Ulster

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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."

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Werner Kok said his three-month spell out injured was "very frustrating" but that he now hopes to contribute to Ulster's United Rugby Championship play-off push.

The South African winger is set to make his long-awaited return to the pitch against his former side the Sharks in Ulster's must-win game at the Kingspan Stadium on Saturday.

The 32-year-old is keen to make up for lost time and build on a bright start to his Ulster career as the province attempt to secure a victory that will help their hopes of finishing in the top-eight.

"It's been three months since I played so it's been very frustrating," he told BBC Sport NI.

"The first six weeks with a bit of a rest, I came back and felt really good, then a small tweak of the hamstring kept me out for a little bit more. It wasn't planned to be that long, so it was a tough one, especially the last two weeks with the boys playing so well."

Kok is looking forward to a reunion with the Sharks, where he spent four years of his career.

He admits he has been trying to give Ulster's coaches an "insight" into the Sharks, who have named a strong travelling squad for the trip to Belfast.

"I've been speaking to the coaches and trying to give them personal things I know about the guys [at Sharks], I was with them for four years so I know them in and out and hopefully we can capitalise on it," he added.

"I know 80% of their squad and I know what we're going to get, and they will know what they're going to get from me.

"They're going to come with 11-12 Springboks, but if we're on top of our game we'll out work and out play them. We really need to get at least four points out of it so it's a really big game."

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Full-back Mike Lowry and centre Stewart Moore have been ruled out of Ulster's United Rugby Championship [URC] game against Sharks on Saturday.

Lowry was stretchered off in the 41-17 defeat against Leinster in the URC last weekend, requiring treatment after he tackled Robbie Henshaw in the build-up to Tommy O'Brien's try at the Aviva Stadium.

He was taken to hospital, but Ulster head coach Richie Murphy said after the defeat that his scan was "OK".

He will miss the home game against Sharks as he recovers from the neck injury sustained and from concussion.

Moore was forced off in the opening 10 minutes of the Leinster loss after suffering a concussion and will be absent this weekend.

Ulster also have a number of other injury doubts ahead of the Sharks game that they must win to boost their URC play-off hopes but Murphy said only Moore and Lowry have been ruled out at this stage.

Stuart McCloskey dropped out of the starting team in Dublin after picking up a groin injury in the warm-up, while Rob Herring [calf] and Callum Reid [knee] had to go off injured in the bruising defeat.

John Cooney also has an ankle problem before what would be his final home game as an Ulster player before departing for Brive in the summer.

"Quite a number of the lads who came off [against Leinster] trained and quite a few others sat out," said Murphy of Tuesday's session.

"We haven't ruled anybody else out.

"We'll give them until Thursday to see where they're at. We just have to wait and see."

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Alan O'Connor and Andy Warwick are among eight players who will leave Ulster Rugby at the end of the 2024-25 season.

The pair are two of 11 players who have represented the province more than 200 times.

Dublin native O'Connor, who has regularly captained the side, joined Ulster in 2012 after representing the Ireland Under-20s and was named the side's player of the year in the 2020-21 season.

Warwick, who came through the club's academy, made his senior debut in February 2014.

"Al [O'Connor] and Waz [Warwick] have been superb role models in the way they go about their work with a no-nonsense attitude and total commitment to the jersey over the years," said Ulster's general manager Bryn Cunningham.

"Both players hit the milestone of reaching over 200 caps for Ulster Rugby earlier this season, becoming members of that special club."

As well as previously confirmed exits for John Cooney, Kieran Treadwell and Reuben Crothers, prop Corrie Barrett, scrum-half Michael McDonald and flanker Matty Rea will also be departing Kingspan Stadium at the end of the season.

Ulster host the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship (URC) at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday evening needing a victory to keep pace in the race for the league's play-off spots.

Head coach Richie Murphy feels that a last home game for some "incredible servants" to Ulster should provide added motivation.

"For those guys that are leaving, the last chance to play here in this stadium is a big moment for them," he said.

"From the rest of the group, it probably focuses us in a little bit more. This is a huge game no matter what because we're fighting to get into that top eight.

"A little bit of added spice should be a good thing for us in relation of getting us on the edge."

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI Journalist

Head coach Richie Murphy says Ulster face "three finals" in their bid to reach the United Rugby Championship play-offs.

Their defeat by Leinster on Saturday leaves Murphy's side in 10th place in the standings, two points outside the all-important top eight.

Ulster host the Sharks in Belfast this weekend and finish their campaign away to Munster and Edinburgh.

"Yeah, it definitely is," Murphy said when asked if Saturday's final home game of the season was a must-win for his side.

"It's very hard to know what you need to get into the top eight but 47 or 48 points will probably do it.

"We're on 37 at the moment, so we'd be pretty happy with 10 or 11 points. Whether that be three wins or picking up a couple of bonus points, it's going to be very tight."

• Eight teams, six points, four spots - the URC's play-off race

After three consecutive league wins, Ulster had moved into sixth place heading into last weekend but have dropped to 10th after the 41-17 defeat by runaway leaders Leinster at the Aviva Stadium.

Murphy will also have to contend with a number of injury concerns heading into the final stretch of the regular season, with backs Stuart McCloskey, Stewart Moore and Michael Lowry all injured in Dublin.

Props Callum Reid and Andrew Warwick were also injured in the defeat, while hooker Rob Herring was replaced at half-time.

"We always said we would take each game as it comes," Murphy added.

"Our big worry is what state our troops are going to be in.

"I know they will bounce back mentally and we can physically freshen them up, but it's just where we sit with injuries."