2009–10 Ulster Rugby season

The 2009–10 Ulster Rugby season was Ulster's 16th season since the advent of professionalism in rugby union, and their first under director of rugby David Humphreys and head coach Brian McLaughlin.

Following the departure of previous head coach Matt Williams, Ulster put a new management structure in place. David Humphreys was director of rugby, with overall responsibility for the senior team, the Ulster 'A' team (renamed the Ulster Ravens), the Ulster under-20s and the academy; and Brian McLaughlin was head coach, assisted by forwards coaches Jeremy Davidson and Peter Sharp, and backs coach Neil Doak. However, Ulster couldn't afford to retain Sharp, and he left in September 2009.

Chief Executive Michael Reid announced he was stepping down in September 2009 after twelve years in the job. Shane Logan was appointed as his replacement in early 2010.

They finished second in their Heineken Cup pool, failing to qualify for the knockout stage, and 8th in the Celtic League. Chris Henry was Ulster's Player of the Year. Andrew Trimble won the IRUPA award for Try of the Year.

Players in (Season 2009/2010)

 * Ali Birch from Dungannon
 * 🇦🇺 Tamaiti Horua from 🇦🇺 Western Force
 * Andi Kyriacou from 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Saracens
 * Dan Tuohy from 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Exeter Chiefs

Promoted from academy

 * Willie Faloon
 * Ian Whitten

Players Out (Season 2009/2010)

 * Jarleth Carey released
 * Kieron Dawson retired
 * 🇮🇹 Carlo Del Fava to 🇮🇹 Rugby Viadana
 * Rob Dewey to Glasgow Warriors
 * Neil Hanna released
 * Seamus Mallon released
 * Paul McKenzie to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Exeter Chiefs
 * Filo Paulo to North Harbour
 * Stuart Philpott released
 * 🇦🇺 Dan Roach released
 * Paul Steinmetz retired

Players in

 * Luke Marshall
 * Niall Annett
 * Michael Allen
 * John Burns
 * Sean Dougall
 * Paul Pritchard
 * Neil McComb
 * James McKinney
 * Conor Gaston
 * Michael Heaney

Players out

 * Paul Karayiannis
 * Stephen Douglas
 * David McGregor
 * David Drake

Ulster Rugby Awards
The Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held on 20 May 2010. Winners were:


 * Ulster Rugby Personality of the Year: Chris Henry
 * Rugby Writers Player of the Year: Chris Henry
 * Supporters Club Player of the Year: Chris Henry
 * Ulster Player of the Year: Andrew Trimble
 * Young Ulster Player of the Year: Jamie Smith
 * Youth Player of the Year: Jonathan Murphy, Banbridge RFC
 * Schools Player of the Year: Charlie Simpson, Ballymena Academy
 * Academy Player of the Year: Nevin Spence
 * Club of the Year: Ballymoney RFC
 * Dorrington B. Faulker Award: Hal Burnison, Malone RFC
 * Club Player of the Year: Mark Robinson, Queen's University RFC
 * Special Merit Award: Joe Eagleson, Honorary Secretary of the IRFU Ulster Branch