Ulster

History of Ulster Rugby

The history of Ulster Rugby can be traced all the way back to 1879, when the Irish Football Union and the Northern Football Union of Ireland amalgamated. 

During the amateur era of Irish rugby, the Ulster rugby team was highly successful. They won the Irish Inter-Provincial Championship 26 times, including a period where they won 10 titles in a row.

The Ulster rugby team carried this success into the professional era, too. In 1999, they became the first Irish province to win the Heineken Champions Cup (now European Rugby Champions Cup). Following this, the side entered into a golden era. For four years, they went unbeaten at home in the Heineken Champions Cup and they won the inaugural Celtic Cup in 2003. They ended their golden era by capturing the Celtic League title (now known as the United Rugby Championship) in the 2005-06 season.

However, the team's fortunes changed in 2006 and they entered a period of decline between 2006 and 2010. But, following a coaching and management change, the team turned their fortunes around and entered a revival phase. They then finished as runners-up in the Heineken Champions Cup in 2011-12 and the United Rugby Championship (then the Pro12) in 2012-13.

Ever since, the Ulster rugby team have been in another lean period. However, they are showing signs of a revival. In the 2019-20 season, they once again finished as runners-up in the Pro14 and they've competed admirably in European competition. In addition, since the formation of the United Rugby Championship in 2021, the team has regularly reached the knockout phases. Similarly, in 2026, the team reached the final of the European Rugby Challenge Cup for the first time in their history. Sadly, they were beaten by Montpellier. 

Due to the team's continued success over the years, a number of top international stars have played for Ulster Rugby. In total, 32 Ulster rugby players have represented the British and Irish Lions, including Tommy Smyth, Robin Thompson and Willie John McBride, who were all tour captains. 

Today, although the side aren't as successful as they once were, several established internationals still play in Ulster rugby fixtures, including Jacob Stockdale, Iain Henderson and Rob Herring. 

Think the Ulster rugby team can win the United Rugby Championship or claim European honours for the first time this season? Follow the team’s progress with RugbyPass.