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2025–26 Ulster Rugby season

The 2025–26 season was Ulster's 32nd season since the advent of professionalism in rugby union, and Richie Murphy's second season as head coach of the men's senior team. New signings include South African loose forward Juarno Augustus from Northampton Saints, and Australian international prop Angus Bell. They finished ninth in the United Rugby Championship and runners-up in the EPCR Challenge Cup. Stuart McCloskey was Ulster's Player of the Year, Rugby Players Ireland's Players' Player of the Year, and was named in the URC Elite XV along with wing Werner Kok. Back row Bryn Ward, prop Tom McAllister, centre Jonny Scott, flankers James McKillop and Tom Brigg and wing Aitzol Arenzana-King made their debuts from the academy.

Ulster Rugby
2025–26 season
Head coachRichie Murphy
Chief executiveHugh McCaughey
CaptainIain Henderson
United Rugby Championship9th
Challenge CupRunners-up
URC Irish Shield4th
Top try scorerLeague: Zac Ward (11)
All: Zac Ward (15)
Top points scorerLeague: Nathan Doak (102)
All: Nathan Doak (135)
Highest home attendance18,196
Lowest home attendance7,169
Average home attendance11,566
Home colours
Away colours
Third colours
← 2024–25 2026–27 →

Scrum-half Nathan Doak made his debut for Ireland, with prop Tom O'Toole, hooker Tom Stewart, lock Cormac Izuchukwu, flanker Nick Timoney, wings Jacob Stockdale and Robert Baloucoune, and centre Stuart McCloskey also being capped. McCloskey was nominated for player of the tournament for the 2026 Six Nations Championship, with Baloucoune named the tournament's rising player. Props Scott Wilson and Sam Crean, locks Charlie Irvine and Harry Sheridan, flankers David McCann and Bryn Ward, out-half Jack Murphy, centres Jude Postlethwaite and James Hume, wing Zac Ward, and fullback Michael Lowry appeared for Ireland 'A'.

Events

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Personnel changes

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Assistant coach Dan Soper moved from assistant coach to a new transition and development role.[1] Former Connacht attack coach Mark Sexton joined as backs coach. Willie Faloon was defence and contact skills coach.[2] Niall Annett and Jonathon Graham were appointed Elite Player Development Officers.[3] In September, Ulster announced that general manager Bryn Cunningham was to leave his post once a successor had been recruited.[4] Former Ulster and Ireland captain Rory Best was announced as the new general manager on 29 October.[5]

South African loose forward Juarno Augustus joined from Northampton Saints.[6] Three new props signed: tighthead Rory McGuire, from Leinster; Irish-qualified loosehead Sam Crean, who had previous spent some time at Ulster on loan, from Saracens;[7] and Australian international loosehead Angus Bell joined Ulster in December, on sabbatical from the Waratahs.[8] Academy locks Joe Hopes and Charlie Irvine joined the senior squad on development deals, to become senior deals in 2026, and out-half James Humphreys moved from a development contract to a senior one,[9] as did prop Scott Wilson and back rowers James McNabney and Lorcan McLoughlin, while academy out-half Jack Murphy was upgraded to a senior contract.[10] Six players joined the academy: hooker Connor Magee, props Tom McAllister and Flynn Longstaff, out-half Daniel Green, and wings Josh Gibson and Aitzol Arenzana-King.[11]

Lock Kieran Treadwell left to join Harlequins.[12] Scrum-half John Cooney joined French club Brive.[13] Flanker Reuben Crothers retired.[14] Lock Alan O'Connor left to become head of rugby development at Ballymena Academy.[15] Prop Andrew Warwick retired from professional rugby and returned to Ballymena RFC;[16] Prop Corrie Barrett, flanker Matty Rea and scrum-half Michael McDonald were released, along with academy players Rory Telfer, Zac Solomon, Jack Boal and Ben McFarlane.[17] Academy prop Cameron Doak joined the Harlequins academy.[18] Out-half Aidan Morgan left by mutual consent,[19] and signed for Toyota Verblitz.[20] In November, centre Stewart Moore joined Newcastle Falcons on loan,[21] but was soon recalled to cover for injuries.[22]

Two Irish-qualified 18-year-olds, Australian-born lock Paddy Woods and South-African-born centre Rynard Gordon, joined the Ulster academy in February.[23]

International callups

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Men's summer tour

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Seven Ulster players, lock Cormac Izuchukwu, prop Tom O'Toole, hooker Tom Stewart, flanker Nick Timoney, centre Stuart McCloskey, scrum-half Nathan Doak and wing Jacob Stockdale, were named in the Ireland men's squad for the summer tour to Georgia and Portugal. Three more players, flanker James McNabney, centre Jude Postlethwaite and wing Zac Ward, were called up as training panellists,[24] and prop Scott Wilson was called up as injury cover.[25] McNabney sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury in training.[26]

Izuchukwu, Timoney, Stockdale and McCloskey started against Georgia on 5 July, with Stewart appearing from the bench. Timoney scored a try in a 34–5 victory, but Stockdale was taken off with an arm injury.[27] McCloskey started, and scored a try, with Stewart, O'Toole and Izuchukwu coming off the bench in a 106–7 victory against Portugal on 12 July.[28]

Women's World Cup

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Four Ulster players were named in the Ireland preparation squad for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup: hooker Neve Jones, back row Brittany Hogan, prop Sadhbh McGrath and lock Fiona Tuite.[29] McGrath and Hogan were named to start the first warm-up match against Scotland on 2 August, with Jones and Tuite on the bench.[30] McGrath scored a try in a 27–21 victory.[31] Jones, Tuite and Hogan were named to start, with McGrath and Claire Boles on the bench, for the second warm-up match against Canada on 9 August,[32] which Ireland lost 26–47.[33]

Boles, Hogan, Jones, McGrath and Tuite were all named in the World Cup squad.[34] Hogan, Tuite and Jones started the opening 42–14 victory over Japan, with McGrath coming off the bench; Jones and Tuite both scored tries.[35] Boles and Tuite started the 43–27 victory over Spain, with Jones, McGrath and Hogan coming off the bench.[36] Hogan and Jones started the final pool match, a 40–0 defeat to New Zealand, and McGrath and Boles came off the bench.[37] Ireland qualified for the quarter-final, which they lost 13–18 to France. Jones, Tuite and Hogan started, and McGrath came off the bench.[38]

Sponsorship

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Ulster's principal sponsor, following the end of their deal with Kingspan, is Antrim-based manufacturing company SAM Mouldings.[39] Following a stadium naming deal, Ravenhill will be known as Affidea Stadium.[40]

Season

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First block

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Ulster opened their URC season with a home bonus point win against Dragons on 26 September.[41] Their second round away match against Edinburgh was postponed due to Storm Amy. A second home bonus point win followed against the Bulls. A 30-man squad for the two-match mini-tour to South Africa to play the Sharks and Lions was announced on 15 October.[42] They beat the Sharks with a four-try bonus point on 18 October. Four players, including academy back row Bryn Ward, were added to the squad to cover injuries and international callups.[43] Ward made his debut, and Robert Baloucoune scored three tries, but the Lions won 49–31.

International break

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Four Ulster players, Iain Henderson, Nick Timoney, Stuart McCloskey and Jacob Stockdale, were named in the Ireland squad for the 2025 end-of-year rugby union internationals.[44] McCloskey started, and Henderson appeared from the bench, in the loss to New Zealand in Chicago.[45] Stockdale and Timoney started, and Timoney scored a try, in the home win against Japan.[46] McCloskey started and Timoney appeared from the bench in the home win over Australia.[47] No Ulster players appeared in the home defeat to South Africa.[48]

Ten Ulster players, Tom Stewart (named as captain), Tom O'Toole, Scott Wilson, David McCann, Nathan Doak, Jack Murphy, Jude Postlethwaite, Zac Ward, Robert Baloucoune and Michael Lowry, were named in the Ireland 'A' squad to face Spain on 8 November. Jimmy Duffy was named as forwards coach.[49] Stewart, O'Toole, Postlethwaite, Baloucoune and Lowry started, and Wilson, McCann, Doak and Ward appeared from the bench, in the 61–24 away win, with Baloucoune scoring two tries, and Postlethwaite and Wilson scoring one each.[50]

Second block

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Ulster returned to the URC on 28 November 2025 with a 47-13 home win over Benetton, including two tries each for Robert Baloucoune and Werner Kok.[51] They then opened their Challenge Cup campaign with a 61-7 home win over Racing 92, including two tries each for Jacob Stockdale and Zac Ward.[52] They sent a rotated team to Cardiff for their second Challenge Cup pool match, losing 26-29 to a last-minute penalty from Callum Sheedy.[53]

There followed a season of interpros in the URC. Ulster lost 24-20 away to Leinster in the URC, despite two Werner Kok tries,[54] but returned to winning ways the following week, defeating Connacht 29-24 in Galway, with Zac Ward scoring two tries.[55] On 2 January 2026, Ulster defeated Munster 28-3 at home, with academy back row forward Bryn Ward, starting at number eight in the absence of the injured Juarno Augustus, was named player of the match.[56]

Their third Challenge Cup pool match was scheduled for 11 January, against the Cheetahs at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam. Due to weather conditions, it was moved to Dukes Rugby in 's-Hertogenbosch, but was called off at the last minute after more snow and sub-zero conditions left the pitch unplayable.[57] The match was cancelled by EPCR, and Ulster were awarded a 28-0 win,[58] which guaranteed qualification for the round of 16.[59] A home victory against Stade Francais meant Ulster finished top of the group and third seed overall, earning a home game in the round of sixteen against Ospreys on 4 April.[60] A last-minute away loss to the Scarlets and a home win over Cardiff left Ulster fourth in thye URC table after round 11.[61]

Six Nations break

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Nine Ulster players were selected in the Ireland squad for the 2026 Six Nations Championship: hooker Tom Stewart, prop Tom O'Toole, lock Cormac Izuchukwu, flanker Nick Timoney, wings Jacob Stockdale and Robert Baloucoune, centres Stuart McCloskey and Jude Postlethwaite, and uncapped scrum-half Nathan Doak. Loose forward Bryn Ward was called up as a training panellist, and was in the squad for the Ireland 'A' squad for the fixture against England 'A', alongside props Sam Crean and Scott Wilson, locks Charlie Irvine and Harry Sheridan, centre James Hume, out-half Jack Murphy, and wing Zac Ward, with Mark Sexton involved as attack coach.[62][63][64]

McCloskey and Stockdale started, and Timoney came off the bench and scored a try, in the opening away loss against France.[65] Wilson, Irvine, Bryn Ward, Zac Ward and Hume started the 'A' international, and Crean, Sheridan and Murphy appeared from the bench, as they lost 52-14 to England 'A'.[66] Bryn Ward returned to the full Ireland squad.[67] Izuchukwu, McCloskey and Baloucoune were named to start, with O'Toole and Timoney on the bench, for the second Six Nations game at home to Italy.[68] Baloucoune scored a try and was named Man of the Match in a 20-13 win.[69] The following week McCloskey and Baloucoune started, with Baloucoune scoring a try, and O'Toole and Timoney came off the bench, in a 42-21 away win against England.[70]

In the Six Nations break week, Ulster lost 21-10 away to the Ospreys.[71] The following week, Tom O'Toole, Nick Timoney, Jacob Stockdale, Stuart McCloskey and Robert Baloucoune started, Stockdale scoring a try, and Tom Stewart and Nathan Doak came off the bench, the latter making his international debut, as Ireland beat Wales 27-17 in Dublin.[72] The postponed round 2 URC match between Edinburgh and Ulster was rescheduled for 13 March 2026.[73] Academy prop Tom McAllister made his senior debut as Ulster won 40-19 and went into second in the URC table.[74] In the final round of the Six Nations, Tom O'Toole, Stuart McCloskey and Robert Baloucoune started, with Baloucoune scoring a try, and Timoney came off the bench, as Ireland won the Triple Crown with a home win against Scotland.[75] Baloucoune won the tournament's Rising Player award.[76]

Final block

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Ulster lost their home interpro against Connacht, with academy centre Jonny Scott making his debut from the bench.[77] James Humphreys made his first start the following week, as Ulster defeated Zebre Parma away, with a four-try bonus point returning them to third in the table.[78] Ulster hosted the Ospreys in the round of 16 of the Challenge Cup, and won 28-24, with what would have been a last-minute winning try by the Ospreys disallowed for a forward pass.[79]

Ulster then lost two interpros in the URC: the first, 21-29 at home to Leinster, in which six players went off injured, and the second, a heavily rotated side lost 14-41 away to Munster. Three academy players, flankers James McKillop and Tom Brigg, and wing Aitzol Arenzana-King, who scored a try, made their senior debuts. These two defeats left Ulster in eighth position in the table, with nine teams capable of qualifying for the eight playoff places. They won their home semi-final in the Challenge Cup against Exeter Chiefs, setting up a final in Bilbao against Montpellier. They closed out the URC season with a home draw against the Stormers and a home loss to Glasgow Warriors, finishing in ninth, just outside the playoff positions, and lost the Challenge Cup final 26-59, failing to qualify for next season's Champions Cup.

David Haslett, Ulster's head coach in the 1997–98 season, died in June.[80]

Rugby Players Ireland Awards

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The Rugby Players Ireland awards were held in the Clayton Hotel in Dublin on 20 May 2026. Stuart McCloskey was named Men's 15s Player of the Year, Bryn Ward won the Nevin Spence Young Player of the Year award, and Robert Baloucoune won Men's 15s Try of the Year for his score for Ireland against Italy in the Six Nations. Brittany Hogan was nominated for Women's 15s Player of the Year.[81]

Ulster Rugby Awards

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The 2026 Ulster Rugby Awards Dinner was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast on 27 May 2026. Winners were:[82]

Men's and boys' awards

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Women's and girls' awards

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  • Women's Player of the Year: Niamh Marley, Cooke RFC
  • Young Women's Player of the Year: Moya Hill, Enniskillen RFC
  • Girls' Schools Player of the Year: Méabh Hull, Down High School
  • Girls' Youth Player of the Year: Caitlin Crowe, Virginia RFC

Club/community awards

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  • Club of the Year: Enniskillen RFC
  • Dorrington B. Faulker Award (Services to Rugby): Richard Clingan, Royal School Dungannon
  • Ulster Rugby Foundation Award: Newforge Taggers RFC
  • Referee of the Year: Ross Whitfield

URC awards

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Centre Stuart McCloskey and wing Werner Kok were named in the URC's Elite XV.[83] Angus Bell's try against Cardiff won the Try of the Season award.[84]

Future developments

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Signings reported for the 2026–27 season include Benetton's Zimbabwean lock Eli Snyman,[85] Connacht scrum-half Matthew Devine,[86] Irish-qualified lock/back row Ben Donnell from Cardiff,[87] and Irish-qualified out-half Jamie Benson from Harlequins.[88]

Academy back row forward Bryn Ward signed his first senior contract for the 2026–27 season.[89]

Eleven senior players left Ulster at the end of the season: prop Angus Bell, wing Werner Kok, hooker John Andrew, scrum half David Shanahan, props Bryan O'Connor and Rory McGuire, lock Matthew Dalton, flankers Marcus Rea and Sean Reffell, out-half James Humphreys and wing Ben Moxham. Five academy players were also released: centres Sam Berman and Wilhelm de Klerk, wings Ethan Graham and Lukas Kenny, and flanker Josh Stevens.[90]

Ulster synchronised the contracts of their entire senior coaching team: Head coach Richie Murphy, forwards coach Jimmy Duffy, defence coach Willie Faloon and attack coach Mark Sexton all signed new contracts to the end of the 2027-28 season, with development and transition coach Dan Soper already signed until then.[91] However, it was later announced that Duffy would leave at the end of the season by mutual consent,[92] and Clarke Dermody was announced as the new forwards coach.[93]

Staff

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Position Name Nationality
Chief executive officer Hugh McCaughey Ireland
General manager Rory Best Ireland
Head coach Richie Murphy Ireland
Forwards coach Jimmy Duffy Ireland
Backs coach Mark Sexton Ireland
Defence and contact skills coach Willie Faloon Ireland
Development and transition coach Dan Soper New Zealand
Academy manager Gavin Hogg Ireland
Elite performance development officer Niall Annett Ireland
Elite performance development officer Jonathon Graham Ireland

Squad

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Senior squad

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The below squad reflects the confirmed joiners and leavers for the 2025–26 season. Amendments to the squad will be made as-and-when announcements are confirmed by the province.

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.
Italics denote academy players. ST denotes a short-term signing.
  1. ↑ Taking into account signings and departures ahead of 2025–26 season as listed on List of 2025–26 United Rugby Championship transfers.

Academy squad

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Ulster Rugby academy squad

Props

Hookers

  • Ireland Connor Magee (1)
  • England Henry Walker* (3)

Locks

  • Australia Paddy Woods* (1)

Back row

Scrum-halves

  • Ireland Clark Logan (2)

Fly-halves

  • England Daniel Green* (1)

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.

Season record

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CompetitionPlayedWonDrawnLost PFPAPD TFTA
2025–26 Challenge Cup 7[a] 5 0 2 237 174 +63 35 25
2025–26 URC 18 9 1 8 494 420 +74 72 60
Total 25 14 1 9 731 594 +137 107 85
  1. ↑ Not including the pool match against the Cheetahs, which was not played and was awarded as a 28-0 win to Ulster.

United Rugby Championship

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Table

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Pos Team
 Pld W D L PF PA PD TF TA TB LB Pts Qualification
1 Glasgow Warriors 18 13 0 5 479 338 +141 72 48 11 2 65 Qualification for the Champions Cup and knockout stage
2 Leinster 18 12 0 6 515 370 +145 77 51 13 2 63
3 Stormers 18 12 1 5 504 344 +160 63 48 9 1 60
4 Bulls 18 12 0 6 576 406 +170 82 59 10 1 59
5 Munster 18 11 0 7 396 376 +20 59 51 8 3 55
6 Cardiff 18 11 0 7 353 372 −19 52 52 7 4 55
7 Lions 18 10 1 7 532 473 +59 73 70 9 3 54
8 Connacht 18 10 0 8 442 395 +47 62 56 10 4 54
9 Ulster 18 9 1 8 494 420 +74 72 60 10 4 52 Qualification for the Challenge Cup
10 Sharks 18 8 1 9 467 428 +39 71 57 9 3 46
11 Ospreys 18 7 2 9 376 454 −78 55 69 4 3 39
12 Edinburgh 18 7 0 11 362 439 −77 57 66 6 4 38
13 Benetton 18 6 2 10 327 493 −166 41 71 4 1 33
14 Scarlets 18 4 2 12 361 460 −99 52 63 3 5 28
15 Dragons 18 3 4 11 350 481 −131 46 71 4 4 28
16 Zebre Parma 18 2 0 16 312 587 −275 43 85 3 4 15
Updated to match(es) played on 16 May 2026. Source: UnitedRugby.com
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers for teams tied on points: 1) Number of matches won 2) The difference between points for and points against 3) The number of tries scored 4) The most points scored 5) The difference between tries for and tries against 6) The fewest red cards received 7) The fewest yellow cards received.[97]

URC Irish Shield

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2025–26 United Rugby Championship Regional Shield tables view · watch · edit · discuss
Ireland Irish Shield
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts Pos overall
1Ireland Leinster 6501166120+46231540242
2Ireland Munster 630312691+35161521155
3Ireland Connacht 6204131157–27182122128
4Ireland Ulster 6204131147–16182212119
If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:[98]
  1. number of matches won
  2. the difference between points for and points against
  3. the number of tries scored
  4. the most points scored
  5. the difference between tries for and tries against
  6. the fewest red cards received
  7. the fewest yellow cards received
Green background indicates teams currently leading the regional shield. Upon the conclusion of the regular season, these teams win their respective regional shields.

(S) : URC Shield champion

Fixtures

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26 September 2025 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 42–21 Wales Dragons Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
20:05 Try: Izuchukwu 12'
Timoney 28'
McCann 34'
Z. Ward 36'
Doak 42'
Stewart 80+3'
Con: Doak (5) 13', 29', 34', 38', 43'
Flannery 80+4'
 Report[41]
Match centre		 Try: Wainwright 0'
Rosser 16'
Lewis-Hughes 49'
Con: De Beer (3) 2', 17', 50'
 Attendance: 9,563[99]
Referee: Griffin Colby (South Africa)
Ulster: 1. Callum Reid, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Tom O'Toole, 4. Iain Henderson (c), 5. Harry Sheridan, 6. Cormac Izuchukwu, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. David McCann, 9. Nathan Doak, 10. Jack Murphy, 11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Zac Ward, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. Tom Stewart (for Herring 57'), 17. Sam Crean (for Reid 53'), 18. Scott Wilson (for O'Toole 53'), 19. Matty Dalton (for Henderson 62'), 20. Juarno Augustus (for McCann 57'), 21. Conor McKee (for Doak 70'), 22. Jake Flannery (for Murphy 70'), 23. Ben Carson (for McCloskey 62').
11 October 2025 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 28–7 South Africa Bulls Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
19:45 Try: McCloskey 22'
Augustus 49'
Herring 54'
Izuchukwu 57'
Con: Doak (4) 22', 50', 55', 58'
Cards: Herring Yellow card 27'		 Report[100]
Match centre		 Try: Louw 27'
Con: Pollard 28'
Cards: Rudolph Yellow card 47'		 Attendance: 10,629
Referee: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
Ulster: 1. Sam Crean, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Tom O'Toole, 4. Iain Henderson (c), 5. Cormac Izuchukwu, 6. David McCann, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Juarno Augustus, 9. Nathan Doak, 10. Jack Murphy, 11. Zac Ward, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune, 15. Jacob Stockdale. Replacements: 16. Tom Stewart (for Baloucoune 34–37', for Herring 58'), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Crean 64'), 18. Scott Wilson (for O'Toole 51'), 19. Harry Sheridan (for Izuchukwu 63'), 20. Sean Reffell (for Augustus 61'), 21. Conor McKee (for Doak 75'), 22. Jake Flannery (for Murphy 71'), 23. Jude Postlethwaite (for McCloskey 32–33', 69').
18 October 2025 (1 BP) Sharks South Africa 26–34 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) Kings Park Stadium, Durban  
15:00 Try: Kolisi 33'
Mapimpi 49'
Esterhuizen 71'
Penalty try
Con: Masuku 50'
Hendrikse 72'
Cards: Mapimpi Red card
Koch Yellow card 51'		 Report[101]
March centre		 Try: Lowry 6'
Werner Kok 21'
Stewart 56'
Reid 66'
Con: Doak (4) 7', 21', 57', 68'
Pen: Doak (2) 16', 37'
Cards: O'Toole Yellow card 61'		 Attendance: 11,280
Referee: Ben Whitehouse
Ulster: 1. Sam Crean, 2. Tom Stewart, 3. Scott Wilson, 4. Iain Henderson (c), 5. Harry Sheridan, 6. David McCann, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Juarno Augustus, 9. Nathan Doak, 10. Jack Murphy, 11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Werner Kok, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. Rob Herring (for Reffell 46'), 17. Callum Reid (for Crean 51'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for Wilson 46', Wilson for Hume 62'–72'), 19. Joe Hopes (for Henderson 74'), 20. Sean Reffell (for Augustus 40'), 21. Conor McKee (for Doak 78'), 22. Jake Flannery (for Murphy 78'), 23. Jude Postlethwaite (for McCloskey 28').
25 October 2025 (1 BP) Lions South Africa 49–31 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg  
12:45 Try: Kotze 2'
Keyter 8'
Venter 46'
Du Plessis 61'
Van Wyk 71'
Van Vuuren 76'
Brandon 81'
Con: C. Smith (4) 3', 9', 47', 62'
Pen: C. Smith (2) 33', 50'
Cards: Ntlabakanye Yellow card 27'		 Report[102]
Match centre		 Try: Baloucoune (3) 5', 40', 52'
Hume 24'
McCann 67'
Con: Doak (2) 6', 24'
Flannery 67'
 Attendance: 4,061
Referee: Ben Connor
Ulster: 1. Sam Crean, 2. Rob Herring (c), 3. Tom O'Toole, 4. Harry Sheridan, 5. Joe Hopes, 6. David McCann, 7. Tom Stewart, 8. Bryn Ward, 9. Nathan Doak, 10. Jack Murphy, 11. Zac Ward, 12. Jude Postlethwaite, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. James McCormick (for McCann 74'), 17. Callum Reid (for Crean 51'), 18. Scott Wilson (for O'Toole 48'), 19. Matty Dalton (for Hopes 58'), 20. Marcus Rea (for B. Ward 62'), 21. Conor McKee (for Doak 69'), 22. Jake Flannery (for Murphy 62'), 23. Werner Kok (for Z. Ward 62').
28 November 2025 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 47–13 Italy Benetton Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
19:45 Try: Baloucoune (2) 10', 77'
Kok (2) 22', 58'
Hume 52'
Penalty try 63'
Sheridan 68'
Con: Doak (3) 23', 53', 60'
Flannery (2) 68', 78'
 Report[51]
Match centre		 Try: Bernasconi 28'
Con: Umaga 29'
Pen: Umaga (2) 15', 40+3'
Cards: Ratave 63'		 Attendance: 11,517
Referee: Sam Grove-White
Ulster: 1. Sam Crean, 2. Tom Stewart, 3. Scott Wilson, 4. Harry Sheridan, 5. Matty Dalton, 6. David McCann, 7. Nick Timoney (c), 8. Juarno Augustus, 9. Nathan Doak, 10. Jack Murphy, 11. Werner Kok, 12. Jude Postlethwaite, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune, 15. Jacob Stockdale. Replacements: 16. Rob Herring (for Stewart 51-73'), 17. Callum Reid (for Crean 51'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for Wilson 56'), 19. Charlie Irvine (for Dalton 9'), 20. Bryn Ward (for Augustus 63'), 21. David Shanahan (for Doak 67'), 22. Jake Flannery (for Murphy 67'), 23. Stewart Moore (for Postlethwaite 63').
19 December 2025 (1 BP) Leinster Ireland 24–20 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) Aviva Stadium, Dublin  
19:45 Try: Ioane 27'
Kenny 54'
Lowe 66'
Sheehan 74'
Con: Prendergast 27'
Byrne 75'
Cards: Ryan Yellow card 59'		 Report[54]
Match centre		 Try: Kok (2) 14', 34'
Stewart 38'
Con: Doak 35'
Pen: Doak 62'
Cards: McCann Yellow card 72'		 Referee: Andrew Brace
Ulster: 1. Angus Bell, 2. Tom Stewart, 3. Tom O'Toole, 4. Harry Sheridan, 5. Charlie Irvine, 6. David McCann, 7. Nick Timoney (c), 8. Juarno Augustus, 9. Nathan Doak, 10. Jack Murphy, 11. Werner Kok, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Jude Postlethwaite, 14. Robert Baloucoune, 15. Jacob Stockdale. Replacements: 16. John Andrew (for Stewart 65-72'), 17. Sam Crean (for Bell 55'), 18. Scott Wilson (for O'Toole 55'), 19. Joe Hopes (for Irvine 47'), 20. Bryn Ward (for Augustus 64'), 21. Conor McKee (for Doak 680') 22. Jake Flannery, 23. Ethan McIlroy (for Baloucoune 50').
27 December 2025 (1 BP) Connacht Ireland 24–29 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) The Sportsground, Galway  
17:30 Try: Treacy 24'
Jansen 66'
Devine 77'
Con: Gilbert (3) 25', 67', 77'
Pen: Gilbert 31'
Cards: Aki Yellow card 43'
Joyce Yellow card 16'		 Report[55]
Match centre		 Try: Z. Ward (2) 34', 40+1'
Kok 47'
Penalty try 53'
Con: Murphy (2) 34', 48'
Pen: Murphy 80+1'
Cards: Murphy Yellow card 16'
McCloskey Yellow card 43'		 Referee: Eoghan Cross
Ulster: 1. Sam Crean, 3. Tom Stewart, 3. Scott Wilson, 4. Harry Sheridan, 5. Cormac Izuchukwu, 6. David McCann, 7. Nick Timoney (c), 8. Juarno Augustus, 9. Conor McKee, 10. Jack Murphy, 11. Zac Ward, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Werner Kok, 15. Jacob Stockdale. Replacements: 16. John Andrew, 17. Angus Bell (for Crean 41'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for Wilson 41'), 19. Joe Hopes (for Izuchukwu 72'), 20. Bryn Ward (for Augustus 64'), 21. Nathan Doak (for McKee 51'), 22. Jake Flannery (for Stockdale 78'), 23. Jude Postlethwaite (for McCloskey 64').
2 January 2026 Ulster Ireland 28–3 Ireland Munster Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
19:45 Try: Stewart 48'
Flannery 55'
B. Ward 72'
Con: Doak (2) 49', 72'
Pen: Doak (3) 5', 25', 43'
 Report[56]
Match centre		 Pen: Hanrahan 28'
 Attendance: 18,196
Referee: Mike Adamson
Ulster: 1. Angus Bell, 2. Tom Stewart, 3. Tom O'Toole, 4. Iain Henderson (c), 5. Joe Hopes, 6. Cormac Izuchukwu, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Bryn Ward, 9. Nathan Doak, 10. Jack Murphy, 11. Zac Ward, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Werner Kok, 15. Jacob Stockdale. Replacements: 16. Rob Herring (for Stewart 57'), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Bell 53'), 18. Scott Wilson (for O'Toole 57'), 19. Harry Sheridan (for Henderson 57'), 20. David McCann (for Izuchukwu 61'), 21. Conor McKee (for Doak 80'), 22. Jake Flannery (for Stockdale 49'), 23. Jude Postlethwaite (for McCloskey 61').
24 January 2026 Scarlets Wales 27–22 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli  
15:00 Try: Murray 10'
Macleod 32'
Mee 80+3'
Con: Costelow (3) 11', 33', 80+4'
Pen: Costelow (2) 6', 72'
Cards: Plumtree Yellow card 66'		 Report[103]
Match centre		 Try: Stewart 20'
B. Ward 27'
Wilson 68'
Con: Doak (2) 27', 68'
Pen: Doak 76'
Cards: Kok Yellow card 80+2'		 Referee: Griffin Colby
Ulster: 1. Angus Bell, 2. Tom Stewart, 3. Tom O'Toole, 4. Iain Henderson (c), 5. Charlie Irvine, 6. David McCann, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Bryn Ward, 9. Nathan Doak, 10. Jack Murphy, 11. Werner Kok, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. Rob Herring (for Stewart 52'), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Bell 52'), 18. Scott Wilson (for O'Toole 52'), 19. Harry Sheridan (for Henderson 61'), 20. Matthew Dalton (for B. Ward 69'), 21. Conor McKee, 22. Jake Flannery (for Lowry 1'), 23. Jude Postlethwaite (for Baloucoune 41').
31 January 2026 Ulster Ireland 21–14 Wales Cardiff (1 BP) Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
19:45 Try: Wilson 12'
Bell 19'
Irvine 66'
Con: Murphy (3) 12', 19', 67'
 Report[104]
Match centre		 Try: Mulder 54'
Emanuel 68'
Con: Sheedy (2) 55', 69'
 Attendance: 12,012
Referee: Hollie Davidson
Ulster: 1. Angus Bell, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Scott Wilson, 4. Iain Henderson (c), 5. Charlie Irvine, 6. Matthew Dalton, 7. Marcus Rea, 8. David McCann, 9. Conor McKee, 10. Jack Murphy, 11. Zac Ward, 12. Ben Carson, 13. James Hume, 14. Werner Kok, 15. Ethan McIlroy. Replacements: 16. James McCormick, 17. Sam Crean (for Bell 55'), 18. Bryan O'Connor (for Wilson 76'), 19. Harry Sheridan (for Henderson 55'), 20. Lorcan McLoughlin (for Rea 63'), 21. David Shanahan (for McKee 63'), 22. Jake Flannery (for McIlroy 71'), 23. Ben Moxham.
28 February 2026 Ospreys Wales 21–10 Ireland Ulster Brewery Field, Bridgend  
19:45 Try: Foley 3'
Ratti 68'
Kasdende 77'
Con: Walsh (3) 4', 69', 78'
 Report[71]
Match centre		 Try: Z. Ward 9'
Stewart 12'
Cards: Rea Yellow card 75'		 Attendance: 3,761
Referee: Filippo Russo
Ulster: 1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Tom Stewart, 3. Scott Wilson, 4. Iain Henderson (c), 5. Charlie Irvine, 6. Matthew Dalton, 7. David McCann, 8. Bryn Ward, 9. Nathan Doak, 10. Jack Murphy, 11. Zac Ward, 12. Jude Postlethwaite, 13. James Hume, 14. Werner Kok, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. Rob Herring (for Stewart 57'), 17. Angus Bell (for O'Sullivan 49'), 18. Brian O'Connor (for Wilson 60'), 19. Harry Sheridan (for Henderson 57'), 20. Marcus Rea (for Dalton 57'), 21. Conor McKee (for Doak 57'), 22. Jake Flannery, 23. Ben Carson (for Postlethwaite 75').
13 March 2026[a] Edinburgh Scotland 19–40 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) Edinburgh Rugby Stadium  
19:45 Try: Thompson 6'
Paterson 21'
Goosen 31'
Con: Thompson (2) 6', 22'
Cards: Morris Red card 64'		 Report[106]
Match centre		 Try: Irvine 10'
Augustus 35'
Flannery 50'
Wilson 62'
McKee 69'
Carson 74'
Con: Murphy (5/6) 11', 35', 63', 70', 75'
Cards: Z. Ward Yellow card 1'
Sheridan Red card 45'		 Attendance: 7,989
Referee: Federico Vedovelli
Ulster: 1. Angus Bell, 2. Rob Herring (c), 3. Tom McAllister, 4. Harry Sheridan, 5. Charlie Irvine, 6. Cormac Izuchukwu, 7. Bryn Ward, 8. Juarno Augustus, 9. David Shanahan, 10. Jack Murphy, 11. Zac Ward, 12. Jude Postlethaite, 13. James Hume, 14. Werner Kok, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. James McCormick (for Herring 60'), 17. Sam Crean (for Bell 60'), 18. Scott Wilson (for McAllister 48'), 19. Joe Hopes (for Sheridan 67'), 20. David McCann (for B. Ward 48', B. Ward for Izuchukwu 67'), 21. Conor McKee (for Shanahan 3'), 22. Jake Flannery (for Hume 42'), 23. Ben Carson (For Postlethwaite 36').
20 March 2026 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 19–26 Ireland Connacht (1 BP) Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
19:45 Try: Doak 24'
Z. Ward 65'
Bell 75'
Con: Doak 24'
Murphy 76'
 Report[77]
Match centre		 Try: Jansen (2) 19', 57'
Bealham
Treacy (2) 61', 68'
Con: Naughton (3) 20', 58', 69'
Cards: Bealham Yellow card 38'		 Attendance: 12,000
Referee: Mike Adamson
Ulster: 1. Angus Bell, 2. Tom Stewart, 3. Scott Wilson, 4. Iain Henderson (c), 5. Joe Hopes, 6. David McCann, 7. Marcus Rea, 8. Juarno Augustus, 9. Nathan Doak, 10. Jack Murphy, 11. Zac Ward, 12. Ben Carson, 13. Jacob Stockdale, 14. Werner Kok, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. Rob Herring (for Stewart 59'), 17. Sam Crean (for Bell 59-73'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for Wilson 51'), 19. Matthew Dalton (for Henderson 55'), 20. Bryn Ward (for Rea 21-33', 51'), 21. Conor McKee (for Doak 63'), 22. Jonny Scott (for McIlroy 63'), 23. Ethan McIlroy (for Lowry 6').
28 March 2026 Zebre Parma Italy 12–28 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma  
19:45 Try: Di Bartolomeo 11'
Trulla 75'
Con: Farias 12'
Cards: Gesi Red card 29'		 Report[78]
Match centre		 Try: McAllister 20'
Herring 44'
Z. Ward 52'
Kok 68'
Con: Humphreys (2) 21', 45'
Doak (2) 53', 70'
Cards: Wilson Yellow card 80+5'		 Attendance: 3,256
Referee: Craig Evans
Ulster: 1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Tom McAllister, 4. Iain Henderson (c), 5. Joe Hopes, 6. David McCann, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Bryn Ward, 9. Conor McKee, 10. David Humphreys, 11. Zac Ward, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Werner Kok, 15. Ethan McIlroy. Replacements: 16. James McCormick (for Herring 69'), 17. Angus Bell (for O'Sullivan 41'), 18. Scott Wilson (for McAllister 50'), 19. Matthew Dalton (for Henderson 61'), 20. Juarno Augustus (for B. Ward 50'), 21. Nathan Doak (for Humphreys 46') 22. Ben Carson (for Hume 65'), 23. Ben Moxham (for Z. Ward 56').
17 April 2026 Ulster Ireland 21–29 Ireland Leinster (1 BP) Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
19:45 Try: B. Ward 55'
Z. Ward (2) 61', 65'
Con: Doak (3) 56', 63', 65'
Cards: Sheridan Yellow card 46'		 Match centre Try: Culhane 16'
J. O'Brien 38'
Henshaw 45'
Prendergast 51'
Con: Prendergast (3) 17', 46', 51'
Pen: Prendergast 24'
Cards: Deegan Red card 60'		 Attendance: 18,196
Referee: Andrew Brace
Ulster: 1. Angus Bell, 2. Tom Stewart, 3. Tom O'Toole, 4. Iain Henderson (c), 5. Cormac Izuchukwu, 6. David McCann, 7. Sean Reffell, 8. Juarno Augustus, 9. Nathan Doak, 10. Jack Murphy, 11. Zac Ward, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Werner Kok, 15. Jacob Stockdale. Replacements: 16. James McCormick (for Stewart 76'), 17. Sam Crean (for Bell 8', for O'Toole 47'), 18. Scott Wilson (for Crean 41'), 19. Harry Sheridan (for Izuchukwu 41'), 20. Bryn Ward (for Reffell 47'), 21. Conor McKee, 22. Jake Flannery (for Murphy 76'), 23. Jude Postlethwaite (for Hume 10').
25 April 2026 (1 BP) Munster Ireland 44–14 Ireland Ulster Thomond Park, Limerick  
17:40 Try: Hodnett (4) 24', 29', 55', 68'
Kendellen (3) 47', 53', 69'
Con: Hanrahan (3) 33', 53', 70'
 Match centre Try: Arenzana-King 13'
Andrew 65'
Con: Flannery (2) 13', 66'
Cards: Brigg Yellow card 23'		 Referee: Sam Grove-White
Ulster: 1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. James McCormick, 3. Bryan O'Connor, 4. Harry Sheridan, 5. Charlie Irvine, 6. James McKillop, 7. Tom Brigg, 8. Lorcan McLoughlin, 9. Conor McKee, 10. Jake Flannery, 11. Ben Moxham, 12. Ben Carson, 13. Ethan McIlroy, 14. Aitzol Arenzana-King, 15. Michael Lowry (c). Replacements: 16. John Andrew (for McCormick 57'), 17. Callum Reid (for O'Sullivan 31'), 18. Tom McAllister (for O'Connor 40'), 19. Joe Hopes (for McKillop 54'), 20. Marcus Rea (for Brigg 57'), 21. David Shanahan (for McKee 54'), 22. James Humphreys (for Lowry 61'), 23. Jonny Scott (for Carson 16').
8 May 2026 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 38–38 South Africa Stormers (1 BP) Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
19:45 Try: Kok (3) 4', 28', 71'
Z. Ward 35'
Lowry 45'
O'Sullivan 75'
Con: Doak (4) 5', 30', 36', 77'
Cards: Henderson Red card 9'
Doak Yellow card 80'		 Match centre Try: Roos 6'
Feinberg-Mngomezulu (2) 14', 64'
Khan 49'
Penalty try 80'
Con: Feinberg-Mngomezulu (4) 7', 15', 49', 64'
Pen: Feinberg-Mngomezulu 21'
Cards: Matthee Yellow card 76'		 Attendance: 9,782
Referee: Andrea Piardi
Ulster: 1. Angus Bell, 2. James McCormick, 3. Scott Wilson, 4. Iain Henderson (c), 5. Charlie Irvine, 6. Cormac Izuchukwu, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Juarno Augustus, 9. Nathan Doak, 10. Jack Murphy, 11. Zac Ward, 12. Jude Postlethwaite, 13. Ethan McIlroy, 14. Werner Kok, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. Tom Stewart (for McCormick 41'), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Bell 55'), 18. Tom McAllister (for Wilson 58'), 19. Harry Sheridan (for Henderson 31'), 20. Bryn Ward (for Augustus 61'), 21. Conor McKee, 22. Jake Flannery (for Murphy 13-26', 65'), 23. Wilhelm de Klerk.
15 May 2026 (2 BP) Ulster Ireland 22–26 Scotland Glasgow Warriors (1 BP) Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
19:45 Try: Z. Ward (2) 19', 33'
McIlroy
Murphy 68'
Con: Flannery 34'
 Match centre Try: McDowall 8'
McBeth 37'
Horne 40+2'
Rowe 76'
Con: Horne (3) 9', 38', 40+3'
Cards: McBeth Yellow card 22'
McKay Yellow card 45'		 Attendance: 11,556
Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi
Ulster: 1. Sam Crean, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Tom O'Toole, 4. Harry Sheridan, 5. Charlie Irvine, 6. Joe Hopes, 7. Nick Timoney (c), 8. Bryn Ward, 9. Conor McKee, 10. Jake Flannery, 11. Zac Ward, Wilhelm de Klerk, 13. James Hume, 14. Werner Kok, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. Tom Stewart (for Herring 14'), 17. Angus Bell (for Crean 41'), 18. Scott Wilson (for O'Toole 53'), 19. Cormac Izuchukwu (for Sheridan 41'), 20. Lorcan McLoughlin (for Irvine 53'), 21. Nathan Doak (for McKee 41'), 22. Jack Murphy (for De Klerk 52'), 23. Ethan McIlroy (for Kok 41').

European Challenge Cup

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Ulster were drawn in Pool 3 of the 2025–26 EPCR Challenge Cup, alongside Cardiff, Cheetahs, Exeter Chiefs, Racing 92 and Stade Français.[107] The European Rugby Champions Cup rules do not apply, so Ulster would play URC rivals Cardiff, Racing 92 and Stade Français from France, and former Pro14 rivals, Cheetahs, but would not play Prem Rugby side Exeter Chiefs at this stage.

EPCR Challenge Cup Pool 3
Pos Team
 Pld W D L PF PA PD TF TA TB LB Pts Qualification
1 Ireland Ulster (3) 4 3 0 1 141 55 +86 21 8 4 1 17 Home round of 16
2 France Stade Français (4) 4 3 0 1 129 90 +39 19 13 3 1 16
3 England Exeter Chiefs (7) 4 2 1 1 129 70 +59 18 11 3 1 14
4 Wales Cardiff (15) 4 2 0 2 78 108 −30 11 17 2 0 10 Away round of 16
5 France Racing 92 4 1 1 2 82 152 −70 13 21 2 0 8
6 South Africa Cheetahs 4 0 0 4 62 146 −84 9 21 1 1 2
Source: EPCR[108]
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers for teams tied on points: 1) Number of matches won; 2) Difference between points for and against; 3) Total number of points for; 4) Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams; 5) Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled.

Pool matches

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5 December 2025 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 61–7 France Racing 92 Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
20:00 Try: Stockdale (2) 15', 79'
Herring 35'
O'Toole 42'
Stewart 48'
Wilson 59'
Flannery 68'
Z. Ward (2) 73', 80+3'
Con: Murphy (8) 16', 36', 49', 59', 68', 74', 80', 80+3'
 Report[52]
Match centre		 Try: Gibert 8'
Con: Gibert 9'
Cards: Sanconnie Yellow card 50'		 Attendance: 10,426
Referee: Ben Breakspear
Ulster: 1. Sam Crean, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Tom O'Toole, 4. Harry Sheridan, 5. Charlie Irvine, 6. David McCann, 7. Nick Timoney (c), 8. Juarno Augustus, 9. Nathan Doak, 10. Jack Murphy, 11. Zac Ward, 12. Jude Postlethwaite, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune, 15. Jacob Stockdale. Replacements: 16. Tom Stewart (for Herring 40'), 17. Angus Bell (for Crean 53'), 18. Scott Wilson (for O'Toole 53'), 19. Joe Hopes (for Augustus 59'), 20. Bryn Ward (For Timoney 53'), 21. Conor McKee (for Doak 53'), 22. Jake Flannery (for Baloucoune 53'), 23. Stewart Moore (for Postlethwaite 24').
12 December 2025  (1 BP) Cardiff Wales 29–26 Ireland Ulster (2 BP) Cardiff Arms Park  
20:00 Try: Nott 6'
Bowen 12'
Southworth 64'
D. Thomas 72'
Con: Halfpenny 7'
Sheedy (2) 64', 73'
Pen: Sheedy 80'
Cards: Botham Yellow card 67'		 Report[53]
Match centre		 Try: Stewart 21'
Hume 39'
Kok (2) 44', 53'
Con: Flannery (3) 22', 40', 54'
Cards: Sheridan Yellow card 67'
Carson Yellow card 72'		 Attendance: 6,425
Referee: Evan Urruzmendi
Ulster: 1. Sam Crean, 2. Tom Stewart (c), 3. Tom O'Toole, 4. Harry Sheridan, 5. Charlie Irvine, 6. David McCann, 7. Sean Reffell, 8. Bryn Ward, 9. Conor McKee, 10. Jake Flannery, 11. Zac Ward, 12. Ben Carson, 13. James Hume, 14. Werner Kok, 15. Stewart Moore. Replacements: 16. John Andrew (for Stewart 59'), 17. Angus Bell (for Crean 49'), 18. Rory McGuire (for O'Toole 59'), 19. Cormac Izuchukwu (for Irvine 49'), 20. Juarno Augustus (for Reffell 49'), 21. David Shanahan (for McKee 67'), 22. James Humphreys (for Flannery 76'), 23. Bradley McNamara (for Moore 16-21', 67').
11 January 2026 Cheetahs South Africa 0–28 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) Dukes Rugby, 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands  
16:15 Walkover[57][58] Referee: Kevin Bralley
17 January 2026 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 26–19 France Stade Français (1 BP) Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
13:00 Try: O'Toole 1' c
Baloucoune 14' m
McCloskey 23' c
Doak 30' c
Con: Murphy (3/4) 2', 24', 31'
 Report[109]
Match centre		 Try: Melikidze 46' c
Laloi 54' m
Peyresblanques 66' c
Con: Foursans-Bourdette (2/3) 47', 67'
 Attendance: 11,900
Referee: Adam Leal
Ulster: 1. Sam Crean, 2. Tom Stewart, 3. Tom O'Toole, 4. Iain Henderson (c), 5. Harry Sheridan, 6. David McCann, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Bryn Ward, 9. Nathan Doak, 10. Jack Murphy, 11. Zac Ward, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune, 15. Jacob Stockdale. Replacements: 16. Rob Herring (for Stewart 50'), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Crean 50'), 18. Scott Wilson (for O'Toole 51'), 19. Matthew Dalton (for Henderson 62'), 20. Sean Reffell (for McCann 62'), 21. Conor McKee, 22. Jake Flannery, 23. Jude Postlethwaite (for Hune 51').

Knockout stage

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Ulster qualified for the round of 16 when they confirmed a top four finish in Pool 3 in Round 3 with the award of a 28-0 victory over Cheetahs. They confirmed a top four seeding, a home tie in the round of 16, and a potential home quarter-final, with a bonus-point victory over Stade Francais, 26-19, in Round 4 of Pool 3.

Round of 16 Quarter-finals Semi-finals Final
            
1 France Montpellier 53
16 France Perpignan 13
1 France Montpellier 45
8 Ireland Connacht 22
8 Ireland Connacht 29
9 South Africa Sharks 12
1 France Montpellier 18
13 Wales Dragons 12
5 Italy Zebre Parma 31
12 France Pau 15
5 Italy Zebre Parma 32
13 Wales Dragons 35
4 France Stade Français 31
13 Wales Dragons 36
1 France Montpellier 59
3 Ireland Ulster 26
3 Ireland Ulster 28
14 Wales Ospreys 24
3 Ireland Ulster 41
11 France La Rochelle 24
6 England Newcastle Red Bulls 18
11 France La Rochelle 26
3 Ireland Ulster 29
7 England Exeter Chiefs 12
2 Italy Benetton 38
15 Wales Cardiff 35
2 Italy Benetton 41
7 England Exeter Chiefs 44
7 England Exeter Chiefs 31
10 Ireland Munster 21

Round of 16

4 April 2026 Ulster Ireland (3) 28–24 (14) Wales Ospreys Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
20:00 Try: Izuchukwu 3'
McCann 34'
Stockdale 45'
Timoney 55'
Con: Doak (4) 4', 35', 46'
Cards: Murphy Yellow card 68'		 Report[79]
Match centre		 Try: Reuben Morgan-Williams 9'
Kasende 19'
Penalty try 68'
Con: Edwards (2) 9', 20'
Pen: Edwards 29'
Cards: J. Morgan Yellow card 56'		 Attendance: 7,858
Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe
Ulster: 1. Angus Bell, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Tom O'Toole, 4. Iain Henderson (c), 5. Cormac Izuchukwu, 6. David McCann, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Juarno Augustus, 9. Nathan Doak, 10. Jake Flannery, 11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Werner Kok, 15. Ethan McIlroy. Replacements: 16. Tom Stewart (for Herring 21'), 17. Sam Crean (for Bell 13'), 18. Scott Wilson (for O'Toole 62'; O'Toole for Crean 70'), 19. Charlie Irvine (for Henderson 57'), 20. Bryn Ward (for Augustus 57'), 21. Conor McKee (for Doak 67'), 22. Jack Murphy (for Flannery 56'), 23. Zac Ward (for Kok 62').

Quarter-final

10 April 2026 Ulster Ireland (3) 41–24 (11) France La Rochelle Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
20:00 Try: Z.Ward (2) 4', 46'
O'Toole 24'
Izuchukwu 36'
B. Ward 53'
McCormick 76'
Con: Doak (3) 5', 25', 37'
Flannery 77'
Pen: Doak 9'
Cards: Z. Ward Yellow card 28'		 Match centre Try: Cancoriet 41'
Latu 51'
Sclavi 82'
Con: Jurd (3) 42', 53', 83'
Pen: Jurd 22'
 Attendance: 7,169
Referee: Hollie Davidson
Ulster: 1. Angus Bell, 2. Tom Stewart, 3 Tom O'Toole, 4. Iain Henderson (c), 5. Cormac Izuchukwu, 6. David McCann, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Juarno Augustus, 9. Nathan Doak, 10, Jack Murphy, 11. Zac Ward, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Werner Kok, 15. Jacob Stockdale. Replacements: 16. James McCormick (for Stewart 71'), 17. Sam Crean (for Bell 53'), 18. Scott Wilson (for O'Toole 58'), 19. Harry Sheridan (for Augustus 58'), 20. Bryn Ward (for Timoney 40'), 21. Conor McKee (for Doak 73'), 22. Jake Flannery (for Murphy 71'), 23. Jude Postlethwaite (for Hume 65').

Semi-final

2 May 2026 Ulster Ireland (3) 29–12 (7) England Exeter Chiefs Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
17:30 Try: Augustus 27' c
Murphy 46' c
McCann 57' m
Stewart 65' c
Con: Doak (3/4) 27', 47', 66'
Pen: Doak 40'
Cards: Stockdale Yellow card 29'		 Match centre Try: Vintcent 31' c
Ridl 80+1' m
Con: Slade 32'
Cards: Hammersley Yellow card 73'		 Attendance: 11,126
Referee: Pierre Brousset
Ulster: 1. Sam Crean, 2. Tom Stewart, 3. Tom O'Toole, 4. Iain Henderson (c), 5. Cormac Izuchukwu, 6. David McCann, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Juarno Augustus, 9. Nathan Doak, 10. Jack Murphy, 11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Jude Postlethwaite, 14. Zac Ward, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. James McCormick (for Stewart 70'), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Crean 63'), 18. Tom McAllister (for O'Toole 68'), 19. Charlie Irvine (for Henderson 63'), 20. Bryn Ward (for Augustus 63'), 21. Conor McKee (for McCloskey 71'), 22. Jake Flannery (for Murphy 68'), 23. Ethan McIlroy (for Stockdale 40').

Final

22 May 2026 Montpellier France (1) 59–26 (3) Ireland Ulster San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao  
21:00 Try: N'Gandebe 5'
Taofifénua (2) 15', 44'
Vunipola 31'
Bécognée 37'
Nouchi 48'
Erdocio 58'
Hounkpatin 63'
Vincent 78'
Con: Miotti (5) 6', 16', 32', 45', 49'
Coly (2) 59', 64'
 Match centre Try: Timoney 2'
Izuchukwu 27'
Baloucoune 55'
Lowry 72'
Con: Doak (2) 3', 56'
Flannery 72'
 Attendance: 43,204
Referee: Matthew Carley
Ulster: 1. Angus Bell, 2. Tom Stewart, 3. Tom O'Toole, 4. Harry Sheridan, 5. Cormac Izuchukwu, 6. David McCann, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Juarno Augustus, 9. Nathan Doak, 10. Jack Murphy, 11. Zac Ward, 12. Jude Postlethwaite, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. James McCormick (for Stewart 76'), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Bell 49'), 18. Scott Wilson (for O'Toole 49'), 19. Charlie Irvine (for Sheridan 61'), 20. Bryn Ward (for Augustus 56'), 21. Conor McKee (for Doak 64'), 22. Jake Flannery (for Murphy 64'), 23. Ethan McIlroy (for Postlethwaite 57').

Home attendance

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After URC round 13, Challenge Cup semi-final

United Rugby Championship European Challenge Cup Total
Competition Fixtures Attendance Competition Fixtures Attendance
Total Average Highest Lowest Total Average Highest Lowest Fixtures Total attendance Average attendance
2025–26 United Rugby Championship 9 113,451 12,606 18,196 9,563 2025–26 EPCR Challenge Cup 5 48,479 9,696 11,900 7,169 14 161,930 11,566

Friendlies

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12 September 2025 Ulster Ireland 31–19 Scotland Edinburgh Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
19:35 Try: Izuchukwu
Postlethwaite
Z. Ward
McCormick
Scott
Con: Murphy (2)
Flannery
Cards: Graham Yellow card		 Report[110] Try: McConnell
Wells
Jones
Con: Thompson (2)
Ulster: 1. Callum Reid, 2. John Andrew, 3. Tom O'Toole, 4. Iain Henderson (c), 5. Matthew Dalton, 6. Cormac Izuchukwu, 7. Sean Reffell, 8. David McCann, 9. Nathan Doak, 10. Jack Murphy, 11. Zac Ward, 12. Jude Postlethwaite, 13. James Hume, 14. Werner Kok, 15. Jake Flannery. Replacements: James McCormick, Sam Crean, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Nick Timoney, Marcus Rea, Conor McKee, Jonny Scott, Ben Carson, Ethan Graham, Lukas Kenny, Wilhelm de Klerk.

Ulster 'A'

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Players

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

Players used by Ulster 'A'

Props

  • Ireland Niall Carville (City of Armagh)
  • Ireland Angus Graham (Ballymena)
  • Ireland Blake McClean (Instonians)

Hookers

  • Ireland Josh Hanlon (Ballynahinch)
  • Ireland Charlie Hargy (Ballymena Academy)

Locks

  • Ireland Thomas Dougan (City of Armagh)
  • Ireland Callum Johns (Dungannon)
  • Ireland Ben Moore (Queen's University)

Back row

  • Ireland Noah Bell (City of Armagh)
  • Ireland Adam Milligan (Dungannon)
  • Ireland Jon Rodgers (Ballynahinch)

Scrum-halves

  • Ireland Sam Harper (Omagh Academy)
  • Ireland Callum Soper (Malone)

Out-halves

  • Ireland Owen O'Kane (City of Armagh)

Centres

  • Ireland Matthew Booth (Ballynahinch)
  • South Africa Bevan Prinsloo (Instonians)
  • Ireland James Girvan (Dungannon)

Fullbacks

  • Ireland Sam Cunningham (City of Armagh)

Fixtures

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12 September 2025 Cambridge England 33–36 Ireland Ulster 'A' Ellgia Fields, Cambridge  
15:00 Try: Yallop 1'
Irvine 20'
Reweti 28'
Qorowale 31'
Lumley 45'
Con: Caven (4) 21', 29', 47'
Cards: Nearchou Yellow card		 Report[111] Try: Walker 10'
B. Ward (2) 47', 70'
McKillop 48'
Kenny 61'
Scott 78'
Con: Humphreys (3) 11', 49', 71'
 Attendance: 1,108
Ulster: 1. Jacob Boyd, 2. Henry Walker, 3. Rory McGuire, 4. Charlie Irvine, 5. Joe Hopes, 6. James McKillop, 7. Bryn Ward, 8. Lorcan McLoughlin, 9. Clark Logan, 10. James Humphreys (c), 11. Ethan Graham, 12. Jonny Scott, 13. Bevan Prinsloo, 14. Lukas Kenny, 15. Dan Green. Replacements: 16. Josh Hanlon, 17. Tom McAllister, 18. Blake McClean, 19. Thomas Dougan, 20. Josh Stevens, 21. Callum Soper, 22. Sam Cunningham, 23. Wilhelm de Klerk.

'A' Interprovincial Championship

edit
21 November 2025 (1 BP) Ulster 'A' 28–22 Connacht Eagles (2 BP) Palace Grounds, Armagh  
15:00 Try: Dalton (2)
Graham
B. Ward
Con: Flannery (4)
Cards: Humphreys		 Report[112] Try: McNicholas
Treacy
Devine
Jennings
Con: Naughton
Ulster 'A': 1. Callum Reid, 2. John Andrew (c), 3. Rory McGuire, 4. Charlie Irvine, 5. Joe Hopes, 6. Matthew Dalton, 7. Marcus Rea, 8. Bryn Ward, 9. David Shanahan, 10. Jake Flannery, 11. Ethan Graham, 12. Jonny Scott, 13. Ben Carson, 14. Zac Ward, 15. Bradley McNamara. Replacements: 16. James McCormick, 17. Jacob Boyd, 18. Bryan O’Connor, 19. Thomas Dougan, 20. Henry Walker, 21. Conor McKee, 22. James Humphreys, 23. Matthew Booth.
19 December 2025 Connacht Eagles P–P Ulster 'A' The Sportsground, Galway  
14:00
13 February 2026 (1 BP) Munster 'A' 31–5 Ulster 'A' New Ormond Park, Nenagh & Tyone  
15:00 Try: O'Brien
O'Connor
Clein
Sheahan (2)
Con: Butler (3)
 Report[113] Try: McKillop
Cards: Carson Yellow card
Walker Yellow card
De Klerk Yellow card
McKillop Yellow card
Ulster 'A': 1. Callum Reid, 2. James McCormick, 3. Flynn Longstaff, 4. Joe Hopes, 5. Paddy Woods, 6. James McKillop, 7. Tom Brigg, 8. Lorcan McLoughlin, 9. Conor McKee, 10. Jake Flannery, 11. Ben Moxham, 12. Ben Carson, 13. Wilhelm de Klerk, 14. Jonny Scott, 15. Ethan McIlroy (c). Replacements: 16. Henry Walker, 17. Jacob Boyd, 18. Tom McAllister, 19. Ben Moore, 20. Noah Bell, 21. Clark Logan, 22. James Humphreys, 23. Owen O'Kane, 24. Jon Rodgers.
20 February 2026 (1 BP) Ulster 'A' 34–7 Munster 'A' Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
15:00 Try: McIlroy
Moxham
O'Sullivan
Walker
Shanahan
O'Kane
Con: Humphreys (2)
 Report[114] Try: Maher
Con: O'Connor
Ulster 'A': 1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Henry Walker, 3. Tom McAllister, 4. Joe Hopes, 5. James McKillop, 6. Marcus Rea, 7. Tom Brigg, 8. Lorcan McLoughlin, 9. David Shanahan, 10. James Humphreys, 11. Ben Moxham, 12. Ben Carson, 13. Wilhelm de Klerk, 14. Jonny Scott, 15. Ethan McIlroy (c). Replacements: 16. James McCormick, 17. Callum Reid, 18. Bryan O'Connor, 19. Paddy Woods, 20. Noah Bell, 21. Clark Logan, 22. Jake Flannery, 23. Owen O'Kane, 24. Ben Moore.
9 May 2026 Leinster 'A' 64–21 Ulster 'A' Energia Park, Dublin  
13:00 Try: O'Tighearnaigh
McLaughlin (2)
Mangan
Cruise-O'Brien (2)
Ronan
Foley
Smyth
Deegan
Con: Gabriel (7)
 Report[115] Try: Girvan (2)
E. Graham
Con: Humphreys
O'Kane (2)
Ulster 'A': 1. Jacob Boyd, 2. Henry Walker, 3. Bryan O'Connor, 4. Paddy Woods, 5. James McKillop, 6. Matthew Dalton, 7. Jon Rodgers, 8. Tom Brigg, 9. Clark Logan, 10. James Humphreys, 11. Ben Moxham, 12. Bevan Prinsloo, 13. James Girvan, 14. Aitzol Arenzana-King, 15. Bradley McNamara. Replacements: 16. Charlie Hargy, 17. Niall Carville, 18. Blake McClean, 19. Callum Johns, 20. Adam Milligan, 21. Sam Harper, 22. Owen O'Kane, 23. Rynard Gordon, 24. Ethan Graham, 25. Angus Graham.
9 May 2026 Ulster 'A' v Leinster 'A' Ballymacarn Park, Ballynahinch  
13:00

Ulster Women

edit

The Ulster women's squad was announced in May 2025. Murray Houston remained head coach. Hooker India Daley was named captain, and lock Brenda Barr vice-captain.[116] Three Ulster players, Brittany Hogan, Fiona Tuite and Sadhbh McGrath, were named in the Ireland preparation squad for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup.[117]

Squad

edit
Ulster Senior Women's Squad[116][118]

Props

  • Ireland Sophie Barrett (Enniskillen/Railway Union)
  • Ireland Bronach Cassidy (Suttonians)
  • Ireland Ava Fannin (Blackrock)
  • Ireland Sophie McAlister (Ballymena)
  • Ireland Sadhbh McGrath (Cooke)
  • Ireland Aishling O'Connell (Monaghan)

Hookers

  • Ireland Maebh Clenaghan (Queen's University)
  • Ireland Sarah Roberts (Queen's University)
  • Ireland Megan Simpson (Cooke)
  • Ireland Emily Whittle (Queen's University)

Locks

  • Ireland Brenda Barr (Suttonians, vc)
  • Ireland Keelin Brady (Railway Union)
  • Ireland Lauren Darley (Queen's University)
  • Ireland Cara McLean (Larne)
  • Ireland Ellen Patterson (Cooke)

Back row

  • Ireland Rebecca Beacom (Enniskillen)
  • Ireland India Daley (Enniskillen, c)
  • Ireland Katie Hetherington (Cooke)
  • Ireland Christy Hill (Cooke)
  • Ireland Moya Hill (Enniskillen)
  • Ireland Brittany Hogan (Old Belvedere)
  • Ireland Ciara O'Donnell (Eniskillen)
  • Ireland Stacey Sloan (Cooke)
  • Ireland Ruby Starrett (Queen's University)
  • Ireland Fiona Tuite (Old Belvedere)

Scrum-halves

  • Ireland Georgia Boyce (Enniskillen)
  • Ireland Rachael McIlroy (Suttonians)

Out-halves

  • Ireland Lauren Farrell-McCabe (Suttonians)
  • Ireland Abby Moyles (UL Bohemian)

Centres

  • Ireland Farrah Cartin McCloskey (Enniskillen)
  • Ireland Catherine Martin (Blackrock)
  • Ireland Kelly McCormill (Cooke)
  • Ireland Tara O'Neill (Cooke)
  • Ireland Siobhan Sheerin (Clogher Valley)

Back three

  • Ireland Kate Farrell McCabe (Suttonians)
  • Ireland Ciara Fitzsimons (Queen's University)
  • Ireland Katie Gilmour (Cooke)
  • Ireland Niamh Marley (Cooke)
  • Ireland Erin McConalogue (Inishowen)
  • Ireland Sophie Meeke (Enniskillen)
  • Ireland Paige Smyth (Cooke)
  • Ireland Lucy Thompson (Enniskillen)
(c) denotes the team captain, (vc) denotes the team vice-captain. Bold denotes internationally capped players.

Staff

edit
Ulster senior women's coaching staff[116]
Position Name Nationality
Head coach Murray Houston Scotland
Contact skills coach Neill Alcorn Ireland
Defence coach Eric O'Sullivan Ireland
Athletic development coach Kevin Gallagher Ireland
Team manager Marianne Breen Ireland
Physio Martin Dunlop Ireland

Friendlies

edit
21 July 2025 Ulster 24–12 Connacht Ardgart, Enniskillen  
Try: McAllister
Sheerin
O'Donnell
Fitzsimons
Con: (2)
 Report[119] Try: (2)
Con: (1)
26 July 2025 Ulster 26–5 Leinster Chambers Park, Portadown  
Try: Sloan
Sheerin
Boyce
Marley
Con: Farrell-McCabe (3)
 Report[120] Try: Onigbode

IRFU Women's Interprovincial Series

edit

The 2025 IRFU Women's Interprovincial Series was played between 10 and 30 August.[121]

10 August 2025 (1 BP) Leinster 37–21 Ulster Energia Park, Dublin  
Try: Baker (2) 11', 53'
Brogan (3) 17', 39', 78'
Neill 32'
Gaffney 44'
Con: Caughey 32'
 Report[122] Try: Sheerin 34'
Daley 38'
Barrett 48'
Con: Sheerin (3) 35', 39', 48'
Cards: Barr Yellow card 51'
Ulster: 1. Sarah Roberts, 2. Maebh Clenaghan, 3. Sophie Barrett, 4. Lauren Darley, 5. Brenda Barr, 6. Ruby Starrett, 7. Katie Hetherington, 8 India Daley (c), 9. Georgia Boyce, 10. Lauren Farrell-McCabe, 11. Paige Smyth, 12. Tara O'Neill, 13. Siobhan Sheerin, 14. Luce Thompson, 15. Niamh Marley. Replacements: 16. Megan Simpson (for Clenaghan 56'), 17. Cara McLean (for Roberts 56'), 18. Ava Fannin (for Barrett 56'), 19. Rebecca Beacom, 20. Moya Hill (for Daley 40'), 21. Rachael McIlroy (for Boyce 47'), 22. Kelly McCormill (for O'Neill 63'), 23. Stacey Sloan (for Hetherington 63').
16/17 August 2025 Connacht 12–7 Ulster (1 BP) The Sportsground, Galway  
Try: Sheerin
Con: Sheerin
Cards: Barr Yellow card		 Report[123] Try: Oviawe
Maher
Con: Nic Dhonnacha
Ulster: 1. Sarah Roberts, 2. Maebh Clenaghan, 3. Ava Fannin, 4. Lauren Darley, 5. Brenda Barr, 6. Moya Hill, 7. Ruby Starrett, 8. India Daley (c), 9. Georgia Boyce, 10. Lauren Farrell-McCabe, 11. Niamh Marley, 12. Tara O'Neill, 13. Siobhan Sheerin, 14. Lucy Thompson, 15. Kate Farrell-McCabe. Replacements: 16. Cara McLean, 17. Megan Simpson, 18. Sophie Barrett, 19. Rebecca Beacom, 20 Katie Hetherington, 21. Sophie Meeke, 22. Kelly McCormill, 23. Stacey Sloan.
23 August 2025 Ulster 17–38 Munster Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
Try: Sheerin
Fitzsimons (2)
Con: Sheerin
 Report[124] Try: Pearse
Ugwueru
Finn
Og O'Leary
McInerney
Con: Finn (4)
Ulster: 1. Aisling O'Connell, 2. India Daley (c), 3. Sophie Barrett, 4. Ellen Patterson, 5. Brenda Barr, 6. Moya Hill, 7. Rebecca Beacom, 8. Stacey Sloan, 9. Sophie Meeke, 10. Abby Moyles, 11. Niamh Marley, 12. Kelly McCormill, 13. Siobhan Sheerin, 14. Ciara Fitzsimons, 15. Kate Farrell-McCabe. Replacements: 16. Megan Simpson, 17. Bronach Cassidy, 18. Sophie McAlister, 19. Lauren Darley, 20. Ciara O'Donnell, 21. Georgia Boyce, 22. Farrah Cartin-McCloskey, 23. Katie Gilmour.

3rd/4th place playoff

edit
30 August 2025 Connacht 37–30 Ulster Energia Park, Dublin  
14:00 Try: Clarke (2) 6', 76'
Nic Dhonnacha 38'
Ryder 41'
Browne 59'
Adams Verling 65'
Con: Nic Dhonnacha (2) 59', 66'
Pen: Nic Dhonnacha 79'
Cards: Oviawe Yellow card 68'		 Try: O'Neill 18'
Moyles 29'
Barrett 36'
Daley 70'
Con: Moyles (2) 29', 37'
Pen: Moyles (2) 21', 73'
Cards: Clenaghan Yellow card 78'
Ulster: 1. Cara McLean, 2. India Daley, 3. Sophie Barrett, 4. Lauren Darley, 5. Brenda Barr, 6. Moya Hill, 7. Ruby Starrett, 8. Stacey Sloan, 9. Georgia Boyce, 10. Abby Moyles, 11. Niamh Marley, 12. Tara O'Neill, 13. Siobhan Sheerin, 14. Ciara Fitzsimons, 15. Lauren Farrell-McCabe. Replacements: 16. Maebh Clenaghan (for Sloan 51'), 17. Aisling O'Connell (for McLean 51-68', Barrett 68'), 18. Sarah Roberts (for Barrett 51'), 19. Emily Whittle, 20. Rebecca Beacom (for Barr 62'), 21. Sophie Meeke, 22. Kate Farrell-McCabe (for Lauren Farrell-McCabe 62'), 23. Lucy Thompson.

Celtic Challenge

edit

Eight Ulster players were selected in the Wolfhounds squad for the 2025–26 Celtic Challenge: forwards Sophie Barrett, Claire Boles, Maebh Clenaghan, India Daley, Cara McLean, Fiona Tuite, and backs Niamh Marley and Kate Farrell McCabe. Sadhbh McGrath was selected for the Clovers. The Wolfhounds finished top of the table, and the Clovers finished second. The Wolfhounds defeated Brython Thunder and the Clovers beat Gwalia Lightning in the semi-finals, and the Wolfhounds defeated the Clovers 50–29 in the final.

Notes

edit
  1. ↑ Postponed from 3 October due to weather conditions.[105]

References

edit
  1. ↑ Adam McKendry, "New role will help bridge the gap with Ulster’s next generation of stars: Dan Soper", Belfast Telegraph, 22 January 2025
  2. ↑ "Ulster Rugby confirm Senior Men’s coaching structure for 2025/26", Ulster Rugby, 12 February 2025
  3. ↑ "Ulster Rugby confirm new EPDO coaches", Ulster Rugby, 29 May 2025
  4. ↑ "Cunningham to leave role as Ulster General Manager", BBC Sport, 8 September 2025
  5. ↑ Neil Loughran, "Rory Best returns to Ulster Rugby as general manager", The Irish News, 29 October 2025
  6. 1 2 "Northampton back row Augustus to join Ulster in 2025", BBC Sport, 26 November 2024
  7. 1 2 3 "Ulster bolster front-row reserves with two prop signings". Rugby Pass. 14 May 2025. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  8. 1 2 "Wallaby international prop Angus Bell signs for Ulster Rugby", Ulster Rugby, 21 May 2025
  9. 1 2 3 Adam McKendry, "Ulster tie down three 'exciting prospects' to new deals as former lock makes return", Belfast Telegraph, 16 January 2025
  10. 1 2 "Ulster Rugby confirm Senior Men’s squad for 2025/26", Ulster Rugby, 22 May 2025
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Ulster Rugby Academy confirmed for 2025/26", Ulster Rugby, 4 June 2025
  12. 1 2 "Ulster lock Treadwell to make Harlequins return", BBC Sport, 30 January 2025
  13. 1 2 "John Cooney to leave Ulster for France at end of season", RTÉ Sport, 17 March 2025
  14. 1 2 Keith Bailie, "'It was my greatest honour to represent my community': Ulster forward retires aged 23", Belfast Telegraph, 16 April 2025
  15. ↑ Adam McKendry, "Former Ulster lock takes up new schools coaching role following departure from province", Belfast Telegraph, 25 June 2025
  16. 1 2 "Warwick Goes Back To His Playing Roots With Ballymena". Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 "Ulster Rugby confirm eight senior players to leave at end of season", Ulster Rugby, 22 April 2025
  18. ↑ "Harlequins confirm squad for 2025/26 season". Ultimate Rugby. 17 September 2025. Retrieved 4 November 2025.
  19. ↑ "Fly-half Morgan to leave Ulster after one season", BBC Sport, 21 May 2025
  20. 1 2 Ned Lester, "Mark Tele'a one of three Kiwis recruited by Steve Hansen's Toyota Verblitz", Rugby Pass, 1 August 2025
  21. 1 2 Jon Newcombe, "Ulster’s Stewart Moore agrees to PREM loan move", Rugby Pass, 3 November 2025
  22. ↑ "Stewart Moore recalled from loan to rejoin Ulster Rugby", Ulster Rugby, 22 November 2025
  23. 1 2 3 "Woods and Gordon join Ulster Rugby Academy", Ulster Rugby, 11 February 2026
  24. ↑ Cian Tracey, "Seven Ulster players named in Paul O’Connell’s Ireland squad for summer tour", Belfast Telegraph, 4 June 2025
  25. ↑ "Stockdale out of Portugal game with shoulder injury", BBC Sport, 7 July 2025
  26. ↑ "McNabney set for extended spell out with ACL injury", BBC Sport, 19 June 2025
  27. ↑ "Tommy O’Brien scores two tries on debut as makeshift Ireland ease past Georgia", Rugby Pass, 5 July 2025
  28. ↑ "Ireland rack up eye-watering scoreline against Portugal in Lisbon", Rugby Pass, 12 July 2025
  29. ↑ "Bemand Names Ireland’s Women’s Rugby World Cup Preparation Squad", Irish Rugby, 29 May 2025
  30. ↑ "Ireland Team Named For Clash With Scotland", Irish Rugby, 31 July 2025
  31. ↑ "Five-Try Ireland Finish On Top Against Scotland", Irish Rugby, 2 August 2025
  32. ↑ "4 Ulster players named in Ireland squad to face Canada in warm-up friendly", Ulster Rugby, 7 August 2025
  33. ↑ "Spirited Ireland beaten by Canada in final warm-up game", BBC Sport, 9 August 2025
  34. ↑ "Ireland's Squad Named For Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025", Irish Rugby, 11 August 2025
  35. ↑ "IRE 42-14 JPN: Slick Ireland shine against spirited Japan". Rugby World Cup. 24 August 2025. Archived from the original on 31 August 2025. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
  36. ↑ "IRE 43-27 ESP: End-to-end epic sees Ireland on verge of quarter-finals". Rugby World Cup. 31 August 2025. Archived from the original on 1 September 2025. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
  37. ↑ "NZL 40-0 IRE: Sorensen-McGee hat-trick helps Black Ferns claim top spot in Pool C". Rugby World Cup. 9 June 2025. Archived from the original on 26 September 2025. Retrieved 7 September 2025.
  38. ↑ "France comeback downs Ireland in World Cup quarter", BBC Sport, 14 September 2025
  39. ↑ Adam McKendry, "Ulster Rugby confirm local manufacturer to take over from Kingspan as principal sponsor", Belfast Telegraph, 25 March 2025
  40. ↑ "Ulster Rugby Announces Long-Term Stadium Naming Rights Partnership with Affidea", Ulster Rugby, 3 July 2025
  41. 1 2 Peter Lockhart, "Ulster fight back to score six tries on opening night after disastrous start against Dragons", Belfast Telegraph, 26 September 2025
  42. ↑ "Ulster Rugby travelling squad confirmed for South African double-header", Ulster Rugby, 15 October 2025
  43. ↑ "Squad Update | Emirates Lions (A)", Ulster Rugby, 21 October 2025
  44. ↑ Louis Chapman Coombe, "Ireland squad: Caelan Doris returns as captain while British and Irish Lions duo ruled out", Planet Rugby, 15 October 2025
  45. ↑ "Ireland well beaten by All Blacks in Chicago rematch", BBC Sport, 1 November 2025
  46. ↑ "Report: six-try Ireland overwhelm Brave Blossoms in Dublin", Six Nations Rugby, 8 November 2025
  47. ↑ "Report and highlights: Ireland tear Wallabies apart", Six Nations Rugby, 15 November 2025
  48. ↑ "Report and highlights: scrum masterclass powers Springboks to victory, Six Nations Rugby, 22 November 2025
  49. ↑ "Ireland XV Squad Named Ahead Of Spain Trip", Irish Rugby, 23 October 2025
  50. ↑ "Harry Byrne stars as Ireland XV run in nine tries against Spain", RTE Sport, 8 November 2025
  51. 1 2 "Ulster score 34 unanswered points in second-half surge to down Benetton@, The42.ie, 28 November 2025
  52. 1 2 "Ulster race past Racing 92 for storming round 1 win", EPCRugby, 5 December 2025
  53. 1 2 Michel Sadlier, "Ulster dealt crushing blow as Cardiff snatch victory with final kick of game in Challenge Cup thriller", Belfast Telegraph, 13 December 2025
  54. 1 2 "Leinster leave it late to beat Ulster in URC derby@, BBC Sport, 19 December 2025
  55. 1 2 "Ulster survive Connacht fightback to return to winning ways with bonus point victory in Galway", Belfast Telegraph, 27 December 2025
  56. 1 2 "Ulster thump Munster to move second in URC", BBC Sport, 2 January 2026
  57. 1 2 "Ulster's European game with Cheetahs called off", BBC Sport, 11 January 2026
  58. 1 2 "EPCR Challenge Cup round 3 fixture Update: Toyota Cheetahs v Ulster Rugby, EPCRugby, 11 January 2026
  59. ↑ Adam McKendry, "Ulster awarded bonus point victory by EPCR after farcical weekend in Netherlands", Belfast Telegraph, 11 January 2026
  60. ↑ "EPCR confirm fixtures for Challenge Cup Round of 16", Ulster Rugby, 22 January 2026
  61. ↑ "Ulster 'have loads to work on' - Henderson", BBC Sport, 31 January 2026
  62. ↑ "Seven Ulster players named in Ireland squad for 2026 Guinness Six Nations", Ulster Rugby, 21 January 2026
  63. ↑ "Ireland Squad Update As Players Assemble For Training", Irish Rugby, 26 January 2026
  64. ↑ "Ireland replace Aki for 'disciplinary reasons'", BBC Sport, 28 January 2026
  65. ↑ "Ruthless France thrash Ireland in Six Nations opener", BBC Sport, 5 February 2026
  66. ↑ "Ireland XV Well Beaten By England 'A' In Limerick", Irish Rugby, 6 February 2026
  67. ↑ "Ward rejoins Ireland squad as Furlong nears return", BBC Sport, 9 February 2026
  68. ↑ "Ireland make six changes for Italy game in Dublin", BBC Sport, 12 February 2026
  69. ↑ "Six Nations: Ireland come from behind to beat Italy - as it happened", BBC Sport, 14 February 2026
  70. ↑ Cian Tracey, "Ireland shock England with record-breaking Six Nations victory at Twickenham", Belfast Telegraph, 21 February 2026
  71. 1 2 Michael Sadlier, "Ulster miss chance to go second in URC as relentless Ospreys inflict third defeat in Wales this season", Belfast Telegraph, 28 February 2026
  72. ↑ Cian Tracey, "Ireland survive Welsh dogfight under Friday night lights in Dublin to keep Triple Crown hopes alive", Belfast Telegraph, 6 March 2026
  73. ↑ "New date confirmed for Edinburgh v Ulster", Edinburgh Rugby, 20 November 2025
  74. ↑ Michael Sadlier, "'Absolutely delighted': Head coach Richie Murphy hails young Ulster players after six-try victory in Edinburgh lifts province to second", Belfast Telegraph, 13 March 2026
  75. ↑ Megan Wellens, "Ireland 43-21 Scotland: Andy Farrell's side secure Triple Crown in Dublin but ultimately miss out on Six Nations championship", Sky Sports, 14 March 2026
  76. ↑ Gerry Thornley, "Robert Baloucoune’s Rising Player award at 28 proves it’s never too late", The Irish Times, 17 March 2026
  77. 1 2 "Connacht secure bonus-point win over Ulster", BBC Sport, 20 March 2026
  78. 1 2 "Zebre 12 Ulster 28: Richie Murphy’s men secure bonus-point in Italy after bruising encounter", The Irish News, 28 March 2026
  79. 1 2 "Ulster 28 Ospreys 24: Richie Murphy’s men hang on to book European Challenge Cup quarter-final place", The Irish News, 4 April 2026
  80. ↑ Adam McKendry, "Tributes paid after death of former Ulster Rugby and Ireland Under-21s head coach who ‘inspired generations’ of future stars", Belfast Telegraph, 10 June 2026
  81. ↑ "McCloskey And Moloney-MacDonald Take Top Honours At Rugby Players Ireland Awards", Irish Rugby, 20 May 2026
  82. ↑ "Heineken Ulster Rugby Awards 2025/26 | Winners", Ulster Rugby, 29 May 2026
  83. ↑ "URC AWARDS: Next-Gen Player of the Season & Elite XV Announced", United Rugby, 3 June 2026
  84. ↑ Tom Sansom, "Wallabies prop Angus Bell wins URC Try of the Season", Ruck.co.uk, 4 June 2026
  85. ↑ "Ulster beat Stormers to lock’s signature", SA Rugby Mag, 11 January 2026
  86. ↑ Gerry Thornley, "Connacht scrumhalf Matthew Devine set to switch to Ulster from next season", The Irish Times, 24 January 2026
  87. ↑ "Donnell to depart at end of season", Cardiff Rugby, 3 February 2026
  88. ↑ John Newcombe, "New candidate for the Ireland No.10 jersey signs for Ulster", RugbyPass, 8 April 2026
  89. ↑ "Bryn Ward signs first Senior deal with Ulster Rugby", Ulster Rugby, 26 March 2026
  90. ↑ "Ulster Rugby confirm senior players to leave at end of 2025/26 season", Ulster Rugby, 15 May 2026
  91. ↑ Adam McKendry, "'There is a clear vision in place': Ulster confirm head coach Richie Murphy has signed new two-year deal', Belfast Telegraph, 22 January 2026
  92. ↑ "'Vital' Duffy to leave Ulster despite new contract", BBC Sport, 17 March 2026
  93. ↑ "Ulster Rugby confirm appointment of Clarke Dermody as new Forwards Coach", Ulster Rugby, 20 May 2026
  94. ↑ "Squad Update | Racing 92 (H)", Ulster Rugby, 2 December 2025
  95. ↑ "Ireland U19S prop Jack Boal is the latest front row to join the pack", Cambridge Rugby, 24 August 2025
  96. ↑ "Harlequins confirm squad for 2025/26 season", Quins.co.uk, 17 September 2025
  97. ↑ "Competition rules – United Rugby Championship". United Rugby Championship. Archived from the original on 22 September 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
  98. ↑ League Format (3) "Competition Rules". United Rugby Championship. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
  99. ↑ "Match Report | Ulster 42-21 Dragons", Ulster Rugby, 26 September 2025
  100. ↑ Michael Sadlier, "Ulster put Bulls to the sword with bonus-point win in Belfast", The Irish News, 11 October 2025
  101. ↑ "Ulster catch Sharks cold with bonus-point away win" RTÉ, 18 October 2025
  102. ↑ Michael Sadlier, "Rob Baloucoune scores hat-trick as brave Ulster lose by 18 points in Johannesburg", Belfast Telegraph, 25 October 2025
  103. ↑ Michael Sadlier, "Heartbreak for Ulster in Llanelli as Scarlets score last gasp try", Belfast Telegraph, 24 January 2026
  104. ↑ "Angus Bell scores sensational solo try as Ulster beat Cardiff", RTE, 31 January 2026
  105. ↑ "United Rugby Championship clash between Edinburgh and Ulster postponed due to Storm Amy", Independent, 3 October 2025
  106. ↑ Michael Sadlier, "Ulster benefit from major bench impact as province hammer Edinburgh in rescheduled fixture to go second in URC", Belfast Telegraph, 13 March 2026
  107. ↑ "EPCR Challenge Cup 2025/26 pool stage draw in full | EPCR Challenge Cup". epcrugby.com. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
  108. ↑ "Pool Tables | EPCR Challenge Cup". European Professional Club Rugby. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  109. ↑ Michael Sadlier, "Ulster hold off Stade Francais comeback to secure home advantage in Challenge Cup knockouts", Belfast Telegraph, 17 January 2026
  110. ↑ "Pre-Season Match Report | Ulster 31-19 Edinburgh", Ulster Rugby, 12 September 2025
  111. ↑ "Match Report | Cambridge RFC 33-36 Ulster 'A'", Ulster Rugby, 15 September 2025
  112. ↑ "Match Report | Ulster 'A' 28-22 Connacht Eagles", Ulster Rugby, 21 November 2025
  113. ↑ "Match Report | Munster 'A' 31-5 Ulster 'A'", Ulster Rugby, 13 February 2026
  114. ↑ "Match Report | Ulster 'A' 34-7 Munster 'A'", Ulster Rugby, 20 February 2026
  115. ↑ "Match Report | Leinster 'A' 64-21 Ulster 'A'", Ulster Rugby, 9 May 2026
  116. 1 2 3 "Daley named Ulster skipper for 2025-26 campaign", BBC Sport, 29 May 2025
  117. ↑ "Three Ulster players named in Ireland's Women's Rugby World Cup preparation squad", Ulster Rugby, 29 May 2025
  118. ↑ Ulster women squad list, Ulster Rugby, archived 5 August 2025
  119. ↑ John McMurtry, "Representative Friendly: Ulster 24 Connacht 12 Women Provincial", The Front Row Union, 21 July 2025
  120. ↑ John McMurtry, "Representative Friendly: Ulster 26 Leinster 5 Womens Friendly", The Front Row Union, 28 July 2025
  121. ↑ "2025 Women’s Interprovincial Championship | Tickets Now Available", Ulster Rugby, 8 July 2025
  122. ↑ "Baker And Brogan The Scoring Stars For Leinster Against Ulster", Irish Rugby, 10 August 2025
  123. ↑ Dave Mervyn, "Ulster Women fall to Inter-Pro defeat after gutsy second-half Connacht fightback", Belfast Telegraph, 17 August 2025
  124. ↑ "Match Report | Ulster Women 17-38 Munster Women", Ulster Rugby, 24 August 2025
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