The 2002–03 season was Ulster Rugby's eighth under professionalism, and their second under head coach Alan Solomons. They competed in the Heineken Cup and the Celtic League. No IRFU Interprovincial Championship was held this season.
In the Celtic League, they finished third in Pool A, qualifying for the playoffs. They beat Glasgow in the quarter-finals, but lost to Munster in the semi-finals. In the Heineken Cup, they finished third in Pool 6, missing out on the knockout stage. Bryn Cunningham was Ulster's Player of the Year. Flanker Neil McMillan won the IRUPA Young Player of the Year award.
Staff
Pre-season
Players in
Neil Best from Belfast Harlequins
Nigel Brady from Dungannon
Warren Brosnihan from Natal Sharks
Robbi Kempson from Western Province
David Spence from Queen's University
Players out
David Allen (released) Robby Brink (retired) Mark Crick (work permit expired) Leopoldo de Chazal (released) Brad Free (emigrated) Mike Haslett to London Irish Paddy Johns (retired) Aidan Kearney to Leinster Niall Malone (released) Richie Weir (released)
Squad
2002–03 Heineken Cup
Pool 6
2002-03 Celtic League
Pool A
Quarter final
Semi-final
Ulster Rugby Awards
The Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony was held at the Ramada Hotel on 15 May 2003. Winners were:
Ulster Player of the Year: Bryn Cunningham
Guinness Rugby Personality of the Year: Allen Clarke
Club Ulster Supporters Player of the Year: Robbi Kempson
Schools Player of the Year: Andrew Trimble, Coleraine Academical Institution
Club Team of the Year: Ballymena R.F.C. Dorrington Faulkner Award: Ivan Coffey Club PRO: John Dickson Youth Player of the Year: Stephen Ferris Coach of the Year: Tom McGaw Club of the Year: Ballynahinch RFC Merit Award: Scott Gardiner, Monaghan Rugby Club