User:Nicknack009/2024–25 Ulster Rugby season

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Ulster Rugby
2023–24 season
Head CoachRichie Murphy
Operations DirectorBryn Cunningham
CaptainIain Henderson
United Rugby ChampionshipTBC
TBCTBC
Home colours
Away colours
Third colours
← 2023–24 2025–26 →

The 2023–24 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..

Events[edit]

Personnel changes[edit]

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]

Centre Angus Curtis retired partway through last season on medical advice after a series of concussions.[3] Prop Steven Kitshoff cut short his stay at Ulster and returned to the Stormers.[4] Out-half Billy Burns joined Munster on a one-year contract.[5] Centre Luke Marshall will retire at the end of the season.[6] Utility back Will Addison, fullback Shea O'Brien, flanker Dave Ewers, prop James French and flanker Greg Jones were released.[7]

New signings included wing Werner Kok from the Sharks,[8] and Irish-qualified out-half Aidan Morgan from the Hurricanes.[9] Scrum-half Michael McDonald returned from his season-long loan at Connacht.[10] Academy prop Scott Wilson and flankers Lorcan McLoughlin and James McNabney joined the senior squad on development contracts.[11]

Staff[edit]

(Subject to change)

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

Squad[edit]

Senior squad[edit]

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.

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. Italics denotes players of uncertain contract status.
* 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 Draft:List of 2024–25 United Rugby Championship transfers.

Academy squad[edit]

Ulster Rugby academy squad

Props

  • Ireland Jack Boal (2)
  • Ireland Jacob Boyd (2)
  • Ireland Cameron Doak (2)
  • Ireland George Saunderson (4)

Hookers

  • Ireland Zac Solomon (2)
  • England Henry Walker* (2)

Locks

  • Ireland Joe Hopes (3)
  • Ireland Charlie Irvine (2)

Back row

  • Ireland Tom Brigg (2)
  • Ireland Josh Stevens (2)

Scrum-halves

  • None currently named

Fly-halves

  • Ireland James Humphreys (4)
  • Ireland Jack Murphy (1)

Centres

  • Ireland Sam Berman (1)
  • Ireland Wilhelm de Klerk (1)

Back three

  • Ireland Ethan Graham (2)
  • Ireland Lukas Kenny (2)
  • Ireland Ben McFarlane (2)
  • Ireland Rory Telfer (3)
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.

Friendlies[edit]

7 September 2024 Ulster Ireland v Italy Benetton Ravenhill Stadium  
17:00
14 September 2024 Exeter Chiefs England v Ireland Ulster Sandy Park  
17:00

References[edit]

  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. ^ a b "Ulster Rugby confirms Angus Curtis’ retirement", Ulster Rugby, 26 January 2024
  4. ^ a b "Steven Kitshoff: Two-time World Cup winner to leave Ulster in the summer", BBC Sport, 5 April 2024
  5. ^ a b Shane Donovan, "Confirmed: Ulster out-half Billy Burns seals Munster move", irish Examiner, 19 March 2023
  6. ^ a b Keith Bailie, "Ulster centre confirms retirement after 15 seasons at Ravenhill", Belfast Telegraph, 8 April 2024
  7. ^ a b c d e f "Ulster confirm a nine-strong leavers list that includes Dave Ewers". Rugby Pass. 15 May 2024. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
  8. ^ a b "Werner Kok to become the first Ulster signing for 2024/25". Rugby Pass. 13 March 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  9. ^ a b "Ulster Rugby signs Irish-Qualified Morgan", Ulster Rugby, 27 May 2024
  10. ^ a b "Departing players & 24/25 squad confirmed", Connacht Rugby, 16 May 2024
  11. ^ a b c d "McNabney, Wilson and McLoughlin to continue their development at Ulster", Ulster Rugby, 3 April 2024
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