Ulster

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Head coach Richie Murphy has called on Ulster to turn the Affidea Stadium "back into a fortress" as they prepare to host the Dragons in Friday's United Rugby Championship opener (20:05 BST).

Ulster suffered five home defeats in the URC and Champions Cup last season, including April's reverse to the Sharks - their last competitive outing at home - in which they squandered a 19-0 lead to lose 22-19.

And coming off the back of a difficult 2024-25 campaign, Murphy wants his side to lay down a marker when they welcome the Dragons to Belfast.

"We're at home so one of the things we want to do is turn the Affidea Stadium back into a fortress," said Murphy, who is going into his second full season at the helm.

"Some teams came here and took points too easy last season and that is not something we want to make a habit.

"[The] guys are hungry and very focused, there is a good plan in place and we want to give our fans something to cheer about on Friday night."

While Ulster are without seven injured players for the Dragons game, new signing Juarno Augustus is in line to make his debut after recovering from the back injury that prevented him from featuring for Northampton Saints in last season's Investec Champions Cup final.

Murphy says the South African number eight has been in "full training in the last couple of weeks".

"[He's a] big strong ball carrier, fast and aggressive running style," he added.

"[He] should give us a real focal point in our attack. He has fitted in really well and he's an absolute gent."

Ulster finished 14th in last season's URC to miss out on the Champions Cup, while the Dragons finished bottom of the 16-team league after managing just one win in 18 games.

However, Murphy is not underestimating the Welsh outfit after being impressed by their 14-player recruitment drive over the summer.

"They are going to be a better team than what they probably were and what people give them credit for," said Murphy.

"They won their two pre-season games, beating a strong Scarlets team at home in their last game so it's going to be a tough task."

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Ulster will be without seven injured players for Friday's United Rugby Championship season opener against the Dragons in Belfast (20:05 BST).

In a squad update issued on Wednesday, the club confirmed that Eric O'Sullivan, Ethan McIlroy, Ben Moxham and James McNabney are all unavailable because of knee injuries.

Robert Baloucoune (ankle), Lorcan McLoughlin (elbow) and David Shanahan (calf) are also ruled out.

South African number eight Juarno Augustus is in line to make his debut at Affidea Stadium after joining from Northampton Saints over the summer.

Tight-head prop Rory McGuire could also make his bow after arriving from Leinster.

Ulster have won their past eight games against the Dragons stretching back to a 32-32 draw in December 2017, while they have not lost to the Welsh side at home since 2008.

Both sides are coming off disappointing 2024-25 campaigns. Ulster finished 14th while the Dragons finished bottom of the 16-team league with just one win from 18 games.

Ulster won 34-30 when the sides met at Rodney Parade in March.

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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.

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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."

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Irish Women's Interprovincial Championship, Affidea Stadium

Ulster (17) 17

Tries: Sheerin, Fitzsimons 2 Cons: Sheerin

Munster (19) 38

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.

Replacements: Megan Simpson, Bronach Cassidy, Sophie McAlister, Lauren Darley, Ciara O'Donnell, Georgia Boyce, Farrah Cartin McCloskey, Katie Gilmour.

Munster: Aoife Corey; Alana McInerney, Stephanie Nunan, Caitriona Finn, Chisom Ugwueru; Kate Flannery, Abbie Salter-Townshend; Grainne Burke, Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird, Eilis Cahill, Clodagh O'Halloran, Jane Clohessy, Brianna Heylmann, Maeve Og O'Leary (capt), Chloe Pearse.

Replacements: Alisha Flynn, Ciara McLoughlin, Claire Bennett, Emma Dunican, Sally Kelly, Eve Prendergast, Lucia Linn, Meghan Crilly.

Referee: Dermot Blake

Odhran Crumley
BBC Sport NI Journalist

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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.

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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).

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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.

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Ulster Rugby's home ground has been renamed the Affidea Stadium after a "long-term" sponsorship agreement with the healthcare company.

The Belfast ground, originally known as Ravenhill, had been called Kingspan Stadium since 2014.

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.

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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