Stand Up: An Ulster Rugby Show

Ulster came back from 21-0 down to give the Bulls an almighty scare in Pretoria, but ultimately left South Africa still searching for their first league win.

Peter Lockhart and Gareth Steenson look back at the 34-26 defeat, the positives, the problems and some impressive individual performances.

We also look ahead to Saturday's clash with the Stormers in Cape Town. With nine players away on Ireland duty and a seriously dangerous Stormers side waiting, it's another huge challenge for Richie Murphy's men. Can Ulster finally get that elusive first win?

Six tries, five points and finally a first win of the season! Ulster got the job done in Parma, and there was plenty to like about it (and also quite a lot to work on!)

We chat about what clicked for Richie Murphy’s men, whether Ulster have finally turned a corner, and the small matter of a trip to South Africa to face a Bulls side stacked with Springboks.

Can Ulster back it up, or is it a reality check waiting in Pretoria?

All that and plenty more on this week’s Stand Up Ulster Rugby Podcast!

Well, where do you even start with that one?

Ulster somehow managed to come back from 21 points down to snatch a 26-26 draw with Munster at Ravenhill. Some cracking stuff from the backs, but the less said about the scrum and maul the better. Plenty to admire about the fightback, but plenty to be worried about too. How do you even begin to make sense of it?

We're joined by former Ulster and Zebre player Mick Kearney and Munster fan and rugby journalist Caolan Scully to pick the bones out of it all. What went wrong, what went right, and are we just papering over the same old cracks?

We also look ahead to Zebre next weekend. Surely a chance to get things back on track... surely?

Plenty to get stuck into. Enjoy the episode and let us know what you made of it all in the comments!

Former Ulster prop and rugby agent John Andress joins the Stand Up Ulster Rugby Podcast for a proper wide-ranging chat on all things Ulster Rugby.We look back on the stalemate with Glasgow, pick through what worked and what didn’t, and ask where Ulster need to improve.John also gives us an insight into life as a rugby agent, from dealing with players and clubs to the realities behind the scenes in the professional game.Then it’s on to Munster, what Ulster can expect.A class rugby chat with someone who knows the game inside outSubscribe to Stand Up Ulster for more Ulster Rugby chat, reaction and interviews throughout the season.

Ulster are back in action and... it didn't go as planned.We chat about Ulster’s opening game against Edinburgh and break down a real Jekyll-and-Hyde performance.We don’t shy away from the bad. However, there was a bit of good too, albeit far too late into the game.All that and more as we get stuck into the start of Ulster’s new season.

We’re joined by East Belfast man and Sydney Morning herald rugby journalist Jonny Drennan.We chat about his route into journalism, how rugby is covered, and why clubs need to get closer to their supporters and local communities if the game is going to grow.We also get into what makes rugby different - the characters, personalities and stories behind the people who play it.A really good chat about rugby, media and the fascinating stories of the people at the heart of the game.

On this episode of the Stand Up Ulster Rugby Podcast, we’re joined by teacher, coach, former player, student of the game and all-round good egg Mike Orchin-McKeever, the new head coach of Ballynahinch RFC.As you should know by now, Stand Up Ulster Rugby is about covering rugby right across Ulster, including the club game, schools rugby and the women’s game, not just the senior men’s game.So, in that spirit, we’re talking all things club rugby with one of the best coaches in the province.Plenty on coaching, the game in Ulster, Ballynahinch and what comes next.Enjoy.

In this episode of the Stand Up Ulster Rugby Podcast, we sit down with Ritchie McMaster for a wide-ranging chat about schools rugby in Ulster.Ritchie reflects on the experience of winning the Schools’ Cup with Campbell College, sharing some of the lessons, memories and moments that helped shape that successful campaign.We also look beyond results and trophies to discuss the bigger picture of developing young rugby players. Ritchie offers his thoughts and advice for coaches and parents, including how to create the right environment for young people to enjoy the game, develop their skills and deal with the pressures that can come with schools rugby.A great conversation for anyone involved in the schools game, whether you’re a player, coach, parent or simply passionate about the future of Ulster Rugby.

Gareth Steenson and Peter Lockhart discuss three key new players that will make a difference to Ulster this season...

Gareth Steenson and Peter Lockhart sit down for a chat about what Ulster should be focusing on during pre-season ahead of the new campaign.

From managing the season in blocks and keeping players fresh, to improving tackle technique and bringing back the maul, we look at some of the key areas Richie Murphy and his coaching staff will be working on.

Recorded at Hearth Pub, Ballyhackamore.

Subscribe for more Ulster Rugby discussion, interviews and analysis from Stand Up: An Ulster Rugby Podcast.

This week on The Stand Up, Ulster Women's Player of the Season Niamh Morley joins the podcast to tell one of the most unique stories in Irish rugby.

After more than two decades playing Gaelic football with Armagh, Niamh made the switch to rugby after the pandemic and hasn't looked back. She reflects on earning her first Ulster cap, battling back from a third ACL injury, and why representing Ireland remains her biggest ambition.

The team discuss the challenges of changing sports later in life, how skills from Gaelic football have helped her thrive on the rugby pitch, the growth of the women's game, and why hard work has always been at the heart of everything she has achieved.

Niamh also opens up about balancing elite rugby with teaching, the importance of role models, and what she hopes to leave behind for the next generation of Ulster players.

What made Ulster Rugby such a force in the early years of professionalism?

This week, former Ulster Head Coach Alan Solomons joins the podcast to look back on one of the province's most successful eras, sharing the philosophies and leadership principles that helped turn Ravenhill into one of the toughest places to play in Europe.

From building a formidable pack and creating a winning culture to developing future stars like Tommy Bowe, Neil Best and Roger Wilson, Solomons reflects on his time in Belfast, why Northern Ireland became home, and the values that have shaped his coaching career across the world.

Plus, he discusses the modern game, where he believes Ulster can improve, and why integrity, honesty and putting the team first remain the foundations of any successful side.

🎙️ A fascinating insight into leadership, culture, and the legacy of one of Ulster Rugby's most influential coaches.

Ulster legend John Cooney pops into the Waterfront Hall studio fresh off the plane from France, and straight away it's clear pre-season hasn't quite kicked in yet — he reckons he's put on five kilos on a diet of Ulster fries and Guinness.

On this week's show, John joins us to talk life in France, from butchering the language mid-training-drill to not understanding a word of changing-room banter. We get into how he became one of the URC's best-ever kickers almost by accident, the mental tricks he's nicked from Kobe and Steph Curry, and the flat tyre that nearly cost him his Ulster career before it started. Plus his Ireland heartbreaks, the funniest man in the dressing room, and some proper advice for his younger self.

Recorded at the Waterfront Hall, co-created with the Waterfront's podcast studio. Find full event listings at waterfront.co.uk.

What happens when the final whistle blows on a professional rugby career?

This week, former Ulster favourites Dave Shanahan and Andrew Trimble join the podcast to reflect on life after rugby, dressing room culture, career highs and lows, and the challenge of moving on from the game that shaped their lives.

From hilarious tour stories and changing-room characters to serious conversations about identity, retirement and finding a new purpose, this is an honest and entertaining look behind the curtain of professional rugby.

Plus, Dave discusses his Ulster career, embracing the impact role, and why he's excited for what comes next.

🎙️ Plenty of laughs, great stories, and a fascinating insight into rugby beyond the pitch.

From growing up in Zimbabwe to winning Premiership titles, a European Cup, and lifting trophies with Exeter Chiefs, Dave Ewers joins Stand Up: An Ulster Rugby Show to reflect on a remarkable rugby journey.Dave opens up on leaving home as a teenager, the rise of Exeter, life at Ulster, his spell with the Stormers, retirement struggles, and the possibility of one final chapter with Zimbabwe at the Rugby World Cup. Plus, plenty of stories from the changing room, the famous Exeter culture, and some quick-fire questions to finish.🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.

Former Ulster and Ireland winger Craig Gilroy joins the Stand Up team to reflect on a career that brought unforgettable highs, devastating injuries, and some of the biggest moments in Ulster Rugby history.

Craig opens up about retirement, life away from the game, the try at Thomond Park that still gets talked about today, and the move to Exeter that nearly happened.

An honest, funny conversation with one of Ulster Rugby's most popular players.

Ireland international and former Ulster player Brittany Hogan joins the Stand Up Ulster Rugby Show live at the Waterfront Hall alongside Gareth Steenson.

Brittany reflects on her journey from Ballynahinch RFC to representing Ireland on the international stage, discusses life at Sale Sharks, the growth of the women's game, Ireland's Six Nations campaign, beating New Zealand, and what the future holds for rugby in Ireland.

She also opens up on the sacrifices required to reach the top level and the community that rugby has given her throughout her career.

The Stand Up Ulster Rugby Alternative Awards are here.Dan Humphreys joins Gareth and Peter to hand out some of the awards that really matter. From fan favourites and try of the season, to young player of the year, unsung heroes and some completely made-up categories that probably shouldn't exist.🏆 Awards include:Werner Kok Fan Favourite AwardTry of the SeasonBest Bit of BusinessYoung Player of the YearGlue Guy AwardSchools & Women's Game Players to WatchPlus a selection of completely unofficial Stand Up awardsAudio versions of every episode are available wherever you get your podcasts.

his week, we’re joined by former player Paddy McAllister to unpack Ulster’s painful Challenge Cup final defeat in Bilbao.Was Montpellier simply too strong, or did Ulster miss an opportunity?

We get into the reality of the conditions, the physical battle up front, the impact of missing key players, and whether this season should be viewed as progress or disappointment.

We also look ahead to what comes next for Ulster — recruitment, squad depth, the challenge of competing financially, and why this young group could still be building towards something special.

Plus, Paddy reflects on his own career, moving away from Ulster, and the lessons young players can learn from big-game experiences.If Ulster are to get back to the top table of European rugby, where does it start?

31,000 fans, three home wins, and a team full of confidence — Ireland Women’s rugby feels like it’s building something special.This week, we’re joined by Ireland Women’s coach Gareth Steenson and journalist Issy Todd to react to Ireland’s emphatic win over Scotland, a record-breaking day at the Aviva Stadium, and what this Six Nations campaign says about the direction of the team.From the atmosphere created by 31,000 supporters and the rise of the ‘Green Wave’ to standout performers, growing competition for places, and why this young squad feels different, we look at the momentum building around Ireland Women’s rugby.We also get into what comes next — pathways, player development, the Celtic Challenge, growing crowds, and why this could just be the beginning for a side that looks ready to keep pushing forward.