Lorwy sees 'potential' in Ulster ahead of new season

Ulster full-back Michael Lowry says he is confident the Irish province can "put right a few wrongs" as they set out to resurrect their fortunes in the forthcoming season after a disappointing campaign last time out.

Richie Murphy's team finished in a lowly 14th position in the United Rugby Championship and will play in the Challenge Cup rather than the Champions Cup in European competition this term.

"We have a lot to prove after a disappointing season," Lowry told BBC Sport NI's Mark Sidebottom.

"It may be three or four months ago but I still carry the pain, carry it in the off-season, wanting to prove that we are not what we were last season.

"You've got to take it on the chin and get down to the basics of what we need to get better at."

Ulster face Edinburgh in a pre-season encounter in Belfast on Friday as preparation for their URC opener at home to the Dragons on 26 September.

"We're really excited to get going this weekend. We had a lot of good stuff last season, just obviously results didn't go our way at times and there were a few really poor performances.

"If we can get consistency in our performances and in our training performances, getting better week on week, that's what you want.

"That's the challenge individually and collectively."

Lowry is starting his first season of a new three-year contract and is positive about how the Ulster squad can develop and what they can achieve.

"I see such potential in this group. Last season there were a lot of 'first-cappers' and you could see the excitement to learn, the hunger.

"Those things to me are really important because they will improve. In the big picture of what we are trying to put in place it's not going to be a couple of weeks' fix."

Mark Sexton, brother of Ireland fly-half Johnny, joins the backroom team for 2025-26, having worked as Connacht's attack coach for the past two seasons.

Former Ulster flanker Willie Faloon is also part of Murphy's coaching group after helping with the defence last season after the departure of Jonny Bell.

Both formerly worked with Murphy during his spell in charge of the Ireland Under-20s team.

New additions to the playing staff include South African back-rower Juarno Augustus from Northampton Saints and Australian prop Angus Bell, who joins up with the squad in December on a short-term deal from Waratahs during a sabbatical.

"With the new signings and the coaching set-up, what we want to put in place, I'm excited to see how far this club can go and ultimately my goal is to win something with Ulster," added Lowry.

The 27-year-old is keen to add to the solitary try-scoring cap he picked up against Italy in 2022 and realises improved displays by Ulster can only benefit the provinces' Ireland hopefuls.

"The ultimate goal is always to be knocking on a door there [with Ireland]. It's out of my control in terms of selection, all I can do every week is keep turning up and giving my best performance.

"The better performances we put out as a team, get wins under our belt and get back to where we should be, the more individuals can get an opportunity and put their hand up for selection.

"There's a serious amount of talent in this squad and it does pain me to see not many lads get a shout."

Lowry expressed surprise at this week's announcement of the imminent departure of long-serving Bryn Cunningham after 14 years in charge of recruitment and contracts but expressed gratitude for the role he had played.

"It's always a massive shock when someone leaves. He's been so good around here, he'll be sorely missed. I'm very grateful for how he has helped me massively.

"We wish him, as with everyone who leaves, all the best for the future. He's had such a good stint here that he can be proud of."