2024–25 Ulster Rugby season

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

Personnel changes
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. Skills coach Craig Newby left for Ealing Trailfinders. Jimmy Duffy, former assistant coach at Connacht, Ireland under-20s and Western Force, joined as forwards coach. Incumbent forwards coach Roddy Grant left by mutual consent.

Centre Angus Curtis retired partway through last season on medical advice after a series of concussions. Prop Steven Kitshoff cut short his stay at Ulster and returned to the Stormers. Out-half Billy Burns joined Munster on a one-year contract. Centre Luke Marshall retired. Utility back Will Addison signed for his former club, Sale Sharks. Fullback Shea O'Brien, flanker Dave Ewers, prop James French and flanker Greg Jones were released.

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

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

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

Friendlies
Two pre-season friendlies have been arranged, at home to Benetton on 7 September, and away to Exeter Chiefs on 14 September 2024. Ulster will also face Queensland Reds at home on 7 February 2025, as part of the Reds' European tour.

Staff
(Subject to change)

Senior squad
''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.''

Players in

 * Werner Kok from Sharks
 * Michael McDonald from Connacht (returning from season-long loan)
 * 🇳🇿 Aidan Morgan from 🇳🇿 Hurricanes

Promoted from academy

 * James Humphreys
 * Lorcan McLoughlin
 * James McNabney
 * Scott Wilson

Players out

 * Will Addison to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Sale Sharks
 * Billy Burns to Munster
 * Angus Curtis retired
 * 🇿🇼 Dave Ewers released
 * James French released
 * Greg Jones released
 * Steven Kitshoff to Stormers
 * Luke Marshall retired
 * Shea O'Brien released

Players in

 * Sam Berman from Terenure College
 * Wilhelm de Klerk* from Dublin University
 * Clarke Logan from Coleraine Grammar School
 * James McKillop from Queen's University
 * Jack Murphy from Clontarf
 * Jonny Scott from Banbridge
 * Bryn Ward from Ballynahinch

Players out

 * George Saunderson (retired on medical advice)