Ulster

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Iain Henderson says Ulster's slow start and mid-season struggles left them with too much to do to secure a United Rugby Championship (URC) play-off and a Champions Cup spot for next season.

Last Friday's defeat by Munster at Thomond Park meant there will be a premature end to Ulster's campaign as they also dropped into the second-tier European Challenge Cup for next season.

But Henderson says the damage had been done earlier when they lost four of their opening seven URC games.

That included them squandering a 19-0 lead against Cardiff, and the subsequent damaging home defeat by Zebre in January which was followed by a further reverse against Benetton in Italy.

"When you are leaving it to the last game or two of the season, it's probably a bit late," the Ulster captain told BBC Sport NI.

"Although we're feeling incredibly cut up about it [last weekend's defeat by Munster] now, it's probably our mistakes earlier on in the season that have led to us feeling like this."

On the face of it, an Edinburgh side still chasing a play-off spot should have more motivation for Friday's concluding regular season game but Henderson says he and his team-mates must aim to give a winning send-off to the squad members who will depart from the club at the end of this season.

These include Ireland internationals John Cooney and Kieran Treadwell.

"It's only right that the players get another opportunity and try and right some wrongs for the last few weeks, to be able to give the guys leaving a proper send-off and hopefully one they remember fondly," added Henderson, who returned to action in last weekend's Munster contest following a three-month injury lay-off.

Despite the current sense of gloom around the team's fortunes, Henderson believes the emergence of young talents such as James McNabney and Jack Murphy should give Ulster fans hope for the future.

"A lot of young fellows are coming through the ranks very impressively and after an impressive under-age experience, and I think there is definitely a wealth of knowledge and talent in there to hopefully make next season brighter and with more prospects than we've had this year," said Henderson.

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Ulster boss Richie Murphy has made four changes for the province's final game of the season away to Edinburgh on Friday evening (19:35 BST).

Kieran Treadwell returns to the second row for his final Ulster appearance. Andy Warwick, who is retained in the front row, will also line out for his farewell game.

Treadwell is set to return to Harlequins after nine years at Ulster while 34-year-old Warwick is set for his swansong 11 years on from his debut.

Warwick and Treadwell, who have made a combined 389 Ulster appearances, are two of eight players leaving the club this summer.

Ireland prop Tom O'Toole returns at tight-head prop, replacing Scott Wilson, while David McCann is recalled in the back row. Cormac Izuchukwu shifts from lock to the back row as Matty Rea and James McNabney drop out.

There is one change to the backline that started last week's defeat by Munster as Werner Kok starts on the right wing, replacing Robert Baloucoune.

Last week's 38-20 reverse at Thomond Park ended Ulster's hopes of securing a United Rugby Championship play-off spot and qualifying for next season's Champions Cup.

Edinburgh, however, can still finish in the top eight. They are currently 10th, two points off the top eight.

Ulster: Lowry; Kok, Postlethwaite, McCloskey, Stockdale; Murphy, Doak; Warwick, Herring, O'Toole; Treadwell, Henderson (capt); Izuchukwu, Timoney, McCann.

Replacements: Stewart, Reid, Wilson, Sheridan, McNabney, Shanahan, Morgan, Moore.

Listen to Edinburgh v Ulster live on the BBC Sport website from 19:15 BST on Friday, 16 May

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Nathan Doak says Ulster's players are "devastated" after missing out on the United Rugby Championship play-offs and a place in next season's Investec Champions Cup.

Ulster's hopes of securing a URC play-off spot were ended by last Friday's defeat by Munster at Thomond Park as the Irish province also dropped to the second-tier Challenge Cup competition in Europe for next season.

"There is a lot of hurt in the camp but we know we've got to turn up this week," said scrum-half Doak, 23, who was speaking after the team resumed training for Friday's away contest against a 10th-placed Edinburgh side who need a victory to maintain their play-off hopes.

Doak said that skipper Iain Henderson urged the squad on Tuesday to deliver a performance for the group of Ulster players departing the club at the end of this campaign.

Ireland internationals John Cooney and Kieran Treadwell are among those exiting the Irish province along with Alan O'Connor, Andy Warwick, Matty Rea, Reuben Crothers, Corrie Barrett and Michael McDonald.

"Hendy actually asked us all what it meant to play this week," added Doak.

"There are guys that are leaving who mean an awful lot to us so there is a lot for us to play in terms of personal pride. There is definitely full focus on trying to go over there and win and make it a last special appearance for the boys that are leaving."

Doak added that his fellow scrum-half Cooney had spoken to him at Tuesday's training session.

"He came up to me today and said 'this is our final week together' which is probably the first time it hit me that we'll not be having him running round the place [any more].

"He's a great friend and he'll be sorely missed not just by me but by everyone round here."

Despite a hugely disappointing campaign, Doak appealed to Ulster's fans to continue to back the team.

"We'll be back. I've no doubt about that," he said.

"We'll work as hard as we can to make sure that next year we're not in this position and that we get some play-off rugby again."

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Ulster have signed former England Under-20s prop Sam Crean and Leinster tight-head Rory McGuire.

Twenty-four-year-old Crean, who can also cover the hooker position, joins Ulster from Saracens after having played twice for the Irish province during a short-term loan this season.

McGuire, 22, has made eight senior appearances for Leinster after coming through their academy programme.

The 6ft 4in McGuire played for Ireland's Under-20s Six Nations Grand Slam-winning squad in 2022 when Ulster coach Richie Murphy was in charge of the team.

Ulster general manager Bryn Cunningham described the duo as "talented props at good age profiles".

"Richie knows him [McGuire] well from Ireland U20s and we think he is an exciting prospect who is eager to kick on under Jimmy Duffy," added Cunningham.

"Sam, after a brief stint earlier this season on loan during which he really impressed the coaches, can hopefully hit the ground running and really challenge both Eric [O'Sullivan] and Callum [Reid] for the number one jersey."

Props Andy Warwick and Corrie Barrett are among eight players who will leave the Irish province at the end of this season, with the other departures being Ireland internationals John Cooney and Kieran Treadwell plus Alan O'Connor, Mattie Rea, Reuben Crothers and Michael McDonald.

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Ulster head coach Richie Murphy says his side is resigned to playing in the second tier of European rugby next year after their 38-20 defeat to Munster on Friday.

For the second week in succession, Ulster failed to register a score in the second half - leaving them five points off the play-offs with one game left to play.

A top eight finish in the United Rugby Championship would not only guarantee a spot in the post-season play-offs but also a coveted place in the Champions Cup.

"I think over the last couple of weeks, although we haven't got the results that we wanted, this will stand to us in the long run and it means probably playing [in the] Challenge Cup next year so that's where we're at," Murphy said after the defeat.

"We'll learn from it and we'll dust ourselves off, go to Edinburgh next week and try and finish on a high but at this moment of time it's massively disappointing for us."

With captain Iain Henderson and wing Robert Baloucoune back in the starting side, Ulster had opened brightly with an early try from Stuart McCloskey and went in at the break four points behind their hosts.

But the intensity of the opening half fell away as Munster took control of proceedings to see out a win that leaves hopes of a play-off place for them in their own hands.

"We didn't look after the ball well enough - probably didn't look after ball well enough all day - and around some breakdown areas as well, so it's disappointing for us," Murphy continued.

"When we were four points behind, we had a couple of opportunities where we're just forcing passes and balls are on the ground. Munster in Thormond Park have lived off that for years, so you can't give them those opportunities."

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Ulster forward Nick Timoney says the province are "embracing" the pressure of the United Rugby Championship's tight play-off picture.

Richie Murphy's side face Munster in Thomond Park on Friday night (19.35 BST) with the Irish rivals both in need of points in their efforts to make the all-important top eight.

Ulster go into what is the penultimate round of the URC in 12th place, three points off the play-off spots, with Munster in ninth but level on points with Benetton directly above them.

"We need it to keep our season going and I think their situation is pretty similar," said Timoney.

"It's the business end of the season, if you lose, it's a failure. There's no redemption after this one, if we don't win, we're not making the play-offs.

"That comes with a lot of pressure and a lot of weight, but that's why you play the game, that's why you play for a big club like us. We're embracing it and looking forward to it."

'We still have the players to go and win big games'

Perhaps more important than a place in the play-offs, finishing in the top eight would also bring with it a spot in next season's Champions Cup.

Timoney said it is "massive" for Ulster to be playing in Europe's premier competition, something they have done every year since its formation in 1995.

"It should be the pinnacle games through each season and it's where this club belongs, 100%," he added.

"We've been more talking about performances and getting results, but in the back of my head, and I'm sure everyone else's, is that is absolutely where we want to be next year."

Ulster are able to recall Irish internationals Iain Henderson and Rob Baloucoune for the trip to Limerick with Richie Murphy saying this week his squad might be the strongest it has been since he took over the job in March last year.

Throughout this season key players have missed plenty of games through injury while inexperienced players have had to fill the void.

Timoney, however, does not see that as the reason for the side's inconsistent campaign.

"I don't really like to use that as an excuse because when you look at our squad we still have the players to go and win big games," he said.

"At times this year we've had injury problems, but I'd be reluctant to use that as too much of an excuse because if you have that mindset you're giving yourself an out.

"We've no excuses really and we're certainly not taking any into this week."

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Ulster centre Jude Postlethwaite says it is "so important" that Ulster are playing Champions Cup rugby next season.

The 1999 European Cup winners have played in every edition of the competition since its launch in 1995 but are in danger of missing out for 2025-26.

Richie Murphy's side are 12th in the United Rugby Championship with two games remaining and only the top eight will qualify.

They will face Munster at Thomond Park on Friday with their fellow province also in need of a result to boost their own play-off push.

"It's so important, that's where we want to be," said Postlethwaite of Champions Cup qualification.

"That's where we've been the last number of years.

"I just think it's important for the whole club and community that we're playing in Europe."

After Munster, Ulster will finish their regular season with a trip to Edinburgh on 16 May.

"These last two games are very important," Postlethwaite added.

"We're all very motivated to play our style of rugby and we feel like we're going to back that and hopefully get two big performances to finish the season.

"Interpros are always so physical and they're going to be up for it. We're really looking forward to it and hopefully we put in a performance."

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Ulster captain Iain Henderson has returned to training before Friday's crucial United Rugby Championship game against Munster at Thomond Park.

The experienced second row has been out of action with a hamstring issue since Ireland's Six Nations win over England on 1 February.

Sean Reffell, Robert Baloucoune, James Hume and Eric O'Sullivan have also resumed training and will be "monitored throughout the week", Ulster said in a squad update.

Michael Lowry (concussion and neck injury) and Stewart Moore (concussion) are fit after being injured in the URC loss to Leinster on 19 April, while prop Tom O'Toole is available again after missing the defeat by the Sharks because of a family bereavement.

Jake Flannery (knee), John Cooney (ankle), Ben Carson (back), Ethan McIlroy (knee), and Ben Moxham (knee) are still sidelined for the game (19:35 BST).

Ulster are 12th and three points off the top eight as they chase a spot in the end-of-season play-offs and next season's Champions Cup.

After facing ninth-placed Munster in Limerick on Friday, Richie Murphy's side travel to Edinburgh on 16 May.

On Monday, Munster welcomed a large group of players back to training, including recently retired Ireland internationals Conor Murray and Peter O'Mahony.

Tom Ahern, Stephen Archer, Liam Coombes, John Hodnett, Oli Jager and Josh Wycherley are also available for interim boss Ian Costello.

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Ulster head coach Richie Murphy praised the "effort and commitment" of his side despite the latest blow to their United Rugby Championship play-off hopes.

The province were beaten 22-19 by the Sharks at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday despite leading 19-0 after half an hour.

The result leaves the side 12th in the URC with two games remaining, three points off the all-important top eight who will advance to the play-offs and secure Champions Cup rugby next season.

"You're probably looking at 47 points getting through into the top eight so we go away to Munster and away to Edinburgh to finish and we'll be fighting all the way to the end until there's nothing left to play for," said Murphy whose side have taken 38 points from 16 games.

"I think we've shown that over the last number of weeks, there's been great commitment out of the lads.

"We've put some really good rugby together at times."

The reverse against the Sharks, who featured eight World Cup winners in their side even with captain Eben Etzebeth ruled out through illness, was Ulster's third in a row in all competitions.

Despite some spirited performances, Ulster have also lost to Bordeaux-Begles and Leinster during the run and Murphy said there could be no question that playing for the side "really means something" to his squad.

"The effort and the commitment and the heart that the lads are showing in relation to playing for Ulster Rugby, it really means something to this group," he added.

"That was questioned a number of months ago, but I would find that hard to question now.

"I never questioned it myself but for people looking in, they must see a group of players who are working really hard and are completely committed to getting Ulster Rugby back to where we want to be which is in the top eight."