The 2008–09 Ulster Rugby season was Ulster's 15th season since the advent of professionalism in rugby union, and their only full season under head coach Matt Williams.

David Humphreys, who retired at the end of last season, was appointed to the newly created role of operations director, reporting to chief executive Michael Reid.

[1] Peter Sharp joined as defence coach in August 2008.

[2] Current player Paul Steinmetz was appointed backs coach.

[3] Former Ulster players Jonny Bell and Niall Malone joined the academy as Elite Player Development Officers.

[4] New signings included Humphreys' younger brother Ian, who had been playing for Leicester Tigers since 2005.

[5] Fijian winger Timoci Nagusa joined from Tailevu Knights.

[6] Ulster finished third in their Heineken Cup pool, and eighth in the Celtic League.

One highlight of an otherwise disappointing season was a win over Munster at Thomond Park in January, the first time Munster had lost at home in European competition.

Three of Ulster's five tries came from Ian Humphreys' assists.

[5] Ulster qualified for next season's Heineken Cup as one of Ireland's top three teams, finishing ahead of Connacht in the league.

[6] Matt Williams left by mutual consent at the end of the season.

[7] Assistant coach Steve Williams also left after his contract was not renewed.

[8] For the following season, Ulster put a new management structure in place.

Michael Reid was chief executive; David Humphreys was director of rugby, with overall responsibility for the senior team, the Ulster 'A' team (renamed the Ulster Ravens), the Ulster under-20s and the academy; and Brian McLaughlin was appointed head coach, assisted by forwards coaches Jeremy Davidson and Peter Sharp, and backs coach Neil Doak.

[9] Rory Best was Ulster's Player of the Year, and flanker Stephen Ferris was selected for the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa.

Props Hookers Locks Back row Scrum-halves Fly-halves Centres Wings Fullbacks

Props Hookers Locks Back row Scrum-halves Fly-halves Centres Wings Fullbacks 1.

Ed O'Donoghue (for Del Fava 47'), 19.

Carlo del Fava (for O'Donoghue 61'), 19.

Carlo del Fava (for O'Donoghue 60'), 19.

Carlo del Fava (for Caldwell 47'), 19.

Carlo del Fava (for O'Donoghue 63'), 19.

Carlo del Fava (for O'Donoghue 56'), 19.

Carlo del Fava (for Caldwell 71'), 19.

Carlo del Fava (for O'Donoghue 41'), 19.

Replacements: Neil Hanna, Jarlath Carey, Filo Paulo, Chris Henry, Paul Marshall, Bryn Cunningham, Ian Whitten, Willie Faloon, T. J. Anderson, Seamus Mallon.

Replacements: Neil Hanna (for Best 57'), Jarlath Carey (for Court 65'), Chris Henry (for Anderson 70'), Filo Paulo (for McCullough 33'), Cillian Willis (for Cave 68'), Rob Dewey (for Humphreys 40'), Bryn Cunningham (for Schifcofske 56') 1.

Replacements: Stuart Philpott, Justin Fitzpatrick, Filo Paulo, Willie Faloon, Cillian Willis, T. J. Anderson, Niall O'Connor, Ian Whitten, Rob Dewey, Robbie Diack.

The Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held on 14 May 2009 at the Ramada Hotel, Belfast.