2021–22 Ulster Rugby season

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Ulster Rugby
2021–22 season
Head CoachDan McFarland
Operations DirectorBryn Cunningham
CaptainIain Henderson
Alan O'Connor
Nick Timoney
United Rugby ChampionshipSemi-final
European Rugby Champions CupRound of 16
Top try scorerAll: Robert Baloucoune (11)
Top points scorerAll: Nathan Doak (132)
Home colours
Away colours
Third colours
← 2020–21 2022–23 →

The 2021–22 season was Ulster Rugby's 28th season since the advent of professionalism in rugby union, and Dan McFarland's fourth season as head coach. They competed in the inaugural United Rugby Championship (successor competition to the Pro14) and the European Rugby Champions Cup.

The major new signing was South African number eight Duane Vermeulen. Ulster finished third in the URC, and second in the Irish Shield, qualifying for the playoffs and for next season's Champions Cup. They beat Munster at home in the quarter-final, but went out in the semi-final to the Stormers in Cape Town. Lock Alan O'Connor won the URC Tackle Machine award, and flanker Nick Timoney and centre James Hume were named in the league's Dream Team. Ulster won all four of their pool games in the Champions Cup, finishing second and qualifying for a two-legged round of sixteen playoff against Toulouse, which they lost by an aggregate score of 49-50. Fullback Michael Lowry was nominated for European Player of the Year and made his debut for Ireland. James Hume was Ulster's Player of the Year.

Ulster used 46 players this season, compared to Leinster with 60, Munster with 59 and Connacht with 46. Alan O'Connor, Billy Burns and Nick Timoney made the most appearances for the province, each appearing in 24 out of 26 games. Robert Baloucoune was top try scorer with 11. Nick Timoney was RTÉ's choice for Ulster's player of the season, and Andrew Warwick was their most underrated player.[1] Nathan Doak had a breakthrough season, deputising for the injured John Cooney as scrum-half and goal kicker,[2] and finishing the season the team's leading scorer with 132 points.

Events[edit]

Personnel changes[edit]

Assistant coach Dwayne Peel left in the off-season to become head coach of Scarlets.[3] Skills coach Dan Soper was promoted to assistant,[4] and Craig Newby joined as the new skills coach.[5] Gavin Hogg, formerly rugby development officer, became the new academy manager, assisted by Willie Faloon as elite performance development officer.[6]

After the departure of Marcell Coetzee last season, Ulster attempted to sign Fijian forward Leone Nakarawa, but the move fell through following a medical report.[7] As the season began, Ulster announced the signing of South African number 8 Duane Vermeulen, who would join the squad in November after the autumn internationals.[8] Other new arrivals were lock Mick Kearney, signed from Zebre Parma, and hooker Declan Moore, signed from Munster as short-term injury cover.

Joining the senior squad from the academy on development contracts were wing Aaron Sexton,[9] scrum-half Nathan Doak,[10] hooker Tom Stewart,[11] wing Ethan McIlroy,[12] prop Callum Reid[12] flanker David McCann,[13] lock Cormac Izuchukwu,[14] and wing Ben Moxham.[15]

Five new players joined the academy: out-half James Humphreys, son of Ulster great David Humphreys, joining from the Gloucester academy; RBAI centre Jude Postlethwaite; and three players from Sullivan Upper School, lock Harry Sheridan, prop George Saunderson and scrum-half Conor McKee.[16]

Departing were hooker Adam McBurney to Edinburgh, Matt Faddes to Otago, and out-half Bill Johnston to Ealing Trailfinders, making his loan move last season permanent. Fullback Louis Ludik retired. Scrum-half Alby Mathewson and prop Kyle McCall were released, and academy centre Hayden Hyde moved to Harlequins' academy.

Sponsorship[edit]

British government minister Michael Gove wrote to Ulster in December, urging the team to end their relationship with principal sponsor Kingspan, after the firm was criticised by the inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire for supplying some of the insulation materials involved.[17] This led to protests outside Ravenhill before Ulster's Champions Cup game against Clermont in January 2022.[18]

Summer internationals[edit]

Lock Iain Henderson was selected for the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa. He didn't play in any of the tests, but made four appearances, including starting against Japan and captaining the side against the Sharks.[19]

Centre James Hume,[20] wing Robert Baloucoune[21] and flanker Nick Timoney[22] all made their Ireland debuts in the summer international against the United States in July, and uncapped fullback Michael Lowry trained with the Ireland squad for the summer internationals.[23]

Pre-season[edit]

Ulster played two friendlies, home and away, against Saracens. The home match was played at the Kingspan on 3 September 2021, and Saracens won 45-21. The away match at the Honourable Artillery Company grounds in London on 9 September 2021, and Ulster won 33-3.

First block[edit]

Ulster won their first four matches of the URC season. Hooker Bradley Roberts made his first competitive start, and scored a try in the season opener at home to Glasgow Warriors. Scrum-half John Cooney went off injured in the first half, replaced by 19-year-old Nathan Doak, who scored a try and three conversions.[24] With Cooney missing, Doak started in the away win against Zebre Parma and the home wins against Benetton and Lions, and continued to impress.[25] Hooker Rob Herring made his 200th appearance for Ulster against Benetton.[26] Fullback Will Addison sustained a fracture to his lower leg in the October match against the Lions.[27] Ulster's winning run was halted by a defeat away to Connacht at the Aviva Stadium on 23 October.[28]

Autumn international break[edit]

Club competition then took a break for the Autumn internationals. Lock Iain Henderson came on as a replacement for Ireland in the 60-5 win over Japan,[29] and started in the 29-20 victory over New Zealand , with hooker Rob Herring coming off the bench.[30] Henderson and wing Robert Baloucoune started, with prop Tom O'Toole and flanker Nick Timoney coming off the bench, in the 53-7 win against Argentina.[31] Centres James Hume and Stuart McCloskey were named in the 38-man squad, but did not make an appearance.[32] Hooker Bradley Roberts was called up for Wales, and made his international debut from the bench against South Africa.[33]

Second block[edit]

After the break, John Cooney returned to action for a 20-10 away win over Leinster, with the back row of Marcus Rea, Nick Timoney and David McCann impressing,[34] but this was followed by a disappointing away loss to Ospreys,[35] in which wing Craig Gilroy made his 200th appearance for Ulster.[36]

Having been awarded development contracts at the start of the season, scrum-half Nathan Doak and wing Ethan McIlroy signed long-term senior contracts in December - Doak for four years, McIlroy for three.[37]

It was announced that Former head coach Neil Doak would return to Ulster as elite player development officer for the academy in early 2022.[38]

Ulster opened their Champions Cup season on 11 December with an away win against Clermont, which marked Duane Vermeulen's debut for the province.[39] The following weekend they defeated Northampton Saints at home, with fullback Michael Lowry scoring two tries.[40] The next two scheduled URC matches, Interpros at home to Connacht on 26 December and Leinster on 1 January, were postponed because of Covid-19 cases.[41] Ulster's next game was a tight away defeat to Munster,[42] before the Champions Cup resumed with an away win against Northampton Saints, which marked Nathan Doak's first European start,[43] and a home win against Clermont, in which Ulster built up a 22-point lead before Clermont almost pulled it back with three late tries.[44] These four pool victories earned Ulster a two-legged round of 16 tie against reigning champions Toulouse.

Six Nations international break[edit]

Robert Baloucoune, James Hume, Michael Lowry, Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Tom O'Toole and Nick Timoney were called up to the Ireland squad for the 2022 Six Nations Championship on 19 January.[45] Bradley Roberts was called up for Wales.[46]

A depleted Ulster side, missing most of their internationals, defeated Scarlets at home on 28 January.[47] Wing Craig Gilroy, who received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle during the game, was later cited and banned for four matches.[48] The home tie against Connacht was rescheduled for 4 February, on the eve of Ireland's opening match of the Six Nations against Wales. Robert Baloucoune, Michael Lowry and Nick Timoney, who had not been selected for that game, were temporarily released from the Ireland camp back to Ulster. Baloucoune and Lowry started, Timoney came off the bench, and Baloucoune scored two tries, in a 32-12 victory.[49] Hooker Declan Moore, who had joined Ulster as short-term injury cover from Munster, and had just agreed to a permanent move next season, unexpectedly made his debut after a last-minute injury to John Andrew, and scored a try.[50] The following day, James Hume came off the bench in Ireland's 29-7 victory over Wales.[51]

Fullback Michael Lowry was named on the long list for EPCR European Player of the Year for the 2021-22 season,[52] and made his debut for Ireland against Italy in the Six Nations on 27 February 2022.[53]

James McCormick, Reuben Crothers, James McNabney, Josh Hanlon, Adam McNamee, Scott Wilson, Jude Postlethwaite, Lorcan McLoughlin and Ben Carson appeared for Ireland in the 2022 U20 Six Nations.

In February, lock David O'Connor joined Ealing Trailfinders until the end of the season,[54] and academy centre Jude Postlethwaite signed a development contract, to be upgraded to a full senior contract after a year.[55] Academy scrum-half Lewis Finlay signed for English Championship club Ampthill.[56]

Third block[edit]

Having beaten Leinster away in November, Ulster completed a rare double by defeating them at home on a rainy night in March.[57] They then travelled to South Africa, losing narrowly to the Stormers in Cape Town after a late try by Callum Reid, which would have put Ulster ahead, was disallowed after TMO review.[58] URC head of officials Tappe Henning later admitted the try should have stood.[59] Alan O'Connor made his 150th appearance for Ulster against the Stormers.[60] The following week, against the Bulls in Pretoria, Andrew Warwick made his 150th appearance[61] as Ulster fell to a 34-16 defeat.[62] The trip to South Africa saw centre Luke Marshall return to action after 16 months out with a knee injury.[63] He came off the bench against the Stormers, and started, and scored, against the Bulls.

Ulster won the away leg of their Champions Cup round of 16 tie against Toulouse 26-20, with Robert Baloucoune scoring a hat-trick after Toulouse wing Juan Cruz Mallia was shown an early red card.[64] Taking a six-point lead into the second leg at home, they lost 30-23, going out of the competition 49-50 on aggregate.[65] Flanker Nick Timoney made his 100th appearance for the province in the second leg.[66]

Former Springboks and Ulster flanker Pedrie Wannenburg was killed in a car accident in Texas in April.[67]

In the wake of the defeat at home to Toulouse, Ulster suffered their first home loss in the URC, at home to Munster.[68] The following week, they ended their losing run by inflicting a first home league defeat on Edinburgh in a close contest,[69] confirming their qualification for the quarter-finals.[70] Two weeks later, they secured a home quarter-final by defeating the Sharks at home.[71] They defeated Munster in the quarter-final at Ravenhill on 3 June,[72] earning a semi-final away to the Stormers.[73] They led late in the semi-final in Cape Town, but the Stormers came back to win with a last-minute converted try.[74]

Post-season[edit]

Alan O'Connor won the URC Tackle Machine award for the 2021-22 season, after making 195 tackles with a 97.5% success rate in that competition.[75] Flanker Nick Timoney and centre James Hume were named in the URC Dream Team.[76]

In the annual Ulster Rugby Awards, James Hume was named Men's Player of the Year and Rugby Writers' Player of the Year; Michael Lowry was Supporters' Club Player of the Year; and Ethan McIlroy was Young Men's Player of the Year.

Staff[edit]

Position Name Nationality
Chief executive officer Jonny Petrie  Scotland
Operations director Bryn Cunningham  Ireland
Head coach Dan McFarland  England
Assistant coach Dan Soper  New Zealand
Defence coach Jared Payne  Ireland
Forwards coach Roddy Grant  Scotland
Skills coach Craig Newby  New Zealand
Academy manager Gavin Hogg  Ireland
Elite performance development officer Willie Faloon  Ireland
Elite performance development officer Neil Doak  Ireland

Squad[edit]

Senior squad[edit]

Ulster Rugby squad[86][a][b]

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 head of 2021–22 season as listed on List of 2021–22 United Rugby Championship transfers.
  2. ^ Appearances and scoring stats from ItsRugby.co.uk as at 1 May 2022

Academy squad[edit]

Ulster Rugby academy squad

Props

  • Ireland George Saunderson (1)

Hookers

  • Ireland James McCormick (2)

Locks

Back row

  • Ireland Azur Allison (3)
  • Ireland Reuben Crothers (2)

Scrum-halves

  • Ireland Lewis Finlay (3)
  • Ireland Conor McKee (1)

Fly-halves

  • Ireland James Humphreys (1)

Centres

Wings

  • Ireland Conor Rankin (2)

Fullbacks

  • None currently named
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.[89][90]

Ulster 'A'[edit]

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

Players used by Ulster 'A'

Props

  • Ireland Joe Charles

Hookers

  • Ireland Jack Boal

Locks

  • Ireland Adam McNamee
  • Ireland James McNamee
  • Ireland Paddy Browne

Back row

  • Ireland James McNabney

Scrum-halves

  • Ireland James Wright

Fly-halves

  • Ireland Greg Hutley
  • Ireland Michael Orr

Centres

  • none

Wings

  • Ireland Ethan Graham

Fullbacks

  • Ireland Reece Malone

2021–22 European Rugby Champions Cup[edit]

Main article: 2021–22 European Rugby Champions Cup

Pool stage[edit]

Pool A Standings [91]
Team
 P W D L PF PA Diff TF TA TB LB Pts
France Racing 92 4 4 0 0 126 24 +102 16 3 3 0 19
Ireland Ulster 4 4 0 0 114 96 +18 15 9 3 0 19
France La Rochelle 4 3 1 0 97 64 +33 11 7 2 0 16
Ireland Leinster 4 3 0 1 198 62 +136 30 8 3 0 15
England Sale Sharks 4 2 1 1 89 48 +41 13 5 1 1 12
England Exeter Chiefs 4 2 0 2 127 82 +45 19 7 3 0 11
France Montpellier 4 2 0 2 78 157 –79 9 23 2 0 10
France Clermont 4 1 1 2 79 82 –3 8 10 0 2 8
Scotland Glasgow Warriors 4 1 0 3 82 117 –35 7 15 0 1 5
England Northampton Saints 4 0 0 4 56 124 –68 6 17 0 2 2
England Bath 4 0 1 3 48 148 –100 6 22 0 0 2
Wales Ospreys 4 0 0 4 33 123 –90 3 17 0 0 0


11 December 2021 (1 BP) Clermont France 23–29 Ireland Ulster Stade Marcel-Michelin  
18:30 Try: Penaud (2) 35' c, 57' c
Con: Hanrahan (2/2) 35', 59'
Pen: Hanrahan (3/4) 40'+1, 63', 80'+1
 Report[92]
EPCR Match Centre
Highlights
Star of the Match:
John Cooney 		Try: McCloskey 26' c
Timoney 68' c
Con: Cooney (2/2) 28', 69'
Pen: Cooney (5/5) 2', 7', 14', 38', 74'
 Attendance: 14,443
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Tom O'Toole,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Kieran Treadwell,
6. Marcus Rea, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Duane Vermeulen,
9. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
15. Michael Lowry.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew, 17. Jack McGrath (for Warwick, 52), 18. Ross Kane (for O'Toole, 68),
19. Sam Carter (for Marcus Rea, 62'), 20. Greg Jones (for Vermeulen, 50'),
21. Nathan Doak (for Lowry, 75), 22. Stewart Moore (for Baloucoune, 36') 23. Sean Reidy (for Treadwell, 62').

17 December 2021 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 27–22 England Northampton Saints (1 BP) Kingspan Stadium  
20:00 Try: Herring 2' c
Penalty try 16'
McIlroy 20' m
Gilroy 58' m
Con: Cooney (1/3) 3'
Pen: Cooney (1/1) 46'
 Report[93]
EPCR Match Centre
Highlights
Star of the Match:
Nick Timoney 		Try: Mitchell 61' m
Skosan 79' m
Pen: Furbank (4/4) 7', 19', 23', 30'
 Attendance: 14,712
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Iain Henderson,
6. Marcus Rea, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Duane Vermeulen,
9. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Craig Gilroy,
15. Michael Lowry.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew (for Herring, 55), 17. Jack McGrath (for Warwick, 61), 18. Tom O'Toole (for M. Moore, 55),
19. Kieran Treadwell (for Henderson, 47'), 20. Sam Carter (for A. O'Connor, 65),
21. Nathan Doak, 22. Stewart Moore (for McCloskey, 18) 23. Greg Jones (for Marcus Rea, 72).

16 January 2022 (1 BP) Northampton Saints England 20–24 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) Franklin's Gardens  
15:15 Try: Biggar 36' c
Hutchinson 79' c
Con: Biggar (1/1) 37'
Furbank (1/1) 79'
Pen: Biggar (2/2) 19', 43'
 Report[43]
EPCR Match Centre
Highlights
Star of the Match:
Michael Lowry 		Try: Baloucoune 6' m
Doak 13' c
Lowry (2) 14', 40'
Con: Doak (2/3) 14', 40'
 Attendance: 13,271
Referee: Pierre Brousset (France)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Kieran Treadwell,
6. Marcus Rea, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Duane Vermeulen,
9. Nathan Doak, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Stewart Moore, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
15. Michael Lowry.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew, 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick, 14), 18. Tom O'Toole (for M. Moore, 57),
19. Sam Carter (for A. O'Connor, 57), 20. Greg Jones (for Marcus Rea, 67),
21. David Shanahan (for Doak, 58), 22. Ian Madigan (for Burns, 55), 23. Ben Moxham.

22 January 2022 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 34–31 France Clermont (1 BP) Kingspan Stadium  
17:30 Try: Herring (2) 7' m, 38' c
Lowry 22' m
Vermeulen 49' c
Baloucoune 65' c
Con: Doak (2/4) 40', 50'
Burns (1/1) 67'
Pen: Doak (1/1) 45'
 Report[94]
EPCR Match Centre
Highlights
Star of the Match:
James Hume 		Try: Van Tonder 69' m
Raka 72' c
Cancoriet 75' c
Con: Lopez (2/3) 73', 76'
Pen: Parra (4/4) 12', 18', 25', 35'
 Attendance: 12,000
Referee: Luke Pearce (England)
Ulster lineup:

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Kieran Treadwell,
6. Marcus Rea, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Duane Vermeulen,
9. Nathan Doak, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Angus Curtis, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
15. Michael Lowry.
Replacements:
16. Bradley Roberts (for Herring, 73), 17. Jack McGrath (for O'Sullivan, 67), 18. Tom O'Toole (for M. Moore, 54),
19. Sam Carter (for A. O'Connor, 62), 20. Greg Jones (for Vermeulen, 54),
21. David Shanahan (for Doak, 64), 22. Ben Moxham (for Curtis, 59), 23. Craig Gilroy (for Burns, 67).

Round of 16[edit]

9 April 2022 Toulouse France 20-26 Ireland Ulster Stade Ernest-Wallon  
Try: Meafou 6'
Ntamack 79'
Con: Ramos (2) 7, 79'
Pen: Ramos 40'
 Report[64][95]
Highlights
Star of the Match:
Robert Baloucoune 		Try: Baloucoune (3) 12' 44' 66'
Warwick 58'
Con: Cooney (3) 13' 59' 66'
 Attendance: 28,000
Referee: Wayne Barnes
Ulster lineup:

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Iain Henderson,
6. Marcus Rea, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Duane Vermeulen,
9. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Ben Moxham, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
15. Michael Lowry.
Replacements:
16. Bradley Roberts (for Herring, 79), 17. Andrew Warwick (for O'Sullivan, 55), 18. Tom O'Toole (for M. Moore, 49),
19. Kieran Treadwell (for A. O'Connor, 53), 20. Jordi Murphy (for Marcus Rea, 53),
21. Nathan Doak (for Cooney, 71), 22. Luke Marshall (for McCloskey, 49), 23. Rob Lyttle (for Moxham, 10).

16 April 2022 Ulster Ireland 23-30 (49-50 agg) France Toulouse Ravenhill Stadium  
Try: McIlroy (2) 10', 37'
Con: Cooney (2) 11', 39'
Pen: Cooney (3) 18', 52', 68'
 Report[65]
Highlights 		Try: Ramos 21'
Ntamack 26'
Dupont 74'
Con: Ramos (3) 22', 27', 75'
Pen: Ramos (3) 1', 13', 63'
 Attendance: 18,196
Referee: Matthew Carley
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Iain Henderson,
6. Marcus Rea, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Duane Vermeulen,
9. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
15. Michael Lowry.
Replacements:
16. Bradley Roberts, 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick, 62), 18. Tom O'Toole (for M. Moore, 62),
19. Kieran Treadwell (for O'Connor, 52), 20. Jordi Murphy (for Marcus Rea, 52),
21. Nathan Doak, 22. Luke Marshall, 23. Rob Lyttle (for Burns, 57).

2021–22 United Rugby Championship[edit]

Main article: 2021–22 United Rugby Championship
2021–22 United Rugby Championship Table watch · edit · discuss
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA Try bonus Losing bonus Pts
1 Ireland Leinster 18 13 0 5 546 276 +270 73 31 11 4 67
2 South Africa Stormers (CH) 18 12 2 4 464 311 +153 60 36 7 2 61
3 Ireland Ulster 18 12 0 6 412 297 +115 52 34 7 4 59
4 South Africa Bulls (RU) 18 11 0 7 518 388 +130 67 42 10 4 58
5 South Africa Sharks 18 11 1 6 510 365 +145 60 43 9 2 57
6 Ireland Munster 18 11 0 7 524 341 +183 66 34 8 4 56
7 Scotland Edinburgh 18 10 1 7 421 318 +103 56 37 8 4 54
8 Scotland Glasgow Warriors 18 10 0 8 409 376 +33 53 44 7 3 50
9 Wales Ospreys 18 10 0 8 422 474 –52 46 62 4 2 46
10 Wales Scarlets 18 8 0 10 494 534 –40 65 73 10 3 45
11 Ireland Connacht 18 9 0 9 399 502 –103 51 67 4 1 41
12 South Africa Lions 18 8 0 10 408 450 –42 48 55 7 2 41
13 Italy Benetton 18 6 1 11 425 501 –76 53 67 6 3 35
14 Wales Cardiff 18 7 0 11 369 577 –208 41 72 3 1 32
15 Wales Dragons 18 2 1 15 305 547 –242 36 71 3 6 19
16 Italy Zebre Parma 18 1 0 17 261 630 –369 32 90 2 3 9
If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:[96]
  1. number of matches won;
  2. number of matches drawn;
  3. the difference between points for and points against;
  4. the number of tries scored;
  5. the most points scored;
  6. the difference between tries for and tries against;
  7. the fewest red cards received;
  8. the fewest yellow cards received.
Green background indicates teams that are playoff places that top their regional pools and earn a place in the 2022–23 European Champions Cup

Blue background indicates teams that did not top their regional pool but are in play-off places and earn a place in the 2022–23 European Champions Cup
Pink background indicates teams that did not top their regional pool or earn a place in the 2022–23 European Champions Cup, but are in play-off places.
Yellow background indicates teams that top their regional pool and earn a place in the 2022–23 European Champions Cup, but are not in a play-off place
Plain background indicates teams that earn a place in the 2022–23 European Challenge Cup.

(q) : qualified for the play-offs;

(S) : winner of the Regional Shield and qualified for the 2022–23 European Rugby Champions Cup;

(e) : qualified for the 2022–23 European Challenge Cup
24 September 2021 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 35–29 Scotland Glasgow Warriors (2 BP) Kingspan Stadium  
19:35 Try: Roberts 23' c
M. Moore 44' c
Timoney 49' c
Doak 60' c
Con: Cooney 24'
Doak (3) 45', 50', 61'
 Report[97][98]
URC Match Centre
Highlights 		Try: Horne 15' m
Matthews 40' +3 c
Penalty try 55'
Dobie 65' c
Con: Thompson (2) 40' +4, 66'
Pen: Weir 27'
 Attendance: 10,000
Referee: Ben Whitehouse
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Bradley Roberts, 3. Marty Moore,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Sam Carter,
6. Greg Jones, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Nick Timoney,
9. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
15. Ethan McIlroy.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring (for Roberts, 40), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick, 40), 18. Tom O'Toole (for M. Moore, 49),
19. Mick Kearney (for Carter, 40), 20. Matty Rea (for Jones, 68),
21. Nathan Doak (for Cooney, 30), 22. Michael Lowry (for Burns, 76), 23. Will Addison (for Baloucoune, 57).

2 October 2021 Zebre Parma Italy 3–36 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi  
17:15 Pen: Rizzi 34'
 Report[99][100]
URC Match Centre
Highlights
Player of the Match:
Nathan Doak 		Try: McIlroy (2) 21' m, 40' m
Addison 47' c
Hume 57' m
Timoney (2) 63' c, 79' c
Con: Burns 48'
Doak 64'
Lowry 80'
 Attendance: 1,400
Referee: Sam Grove-White
Ulster lineup:

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Tom O'Toole,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Mick Kearney,
6. Matty Rea, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. David McCann,
9. Nathan Doak, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Stewart Moore, 13. James Hume, 14. Craig Gilroy,
15. Will Addison.
Replacements:
16. Bradley Roberts (for Herring, 58), 17. Callum Reid (for O'Sullivan, 60), 18. Marty Moore (for O'Toole, 40),
19. Sam Carter (for Kearney, 40), 20. Sean Reidy (for McCann, 58),
21. David Shanahan (for Doak, 65), 22. Michael Lowry (for Burns, 58), 23. Ben Moxham (for Addison, 63).

8 October 2021 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 28–8 Italy Benetton Kingspan Stadium  
19:35 Try: Gilroy 23' c
Doak (2) 27' c, 78' c
Herring 34' c
Con: Doak (4) 24', 28', 35', 79'
 Report[101][102]
URC Match Centre
Highlights
Player of the Match:
Nathan Doak 		Try: Ratuva Tavuyara 59' m
Pen: Marin 8'
 Attendance: 10,582
Referee: AJ Jacobs
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Tom O'Toole,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Sam Carter,
6. Matty Rea, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. David McCann,
9. Nathan Doak, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Stewart Moore, 13. James Hume, 14. Craig Gilroy,
15. Will Addison.
Replacements:
16. Bradley Roberts (for Herring, 69), 17. Callum Reid (for Warwick, 1), 18. Ross Kane (for O'Toole, 54),
19. Mick Kearney (for Carter, 50), 20. Sean Reidy (for McCann, 64),
21. David Shanahan (for Doak, 79), 22. Michael Lowry (for Burns, 40), 23. Ben Moxham.

15 October 2021 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 26–10 South Africa Lions Kingspan Stadium  
19:35 Try: Timoney (2) 4' m, 67' c
Hume 35' c
Rea 48' c
Con: Doak (3) 36', 49', 68'
 Report[103][104]
URC Match Centre
Highlights
Player of the Match:
Nick Timoney 		Try: Pienaar 17' c
Con: Viljoen 18'
Pen: Viljoen 40'
 Attendance: 11,412
Referee: Mike Adamson
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Tom O'Toole,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Sam Carter,
6. Matty Rea, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. David McCann,
9. Nathan Doak, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Stewart Moore, 13. James Hume, 14. Craig Gilroy,
15. Will Addison.
Replacements:
16. Bradley Roberts (for Herring, 58), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick, 52), 18. Ross Kane (for O'Toole, 67),
19. Kieran Treadwell (for Carter, 44), 20. Sean Reidy (for McCann, 58),
21. David Shanahan (for Doak, 74), 22. Michael Lowry (for Addison, 45), 23. Ben Moxham (for S. Moore, 74).

23 October 2021 (1 BP) Connacht Ireland 36–11 Ireland Ulster Aviva Stadium  
17:15 Try: Murray 11' c
Hansen (2) 25' c, 80+2' c
Porch 62' m
Kilgallen 65' c
Con: Carty (4) 13', 25', 66', 80' +3
Pen: Carty 28'
 Report[28][105]
URC Match Centre
Highlights 		Try: Roberts 68' m
Pen: Doak (2) 5', 17'
 Attendance: 9,875[106]
Referee: Andrew Brace
Ulster lineup:

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Tom O'Toole,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Iain Henderson,
6. Matty Rea, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. David McCann,
9. Nathan Doak, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
15. Ethan McIlroy.
Replacements:
16. Bradley Roberts (for Herring, 51), 17. Andrew Warwick (for O'Sullivan, 51), 18. Ross Kane (for O'Toole, 51),
19. Kieran Treadwell (for Henderson, 54), 20. Greg Jones (for McCann, 54),
21. David Shanahan (for Doak, 65), 22. Michael Lowry (for Gilroy, 23), 23. Ben Moxham (for McIlroy, 66).

27 November 2021 Leinster Ireland 10–20 Ireland Ulster RDS Arena  
20:00 Try: Henshaw 51' c
Con: Byrne 51'
Pen: Byrne 65'
 Report[107][108]
URC Match Centre
Highlights
Player of the Match:
James Hume 		Try: Jones 16' c
Hume 79' c
Con: Cooney 17'
Doak 80'
Pen: Cooney 48'
Doak 68'
 Attendance: 14,625[109]
Referee: Frank Murphy
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Sam Carter,
6. Greg Jones, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. David McCann,
9. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Craig Gilroy,
15. Michael Lowry.
Replacements:
16. Tom Stewart, 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick, 45), 18. Ross Kane (for Moore, 70),
19. Mick Kearney (for Carter, 46), 20. Marcus Rea (for Jones, 20),
21. Nathan Doak (for Cooney, 59), 22. Angus Curtis, 23. Rob Lyttle (for Lowry, 51).

4 December 2021 Ospreys Wales 19–13 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) Liberty Stadium  
15:00 Try: Morris 32' c
Con: Myler 34'
Pen: Myler (4) 18', 36', 60', 66'
 Report[35][110]
URC Match Centre
Highlights 		Try: Penalty try 15'
Pen: Cooney (2) 20', 53'
 Attendance: 5,695[111]
Referee: Sam Grove-White
Ulster lineup:

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Bradley Roberts, 3. Tom O'Toole,
4. Kieran Treadwell, 5. Alan O'Connor,
6. Sean Reidy, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. David McCann,
9. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Angus Curtis, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
15. Michael Lowry.
Replacements:
16. Tom Stewart (for Roberts, 32-68), 17. Jack McGrath (for O'Sullivan, 46), 18. Marty Moore (for O'Toole, 48-63),
19. Mick Kearney (for O'Connor, 52), 20. Marcus Rea (for McCann, 63),
21. Nathan Doak (for Cooney, 56), 22. Stewart Moore (for Curtis, 56), 23. Craig Gilroy (for Baloucoune, 77),
O'Sullivan (for Stewart, 68).

8 January 2022 Munster Ireland 18–13 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) Thomond Park  
19:35 Try: Haley 61' m
Kendellen 76' c
Con: Healy 77'
Pen: Crowley (2) 33', 40+1'
 Report[42][112]
URC Match Centre
Highlights 		Try: Herring 8' c
Con: Cooney 10'
Pen: Doak (2) 43', 57'
 Attendance: 5,000[113]
Referee: Mike Adamson
Ulster lineup:

1. Jack McGrath, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Tom O'Toole,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Sam Carter,
6. Greg Jones, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Duane Vermeulen,
9. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. James Hume, 13. Ben Moxham, 14. Craig Gilroy,
15. Michael Lowry.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew (for Herring, 76), 17. Andrew Warwick (for McGrath, 45), 18. Ross Kane (for O'Toole, 76),
19. Kieran Treadwell (for Carter, 45), 20. Marcus Rea (for Jones, 61),
21. Nathan Doak (for Cooney, 23), 22. Angus Curtis (for Hume, 62), 23. Rob Lyttle (for Gilroy, 76).

28 January 2022 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 27–15 Wales Scarlets Kingspan Stadium  
19:35 Try: Curtis 35' c
Carter 53' m
Milasinovich 66' c
Gilroy 68' m
Con: Doak (2) 36', 67'
Pen: Doak 4'
 Report[114][115]
URC Match Centre
Highlights
Player of the Match:
Billy Burns 		Try: Lee 29' c
Mathias 62' m
Con: Jones 30'
Pen: Jones 10'
 Attendance: 9,542 [116]
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Ulster lineup:

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. John Andrew, 3. Marty Moore,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Sam Carter,
6. Greg Jones, 7. Marcus Rea, 8. Duane Vermeulen,
9. Nathan Doak, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Rob Lyttle, 12. Angus Curtis, 13. Ben Moxham, 14. Craig Gilroy,
15. Ethan McIlroy.
Replacements:
16. Bradley Roberts (for Andrew, 49), 17. Jack McGrath (for O'Sullivan), 18. Gareth Milasinovich (for M. Moore, 7-20, 54),
19. Mick Kearney (for Carter, 54), 20. David McCann (for Jones, 54),
21. David Shanahan (for Doak, 70), 22. Ian Madigan (for Burns, 69), 23. Aaron Sexton (for McIlroy, 76).

4 February 2022 Ulster Ireland 32-12 Ireland Connacht Kingspan Stadium  
20:15 Try: Jones 13' c
D. Moore 20' c
Baloucoune (2) 41' c 83'
Con: Doak (3/3) 15' 21' 42'
Pen: Doak (2/2) 53' 74'
 Report[117][118]
URC Match Centre
Highlights
Extended highlights
Player of the Match:
Nathan Doak 		Try: McNulty 24'
Alex Wootton 46' c
Con: Fitzgerald (1/2) 47'
 Attendance: 12,470
Referee: Andy Brace
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Declan Moore, 3. Gareth Milasinovich,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Sam Carter,
6. Greg Jones, 7. Marcus Rea, 8. Duane Vermeulen,
9. Nathan Doak, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Angus Curtis, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
15. Michael Lowry.
Replacements:
16. Eric O'Sullivan, 17. Callum Reid (for Warwick, 65), 18. Ross Kane (for Milasinovich, 57),
19. Mick Kearney For Carter, 73), 20. Nick Timoney (for Jones, 48),
21. David Shanahan (for Doak, 77), 22. Ben Moxham (for McCloskey, 77), 23. Rob Lyttle (for McIlroy, 53).

20 February 2022 Dragons Wales 0–12 Ireland Ulster Rodney Parade  
14:00 Report[119][120]
URC Match Centre
Highlights
Player of the Match:
Nathan Doak 		Try: Mar. Rea 40' m
Andrew 47' c
Con: Doak 48'
 Attendance: 3,892 [121]
Referee: Andrea Piardi
'Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. John Andrew, 3. Tom O'Toole,
4. Kieran Treadwell, 5. Sam Carter,
6. David McCann, 7. Marcus Rea, 8. Nick Timoney,
9. Nathan Doak, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Ben Moxham, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
15. Rob Lyttle.
Replacements:
16. Bradley Roberts (for Andrew, 50), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick, 50), 18. Marty Moore (for O'Toole, 47),
19. Cormac Izuchukwu (for Carter, 62), 20. Matty Rea (for McCann, 62),
21. David Shanahan, 22. Ian Madigan (for Burns, 70), 23. Stewart Moore (for McCloskey, 73).

4 March 2022 Ulster Ireland 48-12 Wales Cardiff Kingspan Stadium  
19:35 Try: Baloucoune (2) 7' c 15' c
Hume 15' c
McCloskey 40'
Timoney 48' c
Sexton 62'
Stewart 68' c'
Con: Doak (3) 8' 15' 49'
Cooney (2) 55' 70'
Pen: Doak 12'
 Report[122][123]
URC Match Centre
Highlights
Player of the Match:
Stewart Moore 		Try: Myhill 44'
Ratti 75' c
Con: Thomas 76'
 Attendance: 11,559
Referee: Hollie Davidson
Ulster lineup:

1. Jack McGrath, 2. John Andrew, 3. Marty Moore,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Iain Henderson,
6. Jordi Murphy, 7. Marcus Rea, 8. Nick Timoney,
9. Nathan Doak, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Ben Moxham, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
15. Stewart Moore.
Replacements:
16. Tom Stewart (for Andrew, 56), 17. Callum Reid (for McGrath, 40), 18. Gareth Milasinovich (for M. Moore, 58),
19. Sam Carter (for O'Connor, 57), 20. Duane Vermeulen (for Murphy, 53),
21. John Cooney (for Doak, 49), 22. Ian Madigan (for McCloskey, 63), 23. Aaron Sexton (for Baloucoune, 57').

12 March 2022 Ulster Ireland 18-13 Ireland Leinster Kingspan Stadium  
19:35 Try: Carter 8' c
Lowry 34'
Con: Doak 9'
Pen: Doak (2) 31' 41'
 Report[124]
URC Match Centre
Highlights
Player of the Match:
Michael Lowry 		Try: Deegan 28' c
Con: R. Byrne 28'
Pen: R. Byrne (2) 12' 41'
 Attendance: 16,274
Referee: Frank Murphy
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. John Andrew, 3. Marty Moore,
4. Alan O'Connor (c), 5. Sam Carter,
6. Marcus Rea, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Duane Vermeulen,
9. Nathan Doak, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Stewart Moore, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
15. Michael Lowry.
Replacements:
16. Tom Stewart (for Andrew, 37), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick, 46), 18. Gareth Milasinovich (for M. Moore, 79),
19. Mick Kearney (for Carter, 46), 20. Jordi Murphy (for Marcus Rea, 54),
21. John Cooney (for Doak, 46), 22. Ian Madigan, 23. Ben Moxham (for Vermeulen, 66).

26 March 2022 Stormers South Africa 23–20 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) Cape Town Stadium  
13:00 Try: De Wet 3' c
Zas 7' c
Con: Libbok (2) 4', 8'
Pen: Libbok (3) 28', 40+1', 55'
 Report[125]
URC Match Centre
Highlights 		Try: S. Moore 22' c
McCloskey 57' c
Con: Cooney (2) 23', 58'
Pen: Cooney (2) 33', 39'
 Attendance: 3,544
Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi
Ulster lineup:

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore,
4. Alan O'Connor (c), 5. Kieran Treadwell,
6. Greg Jones, 7. Marcus Rea, 8. Duane Vermeulen,
9. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Rob Lyttle, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Stewart Moore, 14. Craig Gilroy,
15. Michael Lowry.
Replacements:
16. Tom Stewart (for Herring, 69), 17. Callum Reid (for O'Sullivan, 55), 18. Gareth Milasinovich (for M. Moore, 56),
19. Mick Kearney (for Treadwell, 76), 20. Jordi Murphy (for Jones, 19),
21. David Shanahan (for Cooney, 75), 22. Luke Marshall (for S. Moore, 64), 23. Ethan McIlroy (for Gilroy, 52).

2 April 2022 (1 BP) Bulls South Africa 34–16 Ireland Ulster Loftus Versfeld Stadium  
13:00 Try: Coetzee 44' c
Tambwe 57' c
Grobbelaar 66' c
Arendse 76' c
Con: Smith (2) 44', 57'
Steyn (2) 67', 77'
Pen: Smith (2) 25', 53'
 Report[126]
URC Match Centre 		Try: Marshall 65' c
Con: Doak 65'
Pen: Doak (3) 11', 32', 37'
 Attendance: 19,436
Referee: Andrea Piardi
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Bradley Roberts, 3. Marty Moore,
4. Kieran Treadwell, 5. Iain Henderson (c),
6. Jordi Murphy, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Duane Vermeulen,
9. Nathan Doak, 10. Ian Madigan,
11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Luke Marshall, 13. James Hume, 14. Ben Moxham,
15. Michael Lowry.
Replacements:
16. Tom Stewart (for Roberts, 49), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick, 49), 18. Tom O'Toole (for Moore, 49),
19. Mick Kearney, 20. Matty Rea (for Vermeulen, 50),
21. John Cooney (for Madigan, 64), 22. Marcus Rea (for Murphy, 61), 23. Stewart Moore (for McIlroy, 2).

22 April 2022 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 17–24 Ireland Munster Ravenhill Stadium  
19:35 Try: Herring 48' c
Reidy 75' c
Con: Cooney 49'
Doak 76'
Pen: Cooney 8'
 Report[68]
URC Match Centre
Video 		Try: Archer 22' c
Earls 28' m
Con: Carbery 23'
Pen: Carbery (4) 12', 44', 60', 80'
 Attendance: 12,131
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Iain Henderson (c),
6. Matty Rea, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Nick Timoney,
9. John Cooney, 10. Michael Lowry,
11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
15. Stewart Moore.
Replacements:
16. Bradley Roberts (for Herring, 57), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick, 64), 18. Gareth Milasinovich (for M. Moore, 23),
19. Sam Carter (for Henderson, 40), 20. Sean Reidy (for Matty Rea, 59),
21. Nathan Doak (for Cooney, 52), 22. Ian Madigan (for S. Moore, 70), 23. Ben Moxham.

30 April 2022 Edinburgh Scotland 10-16 Ireland Ulster Edinburgh Rugby Stadium  
19:35 Try: Bennett 67'
Con: Boffelli 68'
Pen: Boffelli 41'
 Report[69]
URC Match Centre
Player of the Match:
James Hume 		Try: Baloucoune 13'
Con: Doak 14'
Pen: Doak (3) 19', 33', 48'
 Attendance: 7,774
Referee: Ben Whitehouse
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Gareth Milasinovich,
4. Kieran Treadwell, 5. Iain Henderson (c),
6. Marcus Rea, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Duane Vermeulen,
9. Nathan Doak, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
15. Michael Lowry.
Replacements:
16. Bradley Roberts (for Herring, 67), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick, 49), 18. Ross Kane (for Milasinovich, 60),
19. Alan O'Connor (for Henderson, 5), 20. Matty Rea (for Marcus Rea 77),
21. John Cooney (for Doak, 49), 22. Stewart Moore (for McCloskey, 7), 23. Rob Lyttle (for Lowry, 58-70 HIA).

20 May 2022 Ulster Ireland 24-21 South Africa Sharks Ravenhill Stadium  
19:35 Try: Lowry 26'
McCloskey 44'
Hume 64'
Con: Cooney (3) 27', 44', 65'
Pen: Cooney 16'
 Report[71]
URC Match Centre
Player of the Match:
Nick Timoney 		Try: N. Mchunu 61'
Louw 76'
Williams 79'
Con: Bosch 62'
Chamberlain 76'
Williams 79'
 Attendance: 12,739
Referee: Ben Blain
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Tom O'Toole,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Iain Henderson (c),
6. Marcus Rea, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Duane Vermeulen,
9. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
15. Michael Lowry.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew (for Herring, 75), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick, 55), 18. Gareth Milasinovich (for O'Toole, 55'),
19. Kieran Treadwell (for O'Connor, 55'), 20. Matty Rea (for Vermeulen, 65),
21. Nathan Doak (for Cooney, 78), 22. Stewart Moore (for Hume HIA 30-40), 23. Rob Lyttle (for Lowry, 31).

Quarter-final[edit]

3 June 2022 Ulster Ireland 36 – 17 Ireland Munster Ravenhill Stadium  
19:35 Try: Cooney 10'
S. Moore (2) 24', 32'
Timoney 42'
Hume 61'
Con: Cooney (3) 10', 25', 43'
Doak 61'
Pen: Cooney 56'
 Report[72]
Match Centre
Player of the Match:
James Hume 		Try: Kleyn 18'
Earls (2) 52, 69'
Con: Carbery 18'
 Attendance: 10,252
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Tom O'Toole,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Iain Henderson (c),
6. Marcus Rea, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Duane Vermeulen,
9. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
15. Stewart Moore.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew (for Herring 63), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick 19), 18. Gareth Milasinovich (for O'Toole 74),
19. Kieran Treadwell (for O'Connor 65), 20. Matty Rea (for Vermeulen 71),
21. Nathan Doak (for Cooney 57), 22. Ian Madigan (for Burns 67), 23. Ben Moxham (for McIlroy 79).

Semi-final[edit]

11 June 2022 Stormers South Africa 17–15 Ireland Ulster Cape Town Stadium  
15:00 Try: Kotze 5' m
Roos 14' m
Gelant 80+5' c
Con: Libbok 80+7'
 Report[127]
Match Centre 		Try: Baloucoune 18' m
S. Moore 28' c
Con: Cooney 29'
Pen: Cooney 40+1'
 Attendance: 31,300
Referee: Mike Adamson
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Tom O'Toole,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Iain Henderson (c),
6. Marcus Rea, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Duane Vermeulen,
9. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
15. Stewart Moore.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew, 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick 70), 18. Gareth Milasinovich (for O'Toole 83),
19. Kieran Treadwell (for O'Connor 68), 20. Matty Rea (for Marcus Rea 73),
21. Nathan Doak, 22. Ian Madigan (for Burns 81), 23. Ben Moxham (for Baloucoune 46).

Friendlies[edit]

3 September 2021 Ulster Ireland 21–45 England Saracens Kingspan Stadium  
Try: Rea
Warwick
Roberts
Con: Madigan (3)
 Report Try: Obatoyinbo
Tompkins
Woolstencroft
Segun
Harris (30
Con: Goode (2)
Vunipola (2)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Reid, 2. John Andrew, 3. Ross Kane,
4. Mick Kearney, 5. Sam Carter (c),
6. Matty Rea, 7. Marcus Rea, 8. Greg Jones,
9. Nathan Doak, 10. Ian Madigan,
11. Ben Moxham, 12. Angus Curtis, 13. Stewart Moore, 14. Craig Gilroy,
15. Aaron Sexton.
Replacements:
Bradley Roberts, Gareth Milasinovich, Marty Moore, Andrew Warwick,
Alan O'Connor, Sean Reidy, Azur Allison, David McCann, Harry Sheridan,
David Shanahan, Jude Postlethwaite, Ben Carson, Lewis Finlay, Conor Rankin

9 September 2021 Saracens England 3-33 Ireland Ulster Honourable Artillery Company  
Pen: Lozowski
 Report
Full game 		Try: Timoney
Gilroy (2)
Curtis
Andrew
Con: Cooney (3)
Curtis
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Bradley Roberts, 3. Marty Moore,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Mick Kearney,
6. Greg Jones, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Nick Timoney,
9. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Stewart Moore, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
15. Michael Lowry.
Replacements:
John Andrew, Callum Reid, Marty Moore,Ross Kane,
Sam Carter, Matty Rea, Marcus Rea, David McCann, Harry Sheridan,
David Shanahan, Ethan McIlroy, Ben Moxham, Ian Madigan, Angus Curtis, Ben Carson.

Ulster 'A'[edit]

13 November 2021 Ulster 'A' Ireland 8-12 Ireland Leinster 'A' Rifle Park, Banbridge  
Try: Curtis
Pen: Madigan
 Report Try: Penny
Nick McCarthy
Con: Hawkshaw
Ulster 'A' lineup:

1. Callum Reid, 2. John Andrew (c), 3. Gareth Milasinovich,
4. David O'Connor, 5. Harry Sheridan,
6. Greg Jones, 7. Reuben Crothers, 8. Marcus Rea,
9. Lewis Finlay, 10. Ian Madigan,
11. Aaron Sexton, 12. Angus Curtis, 13. Ben Moxham, 14. Rob Lyttle,
15. James Humphreys.
Replacements:
Tom Stewart, Scott Wilson, Ross Kane,
Adam McNamee, James McNamee, James McNabney,
Conor McKee, Greg Hutley, Michael Orr.

6 May 2022 Munster 'A' Ireland 33-22 Ireland Ulster 'A' University of Limerick  
Try: Okeke
Nash
Coombes
Flannery
Coughlan
Con: Crowley (2)
Flannery (2)
 Report[128]
Highights 		Try: Boal
McCormick
O'Brien
Con: Humphreys (2)
Pen: Humphreys
Ulster 'A' lineup:

1. Callum Reid, 2. James McCormick, 3. Scott Wilson,
4. Harry Sheridan, 5. Cormac Izuchukwu,
6. James McNabney, 7. Reuben Crothers, 8. David McCann (c),
9. Conor McKee, 10. James Humphreys,
11. Aaron Sexton, 12. Ben Carson, 13. Angus Curtis, 14. Conor Rankin,
15. Shea O'Brien.
Replacements:
Jack Boal, George Saunderson, Joe Charles,
Adam McNamee, Paddy Browne,
James Wright, Ethan Graham, Reece Malone.

Home attendance[edit]

Domestic League European Cup Total
League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest Total Attendance Average Attendance
2021–22 United Rugby Championship 10 11,696 16,274 9,542 2021–22 European Rugby Champions Cup 3 14,969 18,196 12,000 161,869 12,452

Awards[edit]

The Ulster Rugby Awards were announced online on 23 June 2022. Winners were:[129][130]

Season reviews[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Neil Treacy, "False dawn - The Irish provinces' end of season report", RTÉ Sport, 19 June 2022
  2. ^ Jamie Lyall, "Nathan Doak: 'I fell out of love with the game'", Rugby Pass, 10 June 2022
  3. ^ "Dwayne Peel appointed head coach ahead of 2021-22 season", Scarlets.Wales, 19 April 2021
  4. ^ "Soper Named Ulster Assistant Coach", IrishRugby.ie, 3 February 2021
  5. ^ "Craig Newby: Former All Black to join Ulster as skills coach", BBC Sport, 15 March 2021
  6. ^ "Ulster Rugby appoint new Academy Manager with Faloon also set to make a return", Huge Rugby, 21 May 2021
  7. ^ Gerry Thornley, "Ulster’s Leone Nakarawa move falls through over medical report", Irish Times, 10 January 2021
  8. ^ "Duane Vermeulen: Ulster sign Springbok World Cup-winning forward", BBC Sport, 16 September 2021
  9. ^ a b "Baloucoune, Marshall, O'Connor and Sexton commit to Ulster". Ulster Rugby. 25 January 2021. Archived from the original on 2 February 2021. Retrieved 25 January 2021.
  10. ^ a b "Andrew, Treadwell, Warwick and Doak to remain at Ulster". Ulster Rugby. 26 January 2021. Archived from the original on 1 February 2021. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  11. ^ a b Michael Sadlier, "Carter, Lowry and Stewart extend stay at Ulster", Belfast Telegraph, 30 January 2021
  12. ^ a b c "Future at Ulster for Milasinovich, McIlroy, Reid and Shanahan". Ulster Rugby. 2 February 2021. Archived from the original on 5 February 2021. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  13. ^ a b "Ulster: David McCann and Ross Kane agree contract extensions". BBC Sport. 3 March 2021. Retrieved 3 March 2021.
  14. ^ a b "Ulster young gun Izuchukwu signs new contract". The42.ie. 16 April 2021. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
  15. ^ a b "Moxham rewarded for Ulster performances with upgraded contract". Ulster Rugby. 24 December 2021. Retrieved 3 January 2022.
  16. ^ a b "Ulster Rugby Academy squad for 2021/22 season confirmed", Ulster Rugby, 12 August 2021
  17. ^ Rebecca Black, "Ulster Rugby urged to reconsider relationship with sponsor Kingspan", Yahoo News, 22 December 2021
  18. ^ Justin Kelly, "Protests urge Ulster Rugby to cut ties with sponsor Kingspan", Derry Now, 22 January 2022
  19. ^ Iain Henderson profile at Lionsrugby.com
  20. ^ Neil Treacy, "'I'd be bricking it going into games' - Ulster's Hume flourishing after finding his self belief", RTÉ Sport, 22 January 2022
  21. ^ Darren Fullerton, "Robert Baloucoune thanks Ulster teammate for helping him have a 'bawl' on his Ireland debut", Belfast Live, 19 August 2021
  22. ^ "The dramatic 7.45 am SOS call Ireland put into Belfast on Sunday morning", RugbyPass.com, 22 November 2021
  23. ^ Cian Tracey, "Uncapped Ulster back Michael Lowry to train with Ireland squad ahead of summer tests", Irish Independent, 22 June 2021
  24. ^ Michael Morrow, "Ulster 35-29 Glasgow Warriors: Hosts hold on to win league opener in nine-try thriller", BBC Sport, 24 September 2021
  25. ^ Michael Sadlier, "Nathan Doak: I want to make a name for myself and win silverware with Ulster", Belfast Telegraph, 28 January 2022
  26. ^ Ruaidhri O'Connor, "Herring hungry for more with Ireland after joining 200 club", Irish Independent, 13 October 2021
  27. ^ Jonathan Bradley, "Ulster's luckless Will Addison sustains broken leg", Belfast Telegraph, 18 October 2021
  28. ^ a b "Report | Connacht 36 Ulster 11", Ulster Rugby, 23 October 2021
  29. ^ Ruaidhri O'Connor, "Ireland show ambition, aggression and accuracy to rout Japan as Sexton celebrates century with a try", Irish Independent, 6 November 2021
  30. ^ "Ireland 29-20 New Zealand: Ireland claim pulsating win over All Blacks", Sky Sports, 14 November 2021
  31. ^ "Ireland 53-7 Argentina: Ireland score seven tries to demolish Argentina", Sky Sports, 21 November 2021
  32. ^ "Ireland Squad Named For Autumn Nations Series", Irish Rugby, 20 October 2021
  33. ^ David Skippers, "United Rugby Championship: Bradley Roberts to swap Ulster for the Dragons", Planet Rugby, 25 January 2022
  34. ^ Michael Morrow, "Leinster 10-20 Ulster: Courageous visitors end Leinster's unbeaten start" BBC Sport, 27 November 2021
  35. ^ a b "Report | Ospreys 19 Ulster 13", Ulster Rugby, 4 December 2021
  36. ^ "200 Club | Craig Gilroy", Ulster Rugby, 30 December 2021
  37. ^ "Doak, McCloskey and McIlroy agree long-term extensions with Ulster", Ulster Rugby, 23 December 2021
  38. ^ "Ulster: Neil Doak set for coaching return with academy", BBC Sport, 7 December 2021
  39. ^ Michael Morrow, "Clermont Auvergne 23-29 Ulster: Visitors deny Clermont fightback to claim famous win", BBC Sport, 11 December 2021
  40. ^ "Heineken Champions Cup: Ulster hold off Northampton Saints for 27-22 win", Sky Sports, 17 December 2021
  41. ^ "New dates set for Ulster’s inter-pro clashes against Connacht and Leinster" Irish Independent, 21 January 2022
  42. ^ a b "Report | Munster 18 Ulster 13", Ulster Rugby, 8 January 2022
  43. ^ a b "Report | Northampton 20 Ulster 24", Ulster Rugby, 16 January 2022
  44. ^ Michael Cantillon, "Ulster 34-31 Clermont Auvergne: Irish province hold off comeback to claim Heineken Champions Cup win in Belfast", Sky Sports, 22 January 2022
  45. ^ "Farrell Names 37 Player Squad For 2022 Guinness Six Nations", Irish Rugby, 19 January 2022
  46. ^ "Wales Six Nations 2022 squad: The full line-up of 36 players for this year’s rugby championship", iNews, 1 February 2022
  47. ^ "Ulster 27-15 Scarlets: Gareth Milosinovich and Craig Gilroy tries seal bonus-point win", BBC Sport, 29 January 2022
  48. ^ "Craig Gilroy hit with ban for 'reckless' horror tackle on Tom Rogers", Rugby Pass, 4 February 2022
  49. ^ "Ulster 32-12 Connacht: Baloucoune stars as northern province go top of URC", BBC Sport, 4 February 2022
  50. ^ "5 things we learned from the weekend: Ulster reach URC summit", United Rugby Championship, 7 February 2022
  51. ^ Michael Morrow, "Six Nations: Ireland hammer sorry Wales 29-7 in one-sided opener", BBC Sport, 5 February 2022
  52. ^ "Five Irish players nominated for European Rugby Player of Year", The42, 1 February 2022
  53. ^ Conor O'Donoghue, "Michael Lowry is delighted to have fulfilled his childhood dream after making Ireland debut", Irish Post, 1 March 2022
  54. ^ "Highlights: February 2022", Rugby Players Ireland, 28 February 2022
  55. ^ "Jude Postlethwaite: "It has been a dream of mine to play for Ulster"". Ulster Rugby. 12 February 2022. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  56. ^ "Match Preview: 1881 v Richmond Vikings, Sat 12th Feb 2022", Ampthill RUFC, 11 February 2022
  57. ^ "Ulster do the double over URC leaders Leinster", Rugby365, 13 March 2022
  58. ^ Jonathan Bradley, "Controversial finish sees Ulster slip to defeat in Cape Town as disallowed Callum Reid try hands Stormers victory", Belfast Telegraph, 26 March 2022
  59. ^ Adam McKendry, "URC head of officials Tappe Henning admits that disallowed Ulster try should have stood against Stormers", Belfast Telegraph, 28 March 2022
  60. ^ Adam McKendry, "Alan O’Connor to captain Ulster on milestone appearance as province prepare for first Stormers clash", Belfast Telegraph, 25 March 2022
  61. ^ Adam McKendry, "Andrew Warwick to make milestone 150th appearance as Ulster make 10 changes for Bulls clash", Belfast Telegraph, 1 April 2022
  62. ^ "United Rugby Championship: Bulls 34-16 Ulster - Coetzee inspires Bulls' second-half blitz", BBC Sport, 2 April 2022
  63. ^ Darren Fullerton, "Ulster boosted by return of experienced player for South African double header", Belfast Live, 22 March 2022
  64. ^ a b "Baloucoune hat-trick as Ulster win at Toulouse", European Professional Club Rugby, 9 April 2022
  65. ^ a b "Toulouse edge thriller against Ulster", EPCRugby.com, 16 April 2022
  66. ^ Jonathan Bradley, "Toulouse have to mix it up with key names missing, as Nick Timoney hits 100th Ulster cap", Belfast Telegraph, 16 April 2022
  67. ^ "Pedrie Wannenburg: Former Ulster & South Africa flanker, 41, killed in car accident", BBC News, 23 April 2022
  68. ^ a b "Munster survive Ulster fightback in Belfast to go third in URC standings", URC, 22 April 2022
  69. ^ a b "Ulster cling on for valuable victory over Edinburgh", URC, 30 April 2022
  70. ^ Lloyd Burnard, "URC playoff picture: All 8 quarter-finalists confirmed as Sharks, Stormers deadlocked in battle for 2nd", Sport24, 1 May 2022
  71. ^ a b "Ulster secure home play-off with victory over Cell C Sharks in Belfast", United Rugby Championship, 20 May 2022
  72. ^ a b "Ulster storm into Final Four with five-try victory over Munster", United Rugby Championship, 3 June 2022
  73. ^ "United Rugby Championship's Final Four Line-Up Confirmed", United Rugby Championship, 4 June 2022
  74. ^ "URC Semi-Final Report | DHL Stormers 17 Ulster 15", Ulster Rugby, 11 June 2022
  75. ^ "Alan O'Connor Awarded Tackle Machine In This Years URC Awards", United Rugby Championship, 31 May 2022
  76. ^ "The United Rugby Championship Dream Team Has Been Named", United Rugby, 7 June 2021
  77. ^ "Ulster sign Kearney on short-term contract". Ulster Rugby. 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  78. ^ "Munster hooker joins Ulster as short-term injury cover". The42.ie. 24 December 2021. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  79. ^ "Duane Vermeulen: Ulster sign Springbok World Cup-winning forward". BBC Sport. 16 September 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
  80. ^ "Bulls confirm high-profile Marcell Coetzee signing". planet rugby. 28 December 2020. Retrieved 10 March 2021.
  81. ^ "Otago add Matt Faddes and Highlanders prop Jermaine Ainsley to stacked NPC squad". Stuff.co.nz. 12 June 2021. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
  82. ^ "Bill Johnston signs for Ealing Trailfinders". Ealing Trailfinders. 28 June 2021. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  83. ^ "Ulster Rugby's Louis Ludik announces retirement", Ulster Rugby, 27 May 2021, archived 27 May 2021
  84. ^ a b "Dan McFarland ready to 'live on Ian Madigan kicking winning goals' as Ulster prepare for new-look future over summer break". Belfast Telegraph. 7 June 2021. Retrieved 7 June 2021.
  85. ^ "McBurney hooked from Ulster". Edinburgh Rugby. 16 March 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  86. ^ "Ulster Rugby Senior Men’s squad for 2021/22 season confirmed", Ulster Rugby, 21 July 2021
  87. ^ "Harlequins announce host of new senior academy contracts". Harlequins. 5 March 2021. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
  88. ^ "Kelly confirms Heriot’s Rugby squad ahead of the new FSROC Super6 season", Scottish Rugby, 22 July 2021
  89. ^ Academy squad list
  90. ^ "Ulster Rugby Academy squad for 2021/22 season confirmed". Ulster Rugby. 12 August 2021. Retrieved 12 August 2021.
  91. ^ "Pool Tables". Heineken Champions Cup. EPCR. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  92. ^ "Report | Clermont 23 Ulster 29", Ulster Rugby, 11 December 2021
  93. ^ "Report | Ulster 27 Northampton Saints 22", Ulster Rugby, 17 December 2021
  94. ^ "Report | Ulster 34 Clermont 31", Ulster Rugby, 22 January 2022
  95. ^ "Report | Toulouse 20 Ulster 26", Ulster Rugby, 9 April 2022
  96. ^ Competition Rule 3.1.4 "Summary of Key Rules". Pro14. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
  97. ^ "Report | Ulster 35 Glasgow Warriors 29", Ulster Rugby, 24 September 2021
  98. ^ "Ulster edge Glasgow in Kingspan thriller", URC, 24 September 2021
  99. ^ "Report | Zebre 3 Ulster 36", Ulster Rugby, 2 October 2021
  100. ^ "Ulster storm to victory over Zebre in Parma", URC, 2 October 2021
  101. ^ "Report | Ulster 28 Benetton 8", Ulster Rugby, 8 October 2021
  102. ^ "Ulster overcome Benetton to stay perfect in URC", URC, 8 October 2021
  103. ^ "Report | Ulster 26 Emirates Lions 10", Ulster Rugby, 15 October 2021
  104. ^ "Ulster stay perfect with bonus-point win over Emirates Lions", URC, 15 October 2021
  105. ^ "Connacht halt Ulster's perfect start with five-try win in Dublin", URC, 23 October 2021
  106. ^ "Connacht halt Ulster's perfect start with five-try win in Dublin". Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  107. ^ "Report | Leinster 10 Ulster 20", Ulster Rugby, 27 November 2021
  108. ^ "Ulster end Leinster winning run with victory in Dublin", URC, 27 November 2021
  109. ^ "MATCH REPORT: LEINSTER RUGBY 10 ULSTER RUGBY 20".
  110. ^ "Ulster beaten as Ospreys chalk up another home win over Irish opposition", URC, 4 December 2021
  111. ^ "Ulster only have themselves to blame after losing away to the Ospreys". 4 December 2021.
  112. ^ "Munster overcome Simon Zebo red card to edge Ulster", URC, 8 January 2022
  113. ^ Reduced stadium capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions.
  114. ^ "Report | Ulster 27 Scarlets 15", Ulster Rugby, 28 January 2022
  115. ^ "Ulster return to URC action with bonus-point win over the Scarlets", URC, 28 January 2022
  116. ^ "Brave Scarlets push Ulster to the limit in Belfast".
  117. ^ "Report | Ulster 32 Connacht 12", Ulster Rugby, 4 February 2022
  118. ^ "Ulster go top of URC with bonus-point victory over Connacht", URC, 4 February 2022
  119. ^ "Report | Dragons 0 Ulster 12", Ulster Rugby, 20 February 2022
  120. ^ "Ulster overcome Dragons at wet and windy Rodney Parade", URC, 20 February 2022
  121. ^ "Two-try Ulster keep Dragons scoreless to secure victory in horrible conditions". 20 February 2022.
  122. ^ "Report | Ulster 48 Cardiff Rugby 12", Ulster Rugby, 4 March 2022
  123. ^ "Ulster return to summit with huge win against Cardiff", URC, 4 March 2022
  124. ^ "Ulster hold on to beat Leinster in top-of-the-table clash", United Rugby Championship, 12 March 2022
  125. ^ "DHL Stormers cling on for narrow win against high-flying Ulster", URC, 26 March 2022
  126. ^ "Second-half surge earns Vodacom Bulls bonus-point win against high-flying Ulster", URC, 2 April 2022
  127. ^ "DHL Stormers claim dramatic late victory over Ulster to seal URC Grand Final place", United Rugby, 11 June 2022
  128. ^ "Report | Munster 'A' 33 Ulster 'A' 22", Ulster Rugby, 6 May 2022
  129. ^ "2021-22 Heineken Ulster Rugby Award winners revealed", Ulster Rugby, 23 June 2022
  130. ^ "Nominees announced for 2021/22 Heineken Ulster Rugby Awards", Ulster Rugby, 22 June 2022
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