A list of players who have appeared for Ulster Rugby since rugby union was declared open to professionalism on 26 August 1995.
Current players
Corrie Barrett
Prop. Born 13 June 1998.[1] His father Brian was an Ireland u21 international.[2] Attended Royal Belfast Academical Institution, with whom he won the Ulster Schools' Cup in 2016. Played for Ulster u19 and Ulster 'A', and appeared for the senior team from the bench in a friendly against Uruguay in 2018.[3] Spent some time in New Zealand as part of the Otago youth setup, before returning to Ireland to play for Banbridge, Garryowen and Munster 'A', and was part of the Ireland Club XV that won the Dalriada Cup on 2020. Joined Bedford Blues in 2021,[2] and moved to Doncaster Knights in 2023.[4] Signed for Ulster one a one-year contract after a successful pre-season trial in 2024.[5] Made his senior competitive debut against Glasgow Warriors in September 2024.
| Years | Team | Apps | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-23 | Bedford Blues | 36 | 0 |
| 2022 | → Saracens | 1 | 0 |
| 2023-24 | Doncaster Knights | 22 | 0 |
| 2024- | Ulster | 4 | 5 |
Ben Carson
Born 24 February 2002.[6] Centre. Attended Wallace High School, Lisburn. Joined the Ulster academy in 2020.[7] 4 caps in the 2021 u20 6 Nations. 2 caps in the 2022 u20 6 Nations. Played for Banbridge and Ballynahinch in the All-Ireland League.[8] Signed a development contract in 2023.[9] Made his senior Ulster debut from the bench away to Connacht in November 2023.[10]
| Years | Team | Apps | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Ireland u-20 | 6 | 5 |
| 2023- | Ulster | 5 | 15 |
Reuben Crothers
Born 28 January 2002.[11] Back row. Attended Wallace High School, Lisburn, studied law at Queen's University, and played club rugby for Ballynahinch.[12] Joined the Ulster academy in 2020.[7] Captained the Ireland under-20s to a Grand Slam in the under-20 Six Nations in 2022,[13] and made four appearances in the 2022 under-20 summer internationals. Signed a development contract with Ulster in 2023.[9] Made 5 appearances, scoring a try, for Ulster in 2023-24.
| Years | Team | Apps | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Ireland u-20 | 13 | 15 |
| 2023- | Ulster | 5 | 5 |
Joe Hopes
Born 16 March 2004.[14] Lock. Attended Campbell College.[15] Ulster boys' schools player of the year 2022.[16] Joined the Ulster academy in 2022.[17] Made one appearance for Ireland U20 at the 2023 Six Nations Under 20s Championship, and one at the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship. Made his senior debut from the bench away to Connacht in November 2023.[10] Made five appearances for Ireland U20 at the 2024 Six Nations Under 20s Championship.
| Years | Team | Apps | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Ireland u-20 | 7 | 0 |
| 2023- | Ulster | 1 | 0 |
James Humphreys
Born 4 November 2001.[18] Out-half. Son of David Humphreys. Attended Dean Close School in Cheltenham. Played scrum-half at school. Studied geography at Queen's University. Two caps for Ireland in the 2021 under-20 Six Nations. Played for Ulster A 2020-21. Joined the Ulster academy from Gloucester academy in 2021.[19] Played for Queen's University and Banbridge in the All-Ireland League.[20] Signed a development contract in 2024.[21] Made his senior debut from the bench, scoring two conversions, against the Bulls in October 2024.
| Years | Team | Apps | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Ireland u-20 | 2 | 2 |
| 2024- | Ulster | 2 | 4 |
Charlie Irvine
Lock. Born 28 January 2003.[22] Attended Wallace High School, studying medicine at Queen's University while playing for their rugby club in the AIL. Played for Ireland u-20s. Played for Ulster 'A' in 2022. joined Ulster Academy in 2023.[23] Made his senior debut against the Bulls in October 2024.
| Years | Team | Apps | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Ireland u-20 | 9 | 0 |
| 2024- | Ulster | 1 | 0 |
James McCormick
Born 8 January 2002.[24] Hooker. Attended Dalriada School, where he was coached by former Ulster and Ireland prop Bryan Young.[25] Joined the Ulster academy in 2020.[26] Played for City of Armagh in the All-Ireland League.[27] 5 caps at the 2022 u20 Six Nations, and 4 in the 2022 summer u20 internationals. Signed a development contract in 2023.[9] Made his senior debut against Glasgow Warriors in September 2024.
| Years | Team | Apps | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Ireland u-20 | 9 | 20 |
| 2024- | Ulster | 6 | 10 |
Conor McKee
Born Belfast, 20 March 2001.[28] Scrum-half. Attended Sullivan Upper School, where he was leading scorer in 2019. Represented Ireland in three matches the 2021 under-20 Six Nations. Joined the Ulster academy in 2021.[19] Played for Queen's University and Ballynahinch in the All-Ireland League.[29] Signed a development contract in 2023,[9] and a senior contract in 2024.[30]
| Years | Team | Apps | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Ireland u-20 | 3 | 0 |
Lorcan McLoughlin
Born 3 March 2002.[31] Back row. Identified through the IQ Rugby programme. 3 caps in Grand Slam-winning 2022 u20 6 Nations campaign, and 4 in the 2022 u20 Summer Series, leading the competition for carries. Studied business and economics at Queen's University, and was part of the Queen's side that won the Ulster Senior Cup in 2022.[32][33] Joined the Ulster academy in 2022.[17] Made his senior Ulster debut from the bench against the Lions in November 2023.[34] Signed a development contract in 2024.[35]
| Years | Team | Apps | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Ireland u-20 | 7 | 5 |
| 2023- | Ulster | 1 | 0 |
James McNabney
Born Ballymena, 28 February 2003.[36] Back row. Attended Cambridge House Grammar School. Played for Ulster A 2021-22. 4 caps in Grand Slam-winning 2022 u20 6 nations campaign, and 2 in the 2022 u20 Summer Series. Joined the Ulster academy in 2022.[17] Made 5 appearances for Ireland U20 in the 2023 Six Nations Under 20s Championship and 3 in the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship. Played for City of Armagh in the All-Ireland League.[37] Made three appearances for Ulster 2023-24 including one in the Champions Cup. Signed a development contract in 2024.[35]
| Years | Team | Apps | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Ireland u-20 | 14 | 20 |
| 2023- | Ulster | 6 | 0 |
Bryan O'Connor
Prop. Born 23 October 1998,[38] Crosshaven, Cork. Played for University College Cork and was part of the Munster sub-academy. Played for Munster A in the 2017–18 British and Irish Cup, and Ireland u-20 at the 2018 u-20 World Championship. Spent seven months at London Irish before returning UCC. Joined Gloucester in 2021, then Bedford Blues in 2023. Signed for Ulster in October 2024.[39][40]
| Years | Team | Apps | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Ireland u-20 | 3 | 0 |
| 2018 | London Irish | ||
| 2021-23 | Gloucester | 12 | 0 |
| 2023-24 | Bedford Blues | 22 | 5 |
| 2024- | Ulster | 0 | 0 |
Zac Solomon
Hooker.[41] Attended Campbell College and played club rugby for Belfast Harlequins.[42] Represented Ireland at under-18 schools and under-19 level. Played for Ulster A 2022. Joined the academy 2023.[43] Made his Ulster debut from the bench away to Glasgow Warriors in November 2023.[44]
| Years | Team | Apps | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023- | Ulster | 1 | 0 |
Former players
Active players in bold. Flags indicate internationally capped players.
A
| John Afoa 
| Rodney Ah You | Michael Allen | T. J. Anderson | Ricky Andrew | Niall Annett | Sammy ArnoldDavid Allen
Back row. From Australia, but Irish-qualified.[45] Attended Cranbrook School, Sydney, where he captained the first XV. Studied commerce at Sydney University while playing for Easts. Signed professional contract with Ulster in 2001. Made one start and one substitute appearance in 2001-02, but had to retire from the game with a neck injury. Took a job with JPMorgan Chase in London, becoming head of research in 2009. Did a PhD in quantitative finance at Cambridge University. Returned to Australia, where he continued to work in finance while coaching the colts at Easts. Became club president in 2021.[46][47] Not to be confused with the English back row forward David Allen.
Azur Allison
Born 19 April 1999.[48] Back row. He was educated at Ballymena Academy, captained the Ireland under-19 team in 2018,[49] and joined the Ulster Academy ahead of the 2018–19 season.[50] He made his senior competitive debut for Ulster against Leinster in the 2018–19 Pro14 on 20 December 2019,[51] coming on as a replacement. in a 54-42 defeat.[52] Allison has played for both Ballymena and Malone, rejoining Ballymena in 2021.[53] He was no longer in the Ulster academy ahead of the 2022–23 season.[54]
B
| Jonny Bell | Mark Best | Neil Best | Rory Best | Simon Best | Ali Birch | Callum Black | Mark Blair | Isaac Boss | BJ Botha 
| Tommy Bowe | Frank Bradshaw Ryan | Nigel Brady | Robby Brink | Warren Brosnihan | Peter Browne | Billy Burns | David BusbyStephen Bell
Born 21 April 1975.[55] Scrum-half, played for Malone and Dungannon. Made one substitute appearance for Ulster in 1995-96; one Heineken Cup and three Interpro starts in 1996-97; two starts and one substitute appearances in the Heineken Cup, two starts in the Interpros and one in a friendly in 1997-98; five starts and one substitute appearances in the 1998-99 Heineken Cup, three starts and one sub in the interpros, and one start and one sub in representative matches; four starts and one sub in the Heineken Cup and four starts and one sub in the interpros in 1999-2000; and one substitute appearance in the Heineken Cup, four substitute appearances in the interpros, and one start and one substitute appearance in friendlies in 2000-01. Played for Ireland A. Part of the Dungannon team that won the All-Ireland League in 2001. Went on to play for Bedford Blues, where he was captain.[56] Became a fitness instructor. In 1998 he walked the length of Ireland barefoot in 22 days, from Castletownbere, County Cork, to his hometown of Ballintoy, County Antrim, to raise money for the Northern Ireland Forest School Association.[57]
Simon Booth
Ballymena loosehead prop. Played for Ulster from 1994 to 1995. Represented Ulster in all four matches in the 1994 Interprovincial Championship, representative matches against the Scottish Saltires, the Basque Country, the South of Scotland and Glasgow District in 1994, one appearance from the bench against Leinster in the 1995 Interprovincial Championship, and a start in a representative match against Combined Services in November 1995.
Clem Boyd
Born 8 November 1973.[58] Prop. Attended RBAI, studied Mechanical Engineering at Edinburgh University and played for Edinburgh Currie RFC. Represented Ireland at under-21 level. Selected for Ulster in an Interpro against Leinster in 1996. Went professional with Bedford in 1996, then to Bath in 1999. Returned to Belfast in 2000 to look after his sick father, and was approached to join the Ulster squad. Played club rugby with Belfast Harlequins. Made two starts and three substitute appearances for Ulster in the 2000-01 Heineken Cup, one start and one substitute appearance in the Interprovincial Championship, and started three friendlies the same season. The following season he made three substitute appearances in the Heineken Cup, three starts and four substitute appearances in the Celtic League, and started three friendlies. Played for Ireland A. He retired from professional rugby in 2003 due to a heart condition. Since retiring he has coached Bangor and Instonians.[59][60][61] Son Jacob joined the Ulster academy in 2023.[43]
Spencer Bromley
Born 12 December 1969, Manchester. Wing/centre. Represented England at under-21 and A level. Played for Harlequins 1997-98, Beziers 1998-99. Joined Ulster in 1999, playing his club rugby with Belfast Harlequins. Made four starts in the Heineken Cup, four in the Interprovincial Championship (scoring four tries), and started a friendly against an Ireland XV. Released in 2000 following an IRFU ruling on foreign players, and joined Worcester.[62][63][64][65][66][67][68]
Gary Brown
Born 23 February 1974, Portadown.[69] Back row. Attended Royal School Armagh, played for Ulster and Ireland Schools, and Portadown. Played for Celtic Warriors XV, a combined Ulster-Scottish Borders team, in a friendly against Ulster in December 2002.[70] Offered a development contract with Ulster in 2003 but turned it down due to work commitments to his land surveying business. Moved to Belfast Harlequins in 2004, put his business on hold, trained with Ulster in the off-season, and accepted a development contract. Made his debut in a pre-season friendly against the Dragons, and got game time in the regular season as a result of injuries to Andy Ward, Neil McMillan and Roger Wilson.[71][72][73] Made 1 start and 3 substitute appearances in 2004-05. No longer in squad in 2005-06.
C
| Kieran Campbell | Sam Carter | Darren Cave | Allen Clarke | Chris Cochrane | Marcell Coetzee | Ryan Constable | Tom Court | Mark Crick 
| Bryn Cunningham | Jan Cunningham | Angus CurtisAaron Cairns
Born 7 October 1992.[74] Scrum-half. Represented Ireland Sevens. Played for Ballynahinch. Joined Ulster academy in 2016.[75] Promoted to senior squad in 2017.[76] Made one senior appearance against Leinster in October 2017.[77] No longer in Ulster's squad the following season.
Darryl Callaghan
Out-half, played for Dungannon and Ballynahinch. Appeared for Ulster in a representative match against Combined Services in November 1995.[78][79] Played for Celtic Warriors XV, a combined Ulster-Scottish Borders team, in a friendly against Ulster in December 2002.[80][70]
John Campbell
Prop. Signed from Terenure 2000.[81] Made two substitute appearances in 2000-01, and one substitute appearance in 2001-02.
Jarlath Carey
Born 23 April 1977.[82] Prop. Played for Belfast Harlequins, then Rotherham Titans. Signed by Ulster 2007.[83] Made one appearance from the bench against Portugal in November 2008.[84] Released 2009.[85]
Scott Carroll
Wing, played for Malone. Started one friendly against Richmond in August 1997.[86]
Colin Christie
Wing, played for NIFC. Appeared for Ulster in a friendly against Ballymena in September 1995.[87]
Niall Conlon
Prop. Born 10 October 1983. Joined senior squad from academy in 2006.[88] Appeared for Ulster 'A'. Released 2008.
Bruce Cornelius
New Zealand-born back row forward, played for Instonians. Appeared for Ulster in representative matches against Côte Basque Select XV, New Zealand Federation Under-23 and Combined Services and a friendly against Ballymena in 1995.
Sheldon Coulter
Born 1 February 1977.[89] centre/wing/fullback, played for Ballymena. Made two starts in the Heineken Cup, two in the Interprovincial Championship and two in friendlies in 1996-97; 1 start in the Heineken Cup and friendly in 1997-98; started all nine matches in Ulster's victorious 1998-99 Heineken Cup campaign in 1998-99, as well as one start and two substitute appearances in the Interprovincial Championship and one start and two substitute appearances in representative matches the same season; made two substitute appearances in the Heineken Cup, one start in the Interprovincial Championship, and one start and two substitute appearances in 2000-01; two starts and one sub in the Heineken Cup, 4 starts and 1 sub in the Celtic League, 1 start and 1 sub in the Interpros, and 2 starts and 1 sub in friendlies in 2001-02; and 2 starts and 2 subs in the Heineken Cup, and 3 starts and 1 sub in the Celtic League in 2002-03. Released in 2003. Joined Portadown as player/coach in 2004.[90]
Simon Crawford
Lock, played for NIFC. Appeared for Ulster in a friendly against Ballymena in September 1995.[91]
Jerry Cronin
Born Mallow, Cork, 8 April 1984. Prop. His father Billy played for Munster. Played for Mallow, UCC. Studied structural engineering, and a job opportunity brought him to Belfast. Joined Ballynahinch, with whom he won the All-Ireland Senior Cup, in 2009, as well as the Ulster Senior League and Ulster Senior Cup. Signed by Ulster as injury cover in 2010. Made 11 appearances, and was signed to a senior contract the following season. In 2011-12 he made seven appearances. Moved to Doncaster Knights in 2012.[92][93][94]
Graham Curtis
Scrum-half, born Zimbabwe, September 1999. Son of former Ireland international David Curtis. Joined the Ulster academy in January 2018, following his brother Angus who made his debut for Ulster in 2018.[95] He never played for the Ulster senior team, but represented Ireland Sevens at the World Rugby Sevens Series in Los Angeles and Vancouver in 2019-20.[96] He was no longer listed in Ulster's squad after the 2019-20 season.[97] In December 2021 he was playing for Queen's University in the All-Ireland League.[98]
D
| Jeremy Davidson | Kieron Dawson | Carlo Del Fava 
| Rob Dewey | Jean Deysel | Robbie Diack | Neil Doak | Sean DoyleJonathan Davis
Wing. Made two starts in the 1998 Interprovincial Championship, and one in the representative match against Glasgow District in August 1998.
Crawford Dobbin
Wing, played for NIFC. Appeared for Ulster off the bench in a friendly against Ballymena in September 1995.[91]
John Donnan
Born 16 February 1993.[99] Lock. Represented Ireland in the under-20 World Championship in 2013. Studied Mechanical Engineering at Queen's University. Joined Ulster academy 2014. Promoted to senior squad 2016.[100] Played for Ulster A in the British and Irish Cup in 2016-18. Released 2018. Played for Ballynahinch in the All-Ireland League. In 2022 he joined the Dubai Exiles.[101]
Lorcan Dow
Born 27 January 1995.[102] Back row. Represented Ireland under-20. Joined Ulster academy in 2014. One appearance in the Pro12 in 2015-16. Also played for Ulster A in the British and Irish Cup in 2015-17. Went on to play for Richmond and Esher.
Stuart Duncan
Back row forward, played for Malone. Made one representative start in 1992-93. Started both Heineken Cup matches and all four Interpros, as well as one representative start, and one representative substitute appearance, in 1995-96. In 1996-97 he started all four Heineken Cup matches and all three Interpros, as well as the friendly against Australia. In 1997-98 he had one friendly start. In 1998-99 he made four substitute appearances in the victorious Heineken Cup campaign, two substitute appearances in the Interprovincial Championship, and one start and one sub in representative matches.
E
Mark Edwards
Born 2 July 1974.[103] Scrum half. Made two starts and one substitute appearance in the Heineken Cup, one start in the Interprovincial Championship, and one start in a friendly against an Ireland XV in 1999-2000.
F
| Campbell Feather | Stephen Ferris | Maurice Field | Declan Fitzpatrick | Justin Fitzpatrick | James FrenchRiaz Fredericks
Born 13 July 1973, South Africa.[104] Centre. Signed from the Hong Kong sevens team 1999.[65] Made two starts in the Heineken Cup, 1 start and three substitute appearances in the Interprovincial Championship, and 1 start in a friendly, in 1999-2000. Released at the end of the season.[105]
Brad Free
Born 10 June 1971.[106] Scrum half. Born in Queenland, Australia, to an Irish mother. Played for Saracens, and represented Ireland A in 1997, but had a serious ankle injury in that match. After recovering from injury, played for Bective Rangers and was an unused substitute for Leinster before sustaining a neck injury. Signed by Ulster in 2000.[107] Started all six Heineken Cup matches, scoring 1 try, all six Interpro matches, scoring 1 try, and two friendlies in 2000-01. Made 2 starts and 2 substitute appearances, scoring 1 try, in 2001-02. Emigrated to the US in 2002.[108]
Rowan Frost
Born 9 June 1975. Lock. Born in England, brought up in New Zealand. Signed from Connacht 2003.[109] Made 16 starts and 9 substitute appearances, scoring two tries, in 2003-04. In 2004-05 he made 9 starts and 14 substitute appearances, scoring 1 try. In 2005-06 he made 2 starts and 9 substitute appearances. Moved to Montauban in 2006,[110] sent four season with them in the Top14, and one at Blagnac in Federale 1.[111]
G
Keith Gallick
Back row forward, played for City of Derry. Started all six Heineken Cup matches and one Interpro in 1997-98.
Conor Gaston
Born 5 August 1990. Wing. Joined Ulster academy in 2009. Made two starts and one substitute appearance in 2010-11 season, and one start and one substitute appearance in 2011-12. Moved to London Irish in 2012. Has since played for Aurillac, Verona Rugby, Ciencias Rugby Sevilla and Vienne.[112][113]
H
| Justin Harrison | Michael Heaney | Chris Henry | Wiehahn Herbst | Brett Herron | Tamaiti Horua | Bruce Houston | Tyrone Howe | David Humphreys | Ian Humphreys | Hayden HydeAaron Hall
Back row, born Ballynahinch, 26 June 1998. He was educated at Ballyclare Secondary School, played club rugby for Ballynahinch,[114] and was selected at age-grade level for Ulster. In 2015 he won the Ulster Youth Player of the Year Award.[115] He joined the Ulster academy ahead of the 2016–17 season.[116] He made his senior competitive debut the following season, starting in a 23–22 win against Benetton in the Pro14 on 24 November 2017.[117] He played for Ulster 'A' in the 2017–18 British and Irish Cup,[118] and the 2018–19[119] and 2019–20 Celtic Cup.[120] He remained in the academy for a fourth year in 2019–20,[121] but was no longer listed in the academy squad the following season.[97] He joined Ballyclare RFC ahead of the 2020–21 season, having previously played for them at youth level.[122]
Kieran Hallett
Born 2 June 1985. Out-half. Represented Ireland at under-21 level. Signed from Bedford Blues 2007.[123] Made one appearance from the bench against Newport Gwent Dragons in October 2007.[124] Went on to play for Plymouth Albion, Nottingham and Cornish Pirates.[125]
Neil Hanna
Born 7 January 1981.[126] Hooker. Signed from Rotherham Titans 2007, but missed the whole of his first season with a knee injury.[127] Started against Portugal in September 2008,[84] and made one appearance from the bench against Scarlets in the Celtic League in May 2009.[128] Released 2009.[85]
Bill Harbinson
Centre. Attended Banbridge Academy.[129] Played for Malone. First selected for Ulster for a tour of Italy in 1986,[130] and made his debut against Italy B.[131] Moved to London Irish in 1987,[132] but still turned out for Malone on occasion.[133] Called up for Ireland tour to France in May 1988,[134] playing against the Cote Basque Select XV in Biarritz.[135] Returned to Malone in 1989.[136] Captained Ulster in 1995-96,[137] starting both Heineken Cup matches, all four interpros, four representative matches and one friendly, before retiring.[138]
Mike Haslett
Back row. Born 14 July 1978. Played for Dungannon and captained Cambridge University. Made one appearance for Ulster off the bench against Swansea in August 2001. Signed for London Irish after a six-week trial in 2002.[139][140][141]
Henry Head
Born 30 March 1980.[142] Lock. Played for England schools. Played club rugby for Ballymena. Played two pre-season friendlies for Ulster against London Irish and Rotherham in 2005, earning a development contract.[143] Made one appearance from the bench against Ospreys in November 2005.[144] Released in 2006, and joined Rotherham Titans, joining former Ballymena coach André Bester.[145]
Grant Henderson
Born 7 February 1978.[146] Fullback. Signed from Natal 2000.[66] Made 4 starts in the Heineken Cup, 6 in the Interprovincial Championship, and 2 in friendlies in 2000-01. Returned to South Africa, signing for SWD Eagles, in 2001.[147][148]
Kenton Hillman
Scrum-half, played for Instonians. Represented Ulster in a friendly against London Irish in August 1996, and in one match in the 1997 Interprovincial Championship.
I
Rab Irwin
Robert "Rab" Irwin, born 20 November 1963.[149] Prop, played for Ballymena. In 1997-98 he made 4 starts in the Heineken Cup, 1 substitute appearance in the Interprovincial Championship, and 1 substitute appearance in a friendly. In 1998-99 he started 7 of the nine matches of the victorious Heineken Cup campaign, including the final, as well as 1 start and 1 substitute appearance in the Interprovincial Championship, and 1 start and 2 substitute appearance in representative matches. In 1999-2000 he started one match in the Interprovincial Championship, and came off the bench in friendly against an Ireland XV.
J
Andrew Jackson
Prop. Came off the bench against the Spanish Barbarians in June 1998.[150]
Michael Jackson
Born 16 January 1974.[151] Centre, played for Blackrock. Made three starts in the Heineken Cup, scoring one try, and one start in a friendly in 1997-98.
Paul Jackson
Born 24 June 1989.[152] Hooker. Joined academy 2014. Promoted from Academy 2015. Played for Ulster A in the British and Irish Cup, and made one senior appearance in 2015-16.
Lewis Johnston
Prop. Played for Ballynahinch. Came off the bench in one match of the 1999 Interprovincial Championship.[153]
Conor Joyce
Born 5 July 1993.[154] Back row. Joined Ulster academy 2011. Made his senior debut off the bench against Leinster in December 2011.[155] Made one appearance in 2012-13, and two in 2013-14. Promoted to senior squad 2014.[156] Moved to Jersey Reds in 2017,[157] and later played for Doncaster.
K
| Angus Kernohan | Steven Kitshoff | Andi KyriacouMark Kettyle
Born 12 December 1984.[158] Fullback. Played for Ulster 2006-08.
L
| Christian Leali'ifano 
| Gary Leslie | Angus Lloyd | Gary Longwell | Louis Ludik | Ricky Lutton | Rob LyttleStuart Laing
Born 5 July 1976.[159] Out-half/fullback, played for Instonians and Portadown. Scotland 'A' international. Played one representative match against Glasgow District in 1994. Moved to Scotland for a couple of seasons, where he represented the Exiles in the District Championship and played for Scotland A.[160] Returned to Ulster and started all three Interpros (scoring 1 try, 4 conversions and 11 penalties), a representative match against Australia (scoring 2 conversions and 2 penalties), and three friendlies (scoring 7 conversions and 1 penalty) in 1996. Started all 6 Heineken Cup matches (scoring 4 conversions, 18 penalties and one drop-goal), all three Interpros (scoring 3 conversions, 5 penalties and one drop-goal) and one friendly in 1997.
Michael Lightbody
Lock. Made one appearance off the bench against the Spanish Barbarians in June 1998.[150]
M
| Kevin Maggs | Seamus Mallon | Niall Malone | Luke Marshall | Paul Marshall | Simon Mason | Alby Mathewson | Andy Maxwell | Paddy McAllister | Denis McBride | Adam McBurney | Kyle McCall | Mark McCall | Neil McComb | Mike McComish | Ronan McCormack | Mark McCrea | Matt McCullough | Greg McGrath | Jack McGrath | Paul McKenzie | Neil McMillan | Johnny McPhillips | Tony McWhirter | Gareth Milasinovich | Eric Miller | Caleb Montgomery | Declan Moore | Rod Moore | Johann Muller | Jonny Murphy | Jordi Murphy | Ruaidhrí Murphy | Matt Mustchin Dean Macartney
Born 5 May 1969.[161] Back row forward, played for Ballymena. Represented Ulster 1997-99. Original captain of the team that went on the win the Heineken Cup in 1999, season shortened by injury.
Richard Mackey
Loosehead prop Richard Mackey (born 23 November 1969)[162] started his rugby career with his home town club Dromore.[163] He moved to Malone in 1989,[164] eventually becoming club captain. He was first selected for Ulster in November 1994[165] in a representative match against the South of Scotland. He started both Heineken Cup matches, all four Interprovincial matches, five out of six representative matches and one friendly in 1995-96; all four Heineken Cup matches, all three Interprovincial matches, a representative match against Australia and three friendlies in 1996-97; and three out of six Heineken Cup matches, all three Interpros and one friendly in 1997-98. Internationally, he played for Ireland 'A'.[163] In 2000 he moved to Dungannon,[166] with whom he won the All-Ireland League in 2001. He returned to Dromore in 2002 as player-coach.[167]
Andrew Matchett
Born 25 May 1969. Played scrum-half for Portadown, Ballymena, Bedford, Belfast Harlequins, and Ulster, with whom he won the 1998-99 Heineken Cup. Educated at Edenderry Primary School, where he was introduced to mini-rugby, then Killicomaine Junior High School and Portadown College. Played for Ulster and Ireland at schools and under-21 level.[168] Joined Portadown Rugby Club,[168] where his father Marshall was president.[169] He was first selected for Ulster in 1990. After being an unused substitute against Yorkshire on 1 September,[170] he made his representative debut against Spain on 4 September,[168] while a Business Studies student at the University of Ulster.[169] After Portadown failed to gain promotion to the All-Ireland League, he moved to AIL club Ballymena in 1991.[171] In March 1997 he signed a short-term contract with Bedford in Division 2 of the Courage League.[172] After they were promoted to Division 1 he was offered a full-time contract for the following season, but turned it down.[173] In the summer of 1997 he was selected for an Ireland Development tour to New Zealand and Western Samoa.[174] He was selected a number of times on the bench for Ireland A, without being capped.[175] He captained Ulster against the Spanish Barbarians in San Sebastian in June 1998.[176] He was part of Ulster's 1998-99 Heineken Cup-winning team, while holding a day job in insurance. The final was his 60th Ulster cap.[175] Joined Belfast Harlequins in 1999. He retired from senior rugby in 2003, but in 2005 was recalled to the Harlequins first team due to injuries at scrum-half, and helped them to the All-Ireland League final,[177] which they lost to Shannon.[178] In 2005 he organised, and appeared in, an Ulster European Cup Reunion XV to against Clogher Valley in the first match on their new pitch.[179] Represented the Irish Rugby Legends at the World Rugby Legends Festival in South Africa in 2006.[180]
Chris McCarey
Born 11 January 1979.[181] Back row forward. Played for Ulster 2000-01.
Graeme McCluskey
Wing, played for Portadown. Started one representative game in 1993-94, one interpro and one representative in 1994-95, 3 representative games in 1995-96, and one interpro in 1997-98.
Neil McCluskey
Born 9 March 1974.[182] Wing, played for Queens. Made one start and one substitute appearance in the Heineken Cup in 1996-97, and started one representative match in 1998-99.
Gareth McCullough
Wing. Came off the bench, and scored a try, against the Spanish Barbarians in June 1998.[150]
Stan McDowell
Born 10 February 1971.[183] Utility back (centre, fullback, wing), played for Dungannon. Made one representative appearance from the bench in 1992-93; one representative sub in 1993-94; one representative start and two subs in 1993-94; one interpro sub in 1994-95; started one representative match and one friendly in 1995-96; make two starts in the Heineken Cup and two in the interpros in 1997-98; started one match and appeared twice from the bench in the 1998-99 Heineken Cup campaign, and started two interpros and three representative matches that season. Later coached the Ireland women's sevens team.
Blane McIlroy
Born 4 December 1991.[184] Attended Methodist College Belfast, and played club rugby for Ballynahinch and Ballymena.[185] Joined the Ulster academy 2010. Made two appearances from the bench in 2011-22. Was charged with, and acquitted of, exposure as part of the trial that saw fellow Ulster players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding acquitted of rape in 2018.[186]
David McIlwaine
Born 9 May 1989.[187] Wing. Did not play rugby at school, but played for Larne Rugby Club from 5 to 18, where he was spotted by Neil Doak. Played age-grade rugby for Ulster, and club rugby for Queen's University.[188] Joined the Ulster academy 2010, made 1 start and 2 substitute appearances in the Heineken Cup and 1 start and three substitute appearances in the Celtic League in the 2010-11 season. Moved to Doncaster Knights for a season,[189] then to Bristol Bears.[190] Returned to Ulster 2013.[191] Made 1 substitute appearance in the Heineken Cup, and three starts and four substitute appearance in the Celtic League in 2013-14 season. Moved to Yorkshire Carnegie in 2014.[156] Signed for Doncaster Knights for a second time in 2016.[192]
Kevin McKee
Back row forward, played for Instonians. Made one representative start in 1992-93, one in 1993-94, one in 1994-95, five in 1995-96, one friendly substitute appearance in 1997-98, and one representative start in 1998-99.
James McKinney
Born 3 January 1991.[193] Out-half. Joined the Ulster academy in 2009, promoted to senior squad 2011. Made 1 start and 1 substitute appearance in 2011-12. Moved to Rotherham Titans in 2012.[156] Returned to Ulster in 2013.[194] Made four starts and six substitute appearances in the Pro12 in the 2013-14 season. Returned to Rotherham Titans in 2014, then moved to Jersey in 2016 and Verona in 2017. After that he had a stint in Australia and as a medical joker in Japan.[195]
Stephen McKinty
Born 7 July 1966.[196] Back row forward, played for Bangor. Made two representative starts in 1990-91; three in 1991-92; four Interpro and four representative starts in 1992-23; four Interpro and three representative starts in 1993-94; four interpro and four representative starts in 1994-95; four representative and one friendly start in 1995-96; four Heineken Cup, three Interpro, one representative and two friendly starts in 1996-97; six Heineken Cup, was captain in 1997-98, making three interpro and one friendly start; started all nine matches of Ulster's victorious Heineken Cup campaign in 1998-99, plus four interpro and one representative starts; and one substitute appearance in the Heineken Cup, one in the Interpros, and one friendly start in 1999-2000.
Matt Miles
Born 23 December 1981.[197] Hooker. Represented Wales at under-21 level. Formerly played for Northampton and Pertemps Bees. Signed for Ulster 2007.[198] Made one appearance from the bench against Ospreys in December 2007.[199] Joined Cambridge in 2008.[200]
Robin Morrow
Born 2 February 1974.[201] Fullback, played for Queens and Dungannon. Started one representative match in 1995-96; all four Heineken Cup matches, all three interpros and one representative match in 1996-97; four Heineken Cup matches and three interpros in 1997-98; and made one representative substitute appearance in 1998-99.
Stephen Mulholland
Born 4 July 1990.[202] Back row. Played for Ballymena, called up for Ulster in November and December 2015. Signed a development contract, but missed the rest of the season with injury.[100] Played for Ulster A in the British and Irish Cup 2015-17.
N
Russell Nelson
Born 19 February 1973.[203] Back row. Signed from the Bulls in 2000.[105] Made 5 starts in the Heineken Cup; 6 starts, scoring 1 try, in the Interprovincial Championship; and 3 starts in friendlies in 2000-01. Made 12 starts, scoring 1 try, in 2001-02. 2 starts, and 2 substitute appearances in 2002-03. Moved to Padova in 2003.[204]
Michael Niblock
Out-half. Started Ulster's match against the Spanish Barbarians in June 1998.[150]
O
Shea O'Brien
Born 15 July 1999.[205] Fullback, played for City of Armagh, with whom he won the Ulster Senior Cup in 2020. Named Club Player of the Year in the 2020 Ulster Rugby Awards. Signed a development contract with Ulster in 2022, while studying medicine at Queen's University.[206] Graduated in 2023, signed a senior contract with Ulster, and made his senior debut from the bench against Connacht in December 2023. Released at the end of the 2023-24 season.[207]
Tommy O'Hagan
Prop, born 5 October 1993.[208] Made his senior Ulster debut on 28 December 2018 in round 12 of the 2018–19 Pro14, featuring off the bench in the provinces 37–17 win against Scottish side Glasgow Warriors.[209][210] He was released ahead of the 2020-21 season.[211]
Ciaran O'Kane
Hooker, played for Portadown. Made one appearance from the bench in the 1997-98 Heineken Cup.[212]
Jack Owens
Fullback/wing, born 4 October 1995.[213] Made his senior Ulster debut on 18 February 2017 in round 15 of the 2016–17 Pro12, featuring off the bench in the provinces 37–17 win against Scottish side Glasgow Warriors.[214][215]
P
Andy Park
Born 30 September 1975.[216] Wing/fullback, played for NIFC and Ballymena. Made one start in the Heineken Cup and three in the Interpros in 1995-96; two interpros and one friendly in 1997-98; made three substitute appearances in the pool stage and started the semi-final and final in the 1998-99 Heineken Cup campaign, and also started four interpros and 2 representative matches that season.
Callum Patterson
Born Ballymena, 20 August 1992.[217] Centre. Attended Ballymena Academy, and played for Ballymena. Studied Harpers Adams University in Shropshire, and played for Newport Salop and Shropshire. Worked in agriculture and played for Ulster A in the British and Irish Cup 2015-18, and joined the senior squad in 2016. Left for Cornish Pirates in 2019.[218]
John Patterson
Born 5 August 1973.[219] Back row forward, played for Dungannon. One appearance from the bench in the 1996-97 Heineken Cup.[220]
Michael Pehi
New Zealand wing. Trained with Ulster before the 2006-07 season.[221] Played and scored in friendly against Border Reivers,[222] and for Ulster A against Rotherham Titans A, in August 2006.[223]
Gavin Pfister
Back row. South African. Joined Worcester in 2001, spent two years there before joining Pertemps Bees. Signed for Ulster as injury cover in November 2004.[224] Made 4 starts and 2 substitute appearances in 2004-05.
Stuart Philpott
Born 24 July 1985.[225] Hooker. Represented Ireland at under-21 level. Joined the Ulster academy from Saracens 2005,[226] signed a development contract 2006.[88] Made his debut from the bench against Scarlets in March 2007.[227] Made one appearance from the bench the following season, against Glasgow Warriors in November 2007.[228] Made three appearances, all from the bench, in 2008-09. Released 2009.[85] Went on to play for Nottingham and Henley.[229]
R
Michael Rainey
Centre, played for Ballymena. Appeared for Ulster in a representative match against New Zealand Federation Under-23 in November 1995.[230]
Murtagh Rea
Born 21 December 1967.[231] Lock, played for Malone. Made one start in a representative match against Edinburgh District in December 1995. In 1997-98, he made 3 sub appearances in the Heineken Cup, and 1 sub appearance in a friendly. In the 1998-99 Heineken Cup-winning season he made 2 starts in the Heineken Cup, 5 starts in the interpros, and 3 starts in representative matches.
Stephen Ritchie
Born 5 January 1970.[232] Hooker, played for Ballymena. Played 3 representative matches in 1995-96; all four Heineken Cup matches, all three Interpros, 1 representative match against Australia in 1996-97; and all six Heineken Cup matches, all three interpros and one friendly in 1997-98. Went on 1997 Ireland A tour of Oceania, and appeared once against North Aukland.
Daniel Roach
Prop. Son of Australian rugby league player Steve Roach. Australian schoolboy international, played for Australia under-19 against Ireland under-19 in 2005. Signed for Ulster from New South Wales Waratahs in 2008.[233] Made one appearance from the bench against Glasgow Warriors in April 2009.[234] Played for Monteux in 2009-10.[235]
Alan Robinson
Lock, played for Ballymena. Started two matches in the Interprovincial Championship in 1996.
Bronson Ross
Born 16 September 1985.[236] Tighthead prop. Born Oamaru, New Zealand. Irish-qualified through his Belfast-born mother. Played for Dunedin before moving to Europe at 22. Spent two seasons with Boroughmuir and one at Guernica. Joined Coventry in 2012 and played 26 times for them in the 2012-13 season. Signed a development contract with Ulster in 2013,[237] and played for Ulster A in the British and Irish Cup 2013-16. Signed a senior contract in 2014.[156] Made 20 senior appearances, including one start, in 2014-15, and 10 senior appearances, including one start, in 2015-16.
Paul Rowley
Born 15 December 1987.[238] Scrum-half. Started in the Munster academy. Played for Plymouth Albion 2011-2014, London Welsh 2014-15.[239] Signed for Ulster 2015,[240] played for Ulster A in the British and Irish Cup 2015-16.
S
| Paul Shields | Jamie Smith | Stephen Smyth | Henry Speight | Nevin Spence | Michael Stanley | Paul Steinmetz | Lewis Stevenson | Rory Sutherland David Scott
Tighthead prop, played for NIFC. Represented Ulster in a representative match against Edinburgh District in December 1995.[241]
Simon Shawe
Tighthead prop. Born 13 April 1979. Originally from Ballymoney, attended Coleraine Academical Institution.[242] Played for Queen's University and Belfast Harlequins. Played for Celtic Warriors XV, a combined Ulster-Scottish Borders team, in a friendly against Ulster in December 2002.[70] Made 2 substitute appearances for Ulster in 2003-04. Returned to club rugby with Ballymena, and was selected for the Ireland Clubs representative side. Signed for Leinster as injury cover in 2010-11,[243] making 8 appearances, including 1 start, in the Pro12, and 2 substitute appearances in the Heineken Cup.[244]
Jonny Shiels
Born 25 September 1989.[245] Attended Coleraine Academical Institution, named Ulster schools player of the year in 2008.[246] Joined the academy 2008. Made two substitute appearances in 2009-10.
Charlie Simpson
Lock, played for Dungannon. One start in the Interprovincial Championship and two in friendlies in 1996, and appeared off the bench in a friendly in 1997.
James Simpson
Lock/back row. Joined Ulster academy 2011, and made one senior appearance off the bench against Leinster in December 2011.[155] Promoyed to senior squad 2014,[156] played for Ulster A in the British and Irish Cup.[247]
Jonny Simpson
Born 19 August 1990.[248] Prop. Played for Ulster A in the British and Irish Cup 2015-18. Signed a development contract in 2016. Made his senior debut off the bench against Leinster in December 2016.[249] Made three more senior appearances, including one start, in 2016-17 season.
Reece Spee
Born 22 April 1978. Scrum half. Born in New Zealand, where he played for Bay of Plenty. Played club rugby in Ireland for City of Derry and Belfast Harlequins. Played for Celtic Warriors XV, a combined Ulster-Scottish Borders team, in a friendly against Ulster in December 2002.[70] Offered a contract by Ulster in 2003. Made three substitute appearances in 2003-04, one substitute appearance in 2004-05, and one substitute appearance in 2005-06. Joined Pertemps Bees in 2006.[250][251][252]
Johnny Stewart
Scrum-half, born Hillsborough, County Down. He attended Wallace High School, Lisburn, before joining the Ulster Academy in 2016. He made his full Ulster debut against Leinster in October 2017. In July 2019, Stewart graduated from the Queen's University of Belfast with an Upper Second Class Bachelor of Laws degree. In 2020, Stewart started his master's degree in Utrecht, while playing for, and captaining, the Utrechtse Studenten Rugby Society
Shane Stewart
Born 21 October 1976, New Zealand. Centre/wing. Played club rugby for Ballymena. Signed by Ulster in 2000. Made 1 start and 2 substitute appearance, scoring one try, in the Heineken Cup; 2 starts and three substitute appearances, scoring 1 try, in the Interprovincial Championship; and 3 starts, scoring 3 tries, in friendlies in the 2000-01 season. In 2001-02 he made 6 starts and 1 substitute appearance, scoring 1 try. Spent nearly a year out with a serious knee injury.[253] In 2002-03 he made 8 starts and 2 substitute appearance, scoring 1 try. In 2003-04 he made 22 starts and 2 substitute appearances, scoring 4 tries. He made no appearances in 2004-05 and 2005-06. Joined Newport Gwent Dragons for one season in 2006.[254][105][255]
T
Frank Taggart
Back row. Played for Ireland u-20 2014-16. Selected for Emerging Ireland for Tblisi Cup 2015.[256] Signed from Ballymena 2015, no senior appearances.
Derek Topping
Born 2 September 1970.[257] Back row forward. Represented Ulster 1997-2001. Part of the 1999 Heineken Cup team. Brother of wing James Topping.
V
W
| Pedrie Wannenburg | Andy Ward | Grant Webb | Ian Whitten | Colin Wilkinson | Nick Williams | Cillian Willis | Roger Wilson | Sam WindsorNeil Walsh
Born in Bahrain to Irish parents, 25 June 1985. Wing. Spent part of his childhood in New Zealand and the USA, and returned to Ireland in his teens. Played for CBC Monkstown, winning the Leinster Schools Vinnie Murray Cup. Studied at UCD while playing rugby for Lansdowne. Moved to Australia after graduating, and joined Melbourne Rugby Club, where the coach thought he had a chance to go professional, but an opportunity with a club in the English Championship fell through. Spent some time hiking in South America, where he received an offer of a trial for Ulster as injury cover. Joined the team in December 2012. Made one start and one substitute appearance in the Pro12 that season, but a shoulder injury meant Ulster did not offer him a permanent contract. He returned to Melbourne for a while, before joining Ourense in the Spanish third division, then a second division team near Barcelona, and finally a team in Lucerne, Switzerland.[258][259]
Richard Weir
Born 7 May 1975.[260] Hooker, played for Queens. Appeared for Ulster in a friendly against Ballymena in 1995. Was part of the 1998–99 Heineken Cup-winning team, making 1 start and 3 appearances off the bench, as well as one substitute appearance in the Interprovincial Championship, and one start and one substitute appearance in representative matches that season. In 1999-2000 he had 3 starts and 1 sub in the Heineken Cup, 1 start and 2 subs in the Interpros, and one friendly start against an Ireland XV. In 2000-01 he made 4 starts and one sub appearance in the Heineken Cup, started all 6 Interpros, and two appearances from the bench in friendlies. In 2001-02 he made three sub appearances in the Celtic League, and one start and one sub in friendlies.
Alan Whitten
Born 12 June 1989.[261] Prop. Brother of Ian Whitten. Played for Instonians. Joined Ulster as short-term injury cover in September 2010.[262] Made one appearance off the bench against Aironi in October 2010.[263]
Roger Wilson
Born 5 May 1972.[264] Back row forward, played for Instonians. Made one representative start in 1993; started two interpros and two representative matches in 1994-95; one substitute appearance in the Heineken Cup, two representative and one friendly start in 1995-96; and two interpro starts and one friendly substitute appearance in 1997-98. Now a surgeon. Not the same Roger Wilson who played for Ulster 2003-2007 and 2012-2017.
Y
Scott Young
Born 27 July 1981[265] Fullback/wing. Represented Ireland at under-21 level.[266] Joined IRFU academy from Ballymena in 2001, and trained with the Ulster squad.[267] Made two appearances from the bench in 2001-02 season. 5 starts, 3 substitute appearances in 2002-03. 17 starts, 3 substitute appearances in 2003-04. 6 starts, 3 substitute appearances in 2004-05. 20 starts, 3 substitute appearances in 2007-07. Moved to Doncaster Knights in 2007.[268]
References
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