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2025–26 Ulster Rugby season

Ulster Rugby 2025–26 rugby season From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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.

Head coachRichie Murphy
Chief executiveHugh McCaughey
CaptainIain Henderson
United Rugby Championship9th
Quick facts Head coach, Chief executive ...
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 →
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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'.

Ulster Women finished fourth in the IRFU Women's Interprovincial Series. Niamh Marley was player of the year. Four Ulster players, Claire Boles, Brittany Hogan, Sadhbh McGrath and Fiona Tuite, and one former Ulster player, Neve Jones, represented Ireland.

Sponsorship

Ulster's principal sponsor, following the end of their deal with Kingspan, is Antrim-based manufacturing company SAM Mouldings.[1] Following a stadium naming deal, Ravenhill will be known as Affidea Stadium.[2]

Men's season

Personnel changes

Assistant coach Dan Soper moved from assistant coach to a new transition and development role.[3] Former Connacht attack coach Mark Sexton joined as backs coach. Willie Faloon was defence and contact skills coach.[4] Niall Annett and Jonathon Graham were appointed Elite Player Development Officers.[5] In September, Ulster announced that general manager Bryn Cunningham was to leave his post once a successor had been recruited.[6] Former Ulster and Ireland captain Rory Best was announced as the new general manager on 29 October.[7]

South African loose forward Juarno Augustus joined from Northampton Saints.[8] 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;[9] and Australian international loosehead Angus Bell joined Ulster in December, on sabbatical from the Waratahs.[10] 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,[11] 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.[12] 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.[13]

Lock Kieran Treadwell left to join Harlequins.[14] Scrum-half John Cooney joined French club Brive.[15] Flanker Reuben Crothers retired.[16] Lock Alan O'Connor left to become head of rugby development at Ballymena Academy.[17] Prop Andrew Warwick retired from professional rugby and returned to Ballymena RFC;[18] 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.[19] Academy prop Cameron Doak joined the Harlequins academy.[20] Out-half Aidan Morgan left by mutual consent,[21] and signed for Toyota Verblitz.[22] In November, centre Stewart Moore joined Newcastle Falcons on loan,[23] but was soon recalled to cover for injuries.[24]

Two Irish-qualified 18-year-olds, Australian-born lock Paddy Woods and South-African-born centre Rynard Gordon, joined the Ulster academy in February.[25]

Davy Haslett, Ulster's head coach in the 1997–98 season, died in June 2026.[26]

Summer internationals

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,[27] and prop Scott Wilson was called up as injury cover.[28] McNabney sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury in training.[29]

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.[30] 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.[31]

Domestic season: first block

Ulster opened their URC season with a home bonus point win against Dragons on 26 September.[32] 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.[33] 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.[34] Ward made his debut, and Robert Baloucoune scored three tries, but the Lions won 49–31.

Autumn internationals

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.[35] McCloskey started, and Henderson appeared from the bench, in the loss to New Zealand in Chicago.[36] Stockdale and Timoney started, and Timoney scored a try, in the home win against Japan.[37] McCloskey started and Timoney appeared from the bench in the home win over Australia.[38] No Ulster players appeared in the home defeat to South Africa.[39]

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.[40] 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.[41]

Domestic season: second block

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.[42] 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.[43] 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.[44]

There followed a season of interpros in the URC. Ulster lost 24-20 away to Leinster in the URC, despite two Werner Kok tries,[45] but returned to winning ways the following week, defeating Connacht 29-24 in Galway, with Zac Ward scoring two tries.[46] 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.[47]

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.[48] The match was cancelled by EPCR, and Ulster were awarded a 28-0 win,[49] which guaranteed qualification for the round of 16.[50] 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.[51] A last-minute away loss to the Scarlets and a home win over Cardiff left Ulster fourth in thye URC table after round 11.[52]

Six Nations break

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.[53][54][55]

McCloskey and Stockdale started, and Timoney came off the bench and scored a try, in the opening away loss against France.[56] 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'.[57] Bryn Ward returned to the full Ireland squad.[58] 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.[59] Baloucoune scored a try and was named Man of the Match in a 20-13 win.[60] 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.[61]

In the Six Nations break week, Ulster lost 21-10 away to the Ospreys.[62] 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.[63] The postponed round 2 URC match between Edinburgh and Ulster was rescheduled for 13 March 2026.[64] Academy prop Tom McAllister made his senior debut as Ulster won 40-19 and went into second in the URC table.[65] 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.[66] Baloucoune won the tournament's Rising Player award.[67]

Domestic season: final block

Ulster lost their home interpro against Connacht, with academy centre Jonny Scott making his debut from the bench.[68] 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.[69] 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.[70]

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.

Women's season

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.[71]

Four Ulster players were named in the Ireland preparation squad for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup: hooker Neve Jones, now at Gloucester-Hartpury, back row Brittany Hogan, prop Sadhbh McGrath and lock Fiona Tuite.[72] McGrath and Hogan were named to start the first warm-up match against Scotland on 2 August, with Jones and Tuite on the bench.[73] McGrath scored a try in a 27–21 victory.[74] 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,[75] which Ireland lost 26–47.[76]

The IRFU Women's Interprovincial Series was held between 10 and 30 August. Ulster, without their international players, finished fourth, losing all their round-robins matches, and were defeated 27-30 by Connacht in the third/fourth place final.

Boles, Hogan, Jones, McGrath and Tuite were all named in the World Cup squad.[77] Hogan, Tuite and Jones started the opening 42–14 victory over Japan, with McGrath coming off the bench; Jones and Tuite both scored tries.[78] Boles and Tuite started the 43–27 victory over Spain, with Jones, McGrath and Hogan coming off the bench.[79] Hogan and Jones started the final pool match, a 40–0 defeat to New Zealand, and McGrath and Boles came off the bench.[80] Ireland qualified for the quarter-final, which they lost 13–18 to France. Jones, Tuite and Hogan started, and McGrath came off the bench.[81]

Tuite, McGrath and Kate Farrell McCabe were awarded IRFU central contracts.[82] Hogan, who had moved to Sale Sharks,[83] Tuite and McGrath were selected for the 2026 Women's Six Nations Championship.[84]

Ulster players selected for the Wolfhounds for the 2025-26 Celtic Challenge were Sophie Barrett, Claire Boles, Maebh Clenaghan, India Daley, Cara McLean, Fiona Tuite, Niamh Marley and Kate Farrell McCabe. Sadhbh McGrath was selected for the Clovers.[85] 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.

Awards

Rugby Players Ireland Awards

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.[86]

Ulster Rugby Awards

The 2026 Ulster Rugby Awards Dinner was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast on 27 May 2026. Winners were:[87]

Men's and boys' awards

Women's and girls' awards

  • 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

  • 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

Centre Stuart McCloskey and wing Werner Kok were named in the URC's Elite XV.[88] Angus Bell's try against Cardiff won the Try of the Season award.[89]

Men's personnel

Staff

More information Position, Name ...
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
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Senior squad

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.

More information Ulster Rugby squad ...
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. [a]
    Taking into account signings and departures ahead of 2025–26 season as listed on List of 2025–26 United Rugby Championship transfers.
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Academy squad

More information Ulster Rugby academy squad ...
Ulster Rugby academy squad

Props

Hookers

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.
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Men's competitions and results

Season record

More information Competition, Played ...
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
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  1. [a]
    Not including the pool match against the Cheetahs, which was not played and was awarded as a 28-0 win to Ulster.

Home attendance

After URC round 13, Challenge Cup semi-final

More information Competition, Fixtures ...
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
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United Rugby Championship

Main article: 2025–26 United Rugby Championship

Table

More information Pos, Pld ...
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 (CH) 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 (RU) 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 18 2 0 16 312 587 −275 43 85 3 4 15
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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.[93]

URC Irish Shield

More information Team, P ...
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:[94]
  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

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Results

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[32]
Match centre		 Try: Wainwright 0'
Rosser 16'
Lewis-Hughes 49'
Con: De Beer (3) 2', 17', 50'
 Attendance: 9,563[95]
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[96]
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[97]
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[98]
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[42]
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[45]
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[46]
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[47]
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[99]
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[100]
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[62]
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[102]
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[68]
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[69]
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. James 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').

Notes

  1. [a]
    Postponed from 3 October due to weather conditions.[101]

European Challenge Cup

Ulster were drawn in Pool 3 of the 2025–26 EPCR Challenge Cup, alongside Cardiff, Cheetahs, Exeter Chiefs, Racing 92 and Stade Français.[103] 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.

More information Pos, Pld ...
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
Close
Source: EPCR[104]
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

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[43]
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[44]
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[48][49] 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[105]
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

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[70]
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').

Friendly

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[106] 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.

Women's personnel

Staff

More information Ulster senior women's coaching staff, Position ...
Ulster senior women's coaching staff[71]
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
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Squad

More information Ulster Senior Women's Squad ...
Ulster Senior Women's Squad[71][107]

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.
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Women's competitions and results

IRFU Women's Interprovincial Series

The 2025 IRFU Women's Interprovincial Series was played between 10 and 30 August.[108]

10 August 2025 (1 BP) Leinster Leinster 37–21 Ulster Ulster Energia Park, Dublin  
Try: Baker (2) 11', 53'
Brogan (3) 17', 39', 78'
Neill 32'
Gaffney 44'
Con: Caughey 32'
 Report[109] Try: Sheerin 34'
Daley 38'
Barrett 48'
Con: Sheerin (3) 35', 39', 48'
Cards: Barr Yellow card 51'
Ulster lineup:

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. Lucy 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 Connacht 12–7 Ulster Ulster (1 BP) The Sportsground, Galway  
Try: Sheerin
Con: Sheerin
Cards: Barr Yellow card		 Report[110] Try: Oviawe
Maher
Con: Nic Dhonnacha
Ulster lineup:

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 Ulster 17–38 Munster Munster Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast  
Try: Sheerin
Fitzsimons (2)
Con: Sheerin
 Report[111] Try: Pearse
Ugwueru
Finn
Og O'Leary
McInerney
Con: Finn (4)
Ulster lineup:

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

30 August 2025 Connacht Connacht 37–30 Ulster 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 lineup:

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.

Friendlies

21 July 2025 Ulster Ulster 24–12 Connacht Connacht Ardgart, Enniskillen  
Try: McAllister
Sheerin
O'Donnell
Fitzsimons
Con: (2)
 Report[112] Try: (2)
Con: (1)
26 July 2025 Ulster Ulster 26–5 Leinster Leinster Chambers Park, Portadown  
Try: Sloan
Sheerin
Boyce
Marley
Con: Farrell-McCabe (3)
 Report[113] Try: Onigbode

References

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