Ins: Juarno Agustus (Northampton Saints), Angus Bell (Waratahs)

Outs: John Cooney (Brive), Kieran Treadwell (Harlequins), Alan O’Connor (retired) Andy Warwick

Last season: 14th

First five games: Dragons (H), Edinburgh (A), Bulls (H), Sharks (A), Lions (A)

Prospects: The 2024-25 campaign is not one that will live long in the memory at Ulster.

The northern province were the lowest finisher among the provinces with only Zebre and Dragons below them in the standings at the end of an injury-riddled season.

That means that this time around Ulster will not play for Champions Cup rugby for the first time in the history of Europe’s premier competition.

The top-eight finish required to once again dine at the top table in 2026-27 must surely be the goal this time around.

In signing number eight Juarno Augustus from Northampton, there figures to be some added ballast to the carrying game. The side’s other high-profile recruit, loose-head Angus Bell, will arrive only after Australia’s November campaign but is no slouch in that department either.

The arrival of Mark Sexton as attack coach, with Willie Faloon now in permanent charge of the defence, means Richie Murphy is now surrounded by his own ticket, and improvement will be expected in what is his second full season in charge.

Luckless with injuries last time around, imperative to their hopes, however, will be key players spending more time on the pitch than the treatment table.