| 2023β24 season | ||||
| Head Coach | Richie Murphy | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operations Director | Bryn Cunningham | |||
| Captain | Iain Henderson | |||
| United Rugby Championship | TBC | |||
| Champions Cup | TBC | |||
| ||||
| ||||
The 2023β24 season will be Ulster Rugby's 31st season since the advent of professionalism in rugby union, and Richie Murphy's first full season as head coach..
Events
Personnel changes
Richie Murphy, who joined as interim head coach last season following the departure of Dan McFarland, was confirmed as head coach on a two-year contract. [1] Skills coach Craig Newby left for Ealing Trailfinders. [2] Jimmy Duffy, former assistant coach at Connacht, Ireland under-20s and Western Force, joined as scrum coach. [3]
Centre Angus Curtis retired partway through last season on medical advice after a series of concussions. [4] Prop Steven Kitshoff cut short his stay at Ulster and returned to the Stormers. [5] Out-half Billy Burns joined Munster on a one-year contract. [6] Centre Luke Marshall retired. [7] Utility back Will Addison signed for his former club, Sale Sharks. [8] Fullback Shea O'Brien, flanker Dave Ewers, prop James French and flanker Greg Jones were released. [9]
New signings included wing Werner Kok from the Sharks, [10] and Irish-qualified out-half Aidan Morgan from the Hurricanes. [11] Scrum-half Michael McDonald returned from his season-long loan at Connacht. [12] Academy prop Scott Wilson, flankers Lorcan McLoughlin and James McNabney [13] and out-half James Humphreys [14] joined the senior squad on development contracts.
Seven players joined the academy: centres Sam Berman, Wilhelm de Klerk and Jonny Scott, scrum-half Clarke Logan, flankers James McKillop and Bryn Ward, and out-half Jack Murphy. [15] Prop George Saunderson left the academy after retiring from the game on medical grounds. [16]
Internationals
Six Ulstermen were named in Andy Farrell's Ireland squad for their two-match tour of South Africa in July 2024: Rob Herring, Tom O'Toole, Nick Timoney, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale and the uncapped Cormac Izuchukwu. [17]
Friendlies
Two pre-season friendlies have been arranged, at home to Benetton on 7 September, [18] and away to Exeter Chiefs on 14 September 2024. [19] Ulster will also face Queensland Reds at home on 7 February 2025, as part of the Reds' European tour. [20]
Staff
(Subject to change)
| Position | Name | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Chief executive officer | Hugh McCaughey (interim) | 
Ireland
|
| Operations director | Bryn Cunningham |
Ireland
|
| Head coach | Richie Murphy |
Ireland
|
| Assistant coach | Dan Soper | 
New Zealand
|
| Defence coach | Jonny Bell |
Ireland
|
| Scrum coach | Jimmy Duffy |
Ireland
|
| Forwards coach | Roddy Grant | 
Scotland
|
| Academy manager | Gavin Hogg |
Ireland
|
| Elite performance development officer | Willie Faloon |
Ireland
|
| Elite performance development officer | Neil Doak |
Ireland
|
Squad
Senior squad
The below squad reflects the confirmed joiners and leavers for the 2024β25 season. Amendments to the squad will be made as-and-when announcements are confirmed by the province. [14]
Players in
Promoted from academy
|
Players out
|
| Ulster Rugby 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.
|
Academy squad
Players in
|
Players out
|
| Ulster Rugby academy squad [15] | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Props
Hookers
Locks
|
Back row
Scrum-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. |
2023β24 European Rugby Champions Cup
(draw to follow)
2024β25 United Rugby Championship
| 21 September 2024 |
Ulster
|
v |
Glasgow Warriors
|
Ravenhill Stadium | |
| 19:45 |
| 28 September 2024 |
Lions
|
v |
Ulster
|
Emirates Airline Park | |
| 12:45 |
| 5 October 2024 |
Bulls
|
v |
Ulster
|
Loftus Versfeld Stadium | |
| 15:00 |
| 12 October 2024 |
Ulster
|
v |
Connacht
|
Ravenhill Stadium | |
| 20:00 |
| 18 October 2024 |
Ulster
|
v |
Ospreys
|
Ravenhill Stadium | |
| 19:35 |
| 26 October 2024 |
Cardiff
|
v |
Ulster
|
Cardiff Arms Park | |
| 29 November 2024 |
Ulster
|
v |
Leinster
|
Ravenhill Stadium | |
| 19:35 |
| TBC |
Ulster
|
v |
Munster
|
Ravenhill Stadium | |
| TBC |
| TBC |
Connacht
|
v |
Ulster
|
The Sportsground | |
| TBC |
| 26 January 2025 |
Ulster
|
v |
Zebre Parma
|
Ravenhill Stadium | |
| 17:30 |
| 15 February 2025 |
Benetton
|
v |
Ulster
|
Stadio Monigo | |
| 17:15 |
| 1 March 2025 |
Ulster
|
v |
Scarlets
|
Ravenhill Stadium | |
| 17:15 |
| 22 March 2025 |
Dragons
|
v |
Ulster
|
Rodney Parade | |
| 28 March 2025 |
Ulster
|
v |
Stormers
|
Ravenhill Stadium | |
| 19:35 |
| 19 April 2025 |
Leinster
|
v |
Ulster
|
Aviva Stadium | |
| 19:35 |
| 26 April 2025 |
Ulster
|
v |
Sharks
|
Ravenhill Stadium | |
| 19:35 |
| 9 May 2025 |
Munster
|
v |
Ulster
|
Thomond Park | |
| 19:35 |
| 16 May 2025 |
Edinburgh
|
v |
Ulster Rugby
|
Edinburgh Rugby Stadium | |
| 19:35 |
Friendlies
| 7 September 2024 |
Ulster
|
v |
Benetton
|
Ravenhill Stadium | |
| 17:00 |
| 14 September 2024 |
Exeter Chiefs
|
v |
Ulster
|
Sandy Park | |
| 17:00 |
| 7 February 2025 |
Ulster
|
v |
Queensland Reds
|
Ravenhill Stadium | |
| 19:35 |
References
- ^ "Ulster name Murphy permanent boss on two-year deal", BBC Sport, 13 May 2023
- ^ Adam McKendry, "Ulster backroom staff set for more change as coach to depart for Championship", Belfast Telegraph, 23 May 2024
- ^ "Duffy to join Ulster Rugby coaching set-up", Ulster Rugby, 28 May 2024
- ^ a b "Ulster Rugby confirms Angus Curtisβ retirement", Ulster Rugby, 26 January 2024
- ^ a b "Steven Kitshoff: Two-time World Cup winner to leave Ulster in the summer", BBC Sport, 5 April 2024
- ^ a b Shane Donovan, "Confirmed: Ulster out-half Billy Burns seals Munster move", irish Examiner, 19 March 2023
- ^ a b Keith Bailie, "Ulster centre confirms retirement after 15 seasons at Ravenhill", Belfast Telegraph, 8 April 2024
- ^ a b Neil Treacey, "Ulster's Will Addison confirms Sale Sharks return", RTΓ, 28 May 2024
- ^ a b c d e "Ulster confirm a nine-strong leavers list that includes Dave Ewers". Rugby Pass. 15 May 2024. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ a b "Werner Kok to become the first Ulster signing for 2024/25". Rugby Pass. 13 March 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
- ^ a b "Ulster Rugby signs Irish-Qualified Morgan", Ulster Rugby, 27 May 2024
- ^ a b "Departing players & 24/25 squad confirmed", Connacht Rugby, 16 May 2024
- ^ a b c d "McNabney, Wilson and McLoughlin to continue their development at Ulster", Ulster Rugby, 3 April 2024
- ^ a b c "Ulster men for 2024/25 season are named", Ulster Rugby, 13 June 2024
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Ulster Rugby Academy confirmed for 2024/25", Ulster Rugby, 14 June 2024
- ^ a b "Ulster Rugby confirm George Saundersonβs retirement", Ulster Rugby, 20 June 2024
- ^ "Six Ulstermen named in Ireland squad for South Africa Tour", Ulster Rugby, 18 June 2024
- ^ "Benetton Rugby confirmed as opposition in Bank of Ireland home pre-season friendly", Ulster Rugby, 27 May 2024
- ^ "Ulster to face Exeter Chiefs in pre-season away fixture", Ulster Rugby, 14 May 2024
- ^ "Ulster to play Queensland Reds in Belfast friendly", BBC Sport, 18 June 2024
| 2023β24 season | ||||
| Head Coach | Richie Murphy | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operations Director | Bryn Cunningham | |||
| Captain | Iain Henderson | |||
| United Rugby Championship | TBC | |||
| Champions Cup | TBC | |||
| ||||
| ||||
The 2023β24 season will be Ulster Rugby's 31st season since the advent of professionalism in rugby union, and Richie Murphy's first full season as head coach..
Events
Personnel changes
Richie Murphy, who joined as interim head coach last season following the departure of Dan McFarland, was confirmed as head coach on a two-year contract. [1] Skills coach Craig Newby left for Ealing Trailfinders. [2] Jimmy Duffy, former assistant coach at Connacht, Ireland under-20s and Western Force, joined as scrum coach. [3]
Centre Angus Curtis retired partway through last season on medical advice after a series of concussions. [4] Prop Steven Kitshoff cut short his stay at Ulster and returned to the Stormers. [5] Out-half Billy Burns joined Munster on a one-year contract. [6] Centre Luke Marshall retired. [7] Utility back Will Addison signed for his former club, Sale Sharks. [8] Fullback Shea O'Brien, flanker Dave Ewers, prop James French and flanker Greg Jones were released. [9]
New signings included wing Werner Kok from the Sharks, [10] and Irish-qualified out-half Aidan Morgan from the Hurricanes. [11] Scrum-half Michael McDonald returned from his season-long loan at Connacht. [12] Academy prop Scott Wilson, flankers Lorcan McLoughlin and James McNabney [13] and out-half James Humphreys [14] joined the senior squad on development contracts.
Seven players joined the academy: centres Sam Berman, Wilhelm de Klerk and Jonny Scott, scrum-half Clarke Logan, flankers James McKillop and Bryn Ward, and out-half Jack Murphy. [15] Prop George Saunderson left the academy after retiring from the game on medical grounds. [16]
Internationals
Six Ulstermen were named in Andy Farrell's Ireland squad for their two-match tour of South Africa in July 2024: Rob Herring, Tom O'Toole, Nick Timoney, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale and the uncapped Cormac Izuchukwu. [17]
Friendlies
Two pre-season friendlies have been arranged, at home to Benetton on 7 September, [18] and away to Exeter Chiefs on 14 September 2024. [19] Ulster will also face Queensland Reds at home on 7 February 2025, as part of the Reds' European tour. [20]
Staff
(Subject to change)
| Position | Name | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Chief executive officer | Hugh McCaughey (interim) |
Ireland
|
| Operations director | Bryn Cunningham |
Ireland
|
| Head coach | Richie Murphy |
Ireland
|
| Assistant coach | Dan Soper |
New Zealand
|
| Defence coach | Jonny Bell |
Ireland
|
| Scrum coach | Jimmy Duffy |
Ireland
|
| Forwards coach | Roddy Grant |
Scotland
|
| Academy manager | Gavin Hogg |
Ireland
|
| Elite performance development officer | Willie Faloon |
Ireland
|
| Elite performance development officer | Neil Doak |
Ireland
|
Squad
Senior squad
The below squad reflects the confirmed joiners and leavers for the 2024β25 season. Amendments to the squad will be made as-and-when announcements are confirmed by the province. [14]
Players in
Promoted from academy
|
Players out
|
| Ulster Rugby 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.
|
Academy squad
Players in
|
Players out
|
| Ulster Rugby academy squad [15] | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Props
Hookers
Locks
|
Back row
Scrum-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. |
2023β24 European Rugby Champions Cup
(draw to follow)
2024β25 United Rugby Championship
| 21 September 2024 |
Ulster
|
v |
Glasgow Warriors
|
Ravenhill Stadium | |
| 19:45 |
| 28 September 2024 |
Lions
|
v |
Ulster
|
Emirates Airline Park | |
| 12:45 |
| 5 October 2024 |
Bulls
|
v |
Ulster
|
Loftus Versfeld Stadium | |
| 15:00 |
| 12 October 2024 |
Ulster
|
v |
Connacht
|
Ravenhill Stadium | |
| 20:00 |
| 18 October 2024 |
Ulster
|
v |
Ospreys
|
Ravenhill Stadium | |
| 19:35 |
| 26 October 2024 |
Cardiff
|
v |
Ulster
|
Cardiff Arms Park | |
| 29 November 2024 |
Ulster
|
v |
Leinster
|
Ravenhill Stadium | |
| 19:35 |
| TBC |
Ulster
|
v |
Munster
|
Ravenhill Stadium | |
| TBC |
| TBC |
Connacht
|
v |
Ulster
|
The Sportsground | |
| TBC |
| 26 January 2025 |
Ulster
|
v |
Zebre Parma
|
Ravenhill Stadium | |
| 17:30 |
| 15 February 2025 |
Benetton
|
v |
Ulster
|
Stadio Monigo | |
| 17:15 |
| 1 March 2025 |
Ulster
|
v |
Scarlets
|
Ravenhill Stadium | |
| 17:15 |
| 22 March 2025 |
Dragons
|
v |
Ulster
|
Rodney Parade | |
| 28 March 2025 |
Ulster
|
v |
Stormers
|
Ravenhill Stadium | |
| 19:35 |
| 19 April 2025 |
Leinster
|
v |
Ulster
|
Aviva Stadium | |
| 19:35 |
| 26 April 2025 |
Ulster
|
v |
Sharks
|
Ravenhill Stadium | |
| 19:35 |
| 9 May 2025 |
Munster
|
v |
Ulster
|
Thomond Park | |
| 19:35 |
| 16 May 2025 |
Edinburgh
|
v |
Ulster Rugby
|
Edinburgh Rugby Stadium | |
| 19:35 |
Friendlies
| 7 September 2024 |
Ulster
|
v |
Benetton
|
Ravenhill Stadium | |
| 17:00 |
| 14 September 2024 |
Exeter Chiefs
|
v |
Ulster
|
Sandy Park | |
| 17:00 |
| 7 February 2025 |
Ulster
|
v |
Queensland Reds
|
Ravenhill Stadium | |
| 19:35 |
References
- ^ "Ulster name Murphy permanent boss on two-year deal", BBC Sport, 13 May 2023
- ^ Adam McKendry, "Ulster backroom staff set for more change as coach to depart for Championship", Belfast Telegraph, 23 May 2024
- ^ "Duffy to join Ulster Rugby coaching set-up", Ulster Rugby, 28 May 2024
- ^ a b "Ulster Rugby confirms Angus Curtisβ retirement", Ulster Rugby, 26 January 2024
- ^ a b "Steven Kitshoff: Two-time World Cup winner to leave Ulster in the summer", BBC Sport, 5 April 2024
- ^ a b Shane Donovan, "Confirmed: Ulster out-half Billy Burns seals Munster move", irish Examiner, 19 March 2023
- ^ a b Keith Bailie, "Ulster centre confirms retirement after 15 seasons at Ravenhill", Belfast Telegraph, 8 April 2024
- ^ a b Neil Treacey, "Ulster's Will Addison confirms Sale Sharks return", RTΓ, 28 May 2024
- ^ a b c d e "Ulster confirm a nine-strong leavers list that includes Dave Ewers". Rugby Pass. 15 May 2024. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ a b "Werner Kok to become the first Ulster signing for 2024/25". Rugby Pass. 13 March 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
- ^ a b "Ulster Rugby signs Irish-Qualified Morgan", Ulster Rugby, 27 May 2024
- ^ a b "Departing players & 24/25 squad confirmed", Connacht Rugby, 16 May 2024
- ^ a b c d "McNabney, Wilson and McLoughlin to continue their development at Ulster", Ulster Rugby, 3 April 2024
- ^ a b c "Ulster men for 2024/25 season are named", Ulster Rugby, 13 June 2024
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Ulster Rugby Academy confirmed for 2024/25", Ulster Rugby, 14 June 2024
- ^ a b "Ulster Rugby confirm George Saundersonβs retirement", Ulster Rugby, 20 June 2024
- ^ "Six Ulstermen named in Ireland squad for South Africa Tour", Ulster Rugby, 18 June 2024
- ^ "Benetton Rugby confirmed as opposition in Bank of Ireland home pre-season friendly", Ulster Rugby, 27 May 2024
- ^ "Ulster to face Exeter Chiefs in pre-season away fixture", Ulster Rugby, 14 May 2024
- ^ "Ulster to play Queensland Reds in Belfast friendly", BBC Sport, 18 June 2024