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

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

Senior squad

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

    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'

    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

    Scrum-halves

    • Ireland Aaron Cairns

    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

    Team
    		 P W D L PF PA Diff TF TA TB LB Pts
    France Clermont (1) 6501211131+8026185126
    France Bordeaux Bègles 6303118120–211131114
    England Exeter Chiefs 6204110146–3613162212
    Ireland Ulster 6204131173–4216191110
    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

    2016–17 Pro12
    Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA Try bonus Losing bonus Pts
    1Ireland Munster (RU) 221903602316+28677349186
    2Ireland Leinster (SF) 221804674390+284914712185
    3Wales Scarlets (CH) 221705537359+17866409077
    4Wales Ospreys (SF)221408556360+196744210369
    5Ireland Ulster221417521371+15068476468
    6Scotland Glasgow Warriors2211011540464+7672539558
    7Wales Cardiff Blues2211110508498+1059603453
    8Ireland Connacht229013413498−8547615344
    9Scotland Edinburgh226016400491−9146591631
    10Italy Benetton Treviso225017316664−34835921223
    11Wales Newport Gwent Dragons224018368569−20138711623
    12Italy Zebre223019318773−455381051619
    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,<br 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'),<br ? 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

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

      Friendlies

      1 June 2017
      19:30 IST (UTC+01)
      Ulster Ireland28–43Barbarians
      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[67]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'
      Ravenhill Stadium, Belfast[68]
      Attendance: 15,500
      Referee: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)

      Ulster A

      British and Irish Cup

      Pool 1

      Team P W D L PF PA PD TB LB Pts
      Jersey Jersey Reds 650118194873023
      Ireland Ulster A 6402153124292220
      England London Scottish 6204134157−232212
      Wales Cardiff Blues Premiership Select 6105104197−93037
      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 19 – 6 Jersey Reds Shaw's Bridge, Belfast  
      19:00 Try: Windsor 51'
      Con: McPhillips 51'
      Pen: McPhillips (4) 10' 28' 38' 45'
      		 Report[69] 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 34 – 29 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[70][71] 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 16 – 10 Cardiff Blues Premiership Select (BP) Eaton Park, Ballymena  
      17:00 Try: Owens
      Con: McPhillips
      Pen: McPhillips (3)
      		 Report[72] 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 27 – 30 Ulster A Sardis Road, Pontypridd  
      14:30 Try: Dolan
      Thompson
      Jones
      Con: Thompson (3)
      Pen: Thompson (2)
      		 Report[73] 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 38 – 21 London Scottish Kingspan Stadium  
      19:00 Try: McPhillips
      Dow
      Murphy
      Cave (2)
      Busby
      Con: McPhillips
      M. Best (3)
      		 Report[74] 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 26 – 21 Ulster A (BP) St Peter  
      14:00 Try: Koloʻofai 5'
      Doyle 33'
      Adair 51'
      Argyle 61'
      Pen: Katz (2) 68' 73'
      		 Report[75] 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

      12 March 2017 Munster A 26 - 3 Ulster A Irish Independent Park, Cork  
      15:00 Try: O'Shea
      Arnold
      Con: Johnston (2)
      Pen: Johnston (4)
      		 Report[76] 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.

      Home attendance

      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

      Ulster Rugby Awards

      The Heineken Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held at Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School, Belfast, on 6 May 2017. Winners were:[77]

      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

      References

      1. ↑ "Rob Herring and Andrew Trimble to share Ulster captaincy". BBC Sport. 17 August 2016. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
      2. ↑ "Rob Herring named as Ulster captain during World Cup". Ulster Rugby. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
      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
      6. ↑ Jonathan Bradley, "Doak plans to end 23 years at Kingspan with a flourish", Belfast Telegraph, 5 April 2017
      7. ↑ URC Player Statistics, accessed 28 May 2022
      8. ↑ URC Team Statistics, retrieved 28 May 2022
      9. ↑ "Ulster Rugby: Who did what 2016 – 2017", The Front Row Union, 17 May 2017
      10. ↑ "All-Black utility back Charles Piutau confirm move to Ulster". BBC Sport. 1 April 2015.
      11. ↑ "Connacht and Ireland tighthead prop Rodney Ah You to join Ulster". BBC Sport. 18 January 2016.
      12. ↑ "Ulster have signed Irish-qualified England Under-20 lock Kieran Treadwell". BBC Sport. 22 January 2016.
      13. ↑ "Springboks back row Marcell Coetzee agrees Ulster move". Sky Sports. 11 February 2016.
      14. ↑ "Bath fly-half Brett Herron signs professionally for Ulster". BBC Sport. 6 April 2016.
      15. 1 2 "Ulster sign Dubling Trinity scrum-half Angus Lloyd". Ulster Rugby. 20 July 2016.
      16. ↑ "Ulster sign Georgia prop Anton Peikrishvili from CA Brive". Sky Sports. 1 September 2016.
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      20. ↑ "Nick Williams: Cardiff Blues sign Ulster number eight". BBC Sport. 23 December 2015.
      21. ↑ "Munster sign Ulster prospect centre Sam Arnold". Independent.ie. 4 February 2016.
      22. ↑ "Edinburgh sign Ulster winger Rory Scholes". BBC Sport. 2 March 2016.
      23. ↑ "Ulster fly-half Ian Humphreys announces retirement at end of season". BBC Sport. 8 March 2016.
      24. ↑ "Bristol sign Ireland and Ulster lock Dan Tuohy". Bristol Post. 6 December 2016.
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      26. ↑ "Ulster release fly-half Windsor and call up Patterson". Belfast Live. 15 December 2016.
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      29. ↑ "Squad confirmed for 2019/20 season". Ulster Rugby. 24 June 2019. Archived from the original on 24 June 2019. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
      30. ↑ "Not all rules are made to be broken". Irish Independent. 4 September 2016. Retrieved 26 January 2018. Ireland's set-up demands a maximum of five NIEs - one of whom is a project player
      31. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Jonathan Bradley, "Eight prospects will be aiming to flourish after joining Academy", Belfast Telegraph, 6 September 2016
      32. ↑ Ronnie Ingram, "Hinch provide seven for Ulster Academy's test against Leinster", Belfast Telegraph, 2 September 2016
      33. ↑ "Academy Management", Ulster Rugby, archived 19 December 2016
      34. ↑ "Hughes Insurance Academy Squad", Ulster Rugby, archived 16 December 2016
      35. ↑ "Bordeaux-Begles 28-13 Ulster: Late blitz downs Ulster", Sky Sports, 16 October 2016
      36. ↑ "Ulster 19 Exeter Chiefs 18: Ulster edge out visitors in rip-roaring clash", Belfast Live, 22 October 2016
      37. ↑ "European Champions Cup: Ulster 39-32 Clermont Auvergne", BBC Sport, 10 December 2016
      38. ↑ "Clermont 38-19 Ulster: Home side blow Irishmen away with first-half blitz", Sky Sports, 19 December 2016
      39. ↑ "https://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/chiefs-31-ulster-19", Exeter Chiefs, 15 January 2016
      40. ↑ "Ulster 22-26 Bordeaux-Begles: Defeat for error-ridden Ulster", Sky Sports, 21 January 2017
      41. ↑ Competition Rule 3.5 "Summary of Key Rules". Pro12. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
      42. ↑ "Champions Cup Qualification". EPC Rugby. Retrieved 1 April 2017.
      43. ↑ "Debutant Lyttle inspires Ulster to opening night victory". pro12rugby.com. 2 September 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
      44. ↑ "Pienaar stars once more as Ulster edge past Treviso". pro12rugby.com. 10 September 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
      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.
      47. ↑ "Ulster battle back in frantic Ospreys clash". pro12rugby.com. 1 October 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
      48. ↑ "Pro12: Connacht 30-25 Ulster", BBC Sport, 8 October 2016
      49. ↑ Richard Mulligan, "Ulster squander decent position", News Letter, 29 October 2016
      50. ↑ "Edinburgh 28 Ulster 17: Edinburgh bounce back in style against Ulster", The Courier, 4 November 2016
      51. ↑ "Ulster beat Cardiff Blues 35-22 at Cardiff Arms Park", Sky Sports, 3 December 2016
      52. ↑ "Ulster 23 Connacht 7 – 23rd December 2016", Craggy Rugby, 23 December 2016
      53. ↑ "Leinster 22-7 Ulster: Rory O'Loughlin double wins Irish derby", Sky Sports, 1 January 2017
      54. ↑ "Scarlets 16-13 Ulster: Home side win drenched affair", Sky Sports, 6 January 2017
      55. ↑ "Ulster end losing streak", Irish Examiner, 11 February 2017
      56. ↑ "Ulster 37-17 Glasgow: Home side go fifth with bonus-point win", Sky Sports, 18 February 2017
      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
      59. ↑ "Ulster 68-21 Zebre: Irish province move into play-off spot with win", Sky Sports, 11 March 2017
      60. ↑ "Newport Gwent Dragons 17 Ulster 27: Late rally wins it for Irish province", Sky Sports, 24 March 2017
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      64. ↑ "Ulster 17-13 Leinster: Leo Cullen's side to face Scarlets in semi", Sky Sports, 6 May 2017
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      68. ↑ "BARBARIANS RETURN TO KINGSPAN STADIUM FOR ULSTER CHALLENGE". 10 March 2017. Retrieved 13 March 2017.
      69. ↑ "ULSTER 'A' 19 JERSEY REDS 6", Jersey Reds, 14 October 2016
      70. ↑ Report, Sky Sports, 22 October 2016
      71. ↑ "Ulster ‘A’ Squeezed Out By Scottish In Nine-Try Thriller", Irish Rugby, 22 October 2022
      72. ↑ "B&I CUP: ULSTER A 16 CARDIFF BLUES PS 10", The Front Row Union, 12 December 2016
      73. ↑ John McMurtry, "B&I CUP: CARDIFF BLUES PS 27 ULSTER A 30", The Front Row Union, 18 December 2016
      74. ↑ "B&I CUP: ULSTER A 38 LONDON SCOTTISH 21", The Front Row Union, 14 January 2017
      75. ↑ "JERSEY REDS 26 ULSTER 'A' 21", Jersey Reds, 21 January 2017
      76. ↑ "Munster ‘A’ Win Battle Of The Provinces", Irish Rugby, 12 March 2017
      77. ↑ "Departing Duo Receive Ulster Rugby Awards", Irish Rugby, 7 May 2017
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