From 2000 to 2005 he was the Ireland Under 21 manager, the highlight being the team reaching the World Cup Final in 2004 against New Zealand

Payne comes after the departure of Mike Prendergast.

After losing the European Challenge Cup final to Montpellier and finishing ninth in the URC Ulster will be excluded from the 2026/27 Champions Cup

After a promising start, Ulster weren’t able to contain the firepower as Montpellier ran out 59-26 winners in the Challenge Cup Final in Bilbao. The Irish side made a pulsating start as captain Nick Timoney crossed over after five minutes, after Juarno Augustus made a break from a Doak box kick. However, Montpellier replied straight […]

Bilbao heatwave and closed Sam Mames roof turns up heat to unbearable broiling point.

Ulster Rugby are looking to end their 20-year trophy drought as they take on Montpellier Hérault Rugby in the EPCR Challenge Cup final in Bilbao

The good news is that Robert Baloucoune is back for the Challenge Cup final against Montpellier, but Ulster legend Ferris admits he fears for the province

Ulster hoping to win a first major trophy in 20 years

The teams face off under the lights at Bilbao’s iconic San Mamés Stadium this weekend

"here's been lots of off-field stuff that has put a spotlight on Munster and I think the players have done an amazing job."

Kok's all-action style has endeared him to the Belfast crowds at Affidea Stadium this season, with the South African scoring 12 tries in 33 games this term

Ulster sit eighth in the URC table - the final play-off spot. Connacht are one point behind, and they face Edinburgh away at the same time on Friday night

Campaigners say the findings highlighted strong cross-party backing for reform at a time when charities are facing growing financial pressures

Richie Murphy's crew sit eighth in the table and Connacht, three points behind, are the only side that can catch them

Munster take on Connacht this weekend, as Ulster and Leinster both play at home in key deciders as the URC nears completion

"We know if we back our game plan we could go far in this competition and we showed it today. We played with heart and we fought."

Ulster secured their place in the EPCR Challenge Cup final with a dominant 29-12 victory over Exeter Chiefs in Belfast

"I made a carry early on, Smith came out off the line and almost cut me in half. They were trying to kill us. I think that was their game plan."

"This is our first European semi-final in 20 years, at home, it's a massive occasion in itself."

Joshua, who excelled at both GAA and rugby, has been fondly remembered by family and friends as a "gorgeous young man"

The Reds had taken all five league points from Ulster but the potential casualty list - one that began before the game had even started - is lengthy

Ulster travel to Thomond Park for a crunch United Rugby Championship encounter on Saturday evening with both sides pushing for a place in the Last Eight

Munster have chosen a strong squad while Ulster opt to go with heavy rotation

In the Ulster front row, Eric O'Sullivan has more caps then the rest of his pack combined

“Over the years, there have been a lot of people like Brad Thorn and Schalk Brits who played in World Cups when they were 36 or older..."

All you need to know about the Ulster vs Leinster URC clash at Affidea Park, Belfast, on Friday night - TV channel, kick-off time, live stream and team news

The Newtownards unit contains a butcher's shop, and production facilities including fridges, as well as office space.

The Erin King captained side has the tournament's toughest task first-up

Ulster make three changes as they look to make a semi-final against either Benetton or Exeter

La Rochelle put 19 year-old wonderkid Diego Jurd in at no10 - it's only his ninth game for the club