2020–21 Ulster Rugby season

The 2020-21 season was Ulster's 27th season since the advent of professionalism in rugby union, and Dan McFarland's third season as head coach. Iain Henderson was captain. They competed in the Pro14, the Pro14 Rainbow Cup, the European Rugby Champions Cup and the European Rugby Challenge Cup.

Ulster Rugby
2020–21 season
Head CoachDan McFarland
Operations DirectorBryn Cunningham
CaptainIain Henderson
Pro142nd in Conference A
European Rugby Champions Cup9th in Pool B
European Rugby Challenge CupSemi-finals
Pro14 Rainbow Cup10th in European Pool
Top try scorerAll: Marcell Coetzee (9)
Top points scorerAll: John Cooney (174)
Home colours
Away colours
Third colours
← 2019–20 2021–22 →

The Pro14 season was shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the two South African teams unable to compete and the playoffs reduced to a final between the winners of the two conferences. Ulster finished second in Conference A, qualifying for next season's Champion's Cup. Scrum-half John Cooney was the league's leading scorer with 115 points. Number eight Marcell Coetzee was joint top try scorer with nine, and was named Players' Player of the Season. Ulster led the league in lineouts and scrums.[1] Cooney and Coetzee made the Pro14 Dream Team, as did fullback Michael Lowry and loosehead prop Eric O'Sullivan.

The pool stage of the Champions Cup was reduced to two matches by the pandemic. Ulster lost both and failed to progress to the knockout stage, but were entered into the Challenge Cup, making the semi-finals where they lost to Leicester Tigers. The Pro14 regular season was followed by the Pro14 Rainbow Cup, played between the winners of a European pool and the winners of a pool containing the four ex-Super Rugby South African teams. Ulster finished tenth of twelve in the European pool, and led the competition in scrums.[1]

John Cooney was Ulster's leading scorer with 174 points. Marcell Coetzee was leading try scorer with nine. Lock Alan O'Connor was leading tackler with 242,[2] and was named Ulster's Player of the Year. This was Coetzee's last season with Ulster: he left in April to join the Bulls. Attack coach Dwayne Peel left at the end of the season to become head coach of Scarlets.

Events

Personnel changes

New arrivals were scrum-half Alby Mathewson, formerly of Munster, and out-half Ian Madigan from Bristol Bears, although due to the delays caused by Covid-19, both had actually made their debuts and the end of the previous season. Academy centre Stewart Moore joined the senior squad on a development contract.[3] Hooker Bradley Roberts was signed from Rainey Old Boys as short-term injury cover, and ended up being kept on permanently.

Wing Angus Kernohan departed for Ealing Trailfinders, hooker Zack McCall, prop Tommy O'Hagan and flanker Clive Ross were released. Five new players joined the academy, including three from Wallace High School - flanker Reuben Crothers, centre Ben Carson and scrum-half Nathan Doak - as well as Down High School scrum-half Lewis Finlay and Ireland Sevens lock Cormac Izuchukwu.

Pre-season

Due to the mid-season break during the 2019–20 season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020–21 season started later than usual.[4] The two South African teams, the Cheetahs and Southern Kings, would not take part.[5]

The EPCR agreed a new format for the 2020–21 European Rugby Champions Cup in response to COVID-19: the top eight eligible teams from the Pro14, the Gallagher Premiership and Top 14 competed in a 24-team tournament divided into two pools of twelve teams, with each team playing four games in the pool stage - two at home and two away.[6]

First block

The Pro14 season started on 2 October. Ulster started the season with five straight victories.

Autumn internationals

The Ireland team for the Autumn Nations Cup was announced on 5 November, and included five Ulster players, Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Billy Burns, Stuart McCloskey and Jacob Stockdale. Burns made his international debut against Wales. Eric O'Sullivan was called up during the tournament, and made his debut against Georgia.

The Pro14 season continuted during the tournament, and Ulster played three games, winning them all.

Second block

Ulster lost their first two games in the Champions Cup, at home against Toulouse and away to Gloucester. After the first two rounds, the EPCR took the decision to temporarily suspend rounds 3 and 4,[7] and later confirmed that rounds 3 and 4 would not take place.[8] Ulster were eliminated from the Champions Cup and joined the Challenge Cup in the round of 16.

In the Pro14, they won their next two matches, but lost a third, away to Leinster. It was announced in December 2020 that the 2020–21 Pro14 season would conclude after 16 rounds, with the winners of each conference advancing straight to the final on 27 March 2021. Four South African Super Rugby teams - the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers - would then be introduced in the Rainbow Cup.[9]

Six Nations break

The Ireland squad for the 2021 Six Nations Championship was announced on 25 January, and included Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Tom O'Toole, Billy Burns and Stuart McCloskey, with Jacob Stockdale added to the squad later.[10]

Ulster played five Pro14 matches during the tournament, winning four and losing once, at home to Leinster. They finished second in Conference A, missing out on the final.

Third block

Having been eliminated from the Champions Cup, Ulster joined the Challenge Cup in the round of sixteen. After strong performances in away wins against Harlequins and Northampton Saints, Ulster faced a semi-final away to Leicester Tigers. They controlled the game in the first half, but after John Cooney departed with a head injury, Ulster's performance fell away, and a masterclass by England fly-half George Ford won the tie for Leicester.[11]

Leading try-scorer Marcell Coetzee left in April. He had announced his intention to go home to South Africa and join the Bulls, but after he sustained a season-ending injury in March, the club agreed to release him from his contract early.[12]

Ulster's poor performance in the second half of the Challenge Cup semi-final followed them into the Rainbow Cup, and they finished tenth of twelve in the European pool.

Post-season

Ulster led the Pro14 in offloads with 130, tackle success at 90%, lineout success at 92%, scrums won at 97% and kicks retained with 11, and were second in points scored, tries, metres gained, defenders beaten, clean breaks and turnovers won.[13] Scrum-half John Cooney was the league's leading points scorer with 115, and led the league in try assists with 13 and clean breaks with 22.[14] Cooney, Fullback Michael Lowry, number 8 Marcell Coetzee and loosehead prop Eric O'Sullivan were named in the Pro14 Dream Team.[15] Coetzee was named Players' Player of the Year,[16] and was joint top try scorer, alongside Leinster's Scott Penny and Connacht's Alex Wootton.[17]

Academy players Cormac Izuchukwu, Nathan Doak, David McCann, Callum Reid and Aaron Sexton all made their senior debuts this season.[18] Billy Burns and Eric O'Sullivan made their international debuts with Ireland.[19]

At the Ulster Rugby Awards, Alan O'Connor was named Player of the Year, with Iain Henderson Personality of the Year, John Cooney Supporters' Club Player of the Year, Nick Timoney Rugby Writers Player of the Year, and James Hume Young Player of the Year.

Staff
Position Name Nationality
Chief executive officer Jonny Petrie  Scotland
Operations director Bryn Cunningham  Ireland
Head coach Dan McFarland  England
Attack coach Dwayne Peel  Wales
Defence coach Jared Payne  Ireland
Forwards coach Roddy Grant  Scotland
Skills coach Dan Soper  New Zealand
Academy manager Kieran Campbell  Ireland

Squad

Senior squad
Ulster Rugby squad[24][25]

Props

Hookers

Locks

Back row

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

Centres

Wings

Fullbacks

(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.[26][27]

    Academy squad
    Ulster Rugby Academy squad

    Props

    Hookers

    Locks

    Back row

    • Ireland Azur Allison (3)
    • Ireland Reuben Crothers (1)
    • Ireland David McCann (3) (6 apps, 4 starts)

    Scrum-halves

    Fly-halves

    Centres

    • Ireland Ben Carson (1)
    • Ireland Hayden Hyde (2)

    Wings

    Fullbacks

    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.[31]

      Ulster 'A'

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

      Players used by Ulster 'A'

      Props

      • Ireland George Saunderson
      • Ireland Oscar Egan

      Locks

      Fly-halves

      • Ireland James Humphreys

      Centres

      Fullbacks

      • Ireland Matthew Corr

      European Rugby Champions Cup
      Main article: 2020–21 European Rugby Champions Cup

      Pool B
      Team
      		 P W D L PF PA Diff TF TA TB LB Pts
      France Lyon 22008310+731211010
      France Racing 92 22007529+461142010
      France Toulouse 22005722+35832010
      Ireland Munster 22006038+2255008
      France Clermont 21018277+5118206
      England Bristol Bears 21016569-499206
      England Exeter Chiefs 21014228+1464105
      England Gloucester 21014889-41612105
      Ireland Ulster 20025667-1179123
      Ireland Connacht 20024053-1358011
      England Harlequins 20021470-5629000
      Scotland Glasgow Warriors 2002070-70010000

      [32]

      11 December 2020
      20:00
      (1 BP) Ulster Ireland22–29France Toulouse (1 BP)
      Try: Rob Herring (2) 14' c, 57' c
      Ian Madigan 17' m
      Con: John Cooney (2/3) 15', 59'
      Pen: John Cooney (1/2) 44'      		Report[33]
      Highlights      		Try: Cheslin Kolbe (2) 20' c, 65' m
      Antoine Dupont 39' c
      Rory Arnold 53' c
      Con: Thomas Ramos (3/4) 21', 40', 54'
      Pen: Thomas Ramos (1/1) 77'
      Kingspan Stadium
      Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
      Ulster lineup
      • 1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore, 4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Sam Carter, 6. Matty Rea, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Marcell Coetzee, 9. John Cooney, 10. Ian Madigan, 11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Matt Faddes, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. John Andrew (for Herring, 58), 17. Andrew Warwick (for O'Sullivan, 74), 18. O'Toole (for M. Moore, 51), 19. David O'Connor (for Carter, 50), 20. Greg Jones (for Coetzee, 43), 21. Alby Mathewson (unused), 22. Stewart Moore (unused), 23. Craig Gilroy (for Madigan, 72).
      19 December 2020
      15:15
      (1 BP) Gloucester England38–34Ireland Ulster (2 BP)
      Try: Louis Rees-Zammit 6' c
      Penalty try (2) 27', 75'
      Mark Atkinson 42' c
      George Barton 80'+5 c
      Con: Lloyd Evans (3/3) 8', 44', 80'+6
      Pen: Lloyd Evans (1/1) 23'      		Report[34]
      Highlights      		Try: Billy Burns 11' c
      John Cooney 68' c
      Michael Lowry 53' c
      Penalty try 58'
      Con: John Cooney (3/3) 12', 54', 66'
      Pen: Jon Cooney (2/3) 34', 66'
      Kingsholm
      Attendance: 2,000
      Referee: Alex Ruiz (France)
      Ulster lineup
      • 1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore, 4. Alan O'Connor, 5. David O'Connor, 6. Sean Reidy, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Nick Timoney, 9. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns, 11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Matt Faddes, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. John Andrew (unused), 17. Kyle McCall (unused), 18. Tom O'Toole (for M. Moore, 43), 19. Matty Rea (for Reidy, 43), 20. Greg Jones (unused), 21. Alby Mathewson (unused), 22. Ian Madigan (for Burns, 75), 23. Ethan McIlroy (for Lowry, 73).

      European Rugby Challenge Cup
      Main article: 2020–21 European Rugby Challenge Cup

      Round of 16
      4 April 2021
      20:00 BST
      Harlequins England21–57Ireland Ulster
      Try: Tom Lawday 31' c
      Jack Kenningham 64' c
      Jordan Els 77' c
      Con: Brett Herron (3/3) 32', 64', 78'      		Report[35]
      Highlights      		Try: Stuart McCloskey 7' c
      Rob Herring (2) 21' c, 55' c
      Sean Reidy (2) 26' c, 69' c
      Michael Lowry 33' m
      Billy Burns 59' c
      Alby Mathewson 65' c
      Con: John Cooney (5/6) 8', 23', 27', 57', 60'
      Ian Madigan (2/2) 66', 70'
      Pen: John Cooney (1/1) 12'
      Twickenham Stoop
      Attendance: 0
      Referee: Romain Poite (France)
      Ulster lineup
      • 1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore, 4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Kieran Treadwell, 6. Sean Reidy, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Nick Timoney, 9. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns, 11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. John Andrew (for Herring, 73), 17. Andrew Warwick (for O'Sullivan, 63), 18. Tom O'Toole (for M. Moore, 57), 19. Cormac Izuchukwu (for Treadwell, 46), 20. Matty Rea (for Izuchukwu, 55), 21. Alby Mathewson (for Cooney, 65), 22. Ian Madigan (for Burns, 65), 23. Ethan McIlroy (for Lowry, 67).

      Quarter-final
      10 April 2021
      20:00 BST
      Northampton Saints England27–35Ireland Ulster
      Try: Alex Mitchell 4' c
      Tommy Freeman (2) 32' m, 34' c
      Ollie Sleightholme 58' m
      Con: Piers Francis (2/4) 6', 35'
      Pen: Piers Francis (1/1) 16'      		Report[36]
      Highlights      		Try: Penalty try 11'
      Rob Herring 24' c
      Marty Moore 46' c
      John Cooney 61' c
      Jacob Stockdale 72' c
      Con: John Cooney (4/4) 25', 47', 62', 73'
      Franklin's Gardens
      Attendance: 0
      Referee: Alexandre Ruiz (France)
      Ulster lineup
      • 1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore, 4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Kieran Treadwell, 6. Sean Reidy, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Nick Timoney, 9. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns, 11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. John Andrew (unused), 17. Andrew Warwick (for O'Sullivan, 66), 18. Tom O'Toole (for M. Moore, 57), 19. Matty Rea (for Reidy, 49), 20. Greg Jones (unused), 21. Alby Mathewson (for Hume, 79), 22. Ian Madigan (for Burns, 75), 23. Ethan McIlroy (for Lowry, 59).

      Semi-final
      30 April 2021
      20:00 BST
      Leicester Tigers England33–24Ireland Ulster
      Try: Jasper Wiese 44' c
      Ellis Genge 52' c
      Guy Porter 73' c
      Con: George Ford (3/3) 44', 54', 75'
      Pen: George Ford (3/4) 6', 19', 49'
      Drop: George Ford 58'      		Report[37]
      Highlights      		Try: Iain Henderson 15' c
      Billy Burns 21' c
      Nick Timoney 67' c
      Con: John Cooney (2/2) 16', 22'
      Michael Lowry (1/1) 68'
      Pen: John Cooney (1/1) 9'
      Mattioli Woods Welford Road
      Attendance: 0
      Referee: Pascal Gaüzère (France)
      Ulster lineup
      • 1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore, 4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Iain Henderson, 6. Matty Rea, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Nick Timoney, 9. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns, 11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune, 15. Jacob Stockdale. Replacements: 16. John Andrew (for Herring, 79), 17. Andrew Warwick (for O'Sullivan, 60), 18. Tom O'Toole (for M. Moore, 60), 19. Kieran Treadwell (for A. Connor, 58), 20. Sean Reidy (for Matty Rea, 37, 55), 21. Alby Mathewson (for Cooney, 43), 22. Michael Lowry (for Burns, 66), 23. Will Addison (for Baloucoune, 55).

      Pro14
      Main article: 2020–21 Pro14
      2020–21 Pro14 Table
      Conference A
      Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP PTS
      1Ireland Leinster (CH) 161402576285+291823314171
      2Ireland Ulster 161402469263+20665348064
      3Wales Ospreys 16808301318-1734391336
      4Scotland Glasgow Warriors 166010335377-4240472430
      5Wales Dragons 166010215394-7936502329
      6Italy Zebre 164012237508-27122690117
      Conference B
      Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP PTS
      1Ireland Munster (RU) 161402413250+16349267264
      2Ireland Connacht 16808396353+4353367645
      3Wales Scarlets 16808319333-1436383439
      4Wales Cardiff Blues 16808265284-1930323136
      5Scotland Edinburgh 165110247344-9729431429*
      6Italy Benetton 160115252415-1643453167*
      * Cancelled fixture: Edinburgh awarded four match points.
      If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:[38]
      1. number of matches won
      2. the difference between points for and points against
      3. the number of tries scored
      4. the most points scored
      5. the difference between tries for and tries against
      6. the fewest red cards received
      7. the fewest yellow cards received
      Green background indicates teams that will compete in the Pro14 Final, and also earn a place in the 2021–22 European Champions Cup

      Blue background indicates teams outside the play-off places that earn a place in the 2021–22 European Champions Cup
      Plain background indicates teams that earn a place in the 2021–22 European Rugby Challenge Cup.
      (CH) Champions. (RU) Runners-up. (PO) Champions Cup play-off winners.

        2 October 2020
        20:15
        (1 BP) Ulster Ireland35–24Italy Benetton
        Try: James Hume 8' c
        Stewart Moore 11' c
        Michael Lowry 28' c
        Marcell Coetzee 46' c
        Adam McBurney 73' c
        Con: John Cooney (4) 9' 12' 30' 47'
        Bill Johnston 74'        		Report[39]
        Match centre
        Highlights        		Try: Federico Ruzza 23' c
        Paolo Garbisi 32' c
        Braam Steyn 38' c
        Con: Paolo Garbisi (3) 24' 33' 39'
        Pen: Paolo Garbisi 43'
        Kingspan Stadium
        Referee: Adam Jones
        Ulster lineup
        • 1. Jack McGrath, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore, 4. Sam Carter, 5. Iain Henderson, 6. Matty Rea, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Marcell Coetzee, 9. John Cooney, 10. Michael Lowry, 11. Rob Lyttle, 12. Stewart Moore, 13. James Hume, 14. Craig Gilroy, 15. Jacob Stockdale. Replacements: 16. Adam McBurney (for Herring, 64), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for McGrath, 40), 18. Gareth Milasinovich (for Moore, 69-79), 19. David O'Connor for Carter, 50), 20. David McCann (for Reidy, 56), 21. Alby Mathewson (for Cooney, 59), 22. Bill Johnston (for Lowry, 59), 23. Louis Ludik (for Coetzee, 74).
        10 October 2020
        17:15
        Ospreys Wales12–24Ireland Ulster
        Pen: Stephen Myler (4) 21' 40+1' 57' 65'Report[40]
        Report
        Highlights        		Try: Jacob Stockdale 7' c
        Marcell Coetzee 48' c
        John Cooney 72'
        Con: John Cooney (3) 8' 49' 73'
        Pen: John Cooney 31'
        Liberty Stadium
        Referee: Mike Adamson
        Ulster lineup
        • 1. Jack McGrath, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore, 4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Iain Henderson, 6. Matty Rea, 7. Marcus Rea, 8. Marcell Coetzee, 9. John Cooney, 10. Ian Madigan, 11. Rob Lyttle, 12. Stewart Moore, 13. James Hume, 14. Matt Faddes, 15. Jacob Stockdale. Replacements: 16. Adam McBurney (for Herring, 71), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for McGrath, 45), 18. Gareth Milasinovich (for M. Moore, 65), 19. Kieran Treadwell (for O'Connor, 59), 20. Greg Jones (for Matty Rea, 59), 21. David Shanahan (unused), 22. Louis Ludik (for Faddes, 71), 23. Sean Reidy (unused).
        25 October 2020
        15:00
        (1 BP) Ulster Ireland40–17Wales Dragons
        Try: Marcell Coetzee 4' c
        Eric O'Sullivan 13' c
        Sean Reidy 26' c
        Louis Ludik (2) 31' c 38' c
        Alan O'Connor 66'
        Con: John Cooney (5) 5' 15' 27' 32' 39'        		Match centre
        Highlights        		Try: Ashton Hewitt 60' c
        Jamie Roberts 80' c
        Con: Sam Davies (2) 61' 80+1'
        Pen: Sam Davies 9'
        Kingspan Stadium
        Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi
        Ulster lineup
        • 1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. John Andrew, 3. Marty Moore, 4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Sam Carter, 6. Sean Reidy, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Marcell Coetzee, 9. John Cooney, 10. Ian Madigan, 11. Louis Ludik, 12. Stewart Moore, 13. James Hume, 14. Matt Faddes, 15. Rob Lyttle. Replacements: 16. Adam McBurney (for Andrew, 49), 17. Kyle McCall (for O'Sullivan, 54), 18. Ross Kane (for M. Moore, 54), 19. Kieran Treadwell (for Carter, 49), 20. Nick Timoney (for Coetzee, 54), 21. David Shanahan (for Cooney, 59), 22. Bill Johnston (for Madigan, 46), 23. Michael Lowry (for Hume, 74).
        2 November 2020
        18:00
        (1 BP) Cardiff Blues Wales7–11Ireland Ulster
        Try: Rey Lee-Lo 22' c
        Con: Jarrod Evans 23'        		Match centre
        Highlights        		Try: Michael Lowry 40+1'
        Pen: John Cooney (2) 16' 64'
        Rodney Parade
        Referee: Adam Jones
        Ulster lineup
        • 1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Adam McBurney, 3. Marty Moore, 4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Kieran Treadwell, 6. Matty Rea, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Nick Timoney, 9. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns, 11. Louis Ludik, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Stewart Moore, 14. Craig Gilroy, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. John Andrew (for McBurney, 47), 17. Jack McGrath (for O'Sullivan, 47), 18. Ross Kane (for Moore, 68), 19. Sam Carter (for O'Connor, 56), 20. Sean Reidy (for Timoney, 47), 21. Alby Mathewson (for Burns, 73), 22. Luke Marshall (for S. Moore, 52), 23. Ethan McIlroy (for Ludik, 23).
        9 November 2020
        20:15
        (1 BP) Ulster Ireland40–15Scotland Glasgow Warriors
        Try: John Andrew 11' c
        Marcell Coetzee 24' c
        Sam Carter 36' c
        John Cooney 40+2' c
        Sean Reidy 49'
        Matt Faddes 55' c
        Con: John Cooney (5) 12' 25' 37' 40+3' 56'        		Match centre
        Highlights        		Try: TJ Ioane 4' c
        Grant Stewart 60'
        Con: George Horne 4'
        Pen: George Horne 20'
        Kingspan Stadium
        Referee: Nigel Owens
        Ulster lineup
        • 1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. John Andrew, 3. Marty Moore, 4. Kieran Treadwell, 5. Sam Carter, 6. Matty Rea, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Marcell Coetzee, 9. John Cooney, 10. Ian Madigan, 11. Matt Faddes, 12. Stewart Moore, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Craig Gilroy, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. Adam McBurney (for Andrew 60'), 17. Kyle McCall (for O'Sullivan 53'), 18. Gareth Milasinovich (for M. Moore 60'), 19. Alan O'Connor (for Carter 47'), 20. Marcus Rea (for Coetzee 60'), 21. David Shanahan (for Cooney 68'), 22. Bill Johnston (for Madigan 47'), 23. Ethan McIlroy (for Marshall 51').
        16 November 2020
        19:00
        Zebre Italy14–57Ireland Ulster (1 BP)
        Try: Pierre Bruno 10' c
        Nicolò Casilio 53' c
        Con: Antonio Rizzi 10'
        Paolo Pescetto 54'        		Match centre
        Highlights        		Try: Marcell Coetzee (4) 5' c 24' c 35' c 58
        Stewart Moore 28'
        Bill Johnston 45' c
        Luke Marshall 49' c
        Ethan McIlroy 74'
        David Shanahan 79' c
        Con: Bill Johnston (6) 6' 25' 36' 47' 50' 80'
        Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
        Referee: Ben Whitehouse
        Ulster lineup
        • 1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. John Andrew, 3. Marty Moore, 4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Sam Carter, 6. Greg Jones, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Marcell Coetzee, 9. Alby Mathewson, 10. Bill Johnston, 11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Stewart Moore, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Craig Gilroy, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. Adam McBurney (for Andrew 55'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for O'Sullivan 55'), 18. Gareth Milasinovich (for M. Moore 47'), 19. David O'Connor (for A. O'Connor 51'), 20. Sean Reidy (for Coetzee 64'), 21. David Shanahan (for Mathewson 55'), 22. Ian Madigan (for S. Moore 51'), 23. Rob Lyttle (for Lowry 61').
        22 November 2020
        19:35
        (1 BP) Ulster Ireland24–22Wales Scarlets (2 BP)
        Try: Rob Lyttle 6'
        Stewart Moore 30' c
        Sean Reidy 39' c
        Kieran Treadwell 64' c
        Con: John Cooney (2) 32' 40'
        Bill Johnston 65'        		Match centre
        Highlights        		Try: Paul Asquith 17' c
        Ryan Conbeer 41'
        Steff Evans 54'
        Phil Price 76' c
        Con: Angus O'Brien (2) 18', 77'
        Kingspan Stadium
        Referee: Andrea Piardi
        Ulster lineup
        • 1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. John Andrew, 3. Marty Moore, 4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Kieran Treadwell, 6. Matty Rea, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Marcell Coetzee, 9. John Cooney, 10. Bill Johnston, 11. Rob Lyttle, 12. Stewart Moore, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Matt Faddes, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. Adam McBurney (for Andrew 55'), 17. Kyle McCall (for O'Sullivan 72'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for M. Moore 55'), 19. David O'Connor (for A. O'Connor 72'), 20. Jordi Murphy (for Matty Rea 52'), 21. Alby Mathewson (for Cooney 55'), 22. Ian Madigan (for Faddes 59'), 23. Craig Gilroy (for Marshall 3').
        30 November 2020
        20:15
        Edinburgh Scotland14–43Ireland Ulster (1 BP)
        Try: Jack Blain (2) 32' c 44' c
        Con: Nathan Chamberlain (2) 34' 45'        		Match centre
        Highlights        		Try: Stewart Moore 2' c
        John Andrew (3) 18' 72' 80@1'
        John Cooney (2) 23' c 66' c
        Jordi Murphy 59' c
        Con: John Cooney (4) 3' 24' 60' 68'
        BT Murrayfield
        Referee: Craig Evans
        Ulster lineup
        • 1. Andrew Warwick, 2. John Andrew, 3. Marty Moore, 4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Sam Carter, 6. Sean Reidy, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Marcell Coetzee, 9. John Cooney, 10. Ian Madigan, 11. Rob Lyttle, 12. Stewart Moore, 13. James Hume, 14. Matt Faddes, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. Bradley Roberts (for Coetzee 74'), 17. Kyle McCall (for Warwick 48'), 18. Gareth Milasinovich (for M. Moore 50'), 19. David O'Connor (for A. O'Connor 62'), 20. David McCann (for Reidy 68'), 21. David Shanahan (for Cooney 68'), 22. Bill Johnston (for Madigan 68'), 23. Aaron Sexton (for Lyttle 8').


        27 December 2020
        19:35
        Connacht Ireland19–32Ireland Ulster
        Try: Jack Carty 20' c
        John Porch 27' c
        Tom Daly 61'
        Con: Jack Carty (2) 21' 28'        		Match centre
        Highlights        		Try: Jordi Murphy 48' c
        Nick Timoney 53' c
        Con: Ian Madigan (2) 49' 55'
        Pen: Ian Madigan (6) 2' 10' 24' 65' 74' 78'
        Galway Sportsgrounds
        Referee: Sean Gallagher
        Ulster lineup
        • 1. Kyle McCall, 2. John Andrew, 3. Tom O'Toole, 4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Kieran Treadwell, 6. Greg Jones, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Nick Timoney, 9. Alby Mathewson, 10. Ian Madigan, 11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Stewart Moore, 13. James Hume, 14. Craig Gilroy, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. Bradley Roberts (for Andrew 68'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for McIlroy 19'-31'), 18. Marty Moore (for O'Toole 52', 19. David O'Connor (for Treadwell 69'), 20. Matty Rea (for Jones 69'), 21. David Shanahan (for Mathewson 78'), 22. Ben Moxham (for S. Moore 62'), 23. Matt Faddes (for Gilroy 65').


        2 January 2021
        17:15
        Ulster Ireland15–10Ireland Munster (1 BP)
        Try: Matt Faddes 6'
        Ethan McIlroy 16' c
        Con: John Cooney 17'
        Pen: John Cooney 28'        		Match centre
        Highights
        Full game        		Try: Darren Sweetnam 80+2'
        Con: Jack Crowley 80+4'
        Pen: Ben Healy 12'
        Kingspan Stadium
        Referee: Mike Adamson
        Ulster lineup
        • 1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore, 4. Kieran Treadwell, 5. Sam Carter, 6. Matty Rea, 7. David McCann, 8. Nick Timoney, 9. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns, 11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Matt Faddes, 15. Jacob Stockdale. Replacements: 16. Adam McBurney (for Herring 73'), 17. Callum Reid (for O'Sullivan 48'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for M. Moore 52'), 19. David O'Connor (for Carter 65'), 20. Marcell Coetzee (for Matty Rea 47'), 21. Nathan Doak (for Cooney 65'), 22. Ian Madigan (for Burns 72'), 23. Ben Moxham (for Stockdale 77').
        8 January 2021
        19:35
        (1 BP) Leinster Ireland24–12Ireland Ulster
        Try: Dave Kearney 22'
        Seán Cronin 43' c
        Robbie Henshaw 52'
        James Tracy 73' c
        Con: Johnny Sexton 44'
        Ross Byrne 75'        		Match centre
        Highlights        		Pen: John Cooney (4) 14' 34' 40' 69'
        RDS Arena
        Referee: Andrew Brace
        Ulster lineup
        • 1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore, 4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Sam Carter, 6. Greg Jones, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Marcell Coetzee, 9. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns, 11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Matt Faddes, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. John Andrew (for Herring 62'), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick 50'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for M. Moore 6'), 19. Kieran Treadwell (for Carter 50'), 20. Nick Timoney (for Jones 48'), 21. David Shanahan (for Cooney 75'), 22. Ian Madigan (for Burns 63'), 23. Ben Moxham (for Faddes 56').
        19 February 2021
        19:35
        (1 BP) Glasgow Warriors Scotland13–19Ireland Ulster
        Try: Aki Seiuli 76' c
        Con: Ross Thompson 77'
        Pen: Adam Hastings (2) 36' 50'        		Match centre
        Highlights        		Try: Michael Lowry 39' c
        Craig Gilroy 55'
        Nick Timoney 62' c
        Con: John Cooney (2) 40' 63'
        Scotstoun Stadium
        Referee: Ben Blain
        Ulster lineup
        • 1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. John Andrew, 3. Marty Moore, 4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Kieran Treadwell, 6. Nick Timoney, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Marcell Coetzee, 9. John Cooney, 10. Ian Madigan, 11. Rob Lyttle, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Craig Gilroy, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. Adam McBurney (for Andrew 50'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for O'Sullivan 50'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for M. Moore 46'), 19. Cormac Izuchukwu (for Treadwell 57'), 20. Greg Jones (for Coetzee 40'), 21. Alby Mathewson (for Cooney 68'), 22. Stewart Moore, 23. Matt Faddes (for Gilroy 71').
        26 February 2021
        20:00
        Ulster Ireland21–7Wales Ospreys
        Try: John Cooney 37' c
        John Andrew 53' c
        Con: John Cooney (2) 39' 54'        		Match centre
        Highlights        		Try: Keelan Giles 1' c
        Con: Stephen Myler 3'
        Kingspan Stadium
        Referee: Sean Gallagher
        Ulster lineup
        • 1. Andrew Warwick, 2. John Andrew, 3. Marty Moore, 4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Kieran Treadwell, 6. Greg Jones, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Nick Timoney, 9. John Cooney, 10. Ian Madigan, 11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Rob Lyttle, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. Adam McBurney (for Andrew 62'), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick 50'), 18. Ross Kane (for M. Moore 50'), 19. Cormac Izuchukwu (for Treadwell 62'), 20. Sean Reidy (for Jones 50'), 21. Alby Mathewson (for Cooney 58'), 22. Matt Faddes (for Madigan 70'), 23. Robert Baloucoune (for Stockdale 40').
        6 March 2021
        19:35
        Ulster Ireland19–38Ireland Leinster (1 BP)
        Try: Marcell Coetzee 8' c
        Robert Baloucoune 13'
        Nick Timoney 72' c
        Con: John Cooney 10'
        Michael Lowry 73'        		Match centre
        Highlights        		Try: Michael Bent 24' c
        Josh van der Flier 27' c
        Ed Byrne 36' c
        Rhys Ruddock 56' c
        Dan Sheehan 78' c
        Con: Ross Byrne (5) 25' 28' 38' 57' 79'
        Pen: Ross Byrne 4'
        Kingspan Stadium
        Referee: Frank Murphy
        Ulster lineup
        • 1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. John Andrew, 3. Tom O'Toole, 4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Kieran Treadwell, 6. Nick Timoney, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. Marcell Coetzee, 9. John Cooney, 10. Ian Madigan, 11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune, 15. Michael Lowry. Replacements: 16. Adam McBurney (for Andrew 40'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for O'Sullivan 25'-30'), 18. Marty Moore (for O'Sullivan 60'), 19. Cormac Izuchukwu (for Treadwell 50'), 20. Sean Reidy (for Murphy 50'), 21. Alby Mathewson (for Cooney 71'), 22. Stewart Moore (for Hume 60'), 23. Rob Lyttle (for Madigan 50').
        13 March 2021
        19:35
        (1 BP) Dragons Wales22–26Ireland Ulster (1 BP)
        Try: Ollie Griffiths 55' c
        Rio Dyer 73'
        Jonah Holmes 77' c
        Con: Sam Davies 55'
        Josh Lewis 77'
        Pen: Sam Davies 34'        		Match centre
        Highlights        		Try: Alby Mathewson 13' c
        Stewart Moore (2) 20' c 60' c
        John Andrew 49'
        Con: Michael Lowry (3) 14' 22' 61'
        Millennium Stadium[41]
        Referee: Adam Jones
        Ulster lineup
        • 1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. John Andrew, 3. Ross Kane, 4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Kieran Treadwell, 6. David McCann, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Nick Timoney, 9. Alby Mathewson, 10. Michael Lowry, 11. Rob Lyttle, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Stewart Moore, 14. Craig Gilroy, 15. Jacob Stockdale. Replacements: 16. Bradley Roberts (for McCann 41'-48', for Andrew 57'), 17. Callum Reid (for O'Sullivan 66'), 18. Gareth Milasinovich (for Kane 53'), 19. Cormac Izuchukwu (for Treadwell 61'), 20. Matty Rea, 21. David Shanahan (for Mathewson 61'), 22. Ian Madigan (for Lowry 74'), 23. Ethan McIlroy (for Gilroy 47').
        19 March 2021
        20:15
        (1 BP) Ulster Ireland49–3Italy Zebre
        Try: John Andrew 12' c
        Michael Lowry 38' c
        Robert Baloucoune 42 c
        Jordi Murphy (2) 44' c 60' c
        Rob Lyttle 66' c
        Bradley Roberts 78' c
        Con: John Cooney (4) 14' 39' 43' 45'
        Michael Lowry (3) 61' 67' 79'        		Match centre
        Highlights        		Pen: Paolo Pescetto 15'
        Kingspan Stadium
        Referee: Andrew Brace
        Ulster lineup
        • 1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. John Andrew, 3. Marty Moore, 4. Cormac Izuchukwu, 5. Kieran Treadwell, 6. Sean Reidy, 7. Jordi Murphy, 8. David McCann, 9. John Cooney, 10. Michael Lowry, 11. Rob Lyttle, 12. Stewart Moore, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune, 15. Ethan McIlroy. Replacements: 16. Bradley Roberts (for Andrew 52'), 17. Callum Reid (for O'Sullivan 40'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for M. Moore 43'), 19. Alan O'Connor (for Izuchukwu 52'), 20. Matty Rea (for Reidy 52'), 21. David Shanahan (for Cooney 45'), 22. Ian Madigan (for Hume 72'), 23. Ben Moxham (for S. Moore 54').

        Pro14 Rainbow Cup
        Main article: Pro14 Rainbow Cup
        Pro14 Rainbow Cup
        Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA Try bonus Losing bonus Pts
        1Italy Benetton541012578+4714102022**
        2Ireland Munster540117075+952383120
        3Scotland Glasgow Warriors5401121117+417153019
        4Ireland Leinster530212487+3719102115
        5Wales Cardiff Blues5302124123+116162115
        6Ireland Connacht5302109133–2415182014
        7Wales Scarlets5122110115–513152113*
        8Wales Ospreys521210388+1514112111**
        9Scotland Edinburgh5113126140–1418192210
        10Ireland Ulster511385116–311218228*
        11Wales Dragons5104117156–391422217
        12Italy Zebre500588174-861023033
        * Cancelled fixture: Scarlets awarded four match points.
        ** Cancelled fixture: Benetton awarded four match points.
        If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:[42]
        1. number of matches won;
        2. the difference between points for and points against;
        3. the number of tries scored;
        4. the most points scored;
        5. the difference between tries for and tries against;
        6. the fewest red cards received;
        7. the fewest yellow cards received.
        Green background (row 1) is the play-off places and earn a place in the final against the 1st placed Rainbow Cup SA team.
          23 April 2021
          20:15
          (2 BP) Ulster Ireland24–26Ireland Connacht (1 BP)
          Try: Jacob Stockdale 23'
          Rob Herring 29' c
          Billy Burns 44'
          David Shanahan 72' c
          Con: John Cooney 30'
          Michael Lowry 73'          		Match centre
          Highlights          		Try: Paul Boyle 7' c
          Caolin Blade (2) 50' c 63 c
          Peter Sullivan 80+3'
          Con: Jack Carty 8'
          Tom Daly (2) 52' 64'
          Ravenhill Stadium
          Referee: Andrew Brace
          Ulster lineup
          • 1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Tom O'Toole, 4. Kieran Treadwell, 5. Iain Henderson, 6. Matty Rea, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Nick Timoney, 9. John Cooney, 10. Billy Burns, 11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Stewart Moore, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune, 15. Jacob Stockdale. Replacements: 16. John Andrew (for Herring 52'), 17. Eric O'Sullivan (for Warwick 68'), 18. Ross Kane (for O'Toole 61'), 19. Alan O'Connor (for Henderson 49'), 20. Greg Jones (for Treadwell 61'), 21. David Shanahan (for Cooney 61'), 22. Michael Lowry (for Burns 68'), 23. Will Addison (for Stockdale 48').
          7 May 2021
          20:15
          (1 BP) Munster Ireland38–10Ireland Ulster
          Try: Rory Scannell (2) 10' c 54' c
          Conor Murray 26'
          Mike Haley c
          JJ Hanrahan 57' c
          Andrew Conway 78'
          Con: JJ Hanrahan (4) 11' 40+1' 55' 59'          		Match centre
          Highlights
          Full game          		Try: Iain Henderson 43'
          Con: Michael Lowry 45'
          Pen: Michael Lowry 2'
          Thomond Park
          Referee: Craig Evans
          Ulster lineup
          • 1. Andrew Warwick, 2. John Andrew, 3. Tom O'Toole, 4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Iain Henderson, 6. Jordi Murphy, 7. Marcus Rea, 8. David McCann, 9. Alby Mathewson, 10. Michael Lowry, 11. Ethan McIlroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Will Addison, 14. Rob Lyttle, 15. Jacob Stockdale. Replacements: 16. Rob Herring (for Andrew 40'), 17. Callum Reid (for Warwick 40'), 18. Marty Moore (for O'Toole 40'), 19. Sam Carter (for Henderson 67'), 20. Nick Timoney (for McCann 40'), 21. David Shanahan (for Mathewson 40'), 22. Angus Curtis (for Lowry 62'), 23. James Hume (for Addison 59').
          14 May 2021
          20:15
          Leinster Ireland21–17Ireland Ulster (1 BP)
          Try: Cian Healy 25' c
          Jack Conan 53' c
          Robbie Henshaw 61' c
          Con: Garry Ringrose (3) 25' 54' 62'          		Match centre
          Highlights          		Try: Robert Baloucoune 18' c
          Craig Gilroy 79' c
          Con: Billy Burns 19'
          Ian Madigan 79'
          Pen: Billy Burns 51'
          RDS Arena
          Referee: Craig Evans
          Ulster lineup
          • 1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Marty Moore, 4. Sam Carter, 5. Iain Henderson, 6. Matty Rea, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Nick Timoney, 9. David Shanahan, 10. Billy Burns, 11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Robert Baloucoune, 15. Jacob Stockdale. Replacements: 16. Bradley Roberts (for Herring 63'), 17. Callum Reid (for O'Sullivan 63'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for M. Moore 63'), 19. Alan O'Connor (for Carter 51'), 20. Greg Jones (for Reidy 71'), 21. Nathan Doak (for Shanahan 63'), 22. Ian Madigan (for Burns 63'), 23. Rob Lyttle (for Stockdale 42').
          29 May 2021
          15:00
          Ulster IrelandCancelled
          0–0[43]          		Wales Scarlets
          Ravenhill Stadium
          5 June 2021
          17:15
          (2 BP) Edinburgh Scotland31–34Ireland Ulster (1 BP)
          Try: Duhan van der Merwe 3'
          Blair Kinghorn 7' c
          Pierre Schoeman 67' c
          Cammy Hutchison 73' c
          Eroni Sau 76'
          Con: Blair Kinghorn (3) 8' 67' 74'          		Match centre
          Highlights          		Try: James Hume 12' c
          Iain Henderson 19' c
          Stuart McCloskey 27' c
          Adam McBurney 38'
          Rob Lyttle 47'
          Con: Ian Madigan (3) 13' 19' 28'
          Pen: Ian Madigan 80+1'
          Murrayfield
          Referee: Ben Whitehouse
          Ulster lineup
          • 1. Kyle McCall, 2. Adam McBurney, 3. Marty Moore, 4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Iain Henderson, 6. Matty Rea, 7. Marcus Rea, 8. Nick Timoney, 9. David Shanahan, 10. Ian Madigan, 11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. James Hume, 14. Matt Faddes, 15. Rob Lyttle. Replacements: 16. Rob Herring (for McBurney 45'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for McCall 45'), 18. Tom O'Toole (for M. Moore 45'), 19. Kieran Treadwell (for O'Connor 60'-68'), 20. Greg Jones (for Marcus Rea 52'), 21. Alby Mathewson (for Shanahan 65'), 22. Billy Burns (for Madigan 40'-65'), 23. Michael Lowry (for Faddes 40').

          Ulster 'A'
          25 September 2020
          Leinster 'A' Ireland14-29Ireland Ulster 'A'
          Try: Max Deegan
          Peter Dooley
          Con: H. Byrne (2)          		Report[44]Try: Johnston
          McBurney
          Faddes
          Gilroy
          Con: Johnston (3)
          Pen: Johnston
          RDS Arena
          Ulster lineup
          • 1. Kyle McCall, 2. Adam McBurney (c), 3. Gareth Milasinovich, 4. David O'Connor, 5. Kieran Treadwell, 6. David McCann, 7. Marcus Rea, 8. Greg Jones, 9. David Shanahan, 10. Bill Johnston, 11. Aaron Sexton, 12. Stewart Moore, 13. Matt Faddes, 14. Craig Gilroy, 15. Ethan McIlroy. Replacements: Tom Stewart, Callum Reid, Ross Kane, Azur Allison.
          11 December 2020
          Ulster 'A' Ireland22-10Ireland Munster 'A'
          Try: Izuchukwu
          McMenamin
          Sexton
          Con: Johnston (2)
          Pen: Johnston          		ReportTry: Sweetnam
          Con: Flannery
          Pen: Flannery
          Ravenhill Stadium
          Ulster lineup
          • 1. Callum Reid, 2. Adam McBurney, 3. Ross Kane, 4. Cormac Izuchukwu, 5. Conor McMenamin, 6. David McCann (c), 7. Marcus Rea, 8. Nick Timoney, 9. Lewis Finlay, 10. Bill Johnston, 11. Aaron Sexton, 12. Hayden Hyde, 13. Ben Moxham, 14. Conor Rankin, 15. Ethan McIlroy. Replacements: 16. James McCormick, 17. Kyle McCall, 18. Gareth Milasinovich, 19. Harry Sheridan, 20. George Saunderson, 21. Nathan Doak, 22. Bruce Houston, 23. Bradley Roberts.


          18 December 2020
          Connacht Eagles Ireland19-19Ireland Ulster 'A'
          Try: McCormack
          Kilgallen
          De Buitléar
          Con: Fitzgerald (2)          		Report[45]
          Highlights          		Try: Izuchukwu
          Sexton (2)
          Con: Johnston (2)
          Galway Sportsgrounds
          Ulster lineup
          • 1. Andrew Warwick, 2. James McCormick, 3. Ross Kane, 4. Cormac Izuchukwu, 5. Conor McMenamin, 6. David McCann (c), 7. Marcus Rea, 8. Azur Allison, 9. Nathan Doak, 10. Bill Johnston, 11. Aaron Sexton, 12. Hayden Hyde, 13. Ben Moxham, 14. Jude Postlethwaite, 15. Conor Rankin. Replacements: 16. Bradley Roberts, 17. Callum Reid, 18. Oscar Egan, 19. Harry Sheridan, 20. George Saunderson, 21. Lewis Finlay, 22. Bruce Houston.
          15 January 2021
          15:00
          Ulster 'A' Ireland37-14Ireland Leinster 'A'
          Try: Sexton (2)
          Reid
          Marcus Rea
          Con: Johnston (4)
          Pen: Johnston (3)          		Report[46]Try: Dunne
          Turner
          Con: Hawkshaw (2)
          Ravenhill Stadium
          Ulster lineup
          • 1. Gareth Milasinovich, 2. Adam McBurney, 3. Ross Kane, 4. Cormac Izuchukwu, 5. Conor McMenamin, 6. Harry Sheridan, 7. Marcus Rea, 8. David McCann (c), 9. Nathan Doak, 10. Bill Johnston, 11. Conor Rankin, 12. Ben Carson, 13. Hayden Hyde, 14. Ben Moxham, 15. Aaron Sexton. Replacements: 16. Bradley Roberts, 17. Callum Reid, 18. Tom O'Toole, 19. Reuben Crothers, 20. James McCormick, 21. Lewis Finlay, 22. James Humphreys.
          15 January 2021
          12:30
          Munster 'A' Ireland29-22Ireland Ulster 'A'
          Try: Hurley
          Phillips
          Crowley
          Wycherley
          Con: Crowley (2)
          Flannery
          Pen: Flannery          		Report[47]Try: Rankin (2)
          Sexton
          Con: Johnston
          Doak
          Pen: Johnston
          Donnybrook Stadium
          Ulster lineup
          • 1. Callum Reid, 2. Bradley Roberts, 3. Gareth Milasinovich, 4. Matty Rea, 5. Conor McMenamin, 6. Harry Sheridan, 7. Marcus Rea, 8. David McCann (c), 9. David Shanahan, 10. Bill Johnston, 11. Conor Rankin, 12. Stewart Moore, 13. Ben Moxham, 14. Aaron Sexton, 15. Ethan McIlroy. Replacements: 16. James McCormick, 17. Kyle McCall, 18. Oscar Egan, 19. George Saunderson, 20. Reuben Crothers, 21. Nathan Doak, 22. Hayden Hyde, 23. Lewis Finlay, 24. Conor McKee, 25. James Humphreys, 26. Ben Carson, 27. Matthew Corr.

          Home attendance
          Domestic League European Cup Total
          League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest Total Attendance Average Attendance
          2020–21 Pro14
          Pro14 Rainbow Cup          		 0‡ – – – 2020–21 European Rugby Champions Cup 0‡ – – – – –
           ‡Match figures include fixtures in which Covid-19 restrictions limited attendance, but exclude fixtures in which no spectators were allowed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

          Awards

          The Heineken Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held online on 7 June 2021. Winners were:[19][48]

          Season reviews

          References
          1. URC Team Statistics, retrieved 28 May 2022
          2. "Ulster 2020-21: Who Did What?", The Front Row Union, 12 August 2021
          3. "https://web.archive.org/web/20200131224912/https://www.ulsterrugby.com/2020/01/rea-and-moore-recommit-to-ulster/", Ulster Rugby, 28 January 2020
          4. "Target Date Set For Guinness PRO14 Restart". Munster Rugby. 18 June 2020. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
          5. "Southern Kings, Cheetahs to sit out entirety of 2020 PRO14", ESPN, 26 August 2020
          6. "EPCR confirm new 24-team Champions Cup next season, and Connacht are in". The42. 2 September 2020. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
          7. "EPCR confirms suspension of Champions Cup and Challenge Cup". The42. 11 January 2021. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
          8. "Postponed matches will not be rearranged". BBC Sport. Retrieved 16 January 2021.
          9. "Guinness PRO14 Campaign To Conclude In March Ahead Of New "Rainbow Cup"". Munster Rugby. 23 December 2020. Retrieved 25 January 2021.
          10. "Jacob Stockdale back as Ireland squad for Scotland game announced", SportsJoe, 25 January 2021
          11. Michael Morrow, "Leicester Tigers 33-24 Ulster: Stunning second half Leicester fightback sinks Ulster", BBC Sport, 30 April 2021
          12. Neil Treacy, "Marcell Coetzee to leave Ulster early ahead of move to the Bulls", OTBSports, 13 April 2021
          13. Team statistics, 2020-21 Pro14
          14. Player statistics, 2020-21 Pro14
          15. "The Media Votes are in - Who made the Guinness PRO14 Dream Team?", Pro14, 1 April 2021
          16. "Coetzee Named Guinness PRO14 Players' Player of the Season", Pro14, 1 April 2021
          17. "PRO14 Awards: Three Players win Top-Try Scorer Title", Pro14, 1 April 2021
          18. Ulster 2020-21 - Who Did What?, The Front Row Union, 12 August 2021
          19. "Henderson Leads The Winners At Ulster Rugby Awards", IrishRugby.ie, 7 June 2021
          20. "Who is Bradley Roberts? Meet the new Wales Player that Ireland thought was theirs", Wales Rugby, 30 October 2021
          21. "Winger Angus Kernohan signs for Ealing Trailfinders from Ulster". Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club. 28 May 2020. Retrieved 28 May 2020.
          22. "Will Addison and Jordi Murphy sign new contracts to stay with Ulster". The42. 12 May 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
          23. "Ulster Rugby announce squad for 2020/21 season". Ulster Rugby. 12 May 2020. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
          24. Gareth Fullerton, "Ulster Rugby confirm squad for 2020/21 season", Belfast Live, 12 May 2020
          25. Appearances and scoring stats from ItsRugby.co.uk
          26. "Ulster First Team". Ulster Rugby. Archived from the original on 28 August 2017. Retrieved 31 August 2018.
          27. "Ulster Rugby announce squad for 2020/21 season". Ulster Rugby. 12 May 2020. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
          28. Gareth Fullerton, "Ulster Rugby Academy squad confirmed for 2020/21 season", Belfast Live, 12 May 2020
          29. "Six new recruits confirmed by Utah for 2021 season". 21 November 2020.
          30. "“It’s been a bit of a journey” – Irishman Jack Regan on his new-found Super Rugby stardom", World Rugby, 24 March 2021
          31. "Abbey Insurance Ulster Rugby Academy squad for 2020/21 season is named". Ulster Rugby. 12 May 2020. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
          32. "Pool Tables". Heineken Champions Cup. EPCR. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
          33. "Kolbe shines as Toulouse secure Round 1 victory in Belfast", EPCR, 11 December 2020
          34. "Barton try gives Gloucester dramatic late success", EPCR, 19 December 2020
          35. "Ulster cruise into Challenge Cup quarter-finals", EPCR, 4 April 2021
          36. "Ulster edge out Northampton to secure semi-final spot", EPCR, 10 April 2021
          37. "Stunning Leicester Tigers fightback secures Challenge Cup final spot", EPCR, 30 April 2021
          38. Competition Rule 3.1.4 "Summary of Key Rules". Pro14. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
          39. "Ulster kick off PRO14 season with a 35-24 bonus point victory over Benetton, Treviso", The Irish News, 3 October 2020
          40. "Pro14: Ospreys 12-24 Ulster", BBC Sport, 10 October 2020
          41. "Dragons make three-game Pro14 Principality Stadium move". BBC Sport. 11 March 2021. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
          42. Competition Rule 3.1.4 "Summary of Key Rules". Pro14. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
          43. |Ulster Rugby returned several positive COVID-19 tests and were therefore unable to field a team. Scarlets awarded four match points.
          44. "MATCH REPORT: LEINSTER RUGBY ‘A’ 14 ULSTER RUGBY ‘A’ 29", Leinster Rugby, 25 September 2020
          45. "MATCH REPORT | CONNACHT EAGLES 19 ULSTER A 19", Ulster Rugby (via Internet Archive), 18 December 2020
          46. "A Interpro: Aaron Sexton's two tries help Ulster A beat Leinster counterparts", BBC Sport, 15 January 2021
          47. "Munster A Defeat Ulster A", Munster Rugby, 27 February 2023
          48. Gareth Fullerton, "Ulster Rugby annual awards nominees announced ahead of online ceremony", Belfast Live, 4 June 2021
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