Receive Ulster Rugby Awards", Irish Rugby, 7 May 2017
- ^ Jonathan Bradley, "All Black Jono Gibbes joins Ulster in coaching role", Belfast Telegraph, 13 February 2017
- ^ Jonathan Bradley, "Doak plans to end 23 years at Kingspan with a flourish", Belfast Telegraph, 5 April 2017
- ^ Tom Hamilton, "IRFU rules force Springboks star Ruan Pienaar to leave Ulster", ESPN, 31 August 2016
- ^ "Ulster Sign John Cooney From Connacht", The Runner Sports, 16 January 2017
- ^ "IRFU Suspend Paddy Jackson & Stuart Olding After Being Charged By The PSNI", Pundit Arena, 25 July 2017
- ^ "Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding's contracts revoked", BBC News, 14 April 2018
- ^ Beth Newman, "Lealiifano on loan to Ulster", 22 August 2017
- ^ "Ulster team named for trip to Edinburgh". Ulster Rugby. 5 April 2018. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
- ^ Ulster Rugby: Who did what 2017-18, The Front Row Union, 25 June 2018
- ^ "La Rochelle confirm former Ulster head coach Jono Gibbes will become Director of Rugby on four-season deal", Irish Independent, 4 June 2018
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- ^ "Cooney scoops three awards at Heineken Ulster Rugby Awards Dinner", Ulster Rugby, 10 May 2018
- ^ "Scotland coach Dan McFarland released early to take Ulster job", The Scotsman, 19 August 2018
- ^ "The changing of the guard", The Front Row Union, 4 May 2018
- ^ Gerry Thornley, "Sibling rivalry driving younger Ulster Burns to aim for next level", The Irish Times, 20 January 2020
- ^ "Ireland prop Marty Moore to join Ulster from Wasps at end of season". Sky Sports. 23 November 2017. from the original on 26 November 2017.
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External links edit
- Official website
- The UAFC – Ulster Rugby Supporters site
- The UAFC – Ulster Supporters Forum 5 June 2013 at the Wayback Machine
- Videos of Ulster Matches
- InTouch Rugby Ulster Rugby Online News
- The FRU Ulster Supporters Fanzine
- ercrugby Profile 12 September 2009 at the Wayback Machine