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Henderson to lead Ulster but no Augustuspublished at 14:31
14:31
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Iain Henderson will captain Ulster in their pre-season friendly at home to Edinburgh on Friday
Iain Henderson will captain Ulster in Friday's pre-season friendly at home to Edinburgh, but there's no place for new signing Juarno Augustus.
Back row Augustus signed for Ulster from Northampton Saints, who he helped reach the Champions Cup final last year.
The 27-year-old was also called into South Africa's provisional squad for the Rugby Championship.
"He is certainly a big character and he is integrating into the training. He looks like he is going to carry hard for us," Willie Faloon said.
"He was really good last year for Northampton and that helps the other ball carriers that we have to take a little bit of heat off them."
Ireland second row Henderson is joined by Matthew Dalton in the second row, while the back row consists of Cormac Izuchukwu, Sean Reffell and David McCann.
Nathan Doak and Jack Murphy form the half back partnership, and James Hume and Jude Postlehwaite are paired at centre.
The back three consists of Zac Ward, Werner Kok and Jake Flannery.
Richie Murphy's side start their United Rugby Championship campaign at home to Dragons on 26 September.
Ulster: Jake Flannery; Werner Kok; James Hume, Jude Postlehwaite; Zac Ward; Jack Murphy, Nathan Doak; Callum Reid, John Andrew, Tom O'Toole; Iain Henderson (capt), Matthew Dalton; Cormac Izuchukwu, Sean Reffell, David McCann.
Replacements: James McCormick, Sam Crean, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Nick Timoney, Conor McKee, Jonny Scott, Ben Carson, Marcus Rea, Ethan Graham, Lukas Kenny, Wilhelm De Klerk.
Cunningham to leave role as Ulster General Managerpublished at 13:29 8 September
13:29 8 September
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Bryn Cunningham was appointed Ulster's General Manager in 2014
Bryn Cunningham will leave his position as Ulster Rugby's General Manager after 11 years in the post.
A statement released by the Irish province on Monday explained that the former full-back would be departing his position "to take on a new challenge".
Cunningham's role included recruiting and retaining players and contract negotiations.
He will remain in position for the "foreseeable future" while Ulster begin the process of recruiting his successor.
The 47-year-old joined Ulster Rugby straight from school aged 19 and went on to represent the province for many years, firstly in a playing capacity, before moving into senior management.
The statement lauded Cunningham's contribution over almost three decades as "immense".
"We are deeply grateful to Bryn for his loyalty, leadership, and dedication over so many years," it read.
"Few people have given as much of themselves to Ulster Rugby, and his influence will be felt long after his departure.
"We thank him sincerely for everything he has done for the club and wish him every success in the next chapter of his career."
Cunningham, along with his brother Jan, was a member of the Ulster squad which won the European Cup in 1999.
He explained that it had been "an incredibly hard decision to make" but felt that this season is "the right time for me to look towards a new challenge".
"I've spent the last period putting in place a robust 3–5-year strategy, that has the full support of both Ulster and Irish Rugby.
"As it starts to take shape with many of the structures, people, and processes now in place for the season ahead, I'm confident that we have the right staff in the Senior Professional and Pathway teams to drive those key objectives forward that should bring stability and sustainability to Ulster Rugby in the years ahead.
"The emergence of some serious talent in the current squad and the likes of new overseas signings, Juarno Augustus and Angus Bell, should lead to a highly competitive team for any opposition this season."
Tries: Pearse, Ugweueru, Finn, Og O'Leary 2, McInerney Con: Finn 4
Munster maintained their perfect start to the Women's Interprovincial Championship with a third consecutive bonus-point win over Ulster in Belfast.
The visitors ran in six tries through the 38-17 victory, taking control of the contest with a dominant second half.
The score had been 19-17 at the turn, but Ulster failed to score after the restart with Munster skipper Maeve Og O'Leary leading the way with a pair of tries.
With two bonus-point wins from two games played, the latter of which was an impressive victory over reigning champions Leinster last weekend, Munster arrived in Belfast as heavy favourites.
That tag looked fully justified in the early stages as, after a dominant scrum in a central position, number eight Chloe Pearse barged over for the opening score after 10 minutes.
Ulster hit back, however, with centre Siobhan Sheerin scoring her third try in as many games after strong work in the carry from her forwards.
Chisom Ugweueru responded with Munster's second in the 17th minute thanks to a great show of pace from deep before O'Leary pass put Caitriona Finn between the posts.
When the Munster centre converted her own score, Matt Brown's side led 19-7 and appeared in complete control.
Two tries in the space of three minutes from debutant Ciara Fitzsimons, however, got Ulster right back into things.
First the Queen's winger scored in the corner off scrum-half Sophie Meeke's pass before an intercept score brought her side back within just two points at the break.
Munster enjoyed a brilliant start to the second half when skipper O'Leary pounced on a loose ball and powered her way over just three minutes after the restart.
But visiting prop Grainne Burke was shown a yellow card for a high tackle just minutes later to give Murray Houston's team a route back into the game.
Despite the numerical disadvantage however, Munster continued to apply the pressure and it took a brilliant tackle from prop Sophie Barrett to save a try.
Munster were not to be denied for long though and, as Ulster pressed for a way back into the game, Alana McInerney scooped up a loose pass and ran in for a try from inside her own half.
O'Leary's second of the afternoon arrived on the hour mark and ended the game as a contest, although Ulster defended well to avoid further concession in the final 20 minutes, especially when Niamh Marley was sent to the sin bin.
Ulster: Kate Farrell McCabe; Ciara Fitzsimons, Siobhan Sheerin, Kelly McCormill, Niamh Marley; Abby Moyles, Sophie Meeke; Aishling O'Connell, India Daley (capt), Sophie Barrett, Ellen Patterson, Brenda Barr, Moya Hill, Rebecca Beacom, Stacey Sloan.
Absence of Ireland stars 'can be positive' - Smythpublished at 14:14 12 August
14:14 12 August
Odhran Crumley BBC Sport NI Journalist
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Paige Smyth made her first start for Ulster in their defeat by Leinster on Sunday
Ulster's Paige Smyth believes running the Women's Interprovincial Championship alongside the World Cup will give others opportunities to impress.
The winger made her first start for her province on Sunday in their 37-21 loss to holders Leinster in Dublin.
Being handed the number 11 jersey for the clash marked another impressive landmark in the transition between sports for Smyth who is also an All-Ireland junior GAA winner with her native Down.
The 2025 edition of the interpros has a slightly different feel, with provinces forced into changes with many star names called up to the Ireland squad for the World Cup that starts this month in England.
Ulster will be without four big names with Claire Boles, Brittany Hogan, Sadhbh McGrath and Fiona Tuite all called up to Scott Bemand's panel for the tournament they begin on Sunday, 24 August against Japan in Northampton.
Despite missing their obvious talent, Smyth sees it as a chance for others to shine when give opportunities.
"You know, the Ulster girls that are involved with the Ireland set-up, they're a massive loss to us obviously," she said told BBC Sport NI.
"But I think it can be a positive opportunity too because it means it's a chance for other players that aren't contracted. I think if we look at it that way it can be positive."
Ulster, who face Connacht in Galway on Saturday, will play their final group game against Munster just one day before the Irish World Cup campaign kicks off, while the championship's play-off round is scheduled to take place 24 hours before the national side face Spain in their second pool fixture.
While the eyes of many will be fixated on the events and happenings at the global showpiece, Smyth believes the increased exposure will help the women's game across the board.
"The more coverage the better. I think for women's sport specifically, the more that's shown, the more that's put out there, the better it is for the sport because the women are putting in as much hard work and training and the set-up and what they're doing," she said,
"So it's nice to have something to show for it as well and to get more support and more people watching."
Ulster's trip to the Dexacom Stadium on Saturday (16:15 BST) features two sides looking to bounce back from opening-round defeats.
The Westerners also lost their first game of the campaign with a thumping 44-5 defeat at Munster.
Irish provinces' fixture details for European campaignspublished at 13:38 15 July
13:38 15 July
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Leinster and Munster will compete in the Champions Cup with Ulster and Connacht in the Challenge Cup
The fixture details for this year's Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup matches involving the four Irish provinces have been revealed.
Ulster will begin their Challenge Cup campaign with a home game against Racing 92 at the newly-named Affidea Stadium in Belfast on Friday 5 December (20:00 GMT).
Richie Murphy's side will then travel to face Cardiff away on Saturday 13 December (20:00), before taking on the Cheetahs at a European venue still to be confirmed on Sunday 11 January (15:15) and concluding with a home match against Stade Francais on Saturday 17 January (13:00).
In the Champions Cup, Leinster host Harlequins on 6 December (17:30), with the venue to be confirmed, with Munster away to Bath on the same day (20:00)
On Friday 12 December, Leinster are on the road to take on Leicester Tigers at Welford Road (20:00), with Munster hosting Gloucester at 17:30 on 13 December.
Leinster entertain La Rochelle on Saturday 10 January (17:30), then Munster are away to Toulon on 11 January (13:00).
In the final round of pool games, Leinster face Bayonne away on Saturday 17 January (15:15) and Munster play Castres at Thomond Park at 17:30 on the same day.
Connacht's Challenge Cup campaign commences with a trip to Ospreys on Sunday 7 December (15:15), followed by games at home to Black Lion (Saturday 13 December, 20:00), away to Montpellier (Sunday 11 January, 13:00) and home to US Montauban (Saturday 17 January, 20:00).
Stockdale out of Portugal game with shoulder injurypublished at 13:38 7 July
13:38 7 July
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Stockdale was forced off on his 40th appearance for Ireland against Georgia at the weekend
Jacob Stockdale has been ruled out of Ireland's match with Portugal after suffering a shoulder injury in Saturday's win in Georgia.
The Ulster wing was forced off late in the first half of the 34-5 win with his left arm in a makeshift sling using his shirt.
In a squad update issued on Monday, Ireland confirmed that the 29-year-old will be absent for the final game of the summer tour in Portugal on Saturday (19:00 BST) and will see a specialist in Ireland next week.
It is the latest blow for Stockdale in an Ireland jersey, who was forced off with a hamstring injury in his previous international appearance against Fiji in November.
With 16 Ireland players on British and Irish Lions duty, Stockdale was the most experienced international in interim head coach Paul O'Connell's squad.
Cian Prendergast has recovered from illness and will be available for selection after missing the win against Georgia.
Stockdale's Ulster team-mate Scott Wilson has also returned home after the prop was called up as injury cover.
O'Connell has no further injury concerns and will name his team for the game against Portugal on Thursday.
An Ulster statement said the new deal will provide "a strong platform to invest in the development of players, facilities and fan experience".
"Together, we will continue to invest in elite and grassroots rugby, and we look forward to seeing the Affidea Stadium become a beacon for sport and community pride in Ulster," said the province's chief executive officer Hugh McCaughey.
Ulster's 11-year naming rights deal with construction firm Kingspan concluded at the end of last month, while the association went back to 1999.
The commercial relationship with the Cavan-based company had been questioned in the wake of the firm's links to the Grenfell Tower fire.
Seventy-two people died in the fire in London in 2017 and Kingspan's business practices were criticised during an inquiry.
The company, however, said its products made up only 5% of the insulation at Grenfell and that they were used without its recommendation.
Irish sides discover European opponents for 2025-26published at 15:14 1 July
15:14 1 July
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Leinster beat La Rochelle 16-14 at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre in January
Leinster and La Rochelle have again been paired together in the draw for the Investec Champions Cup pool stages.
The four-time champions and former Irish fly-half Ronan O'Gara's side have met six times in the past five seasons, including twice in finals won by the French outfit.
The other sides in Pool Three are English pair Leicester Tigers and Harlequins, Top 14 side Bayonne and United Rugby Championship (URC) rivals the Stormers, although Leinster will not play the latter given that they are in the same domestic competition.
Munster have also been handed a familiar opponent and will play Castres of the Top 14 for the 20th time in this competition.
The southern province, who will be under new head coach Clayton McMillan next season, will also play Bath, Toulon and Gloucester with Edinburgh the other URC representative in Pool Two.
Ulster will start the season in the Challenge Cup for the first time in their history and have been paired with Cardiff, Exeter Chiefs, Cheetahs, Racing 92 and Stade Francais.
They faced Exeter in last season's Champions Cup, and Racing the season before that, although have not faced Stade Francais since 2009 or the Cheetahs since they departed what was then the PRO14 in 2020.
The Challenge Cup does not have the same rule against playing teams from your own league so Ulster could face Cardiff given they will play four opponents from their six-team pool.
Former England coach Stuart Lancaster will guide Connacht in the second-tier competition with the western province handed a more varied draw than their Irish rivals.
They are in Pool One along with Montauban, promoted to the Top 14 this season, and Georgian side Black Lion.
URC duo Ospreys and Zebre, as well as French side Montpellier, are also in the group.
Full fixture dates, times, and locations will be confirmed at a later date.
EPCR pools involving Irish sides
Champions Cup Pool 2: Bath Rugby, RC Toulon, Munster Rugby, Castres Olympique, Edinburgh Rugby, Gloucester Rugby
Champions Cup Pool 3: Leinster Rugby, Leicester Tigers, Harlequins, La Rochelle, Bayonne, DHL Stormers
Challenge Cup Pool 1: Ospreys, Zebre Parma, Montpellier, US Montauban, Black Lion, Connacht Rugby
Challenge Cup Pool 3: Toyota Cheetahs, Cardiff Rugby, Exeter Chiefs, Racing 92, Stade Francais, Ulster Rugby
McNabney set for extended spell out with ACL injurypublished at 12:31 19 June
12:31 19 June
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McNabney had been called into the Ireland squad as a training panellist
Ulster back row James McNabney is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The 22-year-old had been named in the Ireland squad as a training panellist, but will now miss their summer tour and is likely to a considerable portion of next season's United Rugby Championship campaign with Ulster.
He has been replaced in interim head coach Paul O'Connell's squad by uncapped Munster back row Brian Gleeson.
His fellow uncapped Munster team-mates Diarmuid Kilgallen and Evan O'Connell have also been called up as a training panellists.
Kilgallen comes in as cover as wing Calvin Nash is managing an ankle injury.
Ireland face Georgia and Portugal in two Tests on 5 and 12 July.
Ireland squad
Forwards: Tom Ahern (Munster), Ryan Baird (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Jack Boyle (Leinster), Thomas Clarkson (Leinster), Gavin Coombes (Munster), Max Deegan (Leinster), Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster), Alex Kendellen (Munster), Gus McCarthy (Leinster), Paddy McCarthy (Leinster), Michael Milne (Munster), Darragh Murray (Connacht), Tom O'Toole (Ulster), Cian Prendergast (Connacht), Stephen Smyth (Leinster), Tom Stewart (Ulster), Nick Timoney (Ulster).
Backs: Shayne Bolton (Connacht), Craig Casey (Munster), Jack Crowley (Munster), Nathan Doak (Ulster), Ciaran Frawley (Leinster), Hugh Gavin (Connacht), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster), Ben Murphy (Connacht), Calvin Nash (Munster), Jimmy O'Brien (Leinster), Tommy O'Brien (Leinster), Jamie Osborne (Leinster), Sam Prendergast (Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster).
Training panellists: Brian Gleeson (Munster) Diarmuid Kilgallen (Munster), Evan O'Connell (Munster), Jude Postlethwaite (Ulster), Zac Ward (Ulster).
New Ulster signing Augustus named in Springboks squadpublished at 11:30 5 June
11:30 5 June
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Augustus has joined Ulster after a four-year spell with Northampton Saints
New Ulster signing Juarno Augustus has been named in an extensive 54-man South Africa squad for the world champions' first four internationals of 2025.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus has retained 31 of his 2023 Rugby World Cup-winning squad, with 27-year-old back row Augustus - who has joined Ulster from Northampton Saints - one of nine uncapped players included.
In addition to Augustus, Scarlets hooker Marnus van der Merwe, forwards Neethling Fouche and Asenathi Ntlabakanye, flankers Renzo du Plessis and Vincent Tshituka, utility forward Cobus Wiese and Sharks centre Ethan Hooker are hoping to feature at Test level for the first time.
Backline talent Ntokozo Makhaza, who has recently signed for Toyota Cheetahs, has also been included.
The Springboks face the Barbarians in Cape Town on 28 June, followed by Tests against Italy in Pretoria and Gqeberha on 5 July and 12 July before a 19 July match against Georgia in Nelspruit.
In a busy year, the Springboks will also play Tests against Italy, France, Ireland and Wales as part of their European tour in November.
"We are excited to have the luxury of announcing a squad with so much depth and talent," said Erasmus.
"Having an expanded squad will not only afford us the opportunity to have productive training sessions, but it will also bode well for the younger players in the group to learn from the senior players, many of whom are Rugby World Cup champions.
"With a few more talented youngsters in this group, we hope that they will learn valuable lessons and stake a strong claim for places in what will be a challenging, yet exciting season."
South Africa squad
Forwards: Juarno Augustus (Northampton Saints), Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Renzo du Plessis (Lions), Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Neethling Fouche (Stormers), Cameron Hanekom (Bulls), Jean Kleyn (Munster), Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi (both Sharks), Wilco Louw (Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu (both Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls), Vincent Tshituka (Sharks), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets), Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (both Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).
Backs: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi (both Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker (all Sharks), Quan Horn (Lions), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Manie Libbok (Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Ntokozo Makhaza (UCT), Canan Moodie (Bulls), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Morne van den Berg, Edwilll van der Merwe (both Lions), Damian Willemse (Stormers), Grant Williams (Sharks).
Daley named Ulster skipper for 2025-26 campaignpublished at 13:11 29 May
13:11 29 May
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Image caption,
India Daley scores two tries during last season's Women's Interprovincial Series
India Daley says it will be an "incredible honour" to captain Ulster in the 2025-26 season.
The hooker takes over the role from Irish international Kathryn Dane.
"Representing my home province has always meant a lot to me, so to now lead the team is something I'm really proud of," the 24-year-old told the Ulster Rugby website.
"I feel lucky to be part of such a special group who are building year on year."
Two seasons ago, Ulster secured their first interprovincial victory since 2012, but last season finished bottom of the table with one draw and two defeats from their three matches and were then beaten by Connacht in the play-offs.
"We've got so much talent and potential in this squad, I want us to back ourselves every time we step onto the pitch," Daley added.
"We know that we are capable of more than what we have shown in recent seasons, and we want to prove that in the upcoming interpro campaign."
With the Women's Rugby World Cup to take place in England during August and September, Irish internationals will not feature for their provinces this season.
In their absence, there are eight newcomers to the Ulster panel as they build towards their opener against Leinster on 10 August.
Forwards Cara McLean, Ruby Starrett and Sophie McAlister, and backs Erin McConalogue, Farrah Cartin McCloskey, Georgia Boyce, Katie Gilmour and Siobhan Sheerin, are all included for the first time.
Ulster squad 2025-26
Forwards: Aishling O'Connell, Ava Fannin, Brenda Barr (vice-captain), Bronach Cassidy, Cara McLean, Christy Hill, Ellen Patterson, India Daley (captain), Katie Hetherington, Keelin Brady, Lauren Maginnes, Maebh Clenaghan, Megan Simpson, Moya Hill, Rebecca Beacom, Ruby Starrett, Sarah Roberts, Sophie Barrett, Sophie McAlister, Stacey Sloan.
Ulster announce more contracts and finalise squad for 2025-26published at 16:49 22 May
16:49 22 May
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Image caption,
Jack Murphy has impressed in the number 10 shirt for Ulster this season
Ulster announced further contract news and revealed their finalised squad for the 2025-26 season on Thursday.
Following on from Wednesday's announcement that Australian prop Angus Bell would be joining the province later this year, the Irish province have confirmed contract renewals for Conor McKee, David Shanahan, Robert Baloucoune, Ethan McIlroy and Ben Moxham.
Fly-half Jack Murphy, 20, moves onto a senior contract from the Academy following his impressive performances during the 2024-25 campaign.
Scott Wilson, Lorcan McLoughlin and James McNabney all progress as senior players, after their year as Development players.
Charlie Irvine and Joe Hopes progress from the Ulster Rugby Academy into the senior side as they begin the season as development players.
The 43-strong squad for next season will consist of 41 fully contracted senior players and Irvine and Hopes as development players.
Ulster Rugby Head Coach, Richie Murphy, said: "After a difficult 2024/25 campaign, we are looking forward to starting afresh and focusing on our pre-season preparations.
"With new players being added to the group, and players becoming more experienced, we feel there is a good platform for us to build on.
"Mark Sexton [new backs coach] will bring new energy and ideas to our backline and Willie Faloon will benefit from getting time this summer to focus in on our defence and contact work.
"I'm confident in the ability of this squad to make sure we compete well in both the URC and the Challenge Cup next season."
Ulster squad for 2025-26 season
Forwards (25): Iain Henderson (capt); John Andrew, Juarno Augustus, Angus Bell, Sam Crean, Matthew Dalton, Joe Hopes, Charlie Irvine, Cormac Izuchukwu, David McCann, James McCormick, Rory McGuire, Lorcan McLoughlin, James McNabney, Bryan O'Connor, Eric O'Sullivan, Tom O'Toole, Marcus Rea, Sean Reffell, Callum Reid, Harry Sheridan, Tom Stewart, Nick Timoney, Scott Wilson, Rob Herring.
Backs (18): Rob Baloucoune, Ben Carson, Nathan Doak, Jake Flannery, James Hume, James Humphreys, Werner Kok, Michael Lowry, Stuart McCloskey, Conor McKee, Ethan McIlroy, Stewart Moore, Ben Moxham, Jack Murphy, Jude Postlethwaite, David Shanahan, Jacob Stockdale, Zac Ward.
Coaching staff: Richie Murphy (head coach), Jimmy Duffy (forwards coach), Mark Sexton (backs coach), Willie Faloon (defence and contact skills coach), Dan Soper (development and transition coach).
Image source, Inpho
