2014–15 Ulster Rugby season
The 2014–15 season was Ulster's 21st season since the advent of professionalism in rugby union, and their first under Director of Rugby Les Kiss and head coach Neil Doak. They completed in the European Rugby Champions Cup and the Pro12.
Paddy Jackson playing against Connacht, Galway Sportsgrounds, 12 April 2015 | |||
| Ground(s) | Ravenhill Stadium (Capacity: 12,500) | ||
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| Coach(es) | Les Kiss (Director of Rugby) Neil Doak (Head Coach) | ||
| Captain(s) | Rory Best | ||
| Top scorer | Ruan Pienaar (121) | ||
| Most tries | Craig Gilroy (12) | ||
| League(s) | Heineken Cup (3rd in Pool 3) Pro12 (semi-finals) | ||
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New signings for this season included out-half Ian Humphreys, returning from his spell at London Irish, lock Franco van der Merwe, flanker Sean Reidy and fullback Louis Ludik. Rory Best was reinstated as captain, following the retirement of Johann Muller at the end of the previous season.
In June 2014, David Humphreys left his post as the province's Director of Rugby, joining English Premiership side Gloucester. Later that month, head coach Mark Anscombe also left the province "with immediate effect". Ireland assistant coach Les Kiss filled the role of Director of Rugby on an interim basis. In October 2014, Kiss returned to his position with the Ireland team, with Neil Doak taking the role of head coach. Kiss would return to his role with Ulster on a full-time basis following the 2015 World Cup. Bryn Cunningham was appointed the new team manager, responsible for recruiting players and negotiating contracts. Defence coach Jonny Bell left at the end of the season to become assistant coach at Gloucester, replaced by Joe Barakat.
Ulster entered the season with their home stadium, Ravenhill, redeveloped, with the stadium's capacity having been increased to 18,196, and renamed the Kingspan Stadium after its sponsor.
Ulster finished fourth in the Pro12, qualifying for the semi-finals and next season's Champions Cup. They lost the semi-final to Glasgow Warriors. Ulster led the league in scrums. Franco van der Merwe and wing Craig Gilroy and made the Pro12 Dream Team, and Gilroy's try against Scarlets was named Try of the Year. They finished third in their pool in the Champions Cup. Scrum-half Ruan Pienaar was Ulster's top scorer with 121 points. Craig Gilroy was top try scorer with twelve, and was named Ulster's Player of the Year.
Ulster's second team, the Ulster Ravens, competed in the British and Irish Cup, finishing third in their pool.
Prop Declan Fitzpatrick retired at the end of the season.