2018–19 Ulster Rugby season

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The 2018–19 season was Ulster's 25th season since the advent of professionalism in rugby union, and Dan McFarland's first season as head coach. Rory Best was captain.

New signings included centre/fullback Will Addison from Sale Sharks, out-half Billy Burns from Gloucester, prop Marty Moore from Wasps, and flanker Jordi Murphy from Leinster. Academy players making their debuts included Eric O'Sullivan, centre James Hume, wing Robert Baloucoune and fullback Michael Lowry. They competed in the Pro14, making the semi-finals, and the European Rugby Champions Cup, making the quarter-finals. Stuart McCloskey was named Player of the Year

Will Addison made his debut for Ireland, with Jacob Stockdale, Jordi Murphy, Iain Henderson, Rory Best, John Cooney, Stuart McCloskey and Rob Herring also winning caps.

Ulster 'A' competed in the Celtic Cup, finishing third in the Ireland conference, and the Cara Cup. Ulster Women competed in the IRFU Women's Interprovincial Series, finishing fourth.

After the resignation of Jono Gibbes, Dan McFarland was announced as Ulster's new head coach on 30 April 2018. Initially he was to serve his notice as Scotland's forwards coach and join Ulster in January 2019, with Simon Easterby to act as interim head coach until then. But in August, an agreement was reached with Scotland for McFarland to join Ulster before the new season. Jared Payne, who retired as a player at the end of last season, became the new defence coach. Banbridge head coach Dan Soper joined as skills coach. Shane Logan stepped down as Chief Executive in September 2018, with Jonny Petrie appointed as his successor.

There were significant changes to the playing squad. Aside from Jared Payne, wings Tommy Bowe and Andrew Trimble, scrum-half Paul Marshall, and loose forwards Peter Browne, Jean Deysel and Chris Henry also retired. Also departing were fullback Charles Piutau to Bristol Bears, props Callum Black to Worcester Warriors, Rodney Ah You to Newcastle Falcons and Wiehahn Herbst to the Bulls, out-half Brett Herron to Jersey Reds, and centre Callum Patterson to the Cornish Pirates. Scrum-half Aaron Cairns, flanker Robbie Diack and prop Schalk van der Merwe were released. Out-half Paddy Jackson and centre Stuart Olding, whose contracts were terminated in the fallout from their trial and acquittal for rape, signed for Perpignan and Brive respectively. Rory Best remained captain.

Ulster were in need of an experienced out-half after the end of Christian Lealiifano's loan period and Jackson's departure. In June they attempted to sign South African out-half Elton Jantjies, but were blocked by the IRFU, who insisted they needed to sign an Irish-qualified player. Leinster's Joey Carbery and Ross Byrne were talked about, but Carbery opted to sign for Munster and Byrne stayed at Leinster. On 18 July, Billy Burns, who qualified for Ireland through his Irish grandfather, was signed from Gloucester.

Other new arrivals were prop Marty Moore, signed from Wasps; flanker Jordi Murphy, from Leinster; utility back Will Addison, from Sale Sharks; wing Henry Speight, from the Brumbies; and, in a short-term loan deal, lock Ian Nagle, from Leinster. Academy players who made their debut for the senior team this season were prop Eric O'Sullivan, wings Robert Baloucoune and Angus Kernohan, centre James Hume, fullback Michael Lowry and flanker Marcus Rea. Former academy prop Tommy O'Hagan also made his senior debut.

Seven players joined the academy this season: back row forward Matthew Agnew, from Malone RFC; out-half Bruce Houston, centre Stewart Moore, and back-rower Azur Allison, from Ballymena Academy; back rower David McCann, from RBAI; outside back Iwan Hughes, from Bristol Bears; and wing Angus Kernohan, from Ballymena Academy.

Ulster renewed their sponsorship deal with construction materials firm Kingspan, who would continue as Ulster's jersey sponsor until 1923. Their stadium naming deal would continue until 2024.

In the Pro14, Ulster finished second in Conference B, qualifying for the playoffs and next season's Champions Cup. They defeated Connacht in the quarter-final, but lost to Glasgow Warriors in the semi-final. Ulster led the league in defence. Scrum-half John Cooney and centre Stuart McCloskey made the Pro14 Dream Team. They finished second in Pool 4 of the Champions Cup, making the quarter-finals, where they lost to Leinster. Wing Jacob Stockdale was named on the longlist for EPCR European Player of the Year.

John Cooney was leading scorer with 142 points. Hooker Rob Herring was leading try scorer with eight. Flanker Nick Timoney was leading tackler with 303, just ahead of number eight Marcell Coetzee with 301. Stuart McCloskey was Ulster's Player of the Year. Captain and hooker Rory Best and centre Darren Cave retired at the end of the season.

Eric O'Sullivan (26 apps, 18 starts) Andrew Warwick (25 apps, 11 starts) Marty Moore (20 apps, 19 starts, 10 pts) Ross Kane (16 apps, 6 starts) Tom O'Toole (18 apps, 3 starts) Wiehahn Herbst* (7 apps, 2 starts) Kyle McCall (3 apps, 1 start) Tommy O'Hagan (2 apps) Schalk van der Merwe (no apps) Hookers

Rob Herring (22 apps, 14 starts, 40 pts) Rory Best (c) (13 apps, 11 starts) Adam McBurney (10 apps, 3 starts, 5 pts) John Andrew (13 apps, 2 starts, 5 pts) Locks

Kieran Treadwell (28 apps, 22 starts, 10 pts) Alan O'Connor (25 apps, 18 starts, 10 pts) Iain Henderson (15 apps, 15 starts, 10 pts) Ian Nagle (11 apps) Matthew Dalton (2 apps, 1 start) Alex Thompson (no apps) | Back row

Marcell Coetzee (23 apps, 23 starts, 25 pts) Nick Timoney (27 apps, 20 starts, 10 pts) Jordi Murphy (18 apps, 18 starts, 15 pts) Sean Reidy (25 apps, 16 starts, 5 pts) Clive Ross (10 apps, 4 starts) Greg Jones (7 apps, 2 starts) Matty Rea (9 apps, 5 starts) Marcus Rea (1 app, 5 pts) Chris Henry (1 app) Caleb Montgomery (1 app) Scrum-halves

John Cooney (21 apps, 19 starts, 142 pts) David Shanahan (21 apps, 11 starts, 35 pts) Johnny Stewart (8 apps, 10 pts) Alan Bennie (no apps) Fly-halves

Billy Burns* (24 apps, 24 starts, 49 pts) Johnny McPhillips (11 apps, 4 starts, 15 pts) Angus Curtis* (4 apps, 2 starts, 5 pts) | Centres

Stuart McCloskey (26 apps, 25 starts, 20 pts) Darren Cave (19 apps, 13 starts, 5 pts) Will Addison (11 apps, 11 starts, 23 pts) James Hume (11 apps, 5 starts) Luke Marshall (5 apps, 4 starts, 5 pts) Wings

Robert Baloucoune (14 apps, 13 starts, 30 pts) Henry Speight (12 apps, 12 starts, 15 pts) Jacob Stockdale (12 apps, 11 starts, 35 pts) Angus Kernohan (18 apps, 7 starts, 10 pts) Rob Lyttle (9 apps, 7 starts, 27 pts) Craig Gilroy (6 apps, 6 starts, 5 pts) David Busby (1 app, 1 start) Jack Owens (1 app) Fullbacks

Louis Ludik* (14 apps, 14 starts, 10 pts) Michael Lowry (16 apps, 12 starts, 10 pts) Peter Nelson (13 apps, 8 starts, 9 pts) | | | | | | (c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players. Italics denotes academy players who appeared in the senior team. * denotes players qualified to play for Ireland on residency or dual nationality. Players and their allocated positions from the Ulster Rugby website..mw-parser-output .reflist-columns-2{column-width:30em}.mw-parser-output .reflist-columns-3{column-width:25em}body.skin-vector-2022 .mw-parser-output .reflist-columns-2{column-width:27em}body.skin-vector-2022 .mw-parser-output .reflist-columns-3{column-width:22.5em}.mw-parser-output .references[data-mw-group=upper-alpha]{list-style-type:upper-alpha}.mw-parser-output .references[data-mw-group=upper-roman]{list-style-type:upper-roman}.mw-parser-output .references[data-mw-group=lower-alpha]{list-style-type:lower-alpha}.mw-parser-output .references[data-mw-group=lower-greek]{list-style-type:lower-greek}.mw-parser-output .references[data-mw-group=lower-roman]{list-style-type:lower-roman}.mw-parser-output div.reflist-liststyle-upper-alpha .references{list-style-type:upper-alpha}.mw-parser-output div.reflist-liststyle-upper-roman .references{list-style-type:upper-roman}.mw-parser-output div.reflist-liststyle-lower-alpha .references{list-style-type:lower-alpha}.mw-parser-output div.reflist-liststyle-lower-greek .references{list-style-type:lower-greek}.mw-parser-output div.reflist-liststyle-lower-roman .references{list-style-type:lower-roman} | | |

• Internationally capped players in bold
• Players qualified to play for Ireland on dual nationality or residency grounds*
• Irish Provinces are currently limited to four non-Irish eligible (NIE) players and one non-Irish qualified player (NIQ or "Project Player").

Eric O'Sullivan (2) Hookers

Zack McCall (3) Locks

Matthew Dalton (2) Jack Regan (2) | Back row

Matthew Agnew (1) Azur Allison (1) Joe Dunleavy (2) Aaron Hall (3) David McCann (1) Marcus Rea (3) Scrum-halves

Graham Curtis* (2) Fly-halves

Bruce Houston (1) (1 app) Michael Lowry (2) | Centres

James Hume (2) Stewart Moore (1) Wings

Robert Baloucoune (2) Iwan Hughes (1) Angus Kernohan (1) Fullbacks

None | | | | | | (c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players, 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. | | |

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Ross Kane,
2. Alan O'Connor, 5. Iain Henderson,
3. Marcell Coetzee, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Nick Timoney,
4. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Will Addison, 14. Craig Gilroy,
6. Michael Lowry. Replacements:
7. Adam McBurney (for Best 73'), 17. Eric O'Sullivan, 18. Marty Moore (for Kane 33'),
8. Kieran Treadwell (for O'Connor 57'), 20. Sean Reidy (for Murphy 50'),
9. David Shanahan (for Burns 65'), 22. Angus Curtis (for Burns 39'-41'), 23. Angus Kernohan (for McCloskey 76'). | | | | |

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Marty Moore,
2. Iain Henderson, 5. Kieran Treadwell,
3. Marcell Coetzee, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Nick Timoney,
4. David Shanahan, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Will Addison, 14. Craig Gilroy,
6. Michael Lowry. Replacements:
7. Adam McBurney (for Best 57'), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick 41'), 18. Ross Kane (for Moore 52'),
8. Alan O'Connor (for Treadwell 57'), 20. Sean Reidy (for Timoney 41'),
9. Johnny Stewart (for Shanahan 73'), 22. Johnny McPhillips (for Burns 45'), 23. Angus Kernohan (for Stockdale 57'). | | | | |

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rory Best, 3. Marty Moore,
2. Iain Henderson, 5. Kieran Treadwell,
3. Sean Reidy, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Marcell Coetzee,
4. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Will Addison, 14. Henry Speight,
6. Louis Ludik. Replacements:
7. Rob Herring (for Best 69'), 17. Kyle McCall, 18. Tom O'Toole (for Moore 69'),
8. Matty Rea, 20. Nick Timoney (for Reidy 24'),
9. David Shanahan, 22. Johnny McPhillips (for Burns 75'), 23. Darren Cave. | | | | |

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rory Best, 3. Marty Moore,
2. Iain Henderson, 5. Kieran Treadwell,
3. Sean Reidy, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Marcell Coetzee,
4. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Will Addison, 14. Henry Speight,
6. Louis Ludik. Replacements:
7. Rob Herring (for Best 67'), 17. Kyle McCall (for O'Sullivan 64'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for Moore 67'),
8. Matty Rea (for Treadwell 76'), 20. Nick Timoney (for Coetzee 67'),
9. David Shanahan, 22. Johnny McPhillips (for Burns 67'), 23. Darren Cave (for Stockdale 57'). | | | | |

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rory Best, 3. Marty Moore,
2. Alan O'Connor, 5. Kieran Treadwell,
3. Sean Reidy, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Marcell Coetzee,
4. David Shanahan, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Will Addison, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
6. Louis Ludik. Replacements:
7. Rob Herring (for Best 64'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for O'Sullivan 64'), 18. Ross Kane (for Moore 64'),
8. Ian Nagle (for O'Connor 64'), 20. Nick Timoney,
9. Johnny Stewart, 22. Michael Lowry (for Burns 69'), 23. Darren Cave. | | | | |

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rory Best, 3. Marty Moore,
2. Iain Henderson, 5. Kieran Treadwell,
3. Sean Reidy, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Marcell Coetzee,
4. David Shanahan, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Will Addison, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
6. Louis Ludik. Replacements:
7. Rob Herring (for Best 64'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for O'Sullivan 49'), 18. Ross Kane (for Moore 76'),
8. Alan O'Connor (for Treadwell 64'), 20. Nick Timoney (for Coetzee 34'),
9. John Cooney (for Shanahan 49'), 22. Michael Lowry (for Burns 69'), 23. Darren Cave. | | | | |

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rory Best, 3. Marty Moore,
2. Iain Henderson, 5. Kieran Treadwelll,
3. Nick Timoney, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Marcell Coetzee,
4. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
6. Michael Lowry. Replacements:
7. Rob Herring (for Best 15'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for O'Sullivan 71'), 18. Wiehahn Herbst (for Moore 54'),
8. Alan O'Connor, 20. Sean Reidy (for Coetzee 51'),
9. David Shanahan, 22. Luke Marshall (for Cave 62'), 23. Angus Kernohan. | | | | |

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. John Andrew, 3. Tom O'Toole,
2. Alan O'Connor, 5. Iain Henderson,
3. Marcell Coetzee, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Nick Timoney,
4. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Henry Speight, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Craig Gilroy,
6. Will Addison. Replacements:
7. Adam McBurney (for Andrew 54'), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick 54'), 18. Ross Kane (for O'Toole 19'),
8. Kieran Treadwell (for Henderson 64'), 20. Chris Henry (for Coetzee 54'),
9. David Shanahan, 22. Angus Curtis, 23. Angus Kernohan (for Addison 54'). | | | | |

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Ross Kane,
2. Kieran Treadwell, 5. Iain Henderson,
3. Marcell Coetzee, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Nick Timoney,
4. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Henry Speight, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Craig Gilroy,
6. Will Addison. Replacements:
7. Adam McBurney, 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick 50'), 18. Wiehahn Herbst (for Kane 50'),
8. Alan O'Connor (for Treadwell 60'), 20. Sean Reidy (for Coetzee 50'),
9. David Shanahan, 22. Angus Curtis, 23. Angus Kernohan. | | | | |

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Tom O'Toole,
2. Alan O'Connor, 5. Kieran Treadwell,
3. Marcell Coetzee, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Nick Timoney,
4. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Henry Speight, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Craig Gilroy,
6. Peter Nelson. Replacements:
7. Adam McBurney (for Herring 67'), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick 48'), 18. Wiehahn Herbst (for O'Toole 45'),
8. Jean Deysel (for Treadwell 74'), 20. Matty Rea (for Timoney 56'),
9. David Shanahan (for Cooney 32'), 22. Angus Curtis (for Burns 67'), 23. Angus Kernohan (for Cave 63'). | | | | |

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rob Herring (c), 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
2. Alan O'Connor, 5. Kieran Treadwell,
3. Matty Rea, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Marcell Coetzee,
4. David Shanahan, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Angus Kernohan, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Henry Speight,
6. Peter Nelson. Replacements:
7. John Andrew (for Treadwell 61'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for O'Sullivan 60'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for Herbst 11'),
8. Jean Deysel (for Coetzee 50'), 20. Nick Timoney (for Reidy 24'),
9. Johnny Stewart (for Shanahan 59'), 22. Angus Curtis (for Cave 69'), 23. Johnny McPhillips. | | | | |

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Adam McBurney, 3. Ross Kane,
2. Alan O'Connor, 5. Iain Henderson,
3. Matty Rea, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Jean Deysel,
4. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Angus Kernohan, 12. Angus Curtis, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Craig Gilroy,
6. Peter Nelson. Replacements:
7. John Andrew (for McBurney 65'), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick 64'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for Kane 40'),
8. Kieran Treadwell (for Henderson 19'), 20. Clive Ross (for Curtis 74'),
9. David Shanahan (for Cooney 33'), 22. Michael Lowry (for Nelson 40'), 23. James Hume (for Burns 65'). | | | | |

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Tom O'Toole,
2. Alan O'Connor, 5. Iain Henderson,
3. Matty Rea, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Marcell Coetzee,
4. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Angus Curtis, 14. Angus Kernohan,
6. Peter Nelson. Replacements:
7. Adam McBurney (for Best 65'), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick 55'), 18. Ross Kane (for O'Toole 40'),
8. Kieran Treadwell (for O'Connor 66'), 20. Sean Reidy (for Coetzee 65'),
9. David Shanahan, 22. Johnny McPhillips (for Burns 65'), 23. James Hume (for Curyis 65'). | | | | |

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rory Best, 3. Marty Moore,
2. Kieran Treadwell, 5. Iain Henderson,
3. Sean Reidy, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Marcell Coetzee,
4. David Shanahan, 10. Johnny McPhillips,
5. Henry Speight, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Will Addison, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
6. Micgael Lowry. Replacements:
7. Rob Herring (for Best 50'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for O'Sullivan 50'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for Moore 56'),
8. Alan O'Connor (for Henderson 59'), 20. Greg Jones (for Coetzee 72'),
9. Johnny Stewart (for Shanahan 63'), 22. Angus Kernohan (for Speight 79'), 23. Peter Nelson (for Lowry 56'). | | | | |

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore,
2. Alan O'Connor, 5. Kieran Treadwell,
3. Marcell Coetzee, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Nick Timoney,
4. David Shanahan, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Henry Speight, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
6. Peter Nelson. Replacements:
7. John Andrew (for Herring 63'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for O'Sullivan 63'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for Moore 63'),
8. Clive Ross (for Coetzee 74'), 20. Greg Jones (for Reidy 63'),
9. Johnny Stewart, 22. Johnny McPhillips, 23. Angus Kernohan (for Baloucoune 23'). | | | | |

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Adam McBurney, 3. Marty Moore,
2. Alan O'Connor, 5. Kieran Treadwell,
3. Marcell Coetzee, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Nick Timoney,
4. David Shanahan, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Henry Speight, 12. James Hume, 13. Louis Ludik, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
6. Michael Lowry. Replacements:
7. John Andrew (for McBurney 62'), 17. Andy Warwick (for O'Sullivan 49'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for Moore 54'),
8. Ian Nagle (for Treadwell 49'), 20. Greg Jones (for Timoney 62'),
9. Johnny Stewart (for Shanahan 62'), 22. Darren Cave (for Ludik 56'), 23. Angus Kernohan (for Speight 75'). | | | | |

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore,
2. Alan O'Connor, 5. Kieran Treadwell,
3. Sean Reidy, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Marcell Coetzee,
4. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Louis Ludik, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Henry Speight,
6. Michael Lowry. Replacements:
7. Rory Best (for Herring 50'), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick 45'), 18. Ross Kane (for Moore 47'),
8. Ian Nagle (for O'Connor 35'), 20. Nick Timoney (for Murphy 71'),
9. David Shanahan, 22. Johnny McPhillips (for Burns 35'), 23. Jacob Stockdale (for Lowry 44'). | | | | |

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore,
2. Ian Nagle, 5. Kieran Treadwell,
3. Sean Reidy, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Marcell Coetzee,
4. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Robert Baloucoune, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Will Addison, 14. Henry Speight,
6. Louis Ludik. Replacements:
7. Rory Best (for Herring 51'), 17. Kyle McCall (for O'Sullivan 54-73'), 18. Ross Kane (for Moore 55'),
8. Clive Ross, 20. Nick Timoney (for Reidy 59'),
9. David Shanahan (for Cooney 24'), 22. Johnny McPhillips (for Hume 64'), 23. James Hume (for Ludik 51'). | | | | |

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore,
2. Ian Nagle, 5. Kieran Treadwell,
3. Nick Timoney, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Marcell Coetzee,
4. John Cooney, 10. Johnny McPhillips,
5. Angus Kernohan, 12. Darren Cave, 13. Will Addison, 14. Henry Speight,
6. Louis Ludik. Replacements:
7. Adam McBurney (for Herring 76'), 17. Tommy O'Hagan (for O'Sullivan 47-66'), 18. Ross Kane (for Moore 47'),
8. Clive Ross (for Nagle 76'), 20. Greg Jones (for Coetzee 45'),
9. David Shanahan (for Speight 59'), 22. Peter Nelson (for McPhillips 51'), 23. Stuart McCloskey (for Kernohan 44'). | | | | |

1. Kyle McCall, 2. Adam McBurney, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
2. Matthew Dalton, 5. Alan O'Connor,
3. Greg Jones, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Nick Timoney,
4. David Shanahan, 10. Johnny McPhillips,
5. Angus Kernohan, 12. James Hume, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Rob Lyttle,
6. Michael Lowry. Replacements:
7. John Andrew (for McBurney 32-40', 50'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for McCall 48'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for Herbst 40'),
8. Caleb Montgomery (for O'Connor 67'), 20. Clive Ross (for Reidy 57'),
9. Johnny Stewart (for Shanahan 71'), 22. Bruce Houston (for Kernohan 48'), 23. Peter Nelson (for Lowry 17'). | | | | |

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore,
2. Alan O'Connor, 5. Kieran Treadwell,
3. Ian Nagle, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Greg Jones,
4. David Shanahan, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Louis Ludik, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
6. Michael Lowry. Replacements:
7. John Andrew (for Herring 73'), 17. Wiehahn Herbst, 18. Tom O'Toole (for Moore 55'),
8. Matthew Dalton (for Jones 73'), 20. Clive Ross (for Treadwell 59'),
9. Johnny Stewart (for Shanahan 54'), 22. Darren Cave (for McCloskey 40'), 23. Rob Lyttle (for Baloucoune 54'). | | | | |

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore,
2. Alan O'Connor, 5. Iain Henderson,
3. Clive Ross, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Nick Timoney,
4. John Cooney, 10. Michael Lowry,
5. Louis Ludik, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Angus Kernohan,
6. Peter Nelson. Replacements:
7. John Andrew, 17. Andrew Warwick (for O'Sullivan 71'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for Moore 59'),
8. Kieran Treadwell (for O'Connor 59'), 20. Sean Reidy (for Ross 63'),
9. David Shanahan, 22. James Hume (for Lowry 73'), 23. Rob Lyttle (for Kernohan 71'). | | | | |

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore,
2. Alan O'Connor, 5. Kieran Treadwell,
3. Clive Ross, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Nick Timoney,
4. David Shanahan, 10. Peter Nelson,
5. Robert Lyttle, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
6. Louis Ludik. Replacements:
7. John Andrew (for Herring 64'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for O'Sullivan 49'), 18. Ross Kane (for Moore 49'),
8. Ian Nagle (for O'Connor 51'), 20. Greg Jones (for Timoney 51'),
9. Johnny Stewart (for Shanahan 51'), 22. Johnny McPhillips (for Ludik 60'), 23. James Hume (for McCloskey 45'). | | | | |

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore,
2. Alan O'Connor, 5. Kieran Treadwell,
3. Clive Ross, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Nick Timoney,
4. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Robert Lyttle, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
6. Louis Ludik. Replacements:
7. John Andrew (for Herring 69'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for O'Sullivan 63'), 18. Wiehahn Herbst (for Moore 51'),
8. Ian Nagle (for O'Connor 75'), 20. Matty Rea (for Ross 63'),
9. David Shanahan (for Cooney 55'), 22. James Hume (for Cave 62'), 23. Peter Nelson (for Burns 77'). | | | | |

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore,
2. Alan O'Connor, 5. Ian Nagle,
3. Matty Rea, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Marcell Coetzee,
4. David Shanahan, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Robert Lyttle, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
6. Louis Ludik. Replacements:
7. John Andrew (for Herring 73'), 17. Wiehahn Herbst (for Warwick 58'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for Moore 27'),
8. Kiean Treadwell (for Nagle 53'), 20. Clive Ross (for Coetzee 54'),
9. John Cooney (for Shanahan 43'), 22. Michael Lowry (for Ludik 9'), 23. Angus Kernohan (for Cave 45'). | | | | |

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore,
2. Alan O'Connor, 5. Kieran Treadwell,
3. Sean Reidy, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Marcell Coetzee,
4. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Rob Lyttle,
6. Michael Lowry. Replacements:
7. John Andrew (for Herring 45'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for O'Sullivan 45'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for Moore 61'),
8. Ian Nagle (for Tradwell 52'), 20. Matty Rea (for Coetzee 66'),
9. David Shanahan (for Burns 60'), 22. Darren Cave (for McCloskey 56'), 23. Angus Kernohan (for Lowry 20'). | | | | |

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore,
2. Iain Henderson, 5. Kieran Treadwell,
3. Nick Timoney, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Marcell Coetzee,
4. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Robert Lyttle, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
6. Jacob Stockdale. Replacements:
7. John Andrew (for Herring 79'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for O'Sullivan 73'), 18. Ross Kane (for Moore 9'),
8. Alan O'Connor (for Treadwell 62'), 20. Sean Reidy (for Timoney 67'),
9. David Shanahan (for Cooney 79'), 22. Peter Nelson (for Stockdale 79'), 23. Angus Kernohan (for Baloucoune 49'). | | | | |

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. John Andrew, 3. Ross Kane,
2. Ian Nagle, 5. Alan O'Connor,
3. Matty Rea, 7. Clive Ross, 8. Sean Reidy,
4. David Shanahan, 10. Johnny McPhillips,
5. Angus Kernohan, 12. Peter Nelson, 13. Darren Cave, 14. David Busby,
6. Michael Lowry. Replacements:
7. Adam McBurney (for Andrew 52'), 17. Tommy O'Hagan (for Warwick 63'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for Kane 40'),
8. Nick Timoney (for O'Connor 63'), 20. Marcus Rea (for Reidy 15'),
9. Johnny Stewart (for Shanahan 57'), 22. Jack Owens (for McPhillips 57'), 23. Rob Lyttle. | | | | |

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rory Best, 3. Ross Kane,
2. Iain Henderson, 5. Kieran Treadwell,
3. Nick Timoney, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Marcell Coetzee,
4. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Rob Lyttle, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
6. Michael Lowry. Replacements:
7. Rob Herring (for Best 68'), 17. Andrew Warwick, 18. Tom O'Toole (for Kane 68'),
8. Alan O'Connor (for Treadwell 72'), 20. Sean Reidy (for Timoney 78'),
9. David Shanahan (for Cooney 23-33', 68'), 22. Darren Cave (for Marshall 49-62'), 23. Angus Kernohan. | | | | |

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rory Best, 3. Ross Kane,
2. Iain Henderson, 5. Kieran Treadwell,
3. Nick Timoney, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Marcell Coetzee,
4. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns,
5. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Louis Ludik,
6. Michael Lowry. Replacements:
7. Rob Herring (for Best 61'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for O'Sullivan 31-40', 50'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for Kane 50'),
8. Alan O'Connor (for Treadwell 52'), 20. Sean Reidy (for Timoney 48'),
9. David Shanahan (for Cooney 47'), 22. Darren Cave (for Marshall 59'), 23. Angus Kernohan (for Stockdale 68'). | | | | |

Inside centre Stuart McCloskey and scrum-half John Cooney were named the Pro14 Dream Team.

1. Schalk van der Merwe, 2. John Andrew, 3. Tom O'Toole,
2. Alan O'Connor (c), 5. Alex Thompson,
3. Marcus Rea, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Nick Timoney,
4. Johnny Stewart, 10. Michael Lowry,
5. Angus Kernohan, 12. Darren Cave, 13. Stewart Moore, 14. Craig Gilroy,
6. Peter Nelson. Replacements: Adam McBurney, Kyle McCall, Eric O'Sullivan, Marty Moore, Ross Kane, Kieran Treadwell, Jack Regan, Caleb Montgomery, Clive Ross, Sean Reidy, Greg Jones, David Shanahan, Billy Burns, Angus Curtis, James Hume, Aaron Sexton, Jack Owens, Will Addison. | | | | |

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. John Andrew, 3. Marty Moore,
2. Alan O'Connor (c), 5. Kieran Treadwell,
3. Marcell Coetzee, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Nick Timoney,
4. Johnny Stewart, 10. Johnny McPhillips,
5. Angus Kernohan, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Stewart Moore, 14. Craig Gilroy,
6. Will Addison. Replacements: Adam McBurney, Andrew Warwick, Tom O'Toole, Alex Thompson, Caleb Montgomery, Greg Jones, Chris Henry, David Shanahan, Angus Curtis, Darren Cave, Jack Owens. | | | | |

1. Schalk van der Merwe, 2. Adam McBurney (c), 3. Tom O'Toole,
2. Matty Rea, 5. Alex Thompson,
3. Joe Dunleavy, 7. Marcus Rea, 8. Greg Jones,
4. Jonny Stewart, 10. Jonny McPhillips,
5. Angus Kernohan, 12. James Hume, 13. Stewart Moore, 14. Iwan Hughes,
6. Bruce Houston. Replacements:
7. Zack McCall (for McBurney 72'), 17. Corrie Barrett (for O'Toole 79'), 18. Peter Cooper (for Van der Merwe 62'),
8. J.J. McKee (for Thompson 75'), 20. David McCann (for Dunleavy 40'),
9. Ben McCaughey, 22. Graham Curtis (for Stewart 32'), 23. Michael Stronge (for Hughes 73'). | | | | |

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

Corrie Barrett Campbell Classon Peter Cooper Michael Cromie Paul McGookin Callum Reid | Hookers

Peter Cromie Claytan Milligan Locks

Peter Browne Bradley Luney JJ McKee Back row

Charlie Clarke | Scrum-halves

Lewis Finlay Michael Stronge Backs

Cormac Fix R. Johnston Ben Power |

1. Peter Cooper, 2. Peter Cromie, 3. Rodney Ah You,
2. Peter Browne, 5. Jack Regan,
3. Caleb Montgomery, 7. Chris Henry (c), 8. Greg Jones,
4. Jonny Stewart, 10. Johnny McPhillips,
5. Iwan Hughes, 12. James Hume, 13. Jack Owens, 14. Aaron Sexton,
6. Peter Nelson. Replacements:
7. Paul McGookin, 17. Campbell Classon, 18. Michael Cromie,
8. Matty Rea, 20. Marcus Rea,
9. Graham Curtis, 22. Bruce Houston, 23. Michael Stronge. | | | | |

1. Peter Cooper, 2. Peter Cromie, 3. Paul McGookin,
2. Matthew Dalton, 5. Bradley Luney,
3. Clive Ross, 7. Matthew Agnew, 8. Joe Dunleavy,
4. Graham Curtis, 10. Bruce Houston,
5. Aaron Sexton, 12. Michael Lowry (c), 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
6. Iwan Hughes. Replacements:
7. Claytan Milligan, 17. Tommy O'Hagan, 18. Michael Cromie,
8. Jack Regan, 20. Marcus Rea,
9. Aaron Hall, 22. Michael Stronge, 23. Cormac Fix. | | | | |

1. Tommy O'Hagan, 2. Zack McCall, 3. Rodney Ah You,
2. Clive Ross, 5. Bradley Luney,
3. Marcus Rea, 7. Aaron Hall, 8. Joe Dunleavy,
4. Michael Stronge, 10. Michael Lowry (c),
5. Aaron Sexton, 12. James Hume, 13. Jack Owens, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
6. Iwan Hughes. Replacements:
7. Peter Cromie, 17. Peter Cooper (for O'Hagan 39'), 18. Paul McGookin
8. Matthew Dalton 20. David McCann
9. Graham Curtis, 22. Matthew Agnew (for Hall 52'), 23. Bruce Houston (for Owens 60') | | | | |

1. Peter Cooper, 2. Zack McCall, 3. Rodney Ah You,
2. Matthew Dalton, 5. Caleb Montgomery,
3. Joe Dunleavy, 7. Aaron Hall, 8. Marcus Rea (c),
4. Michael Stronge, 10. Johnny McPhillips,
5. Aaron Sexton, 12. Ben Power, 13. Stewart Moore, 14. Iwan Hughes,
6. Bruce Houston. Replacements:
7. Peter Cromie, 17. Campbell Classon, 18. Paul McGookin,
8. Bradley Luney, 20. David McCann
9. Greg Jones, 22. Graham Curtis, 23. R Johnston. | | | | |

1. Peter Cooper, 2. John Andrew, 3. Rodney Ah You,
2. Bradley Luney, 5. Caleb Montgomery,
3. Marcus Rea (c), 7. Clive Ross, 8. Greg Jones,
4. Johnny Stewart, 10. Bruce Houston,
5. Aaron Sexton, 12. Ben Power, 13. Stewart Moore, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
6. Iwan Hughes. Replacements:
7. Kack McCall, 17. Corrie Barrett, 18. Paul McGookin,
8. Alex Thompson, 20. C McCann,
9. Joe Dunleavy, 22. Graham Curtis, 23. Lewis Finlay. | | | | |

1. Peter Cooper, 2. Zack McCall, 3. Tom O'Toole,
2. Matthew Dalton, 5. Caleb Montgomery,
3. Clive Ross, 7. Marcus Rea, 8. Greg Jones,
4. Johnny Stewart, 10. Bruce Houston,
5. Aaron Sexton, 12. Ben Power, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune,
6. Iwan Hughes. Replacements:
7. Claytan Milligan, 17. Corrie Barrett, 18. Campbell Classon,
8. Alex Thompson, 20. Matthew Agnew,
9. Michael Stronge, 22. Graham Curtis. | | | | |

1. Peter Cooper, 2. Zack McCall, 3. Ross Kane,
2. JJ McKee, 5. Jack Regan,
3. Caleb Montgomery, 7. Marcus Rea (c), 8. Joe Dunleavy,
4. Michael Stronge, 10. Johnny McPhillips,
5. Jack Owens, 12. Ben Power, 13. Stewart Moore, 14. Graham Curtis,
6. Iwan Hughes. Replacements:
7. Claytan Milligan, 17. Callum Reid, 18. Corrie Barrett,
8. Bradley Luney, 20. David McCann,
9. Charlie Clarke, 22. Lewis Finlay, 23. Bruce Houston 24. Ben McCaughey. | | | | |

1. Callum Reid, 2. Zack McCall, 3. Corrie Barrett,
2. JJ McKee, 5. Jack Regan,
3. David McCann, 7. Marcus Rea (c), 8. Joe Dunleavy,
4. Graham Curtis, 10. Bruce Houston,
5. Ben McCaughey, 12. Ben Power, 13. Stewart Moore, 14. Iwan Hughes,
6. Jack Owens. Replacements:
7. Claytan Milligan, 17. Caleb Montgomery, 18. Bradley Luney,
8. Lewis Finlay, 20. Charlie Clarke, 21. Michael Stronge. | | | | |

The Heineken Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast, on 9 May 2019. Winners were:

• Player of the Year: Stuart McCloskey

• Personality of the Year: Rory Best

• Young Player of the Year: Eric O'Sullivan

• Rugby Writers Player of the Year: Marcell Coetzee

• Supporters Club Player of the Year: Stuart McCloskey

• Academy Player of the Year: Michael Lowry

• Ulster A Player of the Year: Aaron Sexton

• Women's Player of the Year: Claire McLaughlin, Old Belvedere R.F.C.

• Youth Player of the Year: Matthew Sands, City of Armagh RFC

• Boys' Schools Player of the Year: Tom Stewart, Belfast Royal Academy

• Girls' Schools Player of the Year: Zara Flack, Enniskillen Royal Grammar School

• Real Rugby Heroes Award (adult category): Victor Kearney, Donegal Town RFC

• Real Rugby Heroes Award (youth category): Heather Thornton, Rainey Old Boys R.F.C.

• Dorrington B. Faulkner Award: Barney McGonigle

• Club Player of the Year: Ross Adair, Ballynahinch RFC

• Referee of the Year: Peter Martin

• Club of the Year: Queen's University RFC

• U18 Girls Player of the Year: Kelly McCormill, Cooke RFC

• "Ulster’s progression in 2019", The Front Row Union, 8 May 2019

• "Making an impact at Ulster Rugby", The Front Row Union, 23 May 2019

• Ulster Men: Who did what 2018-19, The From Row Union, 18 July 2019

• "Dan McFarland: Season Review", Ulster Rugby, 6 June 2019

• "Ulster continue to make strides", United Rugby, 12 June 2019