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2016–17 Ulster Rugby season

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Ulster Rugby
2016–17 season
Head CoachNeil Doak
Director of RugbyLes Kiss
CaptainAndrew Trimble
Rob Herring
Pro125th
European Rugby Champions Cup4th in Pool 5
Top try scorerAll: Charles Piutau (9)
Jacob Stockdale (9)
Top points scorerAll: Paddy Jackson (162)
Home colours
Away colours
Third colours
← 2015–16 2017–18 →

The 2016–17 season was Ulster's 23rd season since the advent of professionalism in rugby union, and the third under Director of Rugby Les Kiss and head coach Neil Doak. They completed in the European Rugby Champions Cup and the final season of the Pro12 before it became the Pro14 with the addition of two teams from South Africa.

Ulster announced in August 2016 that Rory Best would vacate the captaincy of the province. The Ireland captain was replaced in his role by Andrew Trimble, the team's record try-scorer, and Rob Herring, who took on the role in Best's absence the previous season.[1][2] Scrum-half Ruan Pienaar was going into his last season with Ulster, after the IRFU blocked him from extending his contract.[3]

New arrivals were South African number 8 Marcell Coetzee from the Sharks, fullback Charles Piutau from Wasps, prop Rodney Ah You from Connacht, lock Kieran Treadwell from Harlequins, out-half Brett Herron from Bath, scrum-half Angus Lloyd from Trinity, and prop Anton Peikrishvili from Brive. Back row forward Nick Williams left for Cardiff Blues, centre Sammy Arnold for Munster, wing Rory Scholes for Edinburgh, and lock Dan Tuohy for Bristol. Out-half Ian Humphreys retired, and Willie Faloon, Paul Jackson, Ruaidhri Murphy, Bronson Ross, Paul Rowley, Frank Taggart and Sam Windsor were released. Academy players who made their debuts this season included flanker Nick Timoney and wing Rob Lyttle.

Assistant coach Joe Barakat left in December to join Western Force.[4] In early 2017 it was revealed that head coach Neil Doak and assistant coach Allen Clarke would not have their contracts renewed at the end of the season. Doak's replacement would be Jono Gibbes,[5] with Clarke to be succeeded by Dwayne Peel.[6]

In the Pro12, Ulster finished fifth, qualifying for next season's Champions Cup but missing out on the playoffs. Flanker Sean Reidy led the league in tackles with 263.[7] Ulster led the league in discipline and scrums.[8] At the end of the season, Charles Piutau was named Players' Player of the Season, and he and scrum-half Ruan Pienaar made the Pro12 Dream Team. Pienaar's try against Glasgow Warriors was named Try of the Season. They finished bottom of Pool 5 in the Champions Cup, winning two and losing four. Out-half Paddy Jackson was leading scorer with 162 points, with Ruan Pienaar contributing 100 points. Charles Piutau and wing Jacob Stockdale were joint leading try scorers with nine each. Sean Reidy was leading tackler with 329.[9]

At the end of the season, Ruan Pienaar departed for Montpellier, and flanker Roger Wilson retired with a record 221 appearances. Charles Piutau was Ulster's Player of the Season.

Staff

[edit]
Position Name Nationality
Chief executive officer Shane Logan  Ireland
Director of Rugby Les Kiss  Australia
Head coach Neil Doak  Ireland
Operation Director Bryn Cunningham  Ireland
Assistant coach Allen Clarke  Ireland
Assistant coach Joe Barakat  Australia
Head of Strength & Conditioning Jonny Davis  Ireland
Strength & conditioning coach Kevin Geary  Ireland

Squad

[edit]

Senior squad

[edit]
Ulster Rugby squad[17][27]

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.[28][29]
  • Irish Provinces are currently limited to four non-Irish eligible (NIE) players and one non-Irish qualified player (NIQ or "Project Player").[30]

Academy squad

[edit]
Position[33] Name Nationality
Head coach Kieran Campbell  Ireland
Strength & conditioning coach Matthew Maguire  Ireland
Strength & conditioning coach Matthew Godfrey  Ireland
Strength & conditioning coach Amy Davis  Ireland
Representative Team Performance Manager Michael Black  Ireland
Talent Development Officer Jonny Gillespie  Ireland
Elite Player Development Officer/Head Coach Ulster 'A' Alex Codling  Ireland
Elite Player Development Officer James Topping  Ireland
Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach David Drake  Ireland
Ulster Rugby Academy squad[34]

Props

Hookers

Locks

  • Ireland Alex Thompson (3)

Back row

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

  • Ireland Andy McGrath (2)

Centres

  • Ireland Rory Butler (1)

Wings

Fullbacks

(c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players, 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.

Ulster 'A'

[edit]

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

Players used by Ulster 'A'

Props

Locks

  • Ireland John McCusker
  • Ireland Connor Smith

Back row

  • Ireland Johnny Creighton

Fly-halves

  • Ireland Callum Smith

Centres

  • Ireland Lewis Sampson
  • Ireland Josh Jordan
  • Ireland Andrew Magrath

Wings

  • Ireland Conor Kelly
  • Ireland Mark Keane

European Rugby Champions Cup

[edit]
Main article: 2016–17 European Rugby Champions Cup
Team
 P W D L PF PA Diff TF TA TB LB Pts
France Clermont (1) 6 5 0 1 211 131 +80 26 18 5 1 26
France Bordeaux Bègles 6 3 0 3 118 120 –2 11 13 1 1 14
England Exeter Chiefs 6 2 0 4 110 146 –36 13 16 2 2 12
Ireland Ulster 6 2 0 4 131 173 –42 16 19 1 1 10
16 October 2016 Bordeaux Bègles France 28–13 Ireland Ulster Stade Chaban-Delmas  
14:00 Try: Taofifenua 74' m
Penalty try 77' c
Connor 79' c
Con: Beauxis (2/3) 77', 79'
Pen: Madigan (2/2) 3', 45'
Beauxis (1/1) 54'
 Report[35]
Highlights 		Try: Trimble 21' c
Con: Jackson (1/1) 21'
Pen: Jackson (2/2) 39', 57'
 Attendance: 21,132
Referee: JP Doyle (RFU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Rodney Ah You,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Iain Henderson, 7. Clive Ross, 8. Sean Reidy,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Stuart Olding, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Jared Payne.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring (for Van der Merwe), 17. Kyle McCall (for Warwick 60'), 18. Ross Kane (for Ah You 47'),
19. Peter Browne (for O'Connor), 20. Roger Wilson (for Ross 60'),
21. Paul Marshall (for Pienaar 75'), 22. Jacob Stockdale (for Gilroy 75'), 23. Rob Lyttle.

22 October 2016 Ulster Ireland 19–18 England Exeter Chiefs (1 BP) Kingspan Stadium  
19:45 Try: Reidy 31' c
Con: Jackson (1/1) 31'
Pen: Jackson (3/3) 5', 49', 71'
Drop: Jackson (1/1) 78'
 Report[36] Pen: Steenson (5/5) 7', 29', 51', 67', 74'
Drop: Steenson (1/2) 77'
 Attendance: 16,843
Referee: Alexandre Ruiz (FFR)
Ulster lineup:

1. Kyle McCall, 2. Rory Best, 3. Rodney Ah You,
4. Peter Browne, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Iain Henderson, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Charles Piutau, 12. Stuart Olding, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Jared Payne.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring (for Wilson 66'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for Kane 78'), 18. Ross Kane (for Ah You 48'),
19. Alan O'Connor (for Browne 21'), 20. Clive Ross (for Henderson 40'),
21. Paul Marshall, 22. Craig Gilroy (for Trimble 67'), 23. Tommy Bowe (for L Marshall 78').

10 December 2016 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 39–32 France Clermont (2 BP) Kingspan Stadium  
13:00 Try: Marshall (2) 6' c, 44' c
Henderson 15' m
Jackson 34' c
Piutau 53' c
Con: Jackson (4/5) 6', 35', 46', 54'
Pen: Jackson (2/2) 21', 57',
 Report[37] Try: Yato 1' c
Spedding 30' m
Abendanon 62' c
Chouly 73' c
Con: Parra (3/4) 2', 62', 73'
Pen: Parra (2/2) 9', 26'
 Attendance: 16,316
Referee: Wayne Barnes (RFU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Kyle McCall, 2. Rory Best, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Peter Browne, 5. Robbie Diack,
6. Iain Henderson, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Sean Reidy,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Louis Ludik, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Charles Piutau.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring (for Best 77'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for McCall 56'), 18. Rodney Ah You (for Herbst 61'),
19. Kieran Treadwell (for Diack 41'), 20. Clive Ross (for Reidy 74'),
21. Paul Marshall, 22. Darren Cave (for McCloskey 68'), 23. Jacob Stockdale.

18 December 2016 (1 BP) Clermont France 38–19 Ireland Ulster Stade Marcel-Michelin  
16:15 Try: Toeava 1' c
Abendanon (2) 17' c, 23' c
Lopez 41' c
Penalty try 77' c
Con: Parra (4/4) 2', 19', 24', 42'
Lopez (1/1) 78'
Pen: Lopez (1/1) 69'
 Report[38] Try: Bowe (2) 56' c, 65' m
Van der Merwe 61' c
Con: Jackson (2/3) 57', 61'
 Attendance: 18,739
Referee: Marius Mitrea (FIR)
Ulster lineup:

1. Kyle McCall, 2. Rory Best, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Peter Browne, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Iain Henderson, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Sean Reidy,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Louis Ludik, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Charles Piutau.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring (for Best 61'), 17. Andrew Warwick, 18. Rodney Ah You (for Herbst 51'),
19. Kieran Treadwell (for Browne 51'), 20. Clive Ross (for Henry 68'),
21. Paul Marshall (for Pienaar 66'), 22. Darren Cave (for L. Marshall 51'), 23. Jacob Stockdale (for Bowe 72').

15 January 2017 (1 BP) Exeter Chiefs England 31–19 Ireland Ulster Sandy Park  
17:30 Try: Campagnaro (2) 20' m, 53' m
Waldrom (2) 29' c, 50' c
Penalty try 70' c
Con: Steenson (3/5) 29', 50', 71'
 Report[39] Try: Reidy 2' m
Piutau (2) 33' c, 59' c
Con: Jackson (2/3) 34', 60'
 Attendance: 10,671
Referee: Romain Poite (FFR)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rory Best, 3. Ross Kane,
4. Kieran Treadwell, 5. Peter Browne,
6. Iain Henderson, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Sean Reidy,
9. David Shanahan, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Charles Piutau,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew (for Best 77'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for Black 46'), 18. Jonny Simpson (for Kane 34'),
19. Franco van der Merwe (for Treadwell 64'), 20. Clive Ross (for Browne 55'),
21. Paul Marshall (for Shanahan 77'), 22. Brett Herron (for Trimble 73'), 23. Jacob Stockdale (for L Marshall 61').

21 January 2017 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 22–26 France Bordeaux Bègles Kingspan Stadium  
13:00 Try: Trimble 18' m
Van der Merwe 27' c
Cave 58' c
Con: Jackson (2/3) 29', 58'
Pen: Jackson (1/2) 40'
 Report[40] Try: Lesgourgues 11' c
Tauleigne 22' c
Con: Madigan (2/2) 13', 23'
Pen: Madigan (2/2) 1', 31'
Hickey (2/2) 70', 74'
 Attendance: 14,924
Referee: Matthew Carley (RFU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Jonny Simpson,
4. Robbie Diack, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Iain Henderson, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Sean Reidy,
9. David Shanahan, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Andrew Trimble, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Charles Piutau.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew, 17. Callum Black (for Warwick 70'), 18. Ricky Lutton,
19. Kieran Treadwell (for Diack 46'), 20. Clive Ross (for Van der Merwe 54'),
21. Paul Marshall (for Shanahan 41'), 22. Brett Herron, 23. Craig Gilroy (for Bowe 63').

Pro12

[edit]
Main article: 2016–17 Pro12
2016–17 Pro12 watch · edit · discuss
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA Try bonus Losing bonus Pts
1 Ireland Munster (RU) 22 19 0 3 602 316 +286 77 34 9 1 86
2 Ireland Leinster (SF) 22 18 0 4 674 390 +284 91 47 12 1 85
3 Wales Scarlets (CH) 22 17 0 5 537 359 +178 66 40 9 0 77
4 Wales Ospreys (SF) 22 14 0 8 556 360 +196 74 42 10 3 69
5 Ireland Ulster 22 14 1 7 521 371 +150 68 47 6 4 68
6 Scotland Glasgow Warriors 22 11 0 11 540 464 +76 72 53 9 5 58
7 Wales Cardiff Blues 22 11 1 10 508 498 +10 59 60 3 4 53
8 Ireland Connacht 22 9 0 13 413 498 −85 47 61 5 3 44
9 Scotland Edinburgh 22 6 0 16 400 491 −91 46 59 1 6 31
10 Italy Benetton Treviso 22 5 0 17 316 664 −348 35 92 1 2 23
11 Wales Newport Gwent Dragons 22 4 0 18 368 569 −201 38 71 1 6 23
12 Italy Zebre 22 3 0 19 318 773 −455 38 105 1 6 19
If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:[41]
  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 (rows 1 to 4) are play-off places and earn a place in the 2017–18 European Rugby Champions Cup.
Blue background indicates teams outside the play-off places that earn a place in the European Rugby Champions Cup.
Yellow background advances to a play-off for a chance to compete in the Champions Cup.[42]
(Q) indicates team has qualified for the play-offs and has qualified for the 2017–18 European Rugby Champions Cup.
2 September 2016 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 29–8 Wales Newport Gwent Dragons Kingspan Stadium  
19:35 Try: Lyttle (2) 21' c, 65' m
Stockdale 26' m
Pienaar 43' m
Herring 71' c
Con: Pienaar (2/5)
 Report[43]
Highlights 		Try: Howard 11' m
Pen: Macleod (1/1) 5'
 Attendance: 13,789
Referee: Marius Mitrea (FIR)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Ross Kane,
4. Peter Browne, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Clive Ross, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Brett Herron,
11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Stuart Olding, 14. Craig Gilroy,
15. Charles Piutau.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew (for Reidy 74'), 17. Kyle McCall (for Black 50'), 18. Andrew Warwick (for Kane 58'),
19. Alan O'Connor (for Browne 56'), 20. Robbie Diack (for Wilson 56'),
21. Paul Marshall (for Piutau 74'), 22. Sam Windsor (for McCloskey 60'), 23. Rob Lyttle (for Gilroy 12').

10 September 2016 Benetton Treviso Italy 11–22 Ireland Ulster Stadio Comunale di Monigo  
20:05 Try: Benvenuti 80' m
Pen: Allan (2/2) 29', 37'
 Report[44]
Highlights 		Try: Marshall 4' c
Herring 54' m
Pienaar 58' c
Con: Pienaar (2/3) 4', 58'
Pen: Pienaar (1/1) 30'
 Attendance: 2,800
Referee: Dudley Phillips (IRFU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Kyle McCall, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Rodney Ah You,
4. Kieran Treadwell, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Clive Ross, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Brett Herron,
11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart Olding, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Rob Lyttle,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew (for Van der Merwe 69'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for McCall 62'), 18. Ross Kane (for Ah You 49'),
19. Peter Browne (for Treadwell 44'), 20. Robbie Diack (for Wilson 62'),
21. Angus Lloyd, 22. Stuart McCloskey (for Herron 74'), 23. Darren Cave (for Marshall).

16 September 2016 Ulster Ireland 19–8 Wales Scarlets Kingspan Stadium  
19:05 Try: Ludik 18' m
Henderson 79' m
Pen: Jackson (3/3) 9', 16', 70'
 Report[45]
Highlights 		Try: Boyde 74' m
Pen: Patchell (1/2) 47'
 Attendance: 13,663
Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Rodney Ah You,
4. Peter Browne, 5. Alan O'Connor,
6. Clive Ross, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Louis Ludik, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Stuart Olding, 14. Craig Gilroy,
15. Charles Piutau.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew, 17. Andrew Warwick (for Black 64'), 18. Ross Kane (for Ah You 52'),
19. Franco van der Merwe (for Browne 55'), 20. Iain Henderson,
21. Angus Lloyd, 22. Luke Marshall (for Olding 64-68'), 23. Rob Lyttle (for L. Marshall 68').

23 September 2016 (1 BP) Glasgow Warriors Scotland 17–22 Ireland Ulster Scotstoun Stadium  
19:35 Try: Reid 19' c
Seymour 57' c
Con: Russell (2/2) 19', 57'
Pen: Russell (1/1) 48'
 Report[46]
Highlights 		Try: Cave 16' m
Penalty try 39' c
Jackson 62' c
Con: Jackson (2/3) 39', 62'
Pen: Jackson (1/1) 6'
 Attendance: 7,351
Referee: Ian Davies (WRU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Rodney Ah You,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Iain Henderson, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Charles Piutau, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Louis Ludik,
15. Jared Payne.
Replacements:
16. Rory Best (for Herring 48'), 17. Callum Black (for Warwick 60'), 18. Ross Kane (for Ah You 54'),
19. Peter Browne (for O'Connor 54'), 20. Clive Ross (for Wilson 58'),
21. Paul Marshall, 22. Stuart Olding (for McCloskey 13'), 23. Rob Lyttle (for Olding 51').

1 October 2016 Ulster Ireland 9–7 Wales Ospreys (1 BP) Kingspan Stadium  
18:30 Pen: Jackson (3/5) 28', 44', 79'
 Report[47]
Highlights 		Try: Smith 5' c
Con: Biggar (1/1)
 Attendance: 15,767
Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Kyle McCall, 2. Rory Best, 3. Rodney Ah You,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Iain Henderson, 7. Robbie Diack, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Louis Ludik, 12. Darren Cave, 13. Jared Payne, 14. Craig Gilroy,
15. Charles Piutau.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew (for Best 69'), 17. Callum Black (for McCall 58'), 18. Ross Kane (for Ah You 60'),
19. Kieran Treadwell (for O'Connor 66'), 20. Clive Ross (for Wilson 53'),
21. Ruan Pienaar (for P Marshall 56'), 22. Brett Herron, 23. Tommy Bowe (for Gilroy 60').

7 October 2016 (1 BP) Connacht Ireland 30–25 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) Galway Sportsgrounds  
19:35 Try: Carty 2' c
Kelleher (2) 23' m, 52' m
Connolly 25' c
Con: Carty (2/4)
Pen: Carty (2/2) 37', 59'
 Report[48]
Highlights 		Try: Gilroy 33' m
Best 41' c
Payne 44' c
Con: Jackson (2/3)
Pen: Jackson (2/2) 5', 65'
 Attendance: 6,194
Referee: Gary Conway (IRFU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rory Best, 3. Rodney Ah You,
4. Robbie Diack, 5. Peter Browne,
6. Iain Henderson, 7. Clive Ross, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Graig Gilroy, 12. Darren Cave, 13. Louis Ludik, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Jared Payne.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring (for Best 63'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for Black 55'), 18. Ross Kane (for Ah You 57'),
19. Kieran Treadwell (for Browne 63'), 20. Sean Reidy (for Wilson 56'),
21. Dave Shanahan, 22. Brett Herron (for Ludik 63'), 23. Rob Lyttle (for Cave 41').

28 October 2016 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 14–15 Ireland Munster Kingspan Stadium  
19:35 Try: Piutau 4' c
Lyttle 34' c
Con: Jackson (2/2) 5', 35'
 Report[49]
Highlights 		Try: Scannell 40' m
Taute 63' c
Con: Scannell (1/2) 64'
Drop: Scannell (1/1) 74'
 Attendance: 17,629
Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Dan Tuohy, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Robbie Diack, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Darren Cave, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Charles Piutau.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew, 17. Kyle McCall (for Black 57'), 18. Andrew Warwick (for Herbst 65'),
19. Clive Ross (for Wilson 28'), 20. Conor Joyce,
21. Paul Marshall (for Pienaar 75'), 22. Brett Herron, 23. Rob Lyttle (for Cave 8').

4 November 2016 Edinburgh Scotland 28–17 Ireland Ulster Murrayfield Stadium  
19:35 Try: Mata 3' c
Hoyland 10' m
Bradbury 47' c
Con: Tovey (2/3) 3', 47'
Pen: Kinghorn (1/1) 17'
Weir (2/2) 29', 35'
 Report[50] Try: Cairns 67' c
Stockdale 72' c
Con: Pienaar (2/2) 67', 72'
Pen: Pienaar (1/1) 26'
 Attendance: 3,556
Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Kyle McCall, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Dan Tuohy, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Peter Browne, 7. Clive Ross, 8. Sean Reidy,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Brett Herron,
11. Rob Lyttle, 12. Sam Windsor, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Charles Piutau.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew, 17. Andrew Warwick (for McCall 54'), 18. Ross Kane (for Herbst 41'-64'),
19. Robbie Diack (for Van der Merwe 43'), 20. Conor Joyce (for Tuohy 41'),
21. Paul Marshall (for Windsor 64'), 22. Aaron Cairns (for Bowe 64'), 23. Jacob Stockdale (for Herron 43').

3 December 2016 Cardiff Blues Wales 22–35 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) BT Cardiff Arms Park  
17:15 Try: Dacey 40' m
Halaholo 70' c
Cuthbert 74' c
Con: Robinson (2/3) 70', 74'
Pen: Shingler (1/1) 5'
 Report[51]
Highlights 		Try: Piutau 25' c
McCloskey 29' c
McCall 37' c
Henry 62' c
Ludik 75' c
Con: Pienaar (5/5) 25', 29', 37', 62', 75'
 Attendance: 6,010
Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Kyle McCall, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Peter Browne, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Iain Henderson, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Sean Reidy,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Brett Herron,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Charles Piutau.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew, 17. Andrew Warwick (for McCall 64'), 18. Rodney Ah You (for Herbst 53'),
19. Kieran Treadwell (for Van der Merwe 47'), 20. Clive Ross (for Gilroy 73'),
21. Paul Marshall (for Herring 61'), 22. Louis Ludik (for L Marshall 69'), 23. Darren Cave (for McCloskey 69').

23 December 2016 Ulster Ireland 23–7 Ireland Connacht Kingspan Stadium  
19:35 Try: McCloskey 26' c
Ross 52' c
Con: Jackson (2/2) 28', 53'
Pen: Jackson (3/3) 20', 36', 67'
 Report[52]
Highlights 		Try: Carty 55'
Con: Carty (1/1) 56'
 Attendance: 17,613
Referee: George Clancy (IRFU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Rodney Ah You,
4. Kieran Treadwell, 5. Iain Henderson,
6. Clive Ross, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Louis Ludik,
15. Charles Piutau.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring (for Best 66'), 17. Callum Black (for Warwick 57'), 18. Wiehahn Herbst (for Ah You 57'),
19. Franco van der Merwe (for Ross 67'), 20. Sean Reidy (for Wilson 40'),
21. Paul Marshall (for Pienaar 54'), 22. Darren Cave (for L. Marshall 52') 23. Tommy Bowe (for McCloskey 73').

31 December 2016 Leinster Ireland 22–7 Ireland Ulster RDS Arena  
15:00 Try: O'Loughlin (2) 6' c, 41' m
L. McGrath 32' c
Con: Nacewa (2/3) 7', 33'
Pen: Nacewa (1/1) 17'
 Report[53]
Highlights 		Try: Piutau 76' c
Con: Pienaar (1/1) 76'
 Attendance: 18,200
Referee: John Lacey (IRFU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Rodney Ah You,
4. Kieran Treadwell, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Clive Ross, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Ruan Pienaar,
11. Tommy Bowe, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Charles Piutau.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew (for Herring 28'), 17. Callum Black (for Warwick 65'), 18. Jonny Simpson (for Ah You 48'),
19. Peter Browne (for Van der Merwe 73'), 20. Chris Henry (for Wilson 54'),
21. Brett Herron (for Marshall 74'), 22. Louis Ludik (for Trimble 59'), 23. Jacob Stockdale (for Bowe 66').

6 January 2017 Scarlets Wales 16–13 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) Parc y Scarlets  
19:35 Try: Penalty try 61' c
Con: D. Jones (1/1) 61'
Pen: D. Jones (3/3) 10', 13', 52'
 Report[54] Try: Stockdale 20' c
Con: Jackson (1/1) 21'
Pen: Jackson (2/2) 16', 40'
 Attendance: 6,593
Referee: Marius Mitrea (FIR)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rory Best, 3. Ross Kane,
4. Kieran Treadwell, 5. Iain Henderson,
6. Clive Ross, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Sean Reidy,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew, 17. Andrew Warwick (for Black 51'), 18. Jonny Simpson (for Kane 58'),
19. Franco van der Merwe (for Ross 74'), 20. Peter Browne (for Treadwell 62'),
21. David Shanahan (for P Marshall 53'), 22. Brett Herron, 23. Tommy Bowe (for Stockdale 74').

10 February 2017 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 24–18 Scotland Edinburgh (1 BP) Kingspan Stadium  
19:35 Try: P. Marshall 10' c
Cave 19' m
Ludik 27' m
Stockdale 33' c
Con: Nelson (2/4) 10', 33'
 Report[55]
Highlights 		Try: Bradbury 2' m
McInally 36' m
Hoyland 58' m
Pen: Hidalgo-Clyne (1/1) 65'
 Attendance: 15,462
Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. John Andrew, 3. Ricky Lutton,
4. Kieran Treadwell, 5. Alan O'Connor,
6. Robbie Diack, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Marcell Coetzee,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Peter Nelson,
11. Charles Piutau, 12. Stuart Olding, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Jacob Stockdale,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. Jonny Murphy (for O'Connor 74'), 17. Callum Black (for Warwick 55'), 18. Wiehahn Herbst (for Lutton 40'),
19. Peter Browne (for Treadwell 63'), 20. Sean Reidy (for Coetzee 60'),
21. David Shanahan (for P. Marshall 67'), 22. Stuart McCloskey (for Cave 40'), 23. Tommy Bowe (for Piutau 50').

18 February 2017 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 37–17 Scotland Glasgow Warriors Kingspan Stadium  
15:00 Try: Bowe 22' m
Penalty try 33' c
Stockdale (2) 49' c, 78' c
Pienaar 53' m
Con: Pienaar (3/5) 33', 49', 78'
Pen: Pienaar (2/2) 10', 45'
 Report[56]
Highlights 		Try: Thomson 40' m
Cummings (2) 69' m, 74' c
Con: Thomson (1/3) 74'
 Attendance: 16,545
Referee: Dan Jones (WRU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. John Andrew, 3. Ricky Lutton,
4. Peter Browne, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Sean Reidy, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Marcell Coetzee,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Peter Nelson,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Darren Cave, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring, 17. Andrew Warwick (for Black 41'), 18. Wiehahn Herbst (for Lutton 41'),
19. Kieran Treadwell (for Browne 57'), 20. Robbie Diack (for Henry 76'),
21. Paul Marshall (for Cave 41'), 22. Jacob Stockdale, 23. Jack Owens (for Nelson 68').

26 February 2017 Zebre Italy 17–40 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi  
13:30 Try: Palazzani 17' c
Bellini 59' c
Con: Palazzani (2/2) 17', 59'
Pen: Palazzani (1/1) 36'
 Report[57]
Highlights 		Try: Henry 7' c
Pienaar 14' c
Olding 45' c
Stockdale 51' c
Diack 71' c
Busby 78' m
Con: Pienaar (5/6) 7', 14', 45', 51', 71'
 Attendance: 2,000
Referee: Sean Gallagher (IRFU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Robbie Diack, 5. Alan O'Connor,
6. Clive Ross, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Sean Reidy,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Peter Nelson,
11. Charles Piutau, 12. Stuart Olding, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Jacob Stockdale.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew (for Herring 56'), 17. Callum Black (for Warwick 64'), 18. Ricky Lutton (for Herbst 33'),
19. Kieran Treadwell (for O'Connor 73'), 20. Roger Wilson (for Henry 60'),
21. Paul Marshall (for Nelson 73'), 22. Jared Payne (for L. Marshall 60'), 23. David Busby (for Piutau 76').

3 March 2017 Ulster Ireland 19–7 Italy Benetton Treviso Kingspan Stadium  
19:35 Try: Payne 20' c
Reidy 52' c
Piutau 57' m
Con: Pienaar (2/3) 21', 53'
 Report[58]
Highlights 		Try: Paulo 70' c
Con: McKinley (1/1) 70'
 Attendance: 15,196
Referee: Dan Jones (WRU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Kieran Treadwell, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Roger Wilson, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Marcell Coetzee,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Peter Nelson,
11. Charles Piutau, 12. Stuart Olding, 13. Jared Payne, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Craig Gilroy.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew (for Herring 72'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for Black 54'), 18. Ricky Lutton (for Herbst 54'),
19. Peter Browne (for Reidy 67'), 20. Clive Ross (for Wilson 49'),
21. Paul Marshall, 22. Luke Marshall (for Nelson 55'), 23. Jacob Stockdale (for Gilroy 62').

11 March 2017 (1 BP) Ulster Ireland 68–21 Italy Zebre Kingspan Stadium  
18:05 Try: L. Marshall (2) 6' c, 14' c
Pienaar 17' c
Piutau (2) 25' c, 46' c
Stockdale 30' c
Gilroy 43' m
Andrew 53' c
Olding 68' c
P. Marshall 71' c
Con: Pienaar (6/7) 7', 15', 18', 26', 31', 45'
Olding (3/3) 54', 69', 72'
 Report[59]
Highlights 		Try: De Marchi 12' c
Roan 66' c
Greeff 75' c
Con: Bordoli (1/1) 12'
Palazzani (2/2) 67', 76'
 Attendance: 16,483
Referee: Ian Davies (WRU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Kieran Treadwell, 5. Alan O'Connor,
6. Robbie Diack, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Marcell Coetzee,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Stuart Olding,
11. Charles Piutau, 12. Luke Marshall, 13. Jacob Stockdale, 14. Craig Gilroy,
15. Jared Payne.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew (for Henry 50'), 17. Andrew Warwick (for Black 50'), 18. Rodney Ah You (for Herbst 50'),
19. Franco van der Merwe (for O'Connor 66'), 20. Clive Ross,
21. Paul Marshall (for Pienaar 46'), 22. Peter Nelson (for Payne 55'), 23. David Busby (for Piutau 74').

24 March 2017 Newport Gwent Dragons Wales 17–27 Ireland Ulster Rodney Parade  
19:35 Try: Landman 48' c
Griffiths 67' c
Con: O'Brien (2/2) 48', 67'
Pen: O'Brien (1/1) 13'
 Report[60] Try: Gilroy 8' c
Payne 59' c
Andrew 79' c
Con: Pienaar (2/2) 8', 59'
Jackson 79'
Pen: Pienaar (1/1) 34'
Jackson (1/1) 74'
 Attendance: 4,877
Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Kieran Treadwell, 5. Alan O'Connor,
6. Iain Henderson, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Sean Reidy,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Stuart Olding,
11. Charles Piutau, 12. Darren Cave, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Craig Gilroy,
15. Jared Payne.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew (for Herring 75'), 17. Callum Black (for Warwick 61'), 18. Rodney Ah You (for Herbst 76'),
19. Robbie Diack (for Henry 71'), 20. Clive Ross (for O'Connor 60'),
21. Paul Marshall (for Pienaar 65'), 22. Paddy Jackson (for Olding 50'), 23. Jacob Stockdale.

7 April 2017 Ulster Ireland 24–24 Wales Cardiff Blues Kingspan Stadium  
19:35 Try: Jackson 10' c
Penalty try 27' c
L. Marshall 68' c
Con: Jackson (3/3) 11', 27', 69'
Pen: Jackson (1/1) 56'
 Report[61]
Highlights 		Try: Warburton 22' c
Lee-Lo (2) 46' c, 59' c
Con: Anscombe (3/3) 23', 47', 60'
Pen: Anscombe (1/1) 8'
 Attendance: 15,752
Referee: Ian Davies (WRU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Kieran Treadwell, 5. Alan O'Connor,
6. Iain Henderson, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Charles Piutau, 12. Stuart Olding, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Craig Gilroy,
15. Jared Payne.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring (for Best 66'), 17. Callum Black (for Warwick 76'), 18. Rodney Ah You (for Herbst 66'),
19. Robbie Diack (for O'Connor 63'), 20. Nick Timoney (for Wilson 63'),
21. Paul Marshall, 22. Jacob Stockdale (for Payne 42'), 23. Andrew Trimble (for Gilroy 57').

15 April 2017 Munster Ireland 22–20 Ireland Ulster (1 BP) Thomond Park  
15:00 Try: Lloyd 6' c
Earls 61' m
O'Callaghan 69' c
Con: Keatley (1/1) 7'
Bleyendaal (1/2) 71'
Pen: Keatley (1/1) 36'
 Report[62]
Highlights 		Try: Best 3' c
L. Marshall 64' c
Con: Jackson (2/2) 4', 65'
Pen: Jackson (2/3) 13', 52'
 Attendance: 20,047
Referee: Marius Mitrea (FIR)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Kieran Treadwell, 5. Alan O'Connor,
6. Iain Henderson, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Sean Reidy,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Charles Piutau, 12. Stuart Olding, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Jacob Stockdale.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring (for Best 51'), 17. Callum Black (for Warwick 63'), 18. Rodney Ah You (for Herbest 72'),
19. Robbie Diack (for Ross 70'), 20. Clive Ross (for Henry 28'),
21. Paul Marshall, 22. Stuart McCloskey (for Olding 51'), 23. Craig Gilroy (for Piutau 61').

29 April 2017 Ospreys Wales 24–10 Ireland Ulster Liberty Stadium  
15:00 Try: Habberfield 8' c
Ardron 40' c
Leonard 79' c
Con: Biggar (3/3) 9', 41', 79'
Pen: Biggar (1/1) 25'
 Report[63]
Highlights 		Try: Stockdale 80' c
Con: Jackson (1/1) 80'
Pen: Jackson (1/1) 19'
 Attendance: 8,168
Referee: John Lacey (IRFU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rory Best, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Kieran Treadwell, 5. Alan O'Connor,
6. Iain Henderson, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Robbie Diack,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Charles Piutau, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Craig Gilroy.
Replacements:
16. Rob Herring (for Best 65'), 17. Callum Black (for Warwick 55'), 18. Rodney Ah You (for Herbst 44'),
19. Franco van der Merwe (for O'Connor 77'), 20. Nick Timoney (for Diack 62'),
21. Paul Marshall, 22. Stuart Olding (for McCloskey 53'), 23. Jacob Stockdale (for Olding 55').

6 May 2017 Ulster Ireland 17–13 Ireland Leinster (1 BP) Kingspan Stadium  
17:15 Try: Wilson 9' c
Trimble 55' c
Con: Jackson (2/2) 10', 56'
Pen: Jackson (1/1) 41'
 Report[64]
Highlights 		Try: Penalty try 62' c
Con: Carbery (1/1) 62'
Pen: Carbery (2/2) 4', 23'
 Attendance: 17,676
Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Rodney Ah You,
4. Kieran Treadwell, 5. Alan O'Connor,
6. Robbie Diack, 7. Sean Reidy, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Paddy Jackson,
11. Charles Piutau, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Luke Marshall, 14. Andrew Trimble,
15. Craig Gilroy.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew (for Herring 76'), 17. Kyle McCall (for Warwick 67'), 18. Ricky Lutton,
19. Chris Henry (for Reidy 53'), 20. Nick Timoney (for Treadwell 67'),
21. Paul Marshall (for Pienaar 70'), 22. Peter Nelson (for Piutau 59'), 23. Jacob Stockdale (for Gilroy 48').

End of season awards

[edit]

Charles Piutau was named Players' Player of the Season,[65] and the left winger on the Pro12 Dream Team.[66]

Home attendance

[edit]
Domestic League European Cup Total
League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest Total Attendance Average Attendance
2016–17 Pro12 11 15,961 17,676 13,663 2016–17 European Rugby Champions Cup 3 16,028 16,843 14,924 223,658 15,976

Friendlies

[edit]
1 June 2017 Ulster Ireland 28–43 Barbarians Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast[67]  
19:30 IST (UTC+01) Try: McCloskey 5' c
Keane 10' c
Patterson 34' c
O'Connor 42' c
Con: Wilson (1/1) 6'
Pienaar (2/2) 11', 35'
Herron (1/1) 43'
 Report[68] Try: Flynn 19' m
Nayacalevu (2) 23' c, 60' c
King (2) 31' m, 39' m
Penalty try 54' c
Tekori 77' c
Con: Agulla (1/3) 24'
Madigan (2/3) 54', 60'
Dusautoir (1/1) 78'
 Attendance: 15,500
Referee: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Rodney Ah You,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. Peter Browne,
6. Matty Rea, 7. Clive Ross, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Brett Herron,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Callum Patterson, 14. Mark Keane,
15. Peter Nelson.
Replacements:
16. John Andrew (for Herring 53'), 17. Kyle McCall (for Warwick 40'), 18. Ross Kane (for Lutton 58'),
19. Stephen Mulholland (for Wilson 53'), 20. Chris Henry (for O'Connor 58'),
21. Paul Marshall (for Pienaar 35'), 22. David Shanahan (for Nelson 60'), 23. Callum Smith (for Keane 66'), 24. Ricky Lutton (for Ah You 40')

13 August 2016 Leinster Ireland 31-14 Ireland Ulster Navan R.F.C.  
Try: Leavy
Conan
Murphy
McFadden
A. Byrne
Con: R. Byrne
 Try: M. Best
Lyttle
Con: Windsor
McPhillips
Ulster lineup:

1. Kyle McCall, 2. Jonny Murphy, 3. Jonny Simpson,
4. Alan O'Connor, 5. John Donnan,
6. Stephen Mulholland, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Matty Rea,
9. David Shanahan, 10. Brett Herron,
11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Sam Windsor, 13. Mark Best, 14. David Busby,
15. Louis Ludik.
Replacements:
Andrew Warwick, John Andrew, Rodney Ah You, Clive Ross, Conall Boomer, Angus Lloyd, Johnny McPhillips, Rory Butler, Rob Lyttle, Andy McGrath, C. Smyth, C. Kelly, Alex Thompson, Aaron Cairns, Michael Lagan, Zack McCall

20 August 2016 Exeter Chiefs England 25-19 Ireland Ulster Sandy Park  
Try: Armand
Chudley
Welch
Penalty try
Con: Slade
Pen: Slade
 Report[69] Try: Stockdale
Lyttle (2)
Con: (2)
Ulster lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. Rob Herring (c), 3. Rodney Ah You,
4. Peter Browne, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Robbie Diack, 7. Clive Ross, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Ruan Pienaar, 10. Brett Herron,
11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Darren Cave, 14. Louis Ludik,
15. Charles Piutau.
Replacements:
Andrew Warwick (for Black 30'), Paul Marshall (for Pienaar 40'), Jonny Simpson (for Ah You 49'), Kieran Treadwell (for Browne 49'), Matty Rea (for Wilson 51'), Kyle McCall (for Simpson 55'), Alan O'Connor (for Van der Merwe 58'), Johnny McPhillips (for Herron 59'), John Andrew (for Herring 59'), Stephen Mulholland (for Diack 60'), Sam Windsor (for Piutau 65'), David Busby (for Cave 65'), Rob Lyttle (for Stockdale 69')/

26 August 2016 Ulster Ireland 29-19 England Northampton Saints Ravenhill Stadium  
Try: Ludik
Piutau
Herring
Stockdale
Con: Lyttle (3)
Pen: Lyttle
 Report[70] Try: Walker
Collins
Estelles
Con: (2)
Ulster lineup:

1. Andrew Warwick, 2. Rob Herring (c), 3. Rodney Ah You,
4. Peter Browne, 5. Franco van der Merwe,
6. Robbie Diack, 7. Clive Ross, 8. Roger Wilson,
9. Paul Marshall, 10. Brett Herron,
11. Rob Lyttle, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Louis Ludik, 14. Jacob Stockdale,
15. Charles Piutau.
Replacements:
John Andrew, Callum Black, Ross Kane, Alan O'Connor, Conor Joyce, Matty Rea, David Shanahan, Sam Windsor, David Busby.

Ulster A

[edit]

British and Irish Cup

[edit]
Main article: 2016–17 British and Irish Cup

Pool 1

[edit]
Team P W D L PF PA PD TB LB Pts
Jersey Jersey Reds 6 5 0 1 181 94 87 3 0 23
Ireland Ulster A 6 4 0 2 153 124 29 2 2 20
England London Scottish 6 2 0 4 134 157 −23 2 2 12
Wales Cardiff Blues Premiership Select 6 1 0 5 104 197 −93 0 3 7
Source: Updated: 10 March 2017
Points breakdown:
*4 points for a win
*2 points for a draw
*1 bonus point for a loss by seven points or less
*1 bonus point for scoring four or more tries in a match
14 October 2016 Ulster A Ireland 19 – 6 England Jersey Reds Shaw's Bridge, Belfast  
19:00 Try: Windsor 51'
Con: McPhillips 51'
Pen: McPhillips (4) 10' 28' 38' 45'
 Report[71] Pen: Katz (2) 12' 19'
 Attendance: 200
Referee: Dewi Phillips
Ulster 'A' lineup:

1. Jonny Simpson, 2. John Andrew, 3. Ricky Lutton,
4. Dan Tuohy (c), 5. Kieran Treadwell,
6. Stephen Mulholland, 7. Conor Joyce, 8. Lorcan Dow,
9. David Shanahan, 10. Brett Herron,
11. Aaron Cairns, 12. Mark Best, 13. Sam Windsor, 14. Tommy Bowe,
15. Johnny McPhillips.
Replacements:
16. Jonny Murphy (for Andrew 51'), 17. Tommy O'Hagan (for Simpson 57'),
18. John Donnan (for Mulholland 57'), 19. Nick Timoney (for Joyce 68'),
20. Angus Lloyd (for Shanahan 68'), 21. Callum Smith (for Herron 68'), 22. Conor Kelly.

22 October 2016 (BP) London Scottish England 34 – 29 Ireland Ulster A (2BP) Athletic Ground  
14:30 Try: Coombes (2) 3' 8'
Fergusson (2) 24' 75'
Miller 66'
Con: Sheppard (2) 4' 26'
Holland 75'
Pen: Sheppard 34'
 Report[72][73] Try: Lyttle 15'
Dow 22'
Andrew (2) 40' 61'
Con: McPhillips (3) 15' 40' 63'
Pen: McPhillips 42'
 Attendance: 906
Referee: Gareth Newman
Ulster 'A' lineup:

1. Jonny Simpson, 2. John Andrew, 3. Wiehahn Herbst,
4. Dan Tuohy (c), 5. Kieran Treadwell,
6. Stephen Mulholland, 7. Conor Joyce, 8. Lorcan Dow,
9. Angus Lloyd, 10. Brett Herron,
11. Aaron Cairns, 12. Mark Best, 13. Jacob Stockdale, 14. Rob Lyttle,
15. Johnny McPhillips.
Replacements:
16. Jonny Murphy, 17. Tommy O'Hagan,
18. Craig Ternier, 19. John Donnan,
20. Nick Timoney, 21. Conor Kelly, 22. Lewis Sampson.

9 December 2016 Ulster A Ireland 16 – 10 Wales Cardiff Blues Premiership Select (BP) Eaton Park, Ballymena  
17:00 Try: Owens
Con: McPhillips
Pen: McPhillips (3)
 Report[74] Try: Evans
Con: Thompson 15'
Pen: Thompson 16'
 Attendance: 1,301
Referee: Veryan Boscawen
Ulster 'A' lineup:

1. Callum Black, 2. John Andrew (c), 3. Jonny Simpson,
4. Connor Smith, 5. Stephen Mulholland,
6. Nick Timoney, 7. Conor Joyce, 8. Lorcan Dow,
9. David Shanahan, 10. Brett Herron,
11. Jack Owens, 12. Mark Best, 13. R Butler, 14. Rob Lyttle,
15. Johnny McPhillips.
Replacements:
16. Jonny Murphy, 17. Tommy O'Hagan,
18. John McCusker, 19. Zack McCall,
20. Johnny Stewart, 21. David Busby, 22. Callum Patterson.

17 December 2016 (BP) Cardiff Blues Premiership Select Wales 27 – 30 Ireland Ulster A Sardis Road, Pontypridd  
14:30 Try: Dolan
Thompson
Jones
Con: Thompson (3)
Pen: Thompson (2)
 Report[75] Try: Dow
Herron
Cooper
Con: McPhillips (3)
Pen: McPhillips (3)
 Attendance: 325
Referee: Hamish Smales
Ulster 'A' lineup:

1. Tommy O'Hagan, 2. John Andrew (c), 3. Jonny Simpson,
4. Connor Smith, 5. Stephen Mulholland,
6. Nick Timoney, 7. Conor Joyce, 8. Lorcan Dow,
9. David Shanahan, 10. Johnny McPhillips,
11. David Busby, 12. Mark Best, 13. Rory Butler, 14. Connor Kelly,
15. Jack Owens.
Replacements:
16. Jonny Murphy, 17. Peter Cooper,
18. John McCusker, 19. Zack McCall,
20. Johnny Stewart, 21. Brett Herron, 22. Josh Jordan.0

13 January 2017 (BP) Ulster A Ireland 38 – 21 England London Scottish Kingspan Stadium  
19:00 Try: McPhillips
Dow
Murphy
Cave (2)
Busby
Con: McPhillips
M. Best (3)
 Report[76] Try: Kenny
Koroi
Atkinson
Con: Lydon (3)
 Attendance: 4,813
Referee: Joy Neville
Ulster 'A' lineup:

1. Tommy O'Hagan, 2. Jonny Murphy, 3. Ricky Lutton,
4. Robbie Diack, 5. John Donnan,
6. Stephen Mulholland, 7. Conor Joyce, 8. Lorcan Dow,
9. Johnny Stewart, 10. Johnny McPhillips,
11. Craig Gilroy, 12. Mark Best, 13. Darren Cave, 14. David Busby,
15. Rob Lyttle.
Replacements:
16. Zack McCall, 17. Craig Trenier,
18. Alex Thompson, 19. Connor Smyth,
20. Johnny Creighton, 21. Rory Butler, 22. Jack Owens.

21 January 2017 (BP) Jersey Reds England 26 – 21 Ireland Ulster A (BP) St Peter  
14:00 Try: Koloʻofai 5'
Doyle 33'
Adair 51'
Argyle 61'
Pen: Katz (2) 68' 73'
 Report[77] Try: Best
Busby 39'
Joyce 43'
Con: McPhillips (3) 10' 39' 43'
 Attendance: 1,406
Referee: Craig Evans
Ulster 'A' lineup:

1. Eric O'Sullivan, 2. Zack McCall, 3. Peter Cooper,
4. Alan O'Connor (c), 5. John Donnan,
6. Stephen Mulholland, 7. Conor Joyce, 8. Lorcan Dow,
9. Johnny Stewart, 10. Johnny McPhillips,
11. Jacob Stockdale, 12. Mark Best, 13. Rory Butler, 14. David Busby,
15. Jack Owens.
Replacements:
16. Jonny Murphy, 17. Chris Cundell,
18. Matty Rea, 19. Nick Timoney,
20. Johnny Creighton, 21. Andrew Magrath, 22. Callum Patterson.

Quarter-finals

[edit]
12 March 2017 Munster A Ireland 26 - 3 Ireland Ulster A Irish Independent Park, Cork  
15:00 Try: O'Shea
Arnold
Con: Johnston (2)
Pen: Johnston (4)
 Report[78] Pen: Herron (2)
 Attendance: 800
Referee: Fergus Kirby
Ulster 'A' lineup:

1. Tommy O'Hagan, 2. Jonny Murphy, 3. Ricky Lutton,
4. Peter Browne, 5. Alex Thompson,
6. Nick Timoney, 7. Conor Joyce, 8. Matty Rea,
9. Johnny Stewart, 10. Brett Herron,
11. Connor Kelly, 12. Mark Best, 13. Jack Owens, 14. Aaron Cairns,
15. David Busby.
Replacements:
16. Zack McCall, 17. Ross Kane,
8. John Donnan, 19. Conall Boomer,
20. Andrew Magrath, 21. Mark Keane, 22. Josh Jordan.

Ulster Women

[edit]

2016-17 Women's Interprovincial Series

[edit]
Main article: IRFU Women's Interprovincial Series
Team P W D L PF PA BP Pts
1 3 2 0 1 72 20 1 9
2 3 2 0 1 55 29 1 9
3 3 2 0 1 40 32 0 8
4 3 0 0 3 15 101 0 0
3 December 2016 Ulster Ulster 3-16 Munster Munster Ravenhill Stadium  
10 December 2016 Leinster Leinster 46-0 Ulster Ulster Donnybrook Stadium  
17 December 2016 Connacht Connacht 39-12 Ulster Ulster Corinthian Park  

Ulster Rugby Awards

[edit]

The Heineken Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held at Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School, Belfast, on 6 May 2017. Winners were:[79]

Roger Wilson was given a special award for retiring as the province's most capped player, with 221 appearances. Honours caps were awarded for appearance milestones to Tommy Bowe (150), Chris Henry (150), Luke Marshall (100) and Rob Herring (100).

The Danske Bank Schools Player of the Year was won by Michael Lowry of RBAI, beating nominees James Hume (RBAI) and Stewart Moore (Ballymena Academy).

Season reviews

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Rob Herring and Andrew Trimble to share Ulster captaincy". BBC Sport. 17 August 2016. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
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  3. ^ Tom Hamilton, "IRFU rules force Springboks star Ruan Pienaar to leave Ulster", ESPN, 31 August 2016
  4. ^ "Ulster Rugby assistant coach Joe Barakat to leave in December", Belfast Telegraph, 21 September 2016
  5. ^ Jonathan Bradley, "All Black Jono Gibbes joins Ulster in coaching role", Belfast Telegraph, 13 February 2017
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  22. ^ "Edinburgh sign Ulster winger Rory Scholes". BBC Sport. 2 March 2016.
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  24. ^ "Bristol sign Ireland and Ulster lock Dan Tuohy". Bristol Post. 6 December 2016.[permanent dead link]
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  45. ^ "Ludik and Henderson lift Ulster to the top of the table". pro12rugby.com. 16 September 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  46. ^ "Jackson's sensational score sends Ulster top of the table". pro12rugby.com. 23 September 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
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  54. ^ "Scarlets 16-13 Ulster: Home side win drenched affair", Sky Sports, 6 January 2017
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  57. ^ "Zebre 17-40 Ulster: Les Kiss' side record third straight win", Sky Sports, 26 February 2017
  58. ^ "Ulster 19-7 Treviso: Ulster victorious in horrible conditions at the Kingspan", Sky Sports, 3 March 2017
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  60. ^ "Newport Gwent Dragons 17 Ulster 27: Late rally wins it for Irish province", Sky Sports, 24 March 2017
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  79. ^ "Departing Duo Receive Ulster Rugby Awards", Irish Rugby, 7 May 2017
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