It is a return to competitive league action in Ulster this weekend.
With the rebranding and renaming of the club leagues in Ulster we had the opening game in the SONI Ulster Premiership on Thursday night at the Palace Grounds when Banbridge got their season off to a winning start with a 37 -17 win over home side Armagh. It is interesting to note how many former professional rugby players have returned to play club rugby in Ulster. They include Mark McCrea (Malone), James McKinney (CIYMS), Ricky Andrews (Rainey OB), Ali Birch and Willy Faloon (Armagh), Bronson Ross (Queens Uni), and Ian Porter and Michael Cromie (Banbridge). The focus for the Ulster AIL clubs is preparing for the opening Ulster Bank league fixtures on the 17th September.
Fixtures that will attract large crowds this weekend include the Belfast derby between Malone and Belfast Harlequins at Gibson Park along with Instonians against Ballyclare at Shawsbridge. In the west of the province we have Clogher Valley hosting near neighbours Enniskillen in another appetising country derby at the Cran.
SONI ULSTER PREMIERSHIP DIV 1
Armagh 17 Banbridge 37. Played Thursday 25.8.16. Kick off 7.45PM.
City of Derry v Ballymena
Dungannon v Ballynahinch
SONI ULSTER PREMIERSHIP DIV 2
Malone v Belfast Harlequins
Queens Uni v Rainey OB
Bangor no match
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 1
Clogher Valley v Enniskillen
Instonians v Ballyclare
Omagh v Cooke
Portadown v Dromore
KUKRI ULSTER CHAMPIONSHIP/CONFERENCE DIV 1
Ballymena seconds v Ards
Ballynahinch seconds v Carrickfergus
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 2
Limavady v Academy
Lisburn v CIYMS
Randalstown v Donaghadee
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIOSHIP/CONFERENCE DIV 2
Belfast Harelquins seconds v Grosvenor
Coleraine v Banbridge seconds
Larne v Armagh seconds
Malone seconds v UUC
Ulster based Ulster Bank All Ireland League Clubs
BALLYNAHINCH
Despite the clubs efforts to appoint a new Head coach, Derek Suffern remains in the position assisted by Chris Parker and Adam Craig. The goal of the Ballymacarn Park club is to return to Div 1A after being relegated to Div 1B at the end of 2015/16. There has been a number of player movements in and out of the club.
Players In:
Stevie McCauley, Gerry Cronin, Joe Roe (Rainey OB), Peter Weir (Lisburn).
Ulster Allocations include:
Conor Joyce, Sean Reidy, Lorcan Dow, John Donnan, Craig Trenier, Jonny Murphy, David Busby, Peter Browne, Sam Windsor, Angus Lloyd, Jonny Simpson, Aaron Hall and Ali Burke (Ballyclare), Jonny McPhillips (Queens Uni), Peter Nelson, Jacob Stockdale and Kyle McCall.
Richard Reaney remains on the injured list with scrum half Blane McIlroy continuing his recovery from ACL reconstruction. David McGuigan is out for year after knee reconstruction. Adam Craig retired from playing due to injury. Jonny Madden is taking a year out from rugby.
Players Out:
Manihera Eden (Australia), Ruaidhri Murphy and Paul Rowley (Released by Ulster), Kelvin Hamilton (NZ), Zack McCall (Queens Uni), Paul Pritchard (Old Belvedere), Thomas Donnan (Australia), Robin Harte (Australia). Willy Faloon (Armagh).
BALLYMENA
Andy Graham remains as Head coach assisted by Nicky Wells, Bryan Young, Gareth Fisher, Jimmy Carson and John Nicholl. Like Ballynahinch their goal this season is promotion to Div 1A this season.
Players In:
Aidy Hamilton, Josh McIIroy and Nicholas Stirling (Rainey OB), Matthew Norris (Coleraine Grammar), Tony McGuinness and Ian Vance.
Ulster Allocations include:
Matty Rea, Connor Smyth, Stephen Mulholland, Ross Kane, Andrew Warwick, Michael Lagan, Adam McBurney, Alan O'Connor, John Andrews, Clive Ross, Ricky Lutton, Mark Best, David Shanahan, Brett Herron, Kieran Treadwell and Conal Boomer.
Matthew Harkness continues his recovery from knee reconstruction. Richard McCruddden is taking a year out from playing rugby.
Players out:
Bronson Ross (Queens Uni), Andrew Magrath (Banbridge), Jack Owens, Michael Shiels and Kieran Joyce (Malone), Rory Bell (Queens Uni), Ollie Millar (Armagh).
BANBRIDGE
Daniel Soper remains as Head coach assisted by Simon Best and Simon McKinstry. After narrowly missing out on promotion to Div 1B last season the coach has been able to strengthen his playing squad for this season.
Players In:
Ian Porter (Connacht), Michael Cromie (Rotherham), Andrew Magrath (Ballymena), Three players Aaron Kennedy, Timothy Savage and Andrew Kirkwood have returned from New Zealand. Philip Jordan (Tullamore), Conor Field (RBAI), Josh Agnew (Royal School Armagh), Ryan Hughes (Dromore).
Players out:
Lee Steenson and Jason Gribben (Dromore).
MALONE
Paddy Armstrong has taken over at Gibson Park as Head coach assisted by Josh Pentland, Mark McCrea ( Strength and Conditioning) and Mark Taylor. After a promising start to their AIL campaign in Div 2A last season the team struggled in the second half of the season.
Players In:
Mark McCrea (Jersey), Jack Owens (Ulster Academy), Michael Shiels and Kieran Joyce (Ballymena), Josh Davidson (Belfast Harlequins), David Irvine and Chris Rowan (CIYMS), Daniel Kerr (Bristol Uni), Richard Green wood (CIYMS), Dane Fitzpatrick (Returned from NZ), Philip Lucas (England).
Players out:
Ross Todd (Dublin Uni), Tom Murphy (Queens Uni) and Tristan King (Scotland).
QUEENS UNI
Bob Young remains as Head coach assisted by DJ Creighton, Bronson Ross and Louis Ludik.
Despite the allocation of Ulster Academy and Development players to Queens the team lacked the strength in depth to mount a serious promotion challenge last season.
Players In:
Tom Murphy (Malone), David Marshall (Cooke/Ulster under 20's), Zack McCall (Ballynahinch/Ireland under 20's), Marcus Rea (Ireland under 19's), Jonny Stewart (Ireland under 19's), Rory Butler (Ballymena/Ulster Academy), Adam Kirk (Rainey OB), Jonny Harris (Ards/Ulster under 19's), Matthew McDowell ( Belfast Harlequins/Ulster under 20's), Sam Purdon (Ulster under 19's), Zac Jordan (Ulster Sub Academy),Josh Jordan (Ulster Sub Academy), Conor Gourlay (Methody), Eunan Shaw (Rainey OB), Conor O'Neill (BRA), Anton Lupari (Ulster Sub Academy), Yannic Marriott( Ulster Sub Academy), Ryan McIIwaine (Ballyclare HS).
Ulster Allocations include:
Alex Thompson, Nick Timoney and Robert Lyttle.
Players out:
Stewart Martin (Academy), Gary Wright and Conor McIlmurray (Bangor), Damon Hall (Returned to England), Johnny McPhillips (Ballynahinch), Jordan Southway, Adam Kerr and Paddy Leeson (Year out), Eoin Baxter (Armagh), Alex Kismeriek (Belfast Harlequins), Robbie Reid and Grant Bartley (Ballyclare). Peter Cashel (Dungannon).
BELFAST HARLEQUINS
The Deramore Park club has appointed Andrew Gillespie as Head coach with Keith Pyper as his assistant. The experienced David Armstrong takes on the role of Technical advisor. The club are looking to bounce back from relegation to Div 2A last season.
Players In:
Phil McVitty (CIYMS), Ian Anderson and Andrew Pollock (Cooke), Adam Macklin (Returning from injury), James Harrison (Blackrock College) and his brother Rory Harrison.
Conor Young, Paul Jackson and Frankie Taggart have been released by Ulster Rugby.
Ulster Allocations include:
Matthew Fisher and Peter Cooper.
Players out:
Mark Best and Ricky Lutton (Ballymena), Josh Davidson (Malone), Andrew McPhillips (Armagh), Rory Scholes (Edinburgh), Matthew McDowell (Queens uni), Jacob stockdale and Sean Reidy (Ballynahinch) Conall Boomer (Ballymena), Brendan Monahan, Mark Foster (Queens), Paul Greenaway and Stu Currie (Carrickfergus).
ARMAGH
Brian McLaughlin remains as rugby consultant to Armagh rugby club with Alex McCloy as Head coach assisted by Willy Faloon. Armagh just missed out on the promotion playoffs in Div 2B last season. They are expected to be one of the main challengers for the automatic promotion place this season.
Players In:
William Faloon (Ballynahinch), Andrew McPhillips (Belfast Harlequins), Eoin Baxter (Queens Uni), Andrew Brady (Clogher Valley), Chris Colvin (Abroad), Allister Birch (Rotherham), Angus McCartney (Sullivan Upper School), Philip Fletcher (Dungannon), Oliver Millar (Ballymena), Harvey Young (Abroad), Ryan Purvis (Portadown).
DUNGANNON
Andrew Hughes remains as Head coach assisted by Seamus Mallon. Consolidation in Div 2B will be the goal of the County Tyrone side this season.
Players In:
Rodney Bennett (Clogher Valley), Peter Cashel (Queens uni).
Players out:
Philip Fletcher (Armagh)
CITY OF DERRY
The North West Club are still seeking a Head coach to replace Terry McMaster. Richard McCarter assisted by Joe Gallanagh are taking charge coaching along with James Doherty. A poor second half to the season denied the Judges Road team promotion to Div 2A last season.
Players In:
William McCleery with Chris Barbour returning from long term injury.
Players out
Andrew Semple (Dubai), David Funston (London), Ali Beckett and Neil Brown (Omagh), Rory Squires (Limavady). Stephen Dickey and Angus Warwicker (Coleraine).
BANGOR
Jason Morgan remains as Head coach at Upritchard Park assisted by Jarrett Truscott. Newly promoted to the AIL after winning two Cups and the league along with the Round Robin playoffs last season to secure their place in Div 2C this season. Can the North Down club make an impact on their return to the AIL. Philip Whyte takes on the Captaincy of the 1st xv from Jamie Clegg.
Players In:
Conor Pyper (Ballynahinch), Andrew Shaw (Rainey OB), Taylor Ferguson(Ards), Gareth Wright (Queens Uni).
Players out:
Jason Guthrie ( Returned to NZ), Darren Kelly (England). Michael Ferguson (Coleraine).
RAINEY OB
John Andrews remains as Head coach assisted by Ricky Andrews and Luke Marshall.
Players In:
Unknown
Players out;
Andrew Shaw (Bangor), Josh McIlroy and Nicholas Stirling (Ballymena), Neil O'Kane (Retired), Joe Roe (Ballynahinch), Eunan Shaw and Adam Kirk(Queens Uni),
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 1
INSTONIANS
The Shawsbridge side have put in place a new coaching structure for this season. William Leacock takes over as Director of Rugby with Mark McDowell taking over as Head coach. Roger Wilson (Ulster rugby) has joined as Asst coach with James Knox as Strength and Conditioning coach. Robert Whitten takes over as 1st xv Captain assisted by his brother Alan.
Players In:
Harry Gallagher, Corrie Barrett, Mark Keane, Blair Robinson and Charlie Fryers (RBAI), Ben Finlay (Wallace High School). TJ Morris (Dromore), James Campbell (Ballymoney), Epi Ratu (Ards), Jordan McMullen (Ballynahinch).
Fraser Wright, Lewis McNamara and Harry Clelland head to Uni in England but will continue to play their rugby for Instonians.
Players Out:
Rory Bell (Queens Uni),
CLOGHER VALLEY
Glen Kyle and Davy Black continue their coaching partnership at the Cran with Kyle Cobane taking over as 1st xv Captain this season.
Players In:
Tobias McAlpine (Royal School Armagh).
Players out:
Rodney Bennett (Dungannon).
PORTADOWN
Richard Hedley remains as Head coach assisted by Ciaran O'Kane.
Players In:
James Wright (Portadown College).
Players Out:
James Carleton (Enniskillen), Ryan Purvis (Armagh), Daniel Tully (Germany).
BALLYCLARE
Mike McKeever remains as Head coach assisted by Darren Best and Kris James with Stephen Crawford as Manager. Gary Weatherup continues as 1st xv Captain. Ulster prop Ricky Lutton is also assisting with the coaching.
Players In:
Grant Bartley and Robbie Reid (Queens uni), Players returning from University include Jamie Loughlin, Kirk and Ross Johnston, School leavers include Dean Jones, Matthew Coulter and Ryan McIIwaine,
Players out:
Matthew Crothers (Cooke)
OMAGH
Phil Marshall remains as Head coach assisted by Ashley Blair. Mark Neill continues as Manager with Kyle Alexander appointed Captain of 1st xv.
Players In:
Ali Beckett and Neil Brown(City of Derry), Adam Stevenson (Omagh Academy), Adam Longwell (Ballymena).
Players out:
Not known
COOKE
Colin Atkinson remains as Head coach with his assistant Rowan Frost stepping down due to work commitments. Philip Cartmill takes on the role of assistant coach.
Players In:
Angelo Marica and Jonny Torrens (Belfast Harlequins), Matthews Crothers (Ballyclare), James Bacon (Larne), Karl Sloan (Wellington College), Davin Jones (Ripon RFC). Jamie McClelland returns from University.
Players out:
Andrew Pollock and Ian Anderson (Belfast Harlequins), David Marshall (Queens Uni).
DROMORE
Jonny Cullen remains as Head coach assisted by Michael Harshaw. Adam McGregor continues as 1st xv Captain.
Players In:
Jamie Kirk (Ballynahinch), Lee Steenson and Jason Gribbon (Banbridge).
Players Out:
Ryan Hughes (Banbridge).
CARRICKFERGUS
Davy Scott and Mickey Rainey have taken over the coaching reins from Neil Hanna at Carrick. Andrew Mckeen takes over the Captaincy of the 1st xv. Qualifying Two league winners Carrick will look to establish themselves in Div 1.
Players In:
Paul Greenaway and Stu Currie (Belfast Harlequins)
Players out:
Both Aaron McKinney and Andrew Kinkaid have retired.
ENNISKILLEN
Willy Gibson takes over as Head coach at Mullaghmeen with Stevie Welsh his assistant. Davy Buchanan has been appointed Captain of the 1st xv. Newly promoted Enniskillen will want to establish themeselves in Div 1 alongside their neighbours Clogher Valley and Omagh.
Players In:
James Carleton (Portadown), Robert Baloucoune (Portora), Lewis McCrabbe (UUC).
Players out:
Gavin Warrington (Canada).
ARDS
David Irwin continues as Head coach of the Hamilton Park club. He will be assisted by Scott Young and John West who has joined the coaching team at Ards. The former AIL club will want to avoid the relegation playoffs again as they look to consolidate their place in Div 1.
Players In
Not known
Players Out:
Jonny Harris (Queens Uni), Epi Ratu (Instonians).
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 2
COLERAINE
Richard Boyd remains as Head coach assisted by Chris Nash with Gareth Bell as 1st xv Manager. Mikey Poskitt has been appointed Captain of 1st xv with Dijon McCorkell as his Vice Captain. The experienced Greg Jordan will coach the second xv with Greg Neely appointed Captain.
Players in:
Chris Nash (Academy), James Blair, Kyle McAuley, Rory Strang (Ballymoney), David Greatorex. Mac O'Neil, Ryan Gillan, Conor Skuce and Michael Crowe (Coleraine Grammar), Timothy Lloyd, Cillian Butler, James Breslin, Andrew Moore (Club under 18s), Stephen Dickey and Angus Warwicker (City of Derry).Rhys McAuley (Dundee High), Michael Ferguson (Bangor). Greg Jordan (Limavady). John Rankin and Fergal Wiseman (Dalriada).
Players Out:
Stephen Jefferson (Retired), Jamie Carson (UUC).
RANDALSTOWN
Gary Longwell remains as Head coach assisted by Alastair Strange.
No information available on player movement at the club.
CIYMS
Gareth Fry remains as Head coach with his former assistant Davy Scott joining the coaching team at Carrickfergus. Former Ulster and Rotherham outhalf James McKinney has joined the club and will provide the much needed leadership and experience in the squad. CI have also secured the services of Adam Grainger the former Head of Strength and Conditioning at Sale, Wasps and Saracens. Quite an appointment for the East Belfast Club. Mark McConkey continues as captain with the Belmont club looking a quick return back to Div 1 rugby after being relegated last season.
Players in:
James McKinney (Rotherham), Callum Irvine ( England).
Players out:
Chris Rowan and David Irvine (Malone), Phil McVitty (Belfast Harlequins).
GROSVENOR
Robert Ford has been appointed the new Head coach with Michael "Waffles" Smyth as forwards coach. Matty McCullough will coach the second xv.
There is no information available on player movement at the club.
LISBURN
Neil Hinds continues as Head coach with Andrew Posthewaite and Tom Fraser as his assistants. Alan Mullen has come in from Malone as a Defence coach.
Players In:
Matthew Arneill (Ballynahinch), Andrew Goulding (Malone), Nick Davis (UUC).
Players Out:
Peter Weir (Ballynahinch)
LIMAVADY
Mark Nicholl has taken over as Head coach of Limavady following their promotion from Qualifying Three last season. Kenny Donaghy has been appointed forwards coach with Kenny Donaghy Senior as scrum coach with Nigel McAllister as backs coach. Robert Lamberton takes over as 1st xv Captain.
Players in:
Rory Squires, David Houston and Brendan Ferguson (City of Derry). Stuart Houston, Chris Hunter and Richard McCollum have also returned to the Club.
Players out:
Not known
LARNE
Lawrence Kelly has returned to take over as head coach at Larne. Eddie Hunter will Captain the 1st xv.
No further information is available on player movement at Larne.
DONAGHADEE
Mark Henderson has taken over as Head coach at Donaldson Park.
No further information is available on player movement at Donaghadee.
ACADEMY
Gareth Lynn remains as Head coach.
No further information is available on player movement at Academy.
UUC
Jonny Black is the Head coach at UUC.
No further information is available on player movement at UUC.
With the rebranding and renaming of the club leagues in Ulster we had the opening game in the SONI Ulster Premiership on Thursday night at the Palace Grounds when Banbridge got their season off to a winning start with a 37 -17 win over home side Armagh. It is interesting to note how many former professional rugby players have returned to play club rugby in Ulster. They include Mark McCrea (Malone), James McKinney (CIYMS), Ricky Andrews (Rainey OB), Ali Birch and Willy Faloon (Armagh), Bronson Ross (Queens Uni), and Ian Porter and Michael Cromie (Banbridge). The focus for the Ulster AIL clubs is preparing for the opening Ulster Bank league fixtures on the 17th September.
Fixtures that will attract large crowds this weekend include the Belfast derby between Malone and Belfast Harlequins at Gibson Park along with Instonians against Ballyclare at Shawsbridge. In the west of the province we have Clogher Valley hosting near neighbours Enniskillen in another appetising country derby at the Cran.
SONI ULSTER PREMIERSHIP DIV 1
Armagh 17 Banbridge 37. Played Thursday 25.8.16. Kick off 7.45PM.
City of Derry v Ballymena
Dungannon v Ballynahinch
SONI ULSTER PREMIERSHIP DIV 2
Malone v Belfast Harlequins
Queens Uni v Rainey OB
Bangor no match
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 1
Clogher Valley v Enniskillen
Instonians v Ballyclare
Omagh v Cooke
Portadown v Dromore
KUKRI ULSTER CHAMPIONSHIP/CONFERENCE DIV 1
Ballymena seconds v Ards
Ballynahinch seconds v Carrickfergus
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 2
Limavady v Academy
Lisburn v CIYMS
Randalstown v Donaghadee
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIOSHIP/CONFERENCE DIV 2
Belfast Harelquins seconds v Grosvenor
Coleraine v Banbridge seconds
Larne v Armagh seconds
Malone seconds v UUC
Ulster based Ulster Bank All Ireland League Clubs
BALLYNAHINCH
Despite the clubs efforts to appoint a new Head coach, Derek Suffern remains in the position assisted by Chris Parker and Adam Craig. The goal of the Ballymacarn Park club is to return to Div 1A after being relegated to Div 1B at the end of 2015/16. There has been a number of player movements in and out of the club.
Players In:
Stevie McCauley, Gerry Cronin, Joe Roe (Rainey OB), Peter Weir (Lisburn).
Ulster Allocations include:
Conor Joyce, Sean Reidy, Lorcan Dow, John Donnan, Craig Trenier, Jonny Murphy, David Busby, Peter Browne, Sam Windsor, Angus Lloyd, Jonny Simpson, Aaron Hall and Ali Burke (Ballyclare), Jonny McPhillips (Queens Uni), Peter Nelson, Jacob Stockdale and Kyle McCall.
Richard Reaney remains on the injured list with scrum half Blane McIlroy continuing his recovery from ACL reconstruction. David McGuigan is out for year after knee reconstruction. Adam Craig retired from playing due to injury. Jonny Madden is taking a year out from rugby.
Players Out:
Manihera Eden (Australia), Ruaidhri Murphy and Paul Rowley (Released by Ulster), Kelvin Hamilton (NZ), Zack McCall (Queens Uni), Paul Pritchard (Old Belvedere), Thomas Donnan (Australia), Robin Harte (Australia). Willy Faloon (Armagh).
BALLYMENA
Andy Graham remains as Head coach assisted by Nicky Wells, Bryan Young, Gareth Fisher, Jimmy Carson and John Nicholl. Like Ballynahinch their goal this season is promotion to Div 1A this season.
Players In:
Aidy Hamilton, Josh McIIroy and Nicholas Stirling (Rainey OB), Matthew Norris (Coleraine Grammar), Tony McGuinness and Ian Vance.
Ulster Allocations include:
Matty Rea, Connor Smyth, Stephen Mulholland, Ross Kane, Andrew Warwick, Michael Lagan, Adam McBurney, Alan O'Connor, John Andrews, Clive Ross, Ricky Lutton, Mark Best, David Shanahan, Brett Herron, Kieran Treadwell and Conal Boomer.
Matthew Harkness continues his recovery from knee reconstruction. Richard McCruddden is taking a year out from playing rugby.
Players out:
Bronson Ross (Queens Uni), Andrew Magrath (Banbridge), Jack Owens, Michael Shiels and Kieran Joyce (Malone), Rory Bell (Queens Uni), Ollie Millar (Armagh).
BANBRIDGE
Daniel Soper remains as Head coach assisted by Simon Best and Simon McKinstry. After narrowly missing out on promotion to Div 1B last season the coach has been able to strengthen his playing squad for this season.
Players In:
Ian Porter (Connacht), Michael Cromie (Rotherham), Andrew Magrath (Ballymena), Three players Aaron Kennedy, Timothy Savage and Andrew Kirkwood have returned from New Zealand. Philip Jordan (Tullamore), Conor Field (RBAI), Josh Agnew (Royal School Armagh), Ryan Hughes (Dromore).
Players out:
Lee Steenson and Jason Gribben (Dromore).
MALONE
Paddy Armstrong has taken over at Gibson Park as Head coach assisted by Josh Pentland, Mark McCrea ( Strength and Conditioning) and Mark Taylor. After a promising start to their AIL campaign in Div 2A last season the team struggled in the second half of the season.
Players In:
Mark McCrea (Jersey), Jack Owens (Ulster Academy), Michael Shiels and Kieran Joyce (Ballymena), Josh Davidson (Belfast Harlequins), David Irvine and Chris Rowan (CIYMS), Daniel Kerr (Bristol Uni), Richard Green wood (CIYMS), Dane Fitzpatrick (Returned from NZ), Philip Lucas (England).
Players out:
Ross Todd (Dublin Uni), Tom Murphy (Queens Uni) and Tristan King (Scotland).
QUEENS UNI
Bob Young remains as Head coach assisted by DJ Creighton, Bronson Ross and Louis Ludik.
Despite the allocation of Ulster Academy and Development players to Queens the team lacked the strength in depth to mount a serious promotion challenge last season.
Players In:
Tom Murphy (Malone), David Marshall (Cooke/Ulster under 20's), Zack McCall (Ballynahinch/Ireland under 20's), Marcus Rea (Ireland under 19's), Jonny Stewart (Ireland under 19's), Rory Butler (Ballymena/Ulster Academy), Adam Kirk (Rainey OB), Jonny Harris (Ards/Ulster under 19's), Matthew McDowell ( Belfast Harlequins/Ulster under 20's), Sam Purdon (Ulster under 19's), Zac Jordan (Ulster Sub Academy),Josh Jordan (Ulster Sub Academy), Conor Gourlay (Methody), Eunan Shaw (Rainey OB), Conor O'Neill (BRA), Anton Lupari (Ulster Sub Academy), Yannic Marriott( Ulster Sub Academy), Ryan McIIwaine (Ballyclare HS).
Ulster Allocations include:
Alex Thompson, Nick Timoney and Robert Lyttle.
Players out:
Stewart Martin (Academy), Gary Wright and Conor McIlmurray (Bangor), Damon Hall (Returned to England), Johnny McPhillips (Ballynahinch), Jordan Southway, Adam Kerr and Paddy Leeson (Year out), Eoin Baxter (Armagh), Alex Kismeriek (Belfast Harlequins), Robbie Reid and Grant Bartley (Ballyclare). Peter Cashel (Dungannon).
BELFAST HARLEQUINS
The Deramore Park club has appointed Andrew Gillespie as Head coach with Keith Pyper as his assistant. The experienced David Armstrong takes on the role of Technical advisor. The club are looking to bounce back from relegation to Div 2A last season.
Players In:
Phil McVitty (CIYMS), Ian Anderson and Andrew Pollock (Cooke), Adam Macklin (Returning from injury), James Harrison (Blackrock College) and his brother Rory Harrison.
Conor Young, Paul Jackson and Frankie Taggart have been released by Ulster Rugby.
Ulster Allocations include:
Matthew Fisher and Peter Cooper.
Players out:
Mark Best and Ricky Lutton (Ballymena), Josh Davidson (Malone), Andrew McPhillips (Armagh), Rory Scholes (Edinburgh), Matthew McDowell (Queens uni), Jacob stockdale and Sean Reidy (Ballynahinch) Conall Boomer (Ballymena), Brendan Monahan, Mark Foster (Queens), Paul Greenaway and Stu Currie (Carrickfergus).
ARMAGH
Brian McLaughlin remains as rugby consultant to Armagh rugby club with Alex McCloy as Head coach assisted by Willy Faloon. Armagh just missed out on the promotion playoffs in Div 2B last season. They are expected to be one of the main challengers for the automatic promotion place this season.
Players In:
William Faloon (Ballynahinch), Andrew McPhillips (Belfast Harlequins), Eoin Baxter (Queens Uni), Andrew Brady (Clogher Valley), Chris Colvin (Abroad), Allister Birch (Rotherham), Angus McCartney (Sullivan Upper School), Philip Fletcher (Dungannon), Oliver Millar (Ballymena), Harvey Young (Abroad), Ryan Purvis (Portadown).
DUNGANNON
Andrew Hughes remains as Head coach assisted by Seamus Mallon. Consolidation in Div 2B will be the goal of the County Tyrone side this season.
Players In:
Rodney Bennett (Clogher Valley), Peter Cashel (Queens uni).
Players out:
Philip Fletcher (Armagh)
CITY OF DERRY
The North West Club are still seeking a Head coach to replace Terry McMaster. Richard McCarter assisted by Joe Gallanagh are taking charge coaching along with James Doherty. A poor second half to the season denied the Judges Road team promotion to Div 2A last season.
Players In:
William McCleery with Chris Barbour returning from long term injury.
Players out
Andrew Semple (Dubai), David Funston (London), Ali Beckett and Neil Brown (Omagh), Rory Squires (Limavady). Stephen Dickey and Angus Warwicker (Coleraine).
BANGOR
Jason Morgan remains as Head coach at Upritchard Park assisted by Jarrett Truscott. Newly promoted to the AIL after winning two Cups and the league along with the Round Robin playoffs last season to secure their place in Div 2C this season. Can the North Down club make an impact on their return to the AIL. Philip Whyte takes on the Captaincy of the 1st xv from Jamie Clegg.
Players In:
Conor Pyper (Ballynahinch), Andrew Shaw (Rainey OB), Taylor Ferguson(Ards), Gareth Wright (Queens Uni).
Players out:
Jason Guthrie ( Returned to NZ), Darren Kelly (England). Michael Ferguson (Coleraine).
RAINEY OB
John Andrews remains as Head coach assisted by Ricky Andrews and Luke Marshall.
Players In:
Unknown
Players out;
Andrew Shaw (Bangor), Josh McIlroy and Nicholas Stirling (Ballymena), Neil O'Kane (Retired), Joe Roe (Ballynahinch), Eunan Shaw and Adam Kirk(Queens Uni),
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 1
INSTONIANS
The Shawsbridge side have put in place a new coaching structure for this season. William Leacock takes over as Director of Rugby with Mark McDowell taking over as Head coach. Roger Wilson (Ulster rugby) has joined as Asst coach with James Knox as Strength and Conditioning coach. Robert Whitten takes over as 1st xv Captain assisted by his brother Alan.
Players In:
Harry Gallagher, Corrie Barrett, Mark Keane, Blair Robinson and Charlie Fryers (RBAI), Ben Finlay (Wallace High School). TJ Morris (Dromore), James Campbell (Ballymoney), Epi Ratu (Ards), Jordan McMullen (Ballynahinch).
Fraser Wright, Lewis McNamara and Harry Clelland head to Uni in England but will continue to play their rugby for Instonians.
Players Out:
Rory Bell (Queens Uni),
CLOGHER VALLEY
Glen Kyle and Davy Black continue their coaching partnership at the Cran with Kyle Cobane taking over as 1st xv Captain this season.
Players In:
Tobias McAlpine (Royal School Armagh).
Players out:
Rodney Bennett (Dungannon).
PORTADOWN
Richard Hedley remains as Head coach assisted by Ciaran O'Kane.
Players In:
James Wright (Portadown College).
Players Out:
James Carleton (Enniskillen), Ryan Purvis (Armagh), Daniel Tully (Germany).
BALLYCLARE
Mike McKeever remains as Head coach assisted by Darren Best and Kris James with Stephen Crawford as Manager. Gary Weatherup continues as 1st xv Captain. Ulster prop Ricky Lutton is also assisting with the coaching.
Players In:
Grant Bartley and Robbie Reid (Queens uni), Players returning from University include Jamie Loughlin, Kirk and Ross Johnston, School leavers include Dean Jones, Matthew Coulter and Ryan McIIwaine,
Players out:
Matthew Crothers (Cooke)
OMAGH
Phil Marshall remains as Head coach assisted by Ashley Blair. Mark Neill continues as Manager with Kyle Alexander appointed Captain of 1st xv.
Players In:
Ali Beckett and Neil Brown(City of Derry), Adam Stevenson (Omagh Academy), Adam Longwell (Ballymena).
Players out:
Not known
COOKE
Colin Atkinson remains as Head coach with his assistant Rowan Frost stepping down due to work commitments. Philip Cartmill takes on the role of assistant coach.
Players In:
Angelo Marica and Jonny Torrens (Belfast Harlequins), Matthews Crothers (Ballyclare), James Bacon (Larne), Karl Sloan (Wellington College), Davin Jones (Ripon RFC). Jamie McClelland returns from University.
Players out:
Andrew Pollock and Ian Anderson (Belfast Harlequins), David Marshall (Queens Uni).
DROMORE
Jonny Cullen remains as Head coach assisted by Michael Harshaw. Adam McGregor continues as 1st xv Captain.
Players In:
Jamie Kirk (Ballynahinch), Lee Steenson and Jason Gribbon (Banbridge).
Players Out:
Ryan Hughes (Banbridge).
CARRICKFERGUS
Davy Scott and Mickey Rainey have taken over the coaching reins from Neil Hanna at Carrick. Andrew Mckeen takes over the Captaincy of the 1st xv. Qualifying Two league winners Carrick will look to establish themselves in Div 1.
Players In:
Paul Greenaway and Stu Currie (Belfast Harlequins)
Players out:
Both Aaron McKinney and Andrew Kinkaid have retired.
ENNISKILLEN
Willy Gibson takes over as Head coach at Mullaghmeen with Stevie Welsh his assistant. Davy Buchanan has been appointed Captain of the 1st xv. Newly promoted Enniskillen will want to establish themeselves in Div 1 alongside their neighbours Clogher Valley and Omagh.
Players In:
James Carleton (Portadown), Robert Baloucoune (Portora), Lewis McCrabbe (UUC).
Players out:
Gavin Warrington (Canada).
ARDS
David Irwin continues as Head coach of the Hamilton Park club. He will be assisted by Scott Young and John West who has joined the coaching team at Ards. The former AIL club will want to avoid the relegation playoffs again as they look to consolidate their place in Div 1.
Players In
Not known
Players Out:
Jonny Harris (Queens Uni), Epi Ratu (Instonians).
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 2
COLERAINE
Richard Boyd remains as Head coach assisted by Chris Nash with Gareth Bell as 1st xv Manager. Mikey Poskitt has been appointed Captain of 1st xv with Dijon McCorkell as his Vice Captain. The experienced Greg Jordan will coach the second xv with Greg Neely appointed Captain.
Players in:
Chris Nash (Academy), James Blair, Kyle McAuley, Rory Strang (Ballymoney), David Greatorex. Mac O'Neil, Ryan Gillan, Conor Skuce and Michael Crowe (Coleraine Grammar), Timothy Lloyd, Cillian Butler, James Breslin, Andrew Moore (Club under 18s), Stephen Dickey and Angus Warwicker (City of Derry).Rhys McAuley (Dundee High), Michael Ferguson (Bangor). Greg Jordan (Limavady). John Rankin and Fergal Wiseman (Dalriada).
Players Out:
Stephen Jefferson (Retired), Jamie Carson (UUC).
RANDALSTOWN
Gary Longwell remains as Head coach assisted by Alastair Strange.
No information available on player movement at the club.
CIYMS
Gareth Fry remains as Head coach with his former assistant Davy Scott joining the coaching team at Carrickfergus. Former Ulster and Rotherham outhalf James McKinney has joined the club and will provide the much needed leadership and experience in the squad. CI have also secured the services of Adam Grainger the former Head of Strength and Conditioning at Sale, Wasps and Saracens. Quite an appointment for the East Belfast Club. Mark McConkey continues as captain with the Belmont club looking a quick return back to Div 1 rugby after being relegated last season.
Players in:
James McKinney (Rotherham), Callum Irvine ( England).
Players out:
Chris Rowan and David Irvine (Malone), Phil McVitty (Belfast Harlequins).
GROSVENOR
Robert Ford has been appointed the new Head coach with Michael "Waffles" Smyth as forwards coach. Matty McCullough will coach the second xv.
There is no information available on player movement at the club.
LISBURN
Neil Hinds continues as Head coach with Andrew Posthewaite and Tom Fraser as his assistants. Alan Mullen has come in from Malone as a Defence coach.
Players In:
Matthew Arneill (Ballynahinch), Andrew Goulding (Malone), Nick Davis (UUC).
Players Out:
Peter Weir (Ballynahinch)
LIMAVADY
Mark Nicholl has taken over as Head coach of Limavady following their promotion from Qualifying Three last season. Kenny Donaghy has been appointed forwards coach with Kenny Donaghy Senior as scrum coach with Nigel McAllister as backs coach. Robert Lamberton takes over as 1st xv Captain.
Players in:
Rory Squires, David Houston and Brendan Ferguson (City of Derry). Stuart Houston, Chris Hunter and Richard McCollum have also returned to the Club.
Players out:
Not known
LARNE
Lawrence Kelly has returned to take over as head coach at Larne. Eddie Hunter will Captain the 1st xv.
No further information is available on player movement at Larne.
DONAGHADEE
Mark Henderson has taken over as Head coach at Donaldson Park.
No further information is available on player movement at Donaghadee.
ACADEMY
Gareth Lynn remains as Head coach.
No further information is available on player movement at Academy.
UUC
Jonny Black is the Head coach at UUC.
No further information is available on player movement at UUC.