2024–25 Ulster Rugby season

The 2024–25 season will be Ulster Rugby's 31st season since the advent of professionalism in rugby union, and Richie Murphy's first full season as head coach..

Ulster Rugby
2024–25 season
Head CoachRichie Murphy
Operations DirectorBryn Cunningham
CaptainIain Henderson
United Rugby ChampionshipTBC
Champions CupTBC
Home colours
Away colours

Events

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Personnel changes

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Richie Murphy, who joined as interim head coach last season following the departure of Dan McFarland, was confirmed as head coach on a two-year contract.[1] Skills coach Craig Newby left for Ealing Trailfinders.[2] Jimmy Duffy, former assistant coach at Connacht, Ireland under-20s and Western Force, joined as forwards coach.[3] Incumbent forwards coach Roddy Grant left by mutual consent.[4] Sam Dodge arrived as head of athletic performance.[5] Hugh McCaughey was confirmed as Chief Executive Officer until the end of 2025.[6]

Centre Angus Curtis retired partway through last season on medical advice after a series of concussions.[7] Prop Steven Kitshoff cut short his stay at Ulster and returned to the Stormers,[8] where he was joined by flanker Dave Ewers.[9] Out-half Billy Burns joined Munster on a one-year contract.[10] Centre Luke Marshall retired.[11] Utility back Will Addison signed for his former club, Sale Sharks.[12] Fullback Shea O'Brien, prop James French and flanker Greg Jones were released.[13] Prop Marty Moore retired on medical grounds at the start of the season.[14]

New signings included wing Werner Kok from the Sharks,[15] and Irish-qualified out-half Aidan Morgan from the Hurricanes.[16] Scrum-half Michael McDonald returned from his season-long loan at Connacht.[17] Academy prop Scott Wilson, flankers Lorcan McLoughlin and James McNabney[18] and out-half James Humphreys[19] joined the senior squad on development contracts. Ireland Sevens player Zac Ward joined on a trial until the autumn international window.[20] Prop Corrie Barrett, formerly of Doncaster Knights, joined on a one-year contract after a successful pre-season trial.[21]

Seven players joined the academy: centres Sam Berman, Wilhelm de Klerk and Jonny Scott, scrum-half Clarke Logan, flankers James McKillop and Bryn Ward, and out-half Jack Murphy.[22] Prop George Saunderson left the academy after retiring from the game on medical grounds.[23]

Internationals

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Six Ulstermen were named in Andy Farrell's Ireland squad for their two-match tour of South Africa in July 2024: Rob Herring, Tom O'Toole, Nick Timoney, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale and the uncapped Cormac Izuchukwu.[24] Nathan Doak was called up after Craig Casey was injured in the first test.[25] Herring and McCloskey appeared from the bench in the second test.

Cormac Izuchukwu, Harry Sheridan, Scott Wilson, Jack Murphy, Jude Postlethwaite and Zac Ward were selected for Emerging Ireland for the 2024 Toyota Challenge in South Africa.[26]

Friendlies

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Ulster won their first pre-season friendly at home against Benetton,[27] and lost their second the following Saturday away to Exeter Chiefs.[28]

Ulster will also face Queensland Reds at home on 7 February 2025, as part of the Reds' European tour.[29]

Staff

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Position Name Nationality
Chief executive officer Hugh McCaughey   Ireland
Operations director Bryn Cunningham   Ireland
Head coach Richie Murphy   Ireland
Assistant coach Dan Soper   New Zealand
Defence coach Jonny Bell   Ireland
Forwards coach Jimmy Duffy   Ireland
Academy manager Gavin Hogg   Ireland
Elite performance development officer Willie Faloon   Ireland
Elite performance development officer Neil Doak   Ireland

Squad

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Senior squad

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The below squad reflects the confirmed joiners and leavers for the 2024–25 season. Amendments to the squad will be made as-and-when announcements are confirmed by the province.[19]

Ulster Rugby squad[a]

Props

Hookers

Locks

Back row

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

Centres

Wings

Fullbacks

(c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players.
* denotes players qualified to play for Ireland on residency or dual nationality.
ST denotes a short-term signing.
  1. ^ Taking into account signings and departures ahead of 2024–25 season as listed on List of 2024–25 United Rugby Championship transfers.

Academy squad

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Ulster Rugby academy squad[22]

Props

  •   Jack Boal (2)
  •   Jacob Boyd (2)
  •   Cameron Doak (2)

Hookers

Locks

Back row

  •   Tom Brigg (2)
  •   Josh Stevens (2)
  •   Bryn Ward (1)

Scrum-halves

  •   Clarke Logan (1)


Fly-halves

  •   Jack Murphy (1)

Centres

  •   Sam Berman (1)
  •   Wilhelm de Klerk* (1)
  •   Jonny Scott (1)

Back three

  •   Rory Telfer (3)
  •   Ethan Graham (2)
  •   Lukas Kenny (2)
  •   Ben McFarlane (2)
Number in brackets indicates players stage in the three-year academy cycle.
* denotes players qualified to play for Ireland on residency or dual nationality.
Players and their allocated positions from the Ulster Rugby website.

Ulster Development

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The following players, other than players from the senior squad and academy, appeared for Ulster Development this season.

Players used by Ulster 'A' and Ulster Development

Props

  •   Tyrese Abolarin
  •   Tom McAllister

Hookers

  •   Conor Magee

Locks

  •   Scott Gray
  •   Callum Johns
  •   Adam McNamee

Back row

  •   Billy Allen
  •   Matthew Heasley

Fly-halves

  •   Daniel Green

Outside backs

  •   Fraser Cunningham
  •   Josh Gibson

2024–24 European Rugby Champions Cup

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Pool 1

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European Rugby Champions Cup Pool 1
Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA PD TF TA TB LB Pts Qualification
1   Bordeaux 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Home Champions Cup round of 16.
2   Exeter Chiefs 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3   Leicester Tigers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Away Champions Cup round of 16.
4   Sharks 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5   Toulouse 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Away Challenge Cup round of 16.
6   Ulster 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Source: EPCR[32]
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers for teams tied on points: 1) Number of matches won; 2) Difference between points for and against; 3) Total number of points for; 4) Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams; 5) Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled.
8 December 2024 Toulouse   v   Ulster Stade Ernest Wallon  
16:15
14 December 2024 Ulster   v   Bordeaux Ravenhill Stadium  
15:15
11 January 2025 Leicester Tigers   v   Ulster Welford Road Stadium  
20:00
17 January 2025 Ulster   v   Exeter Chiefs Ravenhill Stadium  
20:00

2024–25 United Rugby Championship

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Table

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2024–25 United Rugby Championship
watch · edit · discuss
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TB LB Pts
1   Leinster 2 2 0 0 67 37 +30 11 5 2 0 10
2   Cardiff 2 2 0 0 46 32 +14 8 4 2 0 10
3   Connacht 2 1 0 1 69 65 +4 10 8 2 1 7
4   Glasgow Warriors 2 1 0 1 61 30 +31 9 4 1 1 6
5   Ospreys 2 1 0 1 58 47 +11 6 4 1 1 6
6   Zebre Parma 2 1 0 1 59 55 +4 8 9 1 1 6
7   Munster 2 1 0 1 68 75 –7 10 11 2 0 6
8   Lions 1 1 0 0 35 22 +13 5 4 1 0 5
9   Ulster 2 1 0 1 42 54 –12 7 8 1 0 5
10   Bulls 1 1 0 0 22 16 +6 3 1 0 0 4
11   Dragons 2 1 0 1 29 55 –26 2 8 0 0 4
12   Edinburgh 2 0 0 2 47 55 –8 6 8 1 2 3
13   Scarlets 2 0 1 1 35 44 –9 4 7 0 0 2
14   Benetton 2 0 1 1 30 62 –32 4 8 0 0 2
15   Sharks 1 0 0 1 30 36 –6 3 5 0 1 1
16   Stormers 1 0 0 1 24 37 –13 2 4 0 0 0
If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:[33]
  1. number of matches won;
  2. the difference between points for and points against;
  3. the number of tries scored;
  4. the most points scored;
  5. the difference between tries for and tries against;
  6. the fewest red cards received;
  7. the fewest yellow cards received.
Green background indicates teams that are in play-off places and earn a place in the 2025–26 European Champions Cup

Pink background indicates teams that are in play-off places and earn a place in the 2025–26 European Challenge Cup
Yellow background indicates the team that won the 2024–25 European Challenge Cup and thus qualify for the 2025–26 European Champions Cup, but are not in a play-off place
Plain background indicates teams that earn a place in the 2025–26 European Challenge Cup.
Q: qualified for play-offs. H: home field advantage secured for quarter-and semi-final. h; home field advantage secured for quarter-final X: cannot reach play-offs. E: qualified for Champions Cup.

Fixtures

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21 September 2024 Ulster   20-19   Glasgow Warriors (1 BP) Ravenhill Stadium  
19:45 Try: Morgan 18'
McCann 72'
Shanahan 84'
Con: Doak 19'
Pen: Doak 16'
Report[34]
Match centre
Player of the match:
David Shanahan
Try: Matthews 5'
Venter 25'
Steyn 74'
Con: Jordan 26'
Hastings 75'
Attendance: 11,533
Ulster lineup:

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. John Andrew, 3. Corrie Barrett,
4. Iain Henderson (c), 5. Kieran Treadwell,
6. James McNabney, 7. David McCann, 8. Nick Timoney,
9. Nathan Doak, 10. Aidan Morgan,
11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Jude Postlethwaite, 13. Stewart Moore, 14. Michael Lowry,
15. Ethan McIlroy.
Replacements:
16. James McCormick (for Andrew 66'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for O'Sullivan 45'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for Barrett 45'),
19. Harry Sheridan (for Henderson 57'), 20. Cormac Izuchukwu (for Treadwell 52'),
21. David Shanahan (for Doak 53'), 22. James Humphreys, 23. Werner Kok (for S. Moore 58').

28 September 2024 (1 BP) Lions   35-22   Ulster (1 BP) Emirates Airline Park  
12:45 Try: Maxwane 10'
Horn 34'
Marais 46'
Van Wyk 49'
Wolhuter 79'
Con: Wolhuter (2) 35' 51'
Pen: Wolhuter (2) 14' 57'
Report[35]
Match centre
Try: Cooney 43'
Morgan 42'
Kok 59'
Barrett 77'
Con: Doak 78'
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. John Andrew, 3. Tom O'Toole,
4. Alan O'Connor (c), 5. Kieran Treadwell,
6. Matty Rea, 7. Sean Reffell, 8. Nick Timoney,
9. John Cooney, 10. Aidan Morgan,
11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Stewart Moore, 14. Werner Kok,
15. Ethan McIlroy.
Replacements:
16. James McCormick (for Andrew 51'), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick 51'), 18. Corrie Barrett (for O'Toole 51'),
19. Iain Henderson (for Treadwell 51'), 20. James McNabney (for O'Connor 61'),
21. Nathan Doak (for Cooney 55'), 22. Michael Lowry (for McIlroy 65'), 23. David McCann (for Rea 51').

5 October 2024 Bulls   v   Ulster Loftus Versfeld Stadium  
15:00
12 October 2024 Ulster   v   Connacht Ravenhill Stadium  
20:00
18 October 2024 Ulster   v   Ospreys Ravenhill Stadium  
19:35
26 October 2024 Cardiff   v   Ulster Cardiff Arms Park  
29 November 2024 Ulster   v   Leinster Ravenhill Stadium  
19:35
20 December 2024 Ulster   v   Munster Ravenhill Stadium  
19:35
28 December 2024 Connacht   v   Ulster The Sportsground  
19:35
26 January 2025 Ulster   v  Zebre Parma Ravenhill Stadium  
17:30
15 February 2025 Benetton   v   Ulster Stadio Monigo  
17:15
1 March 2025 Ulster   v   Scarlets Ravenhill Stadium  
17:15
22 March 2025 Dragons   v   Ulster Rodney Parade  
28 March 2025 Ulster   v   Stormers Ravenhill Stadium  
19:35
19 April 2025 Leinster   v   Ulster Aviva Stadium  
19:35
26 April 2025 Ulster   v   Sharks Ravenhill Stadium  
19:35
9 May 2025 Munster   v   Ulster Thomond Park  
19:35
16 May 2025 Edinburgh   v   Ulster Rugby Edinburgh Rugby Stadium  
19:35

Friendlies

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7 September 2024 Ulster   26-19   Benetton Ravenhill Stadium  
17:00 Try: Telfer
Andrew
Postlethwaite
Shanahan
Con: Doak
Humphreys
Murphy
Report[36] Try: Ratave
Zanandrea
Gasperini
Con: Smith (2)
Ulster lineup:

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. John Andrew, 3. Corrie Barrett,
4. Harry Sheridan, 5. Kieran Treadwell,
6. James McNabney, 7. Sean Reffell, 8. David McCann,
9. Nathan Doak, 10. Aidan Morgan,
11. Aaron Sexton, 12. Jude Postlethwaite, 13. Stewart Moore, 14. Rory Telfer,
15. Michael Lowry (c).
Replacements:
Forwards: James McCormick, Henry Walker, Callum Reid, Scott Wilson, Charlie Irvine, James McKillop, Alan O’Connor, Tom Brigg, Marcus Rea.
Backs: David Shanahan, Conor McKee, Zac Ward, James Humphreys, Ben Carson, Jack Murphy.

14 September 2024 Exeter Chiefs   31-15   Ulster Sandy Park  
17:00 Try: Vermeulen 5'
Feyi-Waboso 42'
Brown-Bampoe 65'
Woodburn 74'
Dunne 77'
Con: Hodge (3) 6' 43' 66'
Report[37] Try: Sexton 14'
Telfer 49'
Andrew 56'
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. James McCormick, 3. Corrie Barrett,
4. Harry Sheridan, 5. Kieran Treadwell (c),
6. Matty Rea, 7. Marcus Rea, 8. James McNabney,
9. Nathan Doak, 10. Aidan Morgan,
11. Aaron Sexton, 12. Ben Carson, 13. Jude Postlethwaite, 14. Zac Ward,
15. Ethan McIlroy.
Replacements:
Forwards: John Andrew (for McCormick 55'), Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick 40'), Scott Wilson (for Barrett 40'), Henry Walker, Reuben Crothers (for Marcus Rea 55'), Callum Reid, Nick Timoney,
Backs: David Shanahan (for Doak 59'), James Humphreys (for Morgan 65'), Stewart Moore (for Carson 21'), Werner Kok (for McIlroy 65'), Ben Moxham (for Sexton 36'), Rory Telfer (for Ward 40').

7 February 2025 Ulster   v   Queensland Reds Ravenhill Stadium  
19:35

Ulster Development

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13 September 2024 Combined Scottish  
Academies
72-31   Ulster Development Scotstoun Stadium  
16:00 Try: Roberts
McConnell (2)
Patterson
Douglas
McAlpine (2)
Blyth-Lafferty
Fyffe
Duncan
Ramsay
Con: Urwin (4)
Hocking
Reprt[38] Try: Scott
McAllister
McKillop
Reid
Heasley
Con: Murphy (3)
Ulster Development:

1. Callum Reid, 2. Zac Solomon, 3. Tom McAllister,
4. Callum Johns, 5. Charlie Irvine (c),
6. James McKillop, 7. Billy Allen, 8. Tom Brigg,
9. Conor McKee, 10. Jack Murphy,
11. Ethan Graham, 12. Johnny Scott, 13. Sam Berman, 14. Ben McFarlane,
15. Rory Telfer.
Replacements:
16. Conor Magee, 17. Tyrese Abolarin, 18. Jack Boal,
19. Adam McNamee, 20. Scott Gray,
21. Clarke Logan, 22. Matthew Heasley, 23. Daniel Green,
24. Josh Gibson, 25. Fraser Cunningham.

Ulster Women

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Staff

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Position Name Nationality
Head coach Murray Houston   Scotland
Scrum and defence coach Eric O'Sullivan   Ireland
Backs coach Grace Davitt   Ireland
Team manager Marianne Breem   Ireland
Athletic development Kevin Gallagher   Ireland
Physio Naomi Hamilton   Ireland

Squad

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Ulster Senior Women's Squad[39]

Forwards

  •   Brenda Barr
  •   Sophie Barrett
  •   Megan Brodie
  •   Bronach Cassidy
  •   Maebh Clenaghan
  •   India Daley
  •   Ava Fannin
  •   Christy Hill
  •   Moya Hill
  •   Brittany Hogan
  •   Ellen Madden
  •   Gemma McCamley
  •   Sarah Murphy
  •   Aishling O'Connell
  •   Cara O'Kane
  •   Lila O'Molloy
  •   Ellen Patterson
  •   Megan Simpson
  •   Stacey Sloan
  •   Ruby Starrett
  •   Fiona Tuite

Backs

(c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players.

2024–25 IRFU Women's Interprovincial Series

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Team P W D L PF PA BP Pts
1 3 3 0 0 90 67 2 15
2 3 1 1 1 98 65 2 10
3 3 0 1 2 68 92 3 5
4 3 0 1 2 61 93 2 4
10 August 2024 (1 BP) Munster   29-22   Ulster (2 BP) Musgrave Park, Cork  
14:30 Try: McInerney (3)
Pearse
Ugwueru
Con: Flannery (2)
Report[40] Try: O'Neill
Daley
Thompson
Hogan
Con: Irwin
Ulster lineup:

1. Gemma McCamley, 2. India Daley, 3. Sophie Barrett,
4. Brenda Barr, 5. Fiona Tuite,
6. Moya Hill, 7. Christy Hill, 8. Brittany Hogan,
9. Kathryn Dane, 10. Vicky Irwin,
11. Lauren Patterson, 12. Tara O'Neill, 13. Peita McAlister, 14. Sophie Meeke,
15. Lauren Farrell-McCabe.
Replacements:
16. Maebh Clenaghan, 17. Bronach Cassidy (for McCamley 40'), 18. Megan Brodie (for C. Hill 40+2-49', for Barrett 49-58'),
19. Cara O'Kane (for Tuite 49'), 20. Stacey Sloan (for M. Hill 62')),
21. Rachael McIlroy (for Dane 62'), 22. Paige Smith (for Patterson 62'), 23. Lucy Thompson (for Farrell-McCabe 43').

17 August 2024 Ulster   25-25   Connacht (1 BP) Ravenhill Stadium  
14:30 Try: Thompson
Daley
Sloan
Con: Irwin (2)
Pen: Moyles (2)
Report[41] Try: Deely (2), Oviawe
McGonagle
Con: Deely
Pen: Deely
Ulster lineup:

1. Bronach Cassidy, 2. India Daley, 3. Sophie Barrett,
4. Brenda Barr, 5. Cara O'Kane,
6. Moya Hill, 7. Maebh Clenaghan, 8. Brittany Hogan,
9. Kathryn Dane, 10. Abby Moyles,
11. Catherine Martin, 12. Peita McAlister, 13. Tara O'Neill, 14. Lucy Thompson,
15. Lauren Farrell-McCabe.
Replacements:
16. Christy Hill (for Clenaghan 70'), 17. Megan Brodie (for Cassidy 21-66'), 18. Ava Fannin (for Barrett 35-50'),
19. Gemma McCamley (for O'Kane 62'), 20. Stacey Sloan (for M. Hill 50'),
21. Rachael McIlroy for Dane 50'), 22. Paige Smith (for Moyles 70'), 23. Vicky Irwin (for O'Neill 57').

24 August 2024 Ulster   14-39   Leinster (1BP) Ravenhill Stadium  
14:30 Try: Hogan (2)
Con: Moyles (2)
Try: O’Connor
Campbell
Tarpey
Boyne
Tilly
Corri
Burke
Con: Farrell (2)
Ulster lineup:

1, Megan Brodie, 2. India Daley, 3. Sophie Barrett,
4. Cara O'Kane, 5. Brenda Barr,
6. Moya Hill, 7. Maebh Clenaghan, 8. Brittany Higan,
9. Kathryn Dane (c), 10. Abby Moyles,
11. Lauren Patterson, 12. Vicky Irwin, 13. Catherine Martin, 14. Lucy Thompson,
15. Lauren Farrell-McCabe.
Replacements:
16. Christy Hill, 17. Bronach Cassidy, 18. Ava Fannin,
19. Ellen Patterson, 20. Stacey Sloan,
21. Rachael McIlroy, 22. Megan Edwards, 23, Lucinda Kinghan.

Third place playoff

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2 September 2024 Connacht   v   Ulster Ravenhill Stadium  
14:30

References

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  1. ^ "Ulster name Murphy permanent boss on two-year deal", BBC Sport, 13 May 2023
  2. ^ Adam McKendry, "Ulster backroom staff set for more change as coach to depart for Championship", Belfast Telegraph, 23 May 2024
  3. ^ "Duffy to join Ulster Rugby coaching set-up", Ulster Rugby, 28 May 2024
  4. ^ "Roddy Grant to depart Ulster", Ulster Rugby, 18 July 2024
  5. ^ "Pre-Season Focus | Sam Dodge", Ulster Rugby, 29 July 2024
  6. ^ Keith Bailie, "Hugh McCaughey to continue in role as CEO of Ulster Rugby", Belfast Telegraph, 5 August 2024
  7. ^ a b "Ulster Rugby confirms Angus Curtis’ retirement", Ulster Rugby, 26 January 2024
  8. ^ a b "Steven Kitshoff: Two-time World Cup winner to leave Ulster in the summer", BBC Sport, 5 April 2024
  9. ^ a b "EXPERIENCED EWERS JOINS DHL STORMERS". Stormers. 8 August 2024. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  10. ^ a b Shane Donovan, "Confirmed: Ulster out-half Billy Burns seals Munster move", irish Examiner, 19 March 2023
  11. ^ a b Keith Bailie, "Ulster centre confirms retirement after 15 seasons at Ravenhill", Belfast Telegraph, 8 April 2024
  12. ^ a b Neil Treacey, "Ulster's Will Addison confirms Sale Sharks return", RTÉ, 28 May 2024
  13. ^ a b c "Ulster confirm a nine-strong leavers list that includes Dave Ewers". Rugby Pass. 15 May 2024. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
  14. ^ a b Patrick van Dort, "Ulster's Marty Moore in retirement call 'on medical advice to prioritise his mental wellbeing'"], News Letter, 23 September 2024
  15. ^ a b "Werner Kok to become the first Ulster signing for 2024/25". Rugby Pass. 13 March 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  16. ^ a b "Ulster Rugby signs Irish-Qualified Morgan", Ulster Rugby, 27 May 2024
  17. ^ a b "Departing players & 24/25 squad confirmed", Connacht Rugby, 16 May 2024
  18. ^ a b c d "McNabney, Wilson and McLoughlin to continue their development at Ulster", Ulster Rugby, 3 April 2024
  19. ^ a b c "Ulster men for 2024/25 season are named", Ulster Rugby, 13 June 2024
  20. ^ a b "Zac Ward to join Senior Men’s team on trial basis", Ulster Rugby, 19 August 2024
  21. ^ a b "Corrie Barrett signs deal ahead of new season", Ulster Rugby, 19 September 2024
  22. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Ulster Rugby Academy confirmed for 2024/25", Ulster Rugby, 14 June 2024
  23. ^ a b "Ulster Rugby confirm George Saunderson’s retirement", Ulster Rugby, 20 June 2024
  24. ^ "Six Ulstermen named in Ireland squad for South Africa Tour", Ulster Rugby, 18 June 2024
  25. ^ "Ireland Squad Update", Irish Rugby, 8 July 2024
  26. ^ "Ireland Sevens star Ward 'a really exciting prospect'", BBC Sport, 18 September 2024
  27. ^ Michael Sadlier, "Ulster open new season with friendly win over Benetton", Belfast Telegraph, 8 September 2024
  28. ^ Michael Sadlier, "Ulster got ‘a brilliant workout’ in Exeter despite final pre-season loss, says Richie Murphy", Belfast Telegraph, 14 September 2024
  29. ^ "Ulster to play Queensland Reds in Belfast friendly", BBC Sport, 18 June 2024
  30. ^ Neil Treacy, "Tadgh McElroy joins up with Ulster ahead of South Africa tour", RTÉ Sport, 25 September 2024
  31. ^ "Irish Prop James French Joins Cornish Pirates: A Boost For The Upcoming Season", Cornish Stuff, 6 July 2024
  32. ^ "Pool Tables | Investec Champions Cup". European Professional Club Rugby. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  33. ^ League Format (3) "Competition Rules". United Rugby Championship. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
  34. ^ "Last-gasp Ulster start URC season with Glasgow win", BBC Sport, 21 September 2024
  35. ^ "Ulster suffer defeat by Lions in URC encounter", BBC Sport, 28 September 2024
  36. ^ "Match Report | Ulster 26-19 Benetton", 7 September 2024
  37. ^ "Report | Exeter Chiefs 31-15 Ulster", Ulster Rugby, 14 September 2024
  38. ^ [https://scottishrugby.org/fanzone/report-combined-academies-72-31-ulster-development/ "Report: Combined Academies 72-31 Ulster Development", Scottish Rugby, 13 September 2024
  39. ^ "Ulster Senior Women's squad named ahead of 2024 Interpro Series", Ulster Rugby, 2 August 2024
  40. ^ "Hayes’ Munster Make Winning Start, But Ulster Fight Back For Two Bonus Points", Irish Rugby, 10 August 2024
  41. ^ "Ulster Strike Late For Share Of The Spoils With Connacht", Irish Rugby, 17 August 2024