2012–13 Ulster Rugby season
Rugby team / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 2012–13 season was Ulster's 19th season since the advent of professionalism in rugby union, and their first under head coach Mark Anscombe, replacing Brian McLaughlin who failed to get his contract re-signed.[1] They competed in the Pro12 and the European Rugby Champions Cup.
Ground(s) | Ravenhill Stadium (Capacity: 12,500) | ||
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Coach(es) | David Humphreys (Director of Rugby) Mark Anscombe (Head Coach) | ||
Captain(s) | Johann Muller | ||
Top scorer | Ruan Pienaar (205) | ||
Most tries | Andrew Trimble (12) | ||
League(s) | Heineken Cup (quarter-finalists) Pro12 (finalists) | ||
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Major signings included number eight Nick Williams from the now defunct Aironi, wing Tommy Bowe returning from his four-year stay at the Ospreys, and flanker Roger Wilson returning after four years with Northampton Saints. Hooker Rob Herring joined from Western Province.
Centre Nevin Spence died, along with his brother Graham and father Noel, in an accident at the family farm in Hillsborough, County Down on 15 September 2012. where they were overcome by fumes in a slurry tank. Spence's sister was treated in hospital and survived the accident.[2][3][4] As a mark of respect for Spence, a minute's silence was observed at many rugby games in Britain and Ireland the following week.[5] A memorial service was held at Ravenhill Stadium, the home ground of Ulster Rugby, on Sunday 23 September 2012.[6]
Ulster started the season with 13 consecutive wins in all competitions, the longest unbeaten run in their history.[7] They finished top of the table of the Pro12 with 17 wins, and after beating Welsh side Scarlets in the semi-finals 28–17, it was an-all Ireland final between Ulster and Leinster. Leinster were the eventual champions, defeating Anscombe's side 24–18. Scrum-half Ruan Pienaar was the league's second-top scorer with 172 points. Ulster won the Fair Play Award, and Nick Williams was Players' Player of the Year. Williams and centre Luke Marshall made the Pro12 Dream Team. Andrew Trimble's try against Connacht was Try of the Season. They topped their pool in the Champions Cup with five wins out of six, qualifying for the quarter-finals, where they lost 27–16 to Saracens.
Ruan Pienaar was Ulster's top scorer with 205 points. Andrew Trimble was top try scorer with twelve, and was named Ulster's Player of the Year. Nick Williams was IRUPA Players' Player of the Year, and Craig Gilroy won the IRUPA Try of the Year award.[8]