The 2012–13 season was Ulster's 19th season since the advent of professionalism in rugby union, and their first under head coach Mark Anscombe, replacing Brian McLaughlin who failed to get his contract re-signed.

[1] They competed in the Pro12 and the European Rugby Champions Cup.

Major signings included number eight Nick Williams from the now defunct Aironi, wing Tommy Bowe returning from his four-year stay at the Ospreys, and flanker Roger Wilson returning after four years with Northampton Saints.

Hooker Rob Herring joined from Western Province.

Centre Nevin Spence died, along with his brother Graham and father Noel, in an accident at the family farm in Hillsborough, County Down on 15 September 2012. where they were overcome by fumes in a slurry tank.

Spence's sister was treated in hospital and survived the accident.

[2][3][4] As a mark of respect for Spence, a minute's silence was observed at many rugby games in Britain and Ireland the following week.

[5] A memorial service was held at Ravenhill Stadium, the home ground of Ulster Rugby, on Sunday 23 September 2012.

[6] Ulster started the season with 13 consecutive wins in all competitions, the longest unbeaten run in their history.

[7] They finished top of the table of the Pro12 with 17 wins, and after beating Welsh side Scarlets in the semi-finals 28–17, it was an-all Ireland final between Ulster and Leinster.

Leinster were the eventual champions, defeating Anscombe's side 24–18.

Scrum-half Ruan Pienaar was the league's second-top scorer with 172 points.

Ulster won the Fair Play Award, and Nick Williams was Players' Player of the Year.

Williams and centre Luke Marshall made the Pro12 Dream Team.

Andrew Trimble's try against Connacht was Try of the Season.

They topped their pool in the Champions Cup with five wins out of six, qualifying for the quarter-finals, where they lost 27–16 to Saracens.

Ruan Pienaar was Ulster's top scorer with 205 points.

Andrew Trimble was top try scorer with twelve, and was named Ulster's Player of the Year.

Nick Williams was IRUPA Players' Player of the Year, and Craig Gilroy won the IRUPA Try of the Year award.

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

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

If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:[41] Updated 17 May 2013.

Neil McComb (for Tuohy 36'), 20.

Neil McComb (for Court 66'), 20.

The final was contested on Saturday, 25 May 2013, between the winners of the two semi-finals.

Man of the Match: Shane Jennings (Leinster) Touch judges: George Clancy (Ireland) Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland) Television match official: Dermot Moloney (Ireland) 2012–2013 Dream Team[68] 1.

Replacements: Rob Herring, Ricky Lutton, John Afoa, Lewis Stevenson, Ali Birch, Michael Heaney, Niall O'Connor, Michael Allen, Luke Marshall, Ricky Andrew.

Replacements: Ricky Lutton, Rob Herring (for Brady 40'), Niall Annett, John Afoa (for Fitzpatrick 26'), Adam Macklin (Afoa 65'), Neil McComb (for Stevenson 40'), Mike McComish (for Birch 40'), Sean Doyle (for Williams 40'), Blane McIlroy (for Heaney 64'), Paddy Jackson (for O'Connor 40'), Stuart Olding (for Allen 65'), Ricky Andrew (for Cochrane 40'), Peter Nelson (for L. Marshall 40').

Replacements: Niall Annett, Nigel Brady, Ricky Lutton, John Afoa, Adam Macklin, Neil McComb, Ali Birch, Sean Doyle, Blane McIlroy, Niall O'Connor, Peter Nelson, Ricky Andrew, Chris Cochrane.

The Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held on 10 May 2013.