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2014–15 Ulster Rugby season

Rugby team From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The 2014–15 season was Ulster's 21st season since the advent of professionalism in rugby union, and their first under Director of Rugby Les Kiss and head coach Neil Doak. They completed in the European Rugby Champions Cup and the Pro12.

GroundRavenhill Stadium (Capacity: 12,500)
Coach(es)Les Kiss (Director of Rugby)
Neil Doak (Head Coach)
CaptainRory Best
Top scorerRuan Pienaar (121)
Quick facts Ground, Coach(es) ...
2014–15 Ulster Rugby season
Paddy Jackson playing against Connacht, Galway Sportsgrounds, 12 April 2015
GroundRavenhill Stadium (Capacity: 12,500)
Coach(es)Les Kiss (Director of Rugby)
Neil Doak (Head Coach)
CaptainRory Best
Top scorerRuan Pienaar (121)
Most triesCraig Gilroy (12)
League(s)Heineken Cup (3rd in Pool 3)
Pro12 (semi-finals)
1st kit
2nd kit
← 2013–14 2015–16 →
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New signings for this season included out-half Ian Humphreys, returning from his spell at London Irish, lock Franco van der Merwe, flanker Sean Reidy and fullback Louis Ludik. Rory Best was reinstated as captain, following the retirement of Johann Muller at the end of the previous season.[1][2]

In June 2014, David Humphreys left his post as the province's Director of Rugby, joining English Premiership side Gloucester.[3] Later that month, head coach Mark Anscombe also left the province "with immediate effect". Ireland assistant coach Les Kiss filled the role of Director of Rugby on an interim basis.[4] In October 2014, Kiss returned to his position with the Ireland team, with Neil Doak taking the role of head coach. Kiss would return to his role with Ulster on a full-time basis following the 2015 World Cup.[5] Bryn Cunningham was appointed the new team manager, responsible for recruiting players and negotiating contracts.[6] Defence coach Jonny Bell left at the end of the season to become assistant coach at Gloucester, replaced by Joe Barakat.[7]

Ulster entered the season with their home stadium, Ravenhill, redeveloped, with the stadium's capacity having been increased to 18,196, and renamed the Kingspan Stadium after its sponsor.[8]

The Heineken Cup was reorganised as the European Rugby Champions Cup. Rather than three Irish provinces qualifying as of right, the top team from each country in the Pro12, and the top three in the league table other than those four qualified.[9] Ulster qualified by league position, and finished third in their pool.

Ulster finished fourth in the Pro12, qualifying for the semi-finals and next season's Champions Cup. They lost the semi-final to Glasgow Warriors. Ulster led the league in scrums.[10] Franco van der Merwe and wing Craig Gilroy made the Pro12 Dream Team, and Gilroy's try against Scarlets was named Try of the Year.

Scrum-half Ruan Pienaar was Ulster's top scorer in all competitions with 121 points. Craig Gilroy was top try scorer with twelve, and was named Ulster's Player of the Year.

Ulster's second team, the Ulster Ravens, competed in the British and Irish Cup, finishing third in their pool.

Prop Declan Fitzpatrick retired at the end of the season.

Staff

More information Position, Name ...
Position Name Nationality
Director of Rugby Les Kiss Australia
Head Coach Neil Doak Ireland
Forwards Coach Allen Clarke Ireland
Defence Coach Jonny Bell Ireland
Team Manager Bryn Cunningham Ireland
Head of Strength & Conditioning Jonny Davis Ireland
Strength & Conditioning Coach Kevin Geary Ireland
Head of Physiotherapy Gareth Robinson Ireland
Physiotherapist Alan McAldin Ireland
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Squad

Senior squad

Squad

More information Ulster Rugby squad ...
Ulster Rugby squad[18]

Props

Hookers


Locks

Back row

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

Centres

Wings

Fullbacks

(c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players. Italics denotes academy players who appeared in the senior team.
* denotes players qualified to play for Ireland on residency or dual nationality.
Players and their allocated positions from the Ulster Rugby website.[19][20]
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Academy squad

More information Position, Name ...
Position[22] Name Nationality
Elite Performance Development Manager Allen Clarke Ireland
Representative Team Performance Manager Michael Black Ireland
Academy Schools Coach Brian McLaughlin Ireland
Strength & Conditioning Coach David Drake Ireland
Strength & Conditioning Coach Amy Davis Ireland
Sub-Academy Fitness Coach Matthew Maguire Ireland
Physiotherapist David Minion Ireland
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More information Ulster Rugby Academy squad ...
Ulster Rugby Academy squad[23]

Props

  • Ireland Michael Lagan (1)
  • Ireland Craig Trenier (1)

Hookers

Locks

Back row

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

  • Ireland Sean O'Hagan (1)

Centres

Back three

(c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players, 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.
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Season record

More information Competition, Played ...
CompetitionPlayedWonDrawnLost PFPAPD TFTA
2014-15 Champions Cup 6 2 0 4 116 146 -30 16 15
2014-15 Pro12 23 14 2 7 538 388 150 60 35
Total 29 16 2 11 654 534 120 76 50
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European Rugby Champions Cup

Main article: 2014–15 European Rugby Champions Cup

Pool 3

More information P, W ...
Team
 P W D L PF PA Diff TF TA TB LB Pts
France Toulon (2) 650118189+921991122
England Leicester Tigers 6303108126−1812151013
Ireland Ulster 6204116146−3016153112
Wales Scarlets 620490134−44816008
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18 October 2014 Leicester Tigers England 25–18 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) Welford Road, Leicester  
19:45 Try: O. Williams 15' c
Kitchener 28' m
Burns 31' c
Con: Burns (1/2) 16'
O. Williams (1/1) 33'
Pen: O. Williams (2/2) 44', 62'
 Report[24] Try: Bowe 55'c
Van der Merwe 66' m
Con: Jackson (1/2) 56'
Pen: Jackson (2/3) 8', 48'
Cards: Gilroy Yellow card 30'		 Attendance: 19,943
Referee: Romain Poite (FFR)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rory Best (c), 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Lewis Stevenson, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Robbie Diack, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Nick Williams,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Jared Payne, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring, 17. Callum Black, 18. Declan Fitzpatrick (for Herbst 76'),
19. Clive Ross (for Stevenson 76'), 20. Roger Wilson (for Williams 56'),
21. Michael Heaney (for P. Marshall 74'), 22. Stuart Olding (for McCloskey 56'), 23. Darren Cave.

25 October 2014 Ulster Ireland 13–23 France Toulon Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
13:00 Try: Gilroy 77' c
Con: Jackson (1/1) 77'
Pen: Jackson (2/2) 21', 46'
 Report[25]
Highlights		 Try: Habana 40' c
D. Armitage 58' c
Con: Halfpenny (2/2) 40', 59'
Pen: Halfpenny (3/5) 9', 13', 39'
Cards: Habana Yellow card 79'		 Attendance: 16,931
Referee: Wayne Barnes (RFU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rory Best (c), 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Lewis Stevenson, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Robbie Diack, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Stuart Olding, 13. Jared Payne, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring (for Best 77'), 17. Callum Black (for Warwick 54'), 18. Declan Fitzpatrick (for Herbst 70'),
19. Clive Ross (for Wilson 77'), 20. Nick Williams (for Stevenson 54'),
21. Michael Heaney (for P. Marshall 79'), 22. Ian Humphreys (for Ludik 67'), 23. Darren Cave (for Olding 49').

6 December 2014 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 24–9 Wales Scarlets Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
19:45 Try: Cave 14' c
Pienaar 18' c
Bowe 59' m
Best 68' m
Con: Humphreys (2/4) 15', 19'
Cards: Pienaar Yellow card 74'		 Report[26] Pen: Priestland (3/4) 3', 29', 55'
Cards: Davies Yellow card 12'
Williams Yellow card 35'		 Attendance: 15,946
Referee: Luke Pearce (RFU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rory Best (c), 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Dan Tuohy, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Robbie Diack, 7. Roger Wilson, 8. Nick Williams,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Stuart Olding, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring (for Best 77'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for Black 78'), 18. Declan Fitzpatrick (for Herbst 48'),
19. Alan O'Connor (for Van der Merwe 48'), 20. Clive Ross (for Williams 66'),
21. Paul Marshall (for Diack 77'), 22. Stuart McCloskey, 23. Michael Allen.

14 December 2014 Scarlets Wales 22–13 Ireland Ulster Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli  
17:15 Try: J. Davies 78' c
Con: Priestland (1/1) 79'
Pen: Priestland (5/8) 11', 19', 28', 33', 60'
 Report[27] Try: Cave 41' c
Con: Humphreys (1/1) 42'
Pen: Pienaar (2/3) 69', 72'
Cards: Fitzpatrick Yellow card 63'		 Attendance: 7,230
Referee: JP Doyle (RFU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rory Best (c), 3. Declan Fitzpatrick,
4. Dan Tuohy, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Robbie Diack, 7. Clive Ross, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Luke Marshall, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring, 17. Andrew Warwick, 18. Bronson Ross (for C. Ross 67'),
19. Alan O'Connor, 20. Mike McComish,
21. Paul Marshall, 22. Michael Heaney, 23. Michael Allen.

17 January 2015 (1 BP) Toulon France 60–22 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) Stade Mayol, Toulon  
16:15 Try: Sánchez 2' c
Habana 31' c
Bastareaud 36' c
Castrogiovanni 49' c
S. Armitage (3) 57' c, 64' c, 78' m
Gorgodze 59' c
Con: Halfpenny (7/8) 3', 32', 37', 51', 58', 60', 65'
Pen: Halfpenny (2/2) 9', 18'
 Report[28]
Highlights		 Try: Jackson 11' m
McComish (2) 21' m, 76' c
Payne 68' m
Con: Pienaar (1/2) 77'
 Attendance: 13,781
Referee: Leighton Hodges (WRU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Bronson Ross,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Clive Ross, 7. Mike McComish, 8. Roger Wilson (c),
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Michael Allen, 12. Stuart Olding, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Louis Ludik,
15. Jared Payne.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew (for Herring 72'), 17. Callum Black (for Warwick 64'), 18. Declan Fitzpatrick, (for B. Ross 52')
19. Lewis Stevenson (for Van der Merwe 61'), 20. Robbie Diack (for Wilson 52'),
21. Paul Marshall (for Jackson 32'), 22. Ian Humphreys (for Ludik 23'), 23. Michael Heaney (for Olding 45').

24 January 2015 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 26–7 England Leicester Tigers Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
17:30 Try: Cave (3) 19' m, 38' c, 42' c,
Gilroy 49' c
Con: Pienaar (3/4) 38', 44', 51'
Cards: Black Yellow card 61'
Herbst Yellow card 71'		 Report[29] Try: Thompstone 53' c
Con: Burns (1/1) 54'
Cards: Goneva Yellow card 45'		 Attendance: 15,659
Referee: Pascal Gaüzère (FFR)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rory Best (c), 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Iain Henderson, 7. Mike McComish, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Luke Marshall, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Jared Payne.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring (for Best 74'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for Black 61'), 18. Bronson Ross (for McComish 45')
19. Lewis Stevenson (for O'Connor 65'), 20. Clive Ross,
21. Neil McComb (for Henderson 58-61'), 22. Paul Marshall, 23. Michael Allen.

Pro12

Main article: 2014–15 Pro12
More information Team, Played ...
Pro12 Table watch · edit · discuss
Team Played Won Drawn Lost Points For Points Against Points Difference Tries For Tries Against Try Bonus Losing Bonus Points
1Scotland Glasgow Warriors (CH)221615540360+18063339075
2Ireland Munster (RU)221525581367+21468318375
3Wales Ospreys (SF)221615546358+18853306274
4Ireland Ulster (SF)221426524372+15259346369
5Ireland Leinster221138483375+10854398462
6Wales Scarlets221138452388+6443394357
7Ireland Connacht2210111447419+2849483550
8Scotland Edinburgh2210111399419−2041483348
9Wales Newport Gwent Dragons228014393484−9138554642
10Wales Cardiff Blues227114430545−11546573235
11Italy Benetton Treviso223118306641−33534812319
12Italy Zebre223019266639−37327800315

If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:[30]

  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 (rows 1 to 4) are play-off places, and earn a place in the 2015–16 European Rugby Champions Cup.
Blue background indicates teams outside the play-off places, that earn a place in the European Rugby Champions Cup. The top team from each country will qualify.
Yellow background indicates the team that advances to a play-off semi-final against Aviva Premiership side Gloucester, who qualified for the play-off as the 2014–15 European Rugby Challenge Cup winners.[31]
Plain background indicates teams that earn a place in the 2015–16 European Rugby Challenge Cup.

Close
6 September 2014 (1 BP) Scarlets Wales 32–32 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli  
14:40 Try: Robinson 1' c
Pitman 25' c
G. Davies (2) 38' c, 63' m
Con: Priestland (3/4)
Pen: Priestland (2/2) 11', 45'
 Report[32] Try: Van der Merwe 8' c
Tuohy 13' m
Ludik 67' c
Trimble 78' c
Con: Humphreys (3/4)
Pen: Humphreys (2/2) 30', 48'
Cards: Tuohy Yellow card		 Attendance: 6,531
Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (IRFU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Dan Tuohy, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Robbie Diack, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Stuart Olding, 13. Jared Payne, 14. Michael Allen,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew, 17. Andrew Warwick (for Black), 18. Declan Fitzpatrick (for Herbst),
19. Lewis Stevenson (for Van der Merwe), 20. Nick Williams (for Wilson),
21. Michael Heaney (for P. Marshall), 22. Luke Marshall (for Payne), 23. Andrew Trimble (for Allen).

12 September 2014 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 33–13 Italy Zebre Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
19:35 Try: Williams 4' c
Gilroy 16' c
Diack 26' m
Trimble 59' c
Tuohy 65' c
Con: Humphreys (4/5)
Cards: R. Andrew Yellow card		 Report[33]
Man of the Match:
Andrew Trimble		 Try: Vunisa 7' c
Con: Haimona (1/1)
Pen: Haimona (2/3) 11', 70'
 Attendance: 13,835
Referee: Leighton Hodges (WRU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Lewis Stevenson, 5. Dan Tuohy,
6. Robbie Diack, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Nick Williams,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Luke Marshall, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Rick Andrew.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring (for Best), 17. Ruaidhri Murphy (for Warwick), 18. Bronson Ross (for Herbst),
19. Franco van der Merwe (for Stevenson), 20. Roger Wilson (for Henry),
21. Michael Heaney (for P. Marshall), 22. Stuart Olding (for L. Marshall), 23. Louis Ludik (for Cave).

19 September 2014 Cardiff Blues Wales 9–26 Ireland Ulster Cardiff Arms Park  
19:35 Pen: Patchell (3/4) 21', 27', 35'
 Report[34]
Man of the Match:
Rory Best		 Try: Tuohy 51' c
Humphreys 74' c
Con: Jackson (1/1)
Humphreys (1/1)
Pen: Jackson (4/5) 7', 29', 33', 40'
 Attendance: 7,041
Referee: Neil Paterson (SRU)
Ulster lineup:<rr />

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Dan Tuohy, 5. Franco van Der Merwe,
6. Robbie Diack, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Nick Williams,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Tommy Bowe, 12. Stuart Olding, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring (for Best), 17. Callum Black (for Warwick), 18. Bronson Ross (for Herbst),
19. Neil McComb (for Tuohy), 20. Roger Wilson (for Williams),
21. Michael Heaney (for P. Marshall), 22. Ian Humphreys (for Jackson), 23. Craig Gilroy (for Cave).

27 September 2014 Zebre Italy 13–6 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) Stadio XXV Aprile, Parma  
16:00 Try: Chistolini 44' c
Con: Haimona (1/1)
Pen: Haimona (1/1) 68'
Drop: Haimona (1/1) 72'
Cards: Fabiani Yellow card		 Report[35] Pen: Humphreys (2/2) 50', 53'
 Attendance: 2,269
Referee: Dudley Phillips (IRFU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick,
4. Neil McComb, 5. Franco van Der Merwe,
6. Roger Wilson, 7. Clive Ross, 8. Nick Williams,
9. Michael Heaney, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Michael Allen, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Craig Gilroy.
Replacements:
16. Rory Best (for Herring), 17. Ruaidhri Murphy (for Black), 18. Wiehahn Herbst (for Fitzpatrick),
19. Lewis Stevenson (for McComb), 20. Mike McComish (for Williams),
21. Paul Marshall (for Heaney), 22. Ian Humphreys (for Jackson), 23. Andrew Trimble (for McCloskey).

3 October 2014 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 30–0 Scotland Edinburgh Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
19:35 Try: Trimble (2) 25' c, 78' m
Williams 61' m
Best 68' c
Con: Jackson (1/1)
Olding (1/3)
Pen: Jackson (2/3) 13', 39'
 Report[36]
Man of the Match:
Stuart McCloskey		 Cards: Coman Yellow card Attendance: 15,479
Referee: Claudio Blessano (FIR)
Ulster lineup:

1. Ruaidhri Murphy, 2. Rory Best, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Franco van Der Merwe,
6. Robbie Diack, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Tommy Bowe, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Jared Payne, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring (for Best), 17. Andrew Warwick (for Murphy), 18. Bronson Ross (for Herbst),
19. Lewis Stevenson (for Van der Merwe), 20. Nick Williams (for Wilson),
21. Michael Heaney, 22. Stuart Olding (for Jackson), 23. Darren Cave (for Ludik).

11 October 2014 Ulster Ireland 29–9 Scotland Glasgow Warriors Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
17:05 Try: Gilroy 66' c
Bowe 69' c
Con: Humphreys (2/2)
Pen: Humphreys (5/6) 10', 16', 21', 31', 36'
 Report[37]
Man of the Match:
Rory Best		 Pen: Russell (3/3) 7', 18', 43'
Cards: Nakarawa Yellow card		 Attendance: 16,260
Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Franco van Der Merwe,
6. Robbie Diack, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Nick Williams,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Tommy Bowe, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Jared Payne, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring (for Best), 17. Callum Black (for Warwick), 18. Bronson Ross (for Herbst),
19. Lewis Stevenson (for Van der Merwe), 20. Roger Wilson (for Williams),
21. Michael Heaney, 22. Stuart Olding (for Trimble), 23. Darren Cave (for Ludik).

1 November 2014 Ulster Ireland 23–6 Wales Newport Gwent Dragons Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
19:35 Try: Olding (2) 29' m, 46' m
Fitzpatrick 80' c
Con: Humphreys (1/1)
Pen: Jackson (2/2) 25', 28'
 Report[38]
Man of the Match:
Stuart Olding		 Pen: O'Brien (2/2) 34', 59'
 Attendance: 13,501
Referee: Matteo Liperini (FIR)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Lewis Stevenson, 5. Franco van Der Merwe,
6. Clive Ross, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Peter Nelson, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Louis Ludik,
15. Stuart Olding.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew, 17. Andrew Warwick, 18. Declan Fitzpatrick (for Herbst),
19. Neil McComb (for Stevenson), 20. Robbie Diack (for Wilson),
21. Michael Heaney (for P. Marshall), 22. Ian Humphreys (for McCloskey), 23. Ricky Andrew (for Ludik).

21 November 2014 Ulster Ireland 25–16 Wales Ospreys Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
19:35 Try: Cave (2) 9' c, 78' c
Van der Merwe 39' m
Con: Jackson (1/2)
Humphreys (1/1)
Pen: Jackson (2/2) 19, 31'
 Report[39]
Man of the Match:
Darren Cave		 Try: Roberts 43' c
Con: Davies (1/1)
Pen: Davies (3/3) 32', 59', 61'
 Attendance: 16,923
Referee: Neil Hennessy (WRU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Lewis Stevenson, 5. Franco van Der Merwe,
6. Clive Ross, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Louis Ludik,
15. Stuart Olding.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew, 17. Andrew Warwick (for Black), 18. Declan Fitzpatrick (for Herbst),
19. Alan O'Connor (for Stevenson), 20. Nick Williams (for C. Ross),
21. Michael Heaney, 22. Ian Humphreys (for Jackson), 23. Peter Nelson.

28 November 2014 Munster Ireland 21–20 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) Thomond Park, Limerick  
19:35 Try: Copeland 29' m
Williams 43' c
Con: Keatley (1/2)
Pen: Keatley (3/5) 23', 51', 54'
Cards: Archer Yellow card		 Report[40] Try: Williams 79' m
Pen: Humphreys (5/5) 2', 10', 12', 20', 71'
 Attendance: 17,101
Referee: Ian Davies (WRU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rory Best, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Franco van Der Merwe,
6. Roger Wilson, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Nick Williams,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Louis Ludik,
15. Stuart Olding.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring (for Best), 17. Andrew Warwick (for Black), 18. Declan Fitzpatrick (for Herbst),
19. Lewis Stevenson (for O'Connor), 20. Robbie Diack (for Reidy),
21. Michael Heaney (for P. Marshall), 22. Michael Allen (for Ludik), 23. Peter Nelson (for Olding).

20 December 2014 (1 BP) Ospreys Wales 31–20 Ireland Ulster Liberty Stadium, Swansea  
17:15 Try: Biggar 17' c
Webb (2) 36' c, 48' c
Dirksen 55' c
Con: Biggar (4/4)
Pen: Biggar (1/1) 2'
 Report[41] Try: Herring 59' c
Bowe 67' c
Con: Humphreys (2/2)
Pen: Humphreys (2/2) 14', 43'
 Attendance: 6,395
Referee: Neil Paterson (SRU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick,
4. Dan Tuohy, 5. Franco van Der Merwe,
6. Robbie Diack, 7. Clive Ross, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Michael Allen, 12. Luke Marshall, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring (for Best), 17. Callum Black (for Warwick), 18. Bronson Ross (for Fitzpatrick),
19. Alan O'Connor (for Van der Merwe), 20. Sean Reidy (for Diack),
21. Paul Marshall (for Pienaar), 22. Stuart Olding (for L. Marshall), 23. Peter Nelson (for Cave).

26 December 2014 Ulster Ireland 13–10 Ireland Connacht (1 BP) Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
18:45 Try: Gilroy 19' c
Con: Jackson (1/1)
Pen: Jackson (2/4) 14', 62'
 Report[42]
Man of the Match:
Rob Herring		 Try: Muldowney 66' c
Con: Carty (1/1)
Pen: Carty (1/1) 4'
 Attendance: 17,107
Referee: John Lacey (IRFU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Dan Tuohy, 5. Franco van Der Merwe,
6. Robbie Diack, 7. Clive Ross, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Peter Nelson, 12. Luke Marshall, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Craig Gilroy,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew (for Herring), 17. Andrew Warwick, 18. Declan Fitzpatrick (for Herbst),
19. Alan O'Connor (for Van der Merwe), 20. Sean Reidy (for Diack),
21. Michael Heaney, 22. Ian Humphreys, 23. Stuart Olding.

3 January 2015 Leinster Ireland 24–11 Ireland Ulster RDS Arena, Dublin  
14:40 Try: Madigan 42' c
Conan 79' m
Con: Madigan (1/2)
Pen: Madigan (4/4) 21', 31', 40', 60'
 Report[43] Try: Herbst 49' m
Pen: Pienaar (2/4) 16', 25'
Cards: Tuohy Yellow card		 Attendance: 18,200
Referee: Marius Mitrea (FIR)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rory Best, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Dan Tuohy, 5. Franco van Der Merwe,
6. Robbie Diack, 7. Clive Ross, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Stuart Olding, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Peter Nelson.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring (for Best), 17. Andrew Warwick (for Black), 18. Bronson Ross (for Herbst),
19. Alan O'Connor (for Van der Merwe), 20. Sean Reidy (for C. Ross),
21. Paul Marshall (for Pienaar), 22. Mike McComish, 23. Luke Marshall (for Bowe).

11 January 2015 (1 BP) Benetton Treviso Italy 20–24 Ireland Ulster Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Treviso  
15:00 Try: Christie 38' c
Minto 56' c
Con: Hayward (2/2)
Pen: Hayward (2/2) 67', 72'
 Report[44]
Man of the Match:
Ruan Pienaar		 Try: Jackson 6' c
Pienaar 22' c
Bowe 25' c
Con: Jackson (3/3)
Pen: Jackson (1/1) 19'
Cards: Gilroy Yellow card		 Attendance: 3,108
Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rory Best, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Dan Tuohy,
6. Robbie Diack, 7. Clive Ross, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Stuart Olding, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring, 17. Andrew Warwick, 18. Bronson Ross (for Herbst),
19. Lewis Stevenson (for O'Connor), 20. Sean Reidy (for C. Ross),
21. Paul Marshall, 22. Jared Payne (for Cave), 23. Peter Nelson.

13 February 2015 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 43–3 Italy Benetton Treviso Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
19:35 Try: Allen 25' c
Penalty try 60' c
McCloskey 68' c
Gilroy (2) 72' m, 77' c
Warwick 75' c
Con: Pienaar (5/6)
Pen: Pienaar (1/2) 18'
 Report[45] Pen: Carlisle (1/1) 66'
Cards: Pavanello Yellow card
Vallejos Yellow card		 Attendance: 15,518
Referee: Ian Davies (WRU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Lewis Stevenson, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Roger Wilson, 7. Mike McComish, 8. Nick Williams,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Michael Allen, 12. Luke Marshall, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Craig Gilroy,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew (for Herring), 17. Andrew Warwick (for Black), 18. Bronson Ross (for Herbst),
19. Robbie Diack (for Wilson), 20. Clive Ross (for Williams),
21. Paul Marshall (for Humphreys), 22. Stuart McCloskey (for L. Marshall), 23. Peter Nelson (for Ludik).

20 February 2015 (1 BP) Edinburgh Scotland 17–20 Ireland Ulster Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh  
19:35 Try: Burleigh 8' m
Pen: Heathcote (4/9) 18', 29', 36', 64'
 Report[46] Try: Pienaar 13' c
Cave 51' c
Con: Pienaar (2/2)
Pen: Pienaar (2/2) 34', 48'
Cards: Van der Merwe Yellow card		 Attendance: 4,797
Referee: Leighton Hodges (WRU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Iain Henderson, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Roger Wilson, 7. Mike McComish, 8. Nick Williams,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Michael Allen, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Craig Gilroy,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew, 17. Andrew Warwick, 18. Bronson Ross (for Herbst),
19. Lewis Stevenson (for Henderson), 20. Clive Ross (for McComish),
21. Paul Marshall (for Humphreys), 22. Luke Marshall (for Williams), 23. Peter Nelson (for Allen).

27 February 2015 Ulster Ireland 25–20 Wales Scarlets (1 BP) Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
19:35 Try: Gilroy 45' m
L. Marshall 51' c
Pienaar 58' c
Con: Pienaar (2/3)
Pen: Pienaar (2/3) 24', 31'
 Report[47]
Man of the Match: Roger Wilson		 Try: Barclay 37' c
K. Phillips 78' c
Con: S. Shingler (2/2)
Pen: S. Shingler (2/4) 12', 28'
 Attendance: 17,138
Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Dan Tuohy, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Roger Wilson, 7. Clive Ross, 8. Nick Williams,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Michael Allen, 12. Luke Marshall, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Craig Gilroy,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew, 17. Andrew Warwick (for Black), 18. Bronson Ross (for Herbst),
19. Lewis Stevenson (for Tuohy), 20. Mike McComish (for C. Ross),
21. Paul Marshall, 22. Michael Stanley (for Humphreys), 23. Rory Scholes (for Allen).

8 March 2015 Newport Gwent Dragons Wales 26–22 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) Rodney Parade, Newport  
16:00 Try: Buckley 54' m
J. Evans 61' c
Meyer 73' c
Con: D. Jones (1/3)
Pen: Prydie (2/4) 13', 26'
D. Jones (1/1) 50'
 Report[48] Try: Gilroy (2) 21' m, 69' c
Adair 79' c
Con: Pienaar (2/3)
Pen: Pienaar (1/2) 47'
Cards: Black Yellow card		 Attendance: 6,019
Referee: Dudley Phillips (IRFU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Dan Tuohy, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Iain Henderson, 7. Clive Ross, 8. Nick Williams,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Michael Allen, 12. Michael Stanley, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Rory Scholes,
15. Craig Gilroy.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew, 17. Andrew Warwick (for Black), 18. Bronson Ross (for Herbst),
19. Lewis Stevenson (for Tuohy), 20. Robbie Diack (for Henderson),
21. Paul Marshall (for Humphreys), 22. Sammy Arnold (for Stanley), 23. Ross Adair (for Scholes).

27 March 2015 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 36–17 Wales Cardiff Blues Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
19:35 Try: Gilroy 2' c
Ludik (2) 17' m, 72' m
P. Marshall 76' c
Con: Pienaar (1/2)
Humphreys (1/2)
Pen: Pienaar (4/4) 14', 30', 41', 65'
Cards: Van der Merwe Yellow card
Williams Yellow card		 Report[49]
Man of the Match:
Paddy Jackson		 Try: Isaacs 52' c
Cuthbert 61' c
Con: Anscombe (2/2)
Pen: Anscombe (1/1) 45'
 Attendance: 16,413
Referee: Marius Mitrea (FIR)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Dan Tuohy, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Iain Henderson, 7. Clive Ross, 8. Nick Williams,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Michael Allen, 12. Stuart Olding, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Craig Gilroy,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew, 17. Andrew Warwick (for Black), 18. Bronson Ross (for Herbst),
19. Robbie Diack (for Tuohy), 20. Chris Henry (for C. Ross),
21. Paul Marshall (for Pienaar), 22. Ian Humphreys (for Olding), 23. Rory Scholes (for Allen).

11 April 2015 (1 BP) Connacht Ireland 20–27 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) The Sportsground, Galway  
14:40 Try: Healy 44' c
O'Halloran 70' c
Con: Nikora (1/1)
Carty (1/1)
Pen: Nikora (1/1) 51'
Carty (1/1) 62'
 Report[50]
Man of the Match:
Franco van der Merwe		 Try: Ludik 4' m
Bowe (2) 31' m, 56' m
Gilroy 34' c
Best 64' m
Con: Pienaar (1/5)
 Attendance: 5,921
Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rory Best, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Dan Tuohy, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Iain Henderson, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Darren Cave, 13. Jared Payne, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring, 17. Andrew Warwick (for Black), 18. Bronson Ross (for Herbst),
19. Robbie Diack (for Henderson), 20. Clive Ross,
21. Paul Marshall, 22. Ian Humphreys (for Ludik), 23. Stuart McCloskey (for Cave).

24 April 2015 Ulster Ireland 26–10 Ireland Leinster Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
19:35 Try: Henderson 12' c
Gilroy 72' c
Con: Pienaar (2/2)
Pen: Pienaar (4/6) 16', 38', 64', 66'
Cards: Warwick Yellow card		 Report[51]
Man of the Match:
Iain Henderson		 Try: Te'o 6' c
Con: Gopperth (1/1)
Pen: Gopperth (1/1) 4'
Cards: Kearney Yellow card
O'Brien Yellow card		 Attendance: 17,097
Referee: John Lacey (IRFU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rory Best, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Dan Tuohy, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Iain Henderson, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Darren Cave, 13. Jared Payne, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring, 17. Andrew Warwick (for Black 70'), 18. Bronson Ross (for Herbst 70'),
19. Robbie Diack (for Tuohy 65'), 20. Clive Ross,
21. Paul Marshall, 22. Ian Humphreys, 23. Stuart McCloskey (for Cave 51').

9 May 2015 Ulster Ireland 23–23 Ireland Munster Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
14:40 Try: Bowe 40' c
P. Marshall 80' c
Con: Jackson (2/2)
Pen: Jackson (3/3) 39', 44', 70'
Cards: Henderson Red card		 Report[52] Try: Earls 76' m
Pen: Keatley (6/6) 4', 31', 36', 54', 60', 68'
 Attendance: 17,139
Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rory Best, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Dan Tuohy, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Iain Henderson, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Peter Nelson, 12. Darren Cave, 13. Jared Payne, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring, 17. Andrew Warwick, 18. Bronson Ross,
19. Robbie Diack (for Wilson 29'), 20. Clive Ross,
21. Paul Marshall, 22. Ian Humphreys, 23. Stuart McCloskey (for Cave 55').

16 May 2015 (1 BP) Glasgow Warriors Scotland 32–10 Ireland Ulster Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow  
15:00 Try: Hogg 54' m
Russell (2) 59' c, 69' c
Vernon 72' c
Con: Russell (3/4)
Pen: Russell (2/2) 5', 34'
Cards: Gray Yellow card		 Report[53] Try: Henry 28' c
Con: Humphreys (1/1) 29'
Pen: Humphreys (1/1) 36'
Cards: Warwick Yellow card		 Attendance: 10,000
Referee: Ian Davies (WRU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Ricky Lutton,
4. Lewis Stevenson, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Clive Ross, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Michael Allen, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Sammy Arnold, 14. Rory Scholes,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. Rory Best, 17. Kyle McCall, 18. Bronson Ross (for Lutton),
19. Iain Henderson (for Van der Merwe), 20. Roger Wilson,
21. Ruan Pienaar, 22. Paddy Jackson (for Humphreys), 23. Tommy Bowe (for Allen).

Semi-final

22 May 2015 Glasgow Warriors Scotland 16–14 Ireland Ulster Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow  
19:45 Try: Van der Merwe 75' c
Con: Russell (1/1)
Pen: Russell (2/2) 5', 60'
Hogg (1/2) 13'
 Report[54] Try: Henry 18' m
Pen: Pienaar (3/3) 1', 55', 66'
 Attendance: 10,000
Referee: George Clancy (IRFU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rory Best, 3. Ricky Lutton,
4. Lewis Stevenson, 5. Dan Tuohy,
6. Iain Henderson, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Darren Cave, 13. Jared Payne, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring, 17. Andrew Warwick (for Black), 18. Bronson Ross,
19. Robbie Diack (for Stevenson), 20. Sean Reidy (for Henry),
21. Paul Marshall, 22. Stuart McCloskey (for Cave), 23. Michael Allen.

End of season awards

Wing Craig Gilroy and lock Franco van der Merwe made the Pro12 Dream Team.[55]

Home attendance

More information League, Fixtures ...
Domestic League European Cup Total
League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest Total Attendance Average Attendance
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
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Friendly

22 August 2014 Ulster Ireland 22-21 England Exeter Chiefs Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
Try: Scholes (2)
Ludik
Con: Humphreys (3)
 Report[56] Try: Jess (2)
Sweeney
Con: Steenson (2)
Pen: Steenson
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. John Andrew, 3. Declan Fitzpatrick,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Charlie Butterworth, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Roger Wilson (c),
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Michael Allen, 13. Louis Ludik, 14. Rory Scholes,
15. Ricky Andrew.
Replacements:
Kyle McCall, Jonny Murphy, Andrew Warwick, Ruaidhri Murphy, Bronson Ross, Wiehahn Herbst, Lewis Stevenson, Neil McComb, James Simpson, Conor Joyce, Clive Ross, Mike McComish, Frank Taggart, Josh Atkinson, Michael Heaney, David Shanahan, Ross Adair, Jack Owens, Sean O'Hagan.

31 August 2014 Leinster Ireland 7-10 Ireland Ulster Tallaght Stadium, Dublin  
Try: B. Byrne
Con: Madigan
 Report[57] Try: Payne
Con: Humphreys
Pen: Humphreys
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Dan Tohy, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Robbie Diack, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Ian Humphreys,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Stuart Olding, 13. Jared Payne, 14. Michael Allen,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
Rory Scholes (for Allen 18-26', for Olding 38'), Declan Fitzpatrick (for Herbst 36'), Ricky Andrew (for Ludik 40'), Nick Willians (for Wilson 40'), Sean O'Hagan (for Humphreys 49'), Jacob Stockdale (for Allen 52'), Alan O'Connor (for Van der Merwe 52'), Clive Ross (for Reidy 55'), John Andrew (for Warwick 63'), Neil McComb (for Tuohy 63'), Michael Heaney (for P. Marshall 67'), Callum Black (for Herring 67'), Bronson Ross (for Fitzpatrick 67'), Lewis Stevenson (for McComb 67'), Mike McComish (for Diack 71'), Conor Joyce (for Ross 71'), Kyle McCall (for Williams 72').

Ulster Women

2014-15 Women's Interprovincial Series

Main article: IRFU Women's Interprovincial Series
More information Team, P ...
Team P W D L PF PA BP Pts
1 3 3 0 0 38 7 0 12
2 3 2 0 1 42 21 1 9
3 3 1 0 2 54 29 2 6
4 3 0 0 3 11 88 3 3
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6 September 2014 Ulster Ulster 0-22 Munster Munster Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
13 September 2014 Connacht Connacht 39-5 Ulster Ulster The Sportsground, Galway  
20 September 2014 Leinster Leinster 27-6 Ulster Ulster Milltown House, Ashbourne  

Ulster Rugby Awards

The Heineken Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held at the Culloden Estate and Spa, Holywood. Winners were:[58]

References

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