Keyword "ulster-rugby" - List of latest news (418 results)

19:50 Injuries leave Ulster looking vulnerable ahead of must-win home game against Sharks

Michael Lowry is out, while Rob Herring and Stuart McCloskey are doubts

22/04 Gerry Thornley: Leinster’s success masking alarming fault lines which have emerged in Irish rugby

This season, as things stand, Munster, Ulster and Connacht have all lost more matches than they have won

21/04 Ryan Baird likely to return for Leinster-Northampton Champions Cup duel

Calf injury puts James Ryan’s availability in doubt

21/04 Ulster’s Richie Murphy questions legality of Leinster’s breakdown and scrum after defeat

Northern province facing battle to finish in the top eight after losing at the Aviva Stadium

19/04 Dan Sheehan’s hat-trick caps Leinster’s bonus-point victory over Ulster

Leinster show off their strength in depth and tighten their grip at the top of the URC table

18/04 URC teams: Leinster make a dozen changes for visit of Ulster

Only three players retained from the starting team which beat Glasgow in Champions Cup

17/04 ‘Ulster will be a huge test’: Leinster’s Tommy O’Brien on Saturday’s URC match and his international hopes

The centre’s performances since returning to Leinster colours in February have been top notch

15/04 ‘It’s a daunting test’ - Ulster head coach Richie Murphy prepares for tough Leinster clash

Forward Cormac Izuchukwu set for return to action for Aviva Stadium encounter

06/04 Munster roadshow moves on to quarter-final showdown with Bordeaux Bègles next Saturday

Leinster will host Glasgow Warriors at the Aviva Stadium next Friday night

06/04 Bordeaux Bègles set up Munster quarter-final after comfortable win over Ulster

Northern province put in a spirited display but the French side were always in cruise control at home

06/04 Bordeaux v Ulster – Champions Cup last 16: Northerners fall behind after early barrage from hosts

Bordeaux host Ulster in the last 16 of the Champions Cup.

06/04 Bordeaux Bègles v Ulster: Murphy reshuffles province for tough Champions Cup test

French club trimmed Ulster 40-19 in Belfast in pool stage of tournament

05/04 Joey Carbery enjoying the good life in France both on and off the pitch

Carbery making a 13th start at outhalf against Ulster in Sunday’s Champions Cup round of 16 tie

01/04 ‘There isn’t a weak link’: Ulster searching for chink in Bordeaux’s armour ahead of Champions Cup visit

Ulster face tough challenge in Champions Cup last 16

31/03 Champions Cup Last 16: TV details, kick-off times, team news and more

Leinster, Ulster and Munster are in action at the weekend in the first knockout round

31/03 Owen Doyle: Connacht left it too late to fire on all cylinders

Bunker was missing in action at MacHale Park, as Connacht left it too late to fire on all cylinders

28/03 Ulster beat Stormers in high-scoring classic to make it three wins in a row

Northern province recovered from trailing 17-0 to score six tries on their way to victory

27/03 Robert Baloucoune returns for Ulster for first start of season against Stormers

Stormers look like being a more challenging prospect than recent scalps over Scarlets and Dragons

24/03 Simon Easterby and John Fogarty set to be confirmed as British & Irish Lions coaches

Ulster snatch late win as Munster, Leinster and Connacht suffer defeats, with Pete Wilkins on sick leave

22/03 Ulster come from behind to take bonus-point win over Dragons

Northern province win 34-30 at Rodney Parade

21/03 URC team news: Jordie Barrett and RG Snyman in Leinster side for tough Bulls test

Connacht and Ulster also name their sides for the return of league action

20/03 URC run-in: The state of play for the Irish provinces as Leinster lead table

Connacht and Ulster need strong final period to make the top eight playoffs

17/03 Wallace High School claim first Ulster Schools Cup title beating Royal School Armagh

Lisburn school run out 24-15 winners at Kingspan Stadium

17/02 Jordi Murphy: A career-threatening injury taught me to plan for the future

Former Ireland rugby player on changing spending habits and why plan B matters

15/02 Three yellow cards for Ulster spell miserable defeat to Benetton

David McCann, Nick Timoney and Stewart Moore all shown yellow cards in second half

14/02 Ulster looking for a better time against Italian opposition as they visit Benetton

Murphy makes 11 changes to starting side which lost 15-14 to Zebre

12/02 Mark Sexton and Willie Faloon join Ulster coaching set-up for next season

Sexton, brother of Johnny, joins the province to lead the attack

26/01 Ulster embarrassed at windswept Ravenhill by Italian side Zebre Parma

This result? Who foresaw it? What a mess and, well, Zebre did it and deservedly so beating Ulster for the first time in Belfast and potentially derailing the province’s hopes for top eight rugby in the URC.

26/01 Zebre Parma secure a first win over Ulster in Belfast

Italian side took a 15-0 lead before Corrie Barrett’s two second-half tries closed the gap

22/01 Leinster to take on Harlequins at Croke Park in Champions Cup round of 16

Munster’s trip to La Rochelle will also take place on Saturday, April 5th

21/01 Gerry Thornley: Ulster ponder dubious reward while only one prize will satisfy spoiled Leinster fans

Ulster and Munster face daunting assignments as they bid to progress in European competition

20/01 Owen Doyle: Nika Amashukeli showed again why he is the best referee in the world

Leinster were fortunate against Bath with the sequence of events leading up to Obano red card

20/01 Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle to host Munster in intriguing last 16 clash

Top two seeding earns Leinster a home clash with Harlequins and the prospect of potential home ties all the way through to the final again

19/01 Ulster to make Champions Cup knockout stage after Bordeaux thrash Sharks

Irish province set to play Bordeaux Bègles away in the last 16

18/01 Champions Cup permutations – What Munster and Leinster need in the final round

The penultimate round of the Champions Cup group games is in the books and it’s time to look ahead to the final round, which kick off today.

17/01 Cormac Izuchukwu’s hat-trick keeps European dream alive as Ulster romp home against Exeter Chiefs

Ulster will be playing knockout rugby in April, that much we now know. The only question now is in what competition.

17/01 Ulster 52 Exeter 24 as it happened

Ulster beat the Chiefs to seal a spot in the Challenge Cup and keep their slim hopes of progressing in the Champions Cup alive.

17/01 Ulster v Exeter: Richie Murphy’s side take on the Chiefs with European season on the line

Ulster take on the Chiefs in a Champions Cup game they must win to keep their European season alive with a spot in the Challenge Cup up for grabs.

17/01 Gerry Thornley: Is a slimmed down Champions Cup the answer to the competition’s woes?

A revamped 18-team tournament has been proposed by France’s LNR

17/01 Matt Williams: Begrudgers in Ireland must never be permitted to pull Leinster down

Without the province’s exceptional production line and the qualifying of overseas-born players, Irish rugby would be in a much weaker state

17/01 Ulster can edge battle of winless sides and prolong European season in Challenge Cup

Richie Murphy’s selection points to a first win of the European season against their English opponents on Friday night

16/01 Richie Murphy keeps it in the family as Ulster turn to Academy fly-half for must-win Exeter tie

Ulster head coach Richie Murphy has made a bold selection call for Ulster’s must-win Champions Cup tie against Exeter Chiefs on Friday night by handing the reins to son Jack at fly-half for his first European start.

16/01 Connacht make four changes as they look to seal home European run with win in Cardiff

Ulster head coach Richie Murphy hands son Jack a first Champions Cup start at outhalf against Exeter

15/01 Gordon D’Arcy: Leinster will need to hone their attacking game to finally secure elusive big prize

Though Leo Cullen’s men eked out a dogfight win over great rivals La Rochelle, overall they struggled to build a consistent attacking shape

14/01 Champions Cup permutations – What do the Irish provinces need in the final round?

The penultimate round of the Champions Cup group games is in the books and it’s time to look ahead to the final round.

14/01 Ulster announce contract extensions for experienced front-rowers Eric O’Sullivan and John Andrew

Ulster Rugby have confirmed that experienced front-rowers, Eric O’Sullivan and John Andrew, have signed new deals, keeping them at the province until 2027 and 2026 respectively.

14/01 Champions Cup pool deciders: All you need to know

16 of the 24 teams will qualify but there’s plenty more at stake as teams look to guarantee home advantage

14/01 Ireland’s historic Six Nations title bid bolstered by return of key players

Those named in Ireland squad on Wednesday will be able to focus on next weekend’s important Champions Cup clashes

12/01 Champions Cup – What do the Irish provinces need in the final round?

The penultimate round of the Champions Cup group games is in the books and it’s time to look ahead to the final round.

12/01 ‘We’ll see in May’ - Ronan O’Gara strikes defiant note after Leinster’s successful La Rochelle raid

‘I hope we get another crack later in the season because our boys can do better and will do better’

12/01 Leicester Tigers hand Ulster a shellacking at Welford Road

The Irish province initially led by 10 points but were hammered in the second half

11/01 Second half blitz sees Ulster mauled by Tigers to leave Champions Cup hopes hanging by a thread

What started as a promising night for Ulster at Welford Road turned into another European horror show as they conceded 38 unanswered points to a Josh Bassett-inspired Leicester Tigers to leave their Champions Cup hopes hanging by the slimmest of threads.

10/01 Ulster recall captain Iain Henderson for must-win Champions Cup clash against Leicester

Ulster have recalled skipper Iain Henderson following a brief injury lay-offs as one of five changes for their must-win Champions Cup tie against Leicester Tigers at Welford Road on Saturday (kick-off 8pm).

10/01 Champions Cup team news: Furlong back for Leinster, Crowley starts for Munster

Furlong will win his 150th Leinster cap against La Rochelle

08/01 Ulster eye coaching shake-up as Mark Sexton linked to Kingspan move

Richie Murphy’s coaching team may draw on familiar faces from his Ireland U20s tenure

07/01 Champions Cup Round Three: TV details, kick-off time, team news and more

Leinster, Ulster and Munster are in action at the weekend in the next round of the pool stage

06/01 Home advantage the name of the game as Champions Cup nears knock-out stages

An away side has only progressed from two knock-out fixtures over the last two seasons

06/01 Ireland’s prop resources hit ahead of Six Nations as Ulster’s Tom O’Toole pays heavy price for red card against Munster

Tom O’Toole has been hit with a six-game ban for the red card he received against Munster, ruling him out of the province’s remaining Champions Cup pool matches and the opening rounds of the Six Nations.

02/01 ‘I can become the best I can be at Ulster’ – Nick Timoney signs new deal until 2027

Nick Timoney believes Ulster is the place for him to become “the best I can be” after committing his future with the province until at least 2027.

01/01 Gordon D’Arcy: Paying public deserved to see Jack Crowley-Sam Prendergast battle in Christmas interpros

Irish player management system was designed 20 years, when I was playing, and hasn’t evolved much since then

30/12 ‘We’re incredibly proud of the two boys’ – Ulster boss Richie Murphy hoping to build on victory in family affair

Ulster coach Richie Murphy is hopeful that their deserved 17-7 win in Galway can turn their season around as they head into 2025 after ending a five-match losing run.

29/12 Richie Murphy praises Ulster defence after win over Connacht lifts them to URC top eight

Ulster were without several key players for their trip to Galway on Saturday

28/12 Ulster young guns impress to end losing streak against Connacht

Win for Ulster in Galway sees them climb to eighth in the URC table

28/12 Big match preview: Connacht can lean on experience and add to Ulster woe

?Even as he prepared to dissect last week’s defeat to Leinster, it was indicative that Pete Wilkins was already scanning across the hemisphere at results elsewhere.

27/12 Connacht v Ulster is a tale of two Jacks at sold-out Dexcom Stadium

Connacht will put their faith in one of their most famous sons at out-half while Richie Murphy hands the ten jersey to his own son Jack as he starts for the first time in Ulster colours at a sold-out URC clash at the Dexcom tomorrow (7.35pm).

27/12 Connacht change halfbacks for Ulster clash as Jack Murphy gets first start

Ulster head coach names his son at outhalf for Saturday night’s game in Galway

24/12 ‘Proud Ulsterman’ Jacob Stockdale signs fresh two-year deal with province

Ulster star Jacob Stockdale has signed a new two-year deal that will keep him at Ravenhill until 2027.

23/12 Richie Murphy still hoping for Ulster Christmas cheer after agonising defeat

If it’s not too late, Richie Murphy will be hurriedly writing a last-minute letter to Santa today in the hope of bringing some Christmas cheer to Ulster.

20/12 Richie Murphy labels Tom O’Toole’s dismissal as ‘tough’ on Ulster as Ian Costello relieved by Munster’s victory

Ulster head coach Richie Murphy felt Tom O’Toole’s 30th minute red card in his side’s dramatic 22-19 defeat to Munster was “tough”, as he firmly believes that the Ireland prop did not commit an illegal act.

20/12 Fantastic Farrell hat-trick snatches win for Munster over 14-man Ulster

Tom Farrell’s third try of the evening won the game for the visitors at the death

20/12 Munster’s late show condemns Ulster to another URC defeat in Christmas cracker at Ravenhill

With two minutes left at Ravenhill, it appeared that 14-man Ulster had pulled off a stunning rescue act, only for the men in red to deliver a Christmas sucker-punch right at the death.

20/12 As it happened: Munster claim URC interpro win over Ulster at Ravenhill

Munster travelled to Ravenhill this evening to take on Ulster in URC action.

20/12 Munster could do more damage to confidence of injury-hit Ulster

Return of Gavin Coombes is a sign of Munster's intent against Ulster

20/12 Interpro preview: Munster can edge battle of the walking wounded

Two provinces desperate for the win, separated by one point and one place in the URC – something has to give at Ravenhill tonight (7.35) in what can be dubbed ‘the battle of the walking wounded’.

19/12 Ireland Sevens star Zac Ward signs three-year deal with Ulster

Zac Ward is determined to continue pushing on and maintain a proud family legacy at Ulster after agreeing a three-year deal that will see him remain with the Ravenhill outfit until 2028.

19/12 John Cooney returns at scrumhalf for Ulster’s interpro clash with Munster

Munster make six changes from the side that lost to Castres for the trip to Belfast on Friday night

19/12 Michael Lowry admits Ulster’s defeats feel like ‘the end of the world’

Michael Lowry is by no means alone when struggling to process and even shake off those dark thoughts and anxieties when things aren’t going so well.

18/12 URC chief defends South African involvement in Europe and cools talk of a Premiership merger

BKT URC chief executive Martin Anayi has strongly defended the involvement of the South African franchises in European competition in the wake of a weekend of poor results from teams from the Rainbow Nation.

18/12 Ulster v Munster: Richie Murphy’s side look to end losing streak in interpro URC clash

Forwards coach confident injury-hit Ulster can return to a ‘good place’ after four consecutive defeats

18/12 Gordon D’Arcy: If the Champions Cup is not changed, it will drift into obscurity

Despite brilliant recent performances by Toulouse and Bordeaux, it’s clear the existing format of rugby’s top club competition does not work

17/12 Munster skills coach Mossy Lawler backs Mike Prendergast for head coach role

Former Munster winger signs two-year extension to remain with home province to 2027

17/12 Lure of home in Ulster never far away for Jeremy Davidson as Castres exit looms

Come the end of the season, Jeremy Davidson will be on the move again, as the well-travelled Ulster man takes the latest step on his ever-fascinating rugby journey.

14/12 Ulster player ratings: Stuart McCloskey shines brightest in defeat to Bordeaux

Here’s how Ulster rated in their Champions Cup defeat to Bordeaux Bègles.

14/12 Bordeaux Bègles pile the pain on Ulster with late barrage of tries in Belfast

French visitors run in four of their six touchdowns in the final 20 minutes at Kingspan Stadium

14/12 Bordeaux’s second half try blitz condemns Ulster to second straight European loss

A second-half try blitz from Bordeaux blew Ulster’s challenge away at Ravenhill, ensuring that Richie Murphy’s men fell to a second successive Champions Cup defeat to French opposition which may be fatally damaging to their hopes in Europe’s premier competition.

14/12 Champions Cup Saturday live updates: Leinster v Clermont

Follow all the action from Belfast as Ulster look to recover from record defeat against Toulouse

14/12 Champions Cup Saturday live updates: Ulster v Bordeaux Bègles

Follow all the action from Belfast as Ulster look to recover from record defeat against Toulouse

14/12 Joey Carbery embracing his new challenge at Bordeaux Bègles

The former Leinster, Munster and Ireland outhalf has warned his team-mates what to expect when they lock horns with a chastened Ulster at the Kingspan Stadium

13/12 Ulster revival required in Champions Cup tie against Bordeaux-Begles

Head coach Richie Murphy makes 10 changes after crushing away defeat against Toulouse

13/12 Matt Williams: Ulster’s decision to run up the white flag a bleak day for Irish rugby

The title ‘Champions Cup’ is a sham when the competition structure allows clubs to not select their best players yet still progress deeper into the competition

12/12 Patience and perseverance help Jeremy Davidson prove his coaching mettle in France

The former Ulster and Ireland lock has coached in France for 16 years, the last seven of which have been as a head coach in the fiercely competitive environment of the Top 14

11/12 Neil Doak appointed as Ireland men’s under-20s head coach

The former Ulster scrumhalf has coached the Ireland under-18s and combined academies in recent seasons

11/12 No respite for Ulster as Bordeaux-Bègles head north

After their record defeat by Toulouse, Richie Murphy’s side face another formidable French team, with their Champions Cup hopes in serious need of a boost

11/12 Gordon D’Arcy: Irish rugby is a good place to be, thanks to people such as Dave Fagan

Jordie Barrett and RG Snyman represent the continuation of an old Irish rugby recipe: home-grown talent spiced up by a sprinkling of top international quality

10/12 No game illustrated the widening gulf between Europe’s elite and the rest than Toulouse’s mauling of Ulster

The Irish challenge for the Champions Cup is reliant on Leinster, and that is not healthy for Irish rugby

09/12 Ulster winger quits province and turns back on rugby in bid to fulfil his NFL dream

Flying winger Aaron Sexton has quit Ulster and rugby to try and forge a career in American football’s highly lucrative NFL.

09/12 Ulster’s Aaron Sexton picked to participate in NFL’s IPP programme for 2025

Sexton will go in a different pathway to that of kickers like Charlie Smyth, working out as a wide receiver/returner

08/12 Jordie Barrett shines as Leinster beat Bristol to get search for elusive fifth star under way

Champions Cup: Munster secure bonus-point win over Stade Francais, Connacht beat Zebre, while champions Toulouse pummel Ulster

08/12 Toulouse run Ulster ragged in statement Champions Cup win

French side bag nine tries on way to 61-21 win

08/12 Ulster run ragged as nine-try Toulouse deliver Champions Cup warning

It was expected that a rebuilding Ulster would struggle to contain the might of the defending European and Top14 champions in their Champions Cup opener, but Richie Murphy's young stars were handed a painful lesson in their development by Toulouse.

08/12 ‘Conceding 61 points wasn’t part of plan’ says Richie Murphy after Toulouse run Ulster ragged

It was expected that a rebuilding Ulster would struggle to contain the might of the defending European and Top14 champions in their Champions Cup opener, but Richie Murphy’s young stars were handed a painful lesson in their development by Toulouse.

08/12 Champions Cup Sunday live updates: Bristol v Leinster

Follow all the action as defending champions Toulouse thrash Ulster in the earlier game

08/12 Champions Cup Sunday live updates: Toulouse v Ulster

Follow all the action as two Irish provinces get their campaigns under way

07/12 Ulster’s Champions Cup opener against Toulouse a daunting away fixture

Coach Richie Murphy cautiously optimistic of overturning title-holders if province reduces errors and finds consistency

07/12 Richie Murphy keeps Ireland stars in reserve for Euro battle with Toulouse

Ulster head coach Richie Murphy has kept his Irish internationals in reserve for tomorrow’s Champions Cup opener against Toulouse, with only Stuart McCloskey named in the starting line-up for the game at the Stade Ernest-Wallon (3.15pm).

06/12 Sam Prendergast starts at outhalf for Leinster as Jordie Barrett named on the bench

Champions and Challenge Cup team news: Munster give European debut to former Ireland Under-20 captain Evan O’Connell

05/12 Gerry Thornley’s Champions Cup preview and pool by pool guide

Leinster again look best placed to challenge the recent domination by France’s big beasts Toulouse and La Rochelle

04/12 Ulster bracing for brutally tough Champions Cup opener against Toulouse

Coach Richie Murphy says there is excitement and fear ahead of clash with European champions in France

30/11 ‘Squad depth is massively important’ – Leo Cullen hails Leinster second string after Ulster win as Jordie Barrett nears debut

A seventh win from seven, and another five points bagged, Leo Cullen was understandably upbeat after URC leaders Leinster had prevailed in this typically combative interprovincial even though the onus had already switched up to European mode.

29/11 URC: Leinster edge Ulster in far from vintage interprovincial

James Culhane’s late score secured the try bonus and, as it turned out, the victory

29/11 James Culhane’s late try enough for Leinster to edge out Ulster rivals in tight battle

For quite a while this interprovincial couldn’t shake off what seemed an inevitable narrative; two teams coming back to action after a month off with all the ring-rust you could imagine that might have been accumulated from this showing up in spades.

28/11 Jack Conan returns to captain Leinster as Leo Cullen makes 11 changes for Ulster clash

Ulster celebrating a century of rugby at Ravenhill this week as the corresponding game against Leinster in 1924 was the first at the historic ground

28/11 Jack Conan the captain as Leo Cullen names experienced side for Leinster’s URC return against Ulster

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has named a team full of experience for the Blues return to URC action against Ulster at Ravenhill on Friday evening.

26/11 Excited Juarno Augustus heading for Ravenhill after inking three-year deal with Ulster

Former World Junior Player of the Year Juarno Augustus says he is excited to “sign for such an historic club” after signing a three-year deal with Ulster from the start of next season.

25/11 Jordie Barrett due in Dublin this week to link up with new Leinster team-mates

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen offered the update ahead of Friday’s URC game away to Ulster

20/11 Iain Henderson and Rob Herring sign contract extensions with Ulster

Ulster captain to move off his central IRFU contact at the end of this season

20/11 Iain Henderson ‘energised’ to lead young group after signing new two-year contract with Ulster

Ulster captain Iain Henderson says he is “energised” to continue helping their young squad grow after signing a new two-year deal with the province until the summer of 2027.

31/10 IRFU confirm return of ‘A’ interprovincial championship as part of 150th anniversary celebrations

The IRFU has confirmed return of the ‘A’ interprovincial championship, which is set to begin in the coming weeks.

28/10 Weekend of contrasting fortunes as Leinster continue to lead from the front

Munster slump to 12th in the table following a third successive URC defeat for the first time in nine years

26/10 Ulster blow 19-point lead to fall to Cardiff defeat

Welsh side dominate second half to take victory after it looked northern province were in control

26/10 Ulster blow comfortable half-time lead to collapse to defeat in Cardiff

A first half performance which had Ulster 19 points clear was entirely undone in a second 40 minutes as Richie Murphy’s men somehow lost their way and with it the game.

26/10 Captain Iain Henderson back for Ulster’s URC trip to Cardiff

Ulster captain Iain Henderson has been restored to the starting line-up for their URC trip to Cardiff tonight (7.35).

25/10 Ulster go to Cardiff on the back of two successive home wins

Iain Henderson returns from concussion to lead the side which includes fellow Irish squad members Tom O’Toole, Cormac Izuchukwu, Nick Timoney and Stuart McCloskey

23/10 Upbeat Ulster head to Cardiff with momentum of two straight wins

Skipper Iain Henderson, back-three player Ethan McIlroy and flanker Sean Reffell should all be in the mix for selection

18/10 Jacob Stockdale stars as Ulster go to town on Ospreys

Ten points from their last two home games is a more than decent return for Richie Murphy

17/10 Ulster boosted by return of Stuart McCloskey and young Irish talent for Ospreys clash

Emerging Ireland forwards Harry Sheridan and Cormac Izuchukwu named in the pack for Friday night’s game

16/10 Ulster face injury crisis after bruising win over Connacht

Skipper Iain Henderson fails head injury assessment while centres Stewart Moore and Jude Postlethwaite also sidelined

13/10 Ulster hold on to come out on top against Connacht in Belfast

Connacht manage two bonus points in defeat with Nick Timoney’s late try sealing the 32-17 win for Ulster

12/10 Ulster edge nervy inter-pro clash with Connacht to move off URC bottom spot

It was an edgy game of nip and tuck but, most importantly for Ulster, they were the ones who finished ahead on the scoreboard to end a two-game losing run and bring them some vital points.

12/10 As it happened: Ulster claim win over Connacht in dramatic URC tie

Ulster have beaten Connacht 32-24 at Kingspan Stadium.

12/10 Ulster v Connacht: Inter-provincial rivals face off in United Rugby Championship

Connacht travel to Kingspan Stadium for the second URC inter-provincial derby off the day.

11/10 Connacht look to keep up winning form as they head to Belfast to tackle Ulster

Richie Murphy’s Ulster side looking to get back to winning ways after bac-to-back defeats in South Africa

11/10 Josh Ioane and Joe Joyce return for Connacht’s trip to Belfast to take on Ulster

Ulster captain Nick Timoney will make his 150th appearance for the province at the Kingspan

08/10 Connacht welcome back several key players for trip to Belfast

Head coach Pete Wilkins believes victories over Scarlets and Sharks show his side has learned how to eke out a win

08/10 Connacht boss Pete Wilkins believes Ulster have had interpro derby in their sights: ‘Looking at it with us in mind’

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins has claimed that Ulster had one eye on this week’s interpro clash as they succumbed to a second successive South African mauling last weekend.

07/10 Leinster wait on Kelleher injury news in advance of Munster clash

With Dan Sheehan sidelined, Kelleher is vital for Saturday’s renewal at which more than 70,000 supporters expected

06/10 Stephen Ferris: Ulster’s mauling by the Bulls was a tough watch but days like that happen during a rebuild

It was hard to watch at times and I suppose it was quite an experience for those young Ulster guys.

05/10 Ulster boss Richie Murphy ‘not disappointed’ despite heavy loss in South Africa

Richie Murphy refused to admit that he was overly disappointed with Ulster’s performance from their 47-21 hammering at the hands of a powerful Bulls side.

05/10 Bulls run seven tries past Ulster to win 47-21

The hosts led 21-7 at the break in Pretoria

30/09 Connacht savour heroic comeback as Munster taste historic defeat

Ulster take bonus point and lessons from tough loss to Lions in South Africa

28/09 Ulster make a fight of it to charge back at Lions in Johannesburg heat and altitude

It wasn’t to be for Ulster in Johannesburg’s altitude as chasing down a 15-0 deficit proved too much for Richie Murphy’s side in a frantic game played in 30-degree heat.

28/09 Ulster battle hard for try bonus point as Lions take full share in Johannesburg

Richie Murphy’s side trailed 30-10 at one stage in tough conditions but found a way back into the game

28/09 Werner Kok makes first start on the wing as Ulster enter Lions’ den

Ulster have handed a first start of the season to summer signing Werner Kok in the first game of their South African double-header against the Emirates Lions today.

27/09 ‘It’s going to be rough’: Ulster geared up for South African challenge against Lions

Ulster travel to South Africa for their second and third round URC fixtures against the Lions and the Bulls

25/09 Ulster’s young guns can form backbone of side for next decade, says Jimmy Duffy

Ulster assistant coach Jimmy Duffy says he has set a target of building a long-term squad at Ravenhill that will form the backbone of a competitive team for a decade.

25/09 John Cooney in Ulster squad flying out to South Africa

Ulster will be missing young forwards Cormac Izuchukwu and Harry Sheridan due to their presence with Emerging Ireland

23/09 Ulster prop Marty Moore retires from rugby at age 33

Moore was capped 10 times by Ireland but has stepped away from game ‘on medical advice’

23/09 Former Ireland international Marty Moore retires from professional rugby on medical advice

Ulster tighthead prop Marty Moore has confirmed that he will retire from professional rugby on medical advice to prioritise his mental wellbeing.

23/09 Positive opening weekend for provinces as Ireland return to top of world rankings

Leinster and Ulster show true grit to grind out victories over Scottish opposition while Munster and Connacht produce a classic at Thomond Park

22/09 ‘We never gave up’ – Ulster coach Richie Murphy proud of the character his team showed in last-gasp win over Glasgow

Coach Richie Murphy hailed Ulster’s last-gasp 20-19 win over URC champions Glasgow Warriors as displaying great “character” after his side snatched the win in the final play.

21/09 Dave Shanahan completes brilliant cameo with Ulster’s match-winning try

Replacement scrumhalf scores four minutes into injury time to seal win over reigning URC champions

21/09 David Shanahan seals win for Ulster in dramatic finale

How did they do it? A game which looked a real struggle at times was rescued and what a way to save it.

21/09 Iain Henderson: Ulster have makings of what could be a phenomenal group of players

Being the first time he’s laced his boots since April, when he failed to return for the second half at Clermont, even someone with as much mileage as Iain Henderson is eager to get out there again.

20/09 Ulster’s Player of the Year signs new deal while summer signings set for URC debuts

Ulster’s Player of the Season David McCann has signed a new one-year extension that will keep him at Ravenhill until at least 2026.

20/09 Rugby fixtures 2024/2025: Ireland matches and major tournament dates for the season

Everything you need to know about the upcoming rugby season

20/09 Lions intrigue and lingering heartache make Ireland-England the standout match of the campaign ahead

On the club front, the URC gets more brutal every year

19/09 Billy Burns gets fired up with move to Munster

‘I’d maybe make mistakes in games in the past and let it affect me. Now, with age and experience, I feel like I’m a much more level person’

17/09 Stuart McCloskey signs two-year contract extension with Ulster

The 32-year-old made his debut for Ulster in February 2014

17/09 Boost for Ulster as key man Stuart McCloskey agrees new two-year contract extension

Ulster have announced that centre Stuart McCloskey has signed a new two-year contract extension, committing his future with his province until at least 2027.

17/09 Richie Murphy has a tough hand for his first full season at Ulster

Lack of depth and quality mean Ulster will have to excel to be still in contention for silverware by January

12/09 ‘It’s a disruptive start’ – Ulster coach Richie Murphy voices fears over Emerging Ireland tour

Ulster coach Richie Murphy has expressed his fear that next month’s Emerging Ireland tour will disrupt the start to the season.

11/09 Ulster head coach Richie Murphy ready to deploy young guns to fire up the new season

With squad light on frontline experience, Murphy is confident Jake Flannery, James Humphreys, Jack Murphy and new outhalf Aidan Morgan can step up to the plate

11/09 Irish-qualified out-half Aidan Morgan impressing at Ulster as Richie Murphy calls for patience

Irish rugby fans and media love nothing more than a debate about the battle for the No 10 jersey and this season there’s a new contender in the conversation.

05/09 Golfer Shane Lowry faces growing pressure over Kingspan sponsorship deal after Grenfell Tower report

Shane Lowry has remained silent about his association with Kingspan following heavy criticism of the company in the Grenfell Tower inquiry report.

04/09 ‘We’re going to be a young side, and we’re hoping to play an exciting brand of rugby’ – Richie Murphy’s high hopes for Ulster

Since it was early June since Richie Murphy last sat down to chew the fat, and back then it was hardly upbeat after another knockout beating by Leinster, it’s fair to say that enough time has elapsed to make the conversation flow.

04/09 Ulster looks toward youth as province rebuilds with an eye to the future

‘We’re going to be a young side and we’re hoping to play an exciting brand of rugby,’ says head coach Richie Murphy

24/08 Women’s Interprovincials: Munster and Leinster prepare for final meeting with victories

Fast-finishing Connacht fall short in second-half comeback against Munster; Leinster too strong for Ulster in Belfast

17/08 Women’s Interprovincials: Munster move to summit with victory over Leinster

Ulster produced stellar final-quarter display to overcome 14-point deficit and earn draw with Connacht

12/07 Leinster travel to Bristol for Champions Cup opener, Ulster away to champions Toulouse

Munster will be the first Irish province in action when they take on Stade Francais on Saturday, December 7th

11/07 IRFU to ban provinces from signing overseas front-rows

The four provinces will only be allowed to field Irish-qualified front-row players from 2025, according to incoming IRFU performance director David Humphreys.

02/07 Leinster drawn with Clermont and La Rochelle in Champions Cup pool stages

Munster get Northampton and Bulls, Ulster drawn against Toulouse and Leicester

30/06 Ireland’s Cormac Izuchukwu eyes opening Test against South Africa

Progressive Ulster forward playing as a flanker under coach Richie Murphy and has excelled in that position

29/06 ‘It’s going to be a good opportunity for me to learn’ – Ambitious Cormac Izuchukwu puts Tequila on hold for South Africa tour

Cormac Izuchukwu thought he’d be in Tequila, Mexico right now sampling the local wares, but the call came from Andy Farrell and his mates will have to do without him as he gets used to life in the Ireland camp in Johannesburg.

26/06 Gordon D’Arcy: Weakness in the system undermines Ireland’s ambitions

Disappointing seasons for Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connacht highlighted how the Irish system needs to change

21/06 After a full year on the go, is Irish rugby running on empty?

Irish players went into World Cup camp a year ago this week and they have not stopped playing since

21/06 ‘It was a pretty easy decision’ - Jack Murphy explains move from Leinster to Ulster

Ireland U20s outhalf will move to the northern province after this summer’s U20 World Championship

14/06 Ulster seal signing of Ireland U-20 out-half Jack Murphy, son of the province’s head coach Richie

Ulster have confirmed the signing of Ireland Under-20s fly-half Jack Murphy, the son of head coach Richie, after announcing they will be adding seven first-year players to their Academy for the new season.

08/06 Leinster power past Ulster to set up Bulls semi-final in Pretoria

Final scoreline flatters Leo Cullen’s side a tad but they were nonetheless full value for their win at the Aviva

08/06 Leinster vs Ulster - URC quarter-final live

Follow along for live updates as Ulster travel down to Dublin to take on Leinster in the Aviva Stadium

08/06 Ulster backrow Cormac Izuchukwu brings diverse talents to the table

A portion of his sporting genes came from his mother Catríona, a cousin of the Offaly All Ireland hurling-winning brothers, Joe, Billy and Johnny Dooley

07/06 Leinster name strong team for Ulster clash but Ringrose misses out

Northern province’s double over Leinster in URC regular season adds intrigue to this quarter-final

06/06 Dan Sheehan: ‘Ulster do a great job of suffocating you in your own half ... we need to impose our game on them’

The Leinster hooker says to talk of fatigue towards the end of a long season is to reach for an easy excuse

04/06 URC quarter-finals: Kick-off time, team news and TV details for Munster, Leinster and Ulster games

All you need to know as Munster take on Ospreys and Leinster welcome Ulster to the Aviva Stadium in the URC knock-out stages

04/06 Leinster v Ulster: What time, what channel and all you need to know

Leinster are back in URC action and face a derby clash against Ulster in the quarter-finals this weekend. Here's all you need to know about the game.

04/06 Ringrose could return to help Leinster avoid another upset against Ulster

Leinster have lost narrowly to Ulster twice this year, on New Year’s Day and last month in Belfast

03/06 ‘We know what this group is capable of’ - Narrow win over Ulster sees Munster enter playoff mode

Graham Rowntree’s side overcame a deficit to secure the victory with 10 minute remaining in Thomond Park

02/06 URC quarter-finals: Munster to host Ospreys as Leinster welcome Ulster

Munster secured the top seed and home advantage for the URC knockouts while Leinster or Ulster will likely have to travel to South Africa

02/06 ‘At this level you have to win’ – Richie Murphy wants ruthless approach from Ulster against Leinster

Ulster coach Richie Murphy was pleased with the way his team acquitted themselves at Thomond Park on Saturday evening, but he knows they'll need more if they're to cause a shock against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium next Saturday.

01/06 Munster beat Ulster to set up quarter-final date with Ospreys

Northern province now face a trip to Dublin to take on Leinster in the quarters at the Aviva Stadium

01/06 Bench press saves Munster’s blushes in Ulster win as Reds top URC to set up Ospreys quarter-final

Munster will have home comforts for as long as their run in the URC play-offs lasts, but they’ll know that another performance like this might derail their bid to retain their title.

31/05 O’Mahony, Zebo and Snyman all return for Munster ahead of Ulster showdown

Munster know a victory would guarantee them top spot in the URC table and a home run in the knockouts, including a potential final

31/05 Peter O’Mahony returns to Munster side as they look to seal top URC spot with win over unchanged Ulster

Peter O’Mahony is back in the Munster starting team after injury and his inclusion is one of six changes to the team that is looking to secure top spot in the URC with a win over an unchanged Ulster side tomorrow evening (KO 5.15).

30/05 Munster and Connacht to begin next year’s URC with an interpro clash

Leinster’s traditional festive trip to Thomond Park up in the air with dates for that clash as of yet unconfirmed

27/05 Munster extend Nash, Archer and Kilcoyne as Ulster sign Irish-qualified outhalf

New Zealand-born Aidan Morgan qualifies for Ireland through his grandfather and will join Ulster from the Hurricanes this summer

22/05 Irish provinces must contribute 30% to fund each national contract, confirms IRFU

Current system sees each contract fully financed by the union and addresses complaint from other provinces that Leinster had advantage

20/05 John Cooney’s final say completes notable double for Ulster over Leinster

ulster seal their place in the top eight and the playoffs as Leinster welcome back James Ryan and Hugh Keenan to competitive action ahead of Champions Cup final

20/05 For James Ryan it was still good to be back after being defeated by Ulster

Ryan last played off the bench in Ireland’s third round Six Nations win over Wales before damaging his bicep in training

19/05 John Cooney seals thrilling Ulster win over Leinster to secure URC playoff spot

Scrumhalf’s 79th-minute penalty was roared over by a capacity crowd in Belfast in final home game of the season

18/05 John Cooney keeps his cool as Ulster beat Leinster to secure URC play-off spot

It’s been a long time since Ravenhill rocked like it did at full-time last night as John Cooney’s winning penalty injected life into the Richie Murphy era, booking the northern province a place in the URC play-offs and edging them closer to next season’s Champions Cup.

18/05 Ulster v Leinster – Champions Cup finalists take on provincial rivals at Ravenhill

It’s Richie Murphy’s first game since he was confirmed as Ulster head coach in a permanent capacity as his side target a win which could seal their place in the end-of-season play-offs, while Leinster warm-up for the Champions Cup final.

18/05 What has David Nucifora ever done for Irish rugby?

As he prepares to end his 10-year stint as IRFU high-performance director, the Australian reflects on guiding changes to Irish structure and mentality even when that caused tensions

17/05 URC playoff permutations: who needs to do what to qualify?

Leinster and Munster battle for as high a seed as possible while Ulster and Connacht find themselves towards the bottom end of the top eight

15/05 Richie Murphy can now embrace Ulster’s rugby makeover with certainty

It is not up to the IRFU or Ulster executives to interfere unduly with the fledgling senior coach - they have elected to give Murphy the job so let him do it

14/05 Iain Henderson’s season over after Ulster and Ireland lock undergoes toe surgery

Henderson will miss Ulster’s URC run-in and Ireland’s two-Test tour to South Africa in July

13/05 Richie Murphy confirmed as Ulster’s permanent head coach

Former Ireland U20s boss signs a two-year deal after leading Ulster to four wins and three defeats so far in his tenure

11/05 Ulster battle past Scarlets for much-needed bonus point victory

Despite trailing at half-time, Richie Murphy’s side scores four times against an ill-disciplined Welsh outfit to keep playoff hopes alive

11/05 Scarlets v Ulster: What time, what channel and all you need to know

Ulster face a trip to Wales to play Scarlets in the URC this weekend. Here's all you need to know about the game.

11/05 Ian Madigan happy to have followed his own star after a career less ordinary

Former Ireland and Leinster outhalf Ian Madigan found Belfast a place of welcome and warmth where rugby was the all-consuming common ground

10/05 URC team news: Munster and Connacht announce sides for Thomond Park clash

Jimmy O’Brien makes first Leinster start since December against Ospreys; Ulster make five changes for trip to Scarlets

08/05 Ulster jostle for playoff place with no leeway for slip-ups

Rob Herring, Kieran Treadwell and Stewart Moore back from injury for the visit to Parc y Scarlets

29/04 Should referees talk to kickers about the shot clock?

The Offload: Speaking to a kicker as they line up a shot at goal has become a regular phenomenon since the introduction of the shot clock

26/04 Ulster hold on for crucial bonus point win over Benetton

A frenetic, forward and back contest sees Richie Murphy’s side boost their URC playoff hosts

26/04 Ulster claim bonus point URC victory over Benetton in Ravenhill thriller

Crazy stuff, wasn’t it? Even so, Ulster got the job done and with a bonus point as well to give them maximum return in this vital encounter for the province’s play-off hopes.

26/04 Young tighthead Scott Wilson a rare shining light for Ulster

Richie Murphy’s side go in search of a much-needed victory over Benetton on Friday night to boost URC standing

25/04 Stuart McCloskey returns to much-changed Ulster backline ahead of Benetton clash

Richie Murphy makes seven changes to his backline ahead of home fixture with significant URC playoff ramifications

24/04 Gordon D’Arcy: Leinster provide too many players to the national squad for it to be an equitable system

Munster are treading a similar path to last season, pulling out some great wins away from home. They know the virtues of timing a run, better than most

23/04 Knee injury ends Steven Kitshoff’s brief Ulster stay earlier than expected

South African loosehead prop will head home to undergo knee surgery

22/04 ‘A slaughter seldom seen in modern rugby’ - English press reacts to Ireland’s Six Nations drubbing

The Offload: University of Pittsburgh finds new way of testing for concussions; battle for the URC playoffs heats up

20/04 How does Leinster’s dominance benefit Irish rugby as a whole?

With so many of Leinster’s best talent paid for by the IRFU, there are concerns this represents an unfair advantage

19/04 Late John Cooney penalty hands Richie Murphy second win as Ulster interim coach

This was tense and edgy from the get go and not high on quality either but Ulster, somehow found a way to bag a crucial win in their bid to make the URC play-offs.

19/04 Late drama sees Ulster pip Cardiff in Richie Murphy’s first home game in charge

Last gasp John Cooney penalty hands Ulster a much-needed win in a scrappy affair at the Kingspan Stadium

19/04 Ulster are in must-win territory in what could be an edgy affair against Cardiff

Taulupe Faletau is back for Cardiff after breaking his arm at the World Cup

17/04 Bank of Ireland signs €15m sponsorship deal with Irish rugby provinces

Deal means lender will sponsor Leinster, Munster, Connacht and Ulster rugby out to 2028

17/04 Gordon D’Arcy: All four provinces have the opportunity for a proper crack at the URC

Leinster stand alone in Europe but for Munster, Ulster and Connacht in the URC there is precious little wriggle room for further missteps from here on in

17/04 Blue bloods: IRFU ‘national’ contract system will continue to load the dice in Leinster’s favour

Leinster are set to have 10 players on Ireland central contracts next season with just three from the other provinces on national deals

16/04 Stephen Ferris insists he holds no grudge with Stuart McCloskey following online spat

Stephen Ferris says there will be no grudges between him and current Ulster star Stuart McCloskey after their online spat over the weekend.

16/04 Ulster missing five for Cardiff clash including Ireland trio and Steven Kitshoff

Ulster are set to be without a significant number of front-line stars for their return to United Rugby Championship action when they take on Cardiff at Ravenhill on Friday night.

13/04 Ulster capitulate in the second half as Clermont Auvergne run up half century

Richie Murphy’s side were no match physically for the France Top 14 outfit

12/04 Iain Henderson and Steven Kitshoff fit to start as Ulster eye up Challenge Cup semi-final spot

Uplifted Ulster aim to continue their mini-revival under new coach Richie Murphy with a trip to take on Clermont

09/04 Clermont v Ulster: What time, what channel and all you need to know

Ulster are in Challenge Cup action this weekend with a trip to Clermont in the last eight. Here's all you need to know about the game.

08/04 Stuart McCloskey to see out Ulster contract despite Top 14 interest

Ireland centre Stuart McCloskey to complete his contract and remain with Ulster until the end of the 2025 season

08/04 Munster exit Europe as Leinster book high-stakes reunion with La Rochelle

Ulster and Connacht gain impressive wins to advance in Challenge Cup

07/04 Ulster produce rare result in Europe after Montpellier implosion in second half

Paul Willemse’s red card saw French side reduced to 12 players at one point

07/04 Ulster romp home against ill-disciplined Montpellier to book place in Challenge Cup quarter-final

An utterly bonkers game at the GGL Stadium as Richie Murphy secured his first win as interim head coach of Ulster as his side scored 33 unanswered second half points against at one point 12-man Montpellier to progress to the Quarter-Finals of the Challenge Cup.

07/04 Montpellier v Ulster: Northern province face French test in Challenge Cup

Ulster are in France to face Montpellier in the Challenge Cup.

06/04 Steven Kitshoff exit confirmed ahead of Ulster’s Montpellier clash

Ulster have confirmed that South African World Cup winner Steven Kitshoff will leave the province at the end of the season.

05/04 Henderson’s return a timely boost for Ulster in advance of Montpellier clash

After two defeats in South Africa in the URC, a win against Montpellier in France would turn Ulster’s season around

05/04 Challenge Cup team news: Aki and Bealham back for Connacht, Henderson fit for Ulster

Connacht line out against Pau while Ulster also travel to France to take on Montpellier in the round of 16

04/04 Denis Leamy: Our battle with Northampton Saints is not a revenge mission

Munster defence coach Denis Leamy says the province are not on a revenge mission to Franklin’s Gardens.

03/04 Ulster’s Iain Henderson says Kitshoff ‘speculation’ will not be a distraction against Montpellier

Ulster prop is set to return to South Africa at the end of the season

03/04 Champions Cup and Challenge Cup last 16: TV details, kick-off times, team news and more

Everything you need to know about the Irish provinces and their routes to the finals

02/04 South African prop Steven Kitshoff set to leave Ulster at the end of the season

The 32-year-old double World Cup winner was initially signed on a three-year deal but will leave after one

02/04 Irish provinces face tricky paths to glory as European competitions return

Securing home advantage could pay off for Leinster, while Munster, Ulster and Connacht all face daunting away assignments

01/04 Jack Conan takes starting opportunity with both hands in comfortable Leinster victory

The Offload: Premiership TMOs once again in hot water; How the provinces’ European opponents fared over the weekend

30/03 Second half comeback sees the Stormers beat Ulster in Cape Town

Northern province ahead at half-time thanks to Nick Timoney’s try only to succumb to South African power in the final 10 minutes

30/03 The life of an Irish teenage rugby star cut short: ‘I pulled the sheet back and there he was in his kit’

20 years ago, John McCall collapsed and died during the first half of Ireland’s Under-19 World Cup match against New Zealand in South Africa

29/03 Ulster facing a formidable assignment in Cape Town

In contrast to Ulster, Stormers have been in good form recently and pack an extra punch at home in Cape Town

29/03 Ulster head coach Richie Murphy gives Nathan Doak the nod at fly-half

Ulster head coach Richie Murphy appears to have signalled his intent with Nathan Doak moving forward after handing the young scrum-half only his second ever start at fly-half for the province when they take on the DHL Stormers on Saturday (5.15pm UK time).

29/03 URC team news: Munster welcome back Ireland stars for clash with Cardiff

Connacht change seven for trip to Italy; Ulster must do without Iain Henderson for clash with Stormers

27/03 Ulster name Hugh McCaughey as interim chief executive

Former healthcare boss McCaughey has a long involvement with Ulster rugby in coaching and managing positions