Ulster Rugby Match Day Programme - v Glasgow

ULSTER
Official Match Day Programme
v GLASGOW
WARRIORS
Mon 9 Nov 2020, 8.15pm
Kingspan Stadium

8
Issue
In this
Welcome and best wishes to you and yours,
as we progress with an exciting Ulster Rugby season.
The ongoing pandemic has been a challenging time for all,
but the Ulstermen being back on their home turf in Kingspan Stadium
certainly helps bring a sense of some normality.
The absence of Ulster supporters in Kingspan Stadium tonight will be keenly felt,
but we know thousands of Ulster Rugby supporters will be watching from home
and showing their support.
On behalf of Kingspan, I would like to express my gratitude to the frontline workers who
have been vital in fighting the pandemic. The extraordinary efforts and heroism that has
been shown in recent months gives us in Kingspan and Ulster Rugby the confidence that we
can stand up together and build back better following the pandemic.
On the pitch, Ulster will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the season following
a har-fought victory away to Cardiff Blues. Tonight, it will be a clash with Scottish giants, as
the Ulstermen face the Glasgow Warriors. Despite the absence of fans in attendance this
evening, on behalf of the entire Ulster Rugby and Kingspan community, we would like to
extend the warmest of welcomes to our Scottish visitors.
Finally, I would like to wish the Ulster Rugby squad and management team
the very best of luck. To Ulster’s committed fans, take care and enjoy the game.
38
36
President’s Welcome 5
Lloyd Ashley: Why it matters 7
Player Interview: Eric O’Sullivan 8
Virtual Mascot 11
Senior Squad 14
Teams 20
Player Interview: Marty Moore 24
Behind the player: Jemma Jackson 28
Warriors to watch 32
IRFU Academy 7s 36
Last Time Out 38
Getting to Know: Kelly McCormil 40
Player Q&A: Jack McGrath 45
28
3

President’s
Welcome
The upcoming fixture will mark, not only
the fifth game of this season’s Guinness
PRO14 campaign but also, the first home
game of Monday night rugby for Ulster!
I would firstly like to extend a warm
welcome to our guests, Glasgow Warriors,
with whom we have always had a tight and
tough encounter. Former Ulster man, Jonny
Bell, has recently joined as Glasgow’s Attack
Coach, so I have no doubt tonight’s visitors
will be a well-drilled side.
Ulster have made a superb start to the
Guinness PRO14, winning four games
from four in the 2020/21 season so far. It
was fantastic to see Louis Ludik back on
the score sheet with a brace of tries in
our last home game against the Dragons.
Luke Marshall made a welcome return
from injury and Matty Rea reached the
50 Ulster appearances milestone against
Cardiff Blues on a wet and windy night at
Rodney Parade. Our recent new recruits
continue to integrate into the culture and
ethos that Dan McFarland and his team
have been developing.
I would also like to take this opportunity to
wish our Ulster representatives the best of
luck for the forthcoming Autumn Nations
Cup with Ireland.
As we continue in our efforts in the fight
against COVID-19, and the restrictions that
this brings with it, I would like to thankyou
once again for continuing to Stand Up
from home – and I look forward to a time
when we can once again come together at
Kingspan Stadium.
I hope that you are able to enjoy the
upcoming 80 minute encounter – and that
you and your loved ones remain safe in
these challenging times.
Best of luck to the Ulster men tonight!
SUFTUM
Gary Leslie
President, IRFU Ulster Branch
UlsterRugby.com
5

7

Eric
O’Sullivan
Prop
30/11/1995
185cm
115kg
49
After just over two seasons, the
24-year-old loosehead prop is
set to reach the 50th appearance
milestone for the Ulster men on
Monday evening versus Glasgow
Warriors at Kingspan Stadium, if
called upon from the bench.
You’re approaching your 50th
appearance
for Ulster
– congratulations! You must be
delighted?
Yeah, definitely. I’ve been
delighted to be involved as
much as I have been. Coming
through the Ulster Academy,
I never expected to get in
and play so many games for
Ulster in a row, so it’s been
great. I’ll hopefully get to
add a lot more to those
appearances!
Can you tell us what you remember from
your first appearance for Ulster? What
were the emotions like on that day?
Yes, I came off the bench against the Scarlets
in September 2018. I wasn’t supposed to be
involved that week at all, but Kyle McCall
ended up getting injured and I was called up
to the bench. It was great to get my debut
at home. My family was there, and they were
delighted to see me get on. A few of my
friends made the trip up too. It was brilliant
to have people there supporting me. It had
been a long time coming. I really enjoyed
the experience.
Can you tell us about some of your
proudest moments in an Ulster shirt so far?
I don’t know if any one moment sticks out
more than the others. Obviously, the first
appearance is always special. Going back,
it’s when the team has a good performance
is when the game sticks in your mind. The
big European days at home against French
sides always stick out in the memory. It’s
more so the team performances than one
particular game I’ve had.
What players or coaches in the squad
have helped your development?
As a loosehead, all the props have been
very important in my development. I’ve
definitely learned a lot from Marty Moore,
Jack McGrath, Tom O’Toole and all the guys
– Andrew Warwick, Kyle McCall – you pickup
tips from all of them. Guys who play the
same position as you will have tricks that you
can try. You’re scrummaging against them in
training, so they’re all the people you learn
from. Coming up against Marty Moore, you’re
not going to have a better challenge than
that. He’s been probably the most impactful
in terms of helping me through.
Ulster are now four from four in the
Guinness PRO14, what is the mood like in
the squad at the moment?
We’re happy with how we’ve opened
the season. It’s important to get that
momentum and we’ll look to build on that
again on Monday. I don’t think we’re getting
too proud about ourselves; we know there
are still things we can do better. We’re
working every day in training to make sure
we’re staying on top of that. We’re hoping
for some more good performances to come!
Ulster have now used 40 players since
rugby restarted in August – how valuable is
it to have that level of rotation in the squad?
It’s vital that we have such a good squad
and so many guys who are able to come in
and perform to the level that is expected
once you pull on the Ulster jersey. It’s
crucial if we want to challenge for any
titles. It’s so important to have depth in the
squad with quality players coming in; week
in, week out. It’s been great and it’s key that
we have that.
Can you tell us your ambitions for the
season ahead?
We weren’t happy with how our last season
finished. We put ourselves into play-off
positions but then didn’t play how we
wanted. We’re looking to build on that and
put in a good performance every week
towards the business-end of the season
and finish with some good results there.
Personally, I’m hoping to be involved as
much as I can and keep adding to the caps
I’ve got so far.
UlsterRugby.com
9

Standout
Paving for
Outstanding
Homes
Virtual
Mascot
Name: Sonny Kane
Age: 5
From: Newtownards
Sonny loves going to the games
at Kingspan Stadium with his dad
and grandad.
His favourite player is
John Cooney and he hopes to
one day follow in his footsteps.
Sonny has asked Santa for some
rugby posts for the garden!
tobermore.co.uk
Paving
& Walling
11

TOGETHER
ULSTER
SEASON MEMBERSHIP
Benefits
Membership pack
with gift
Exclusive booking period
for all home fixtures
First access to premium
digital content
Exclusive partner
offers & discounts
Plus more
UlsterRugby.com/TogetherUlster
13

Senior
Squad
John
Cooney
Scrum Half
01/05/1990
178cm
87kg
69
11
Angus
Curtis
Fly Half / Centre
26/03/1998
178cm
92kg
13
Matt
Faddes
Centre/Wing
06/11/1991
185cm
94kg
16
Craig
Gilroy
Wing
11/03/1991
183cm
92kg
185
10
Coaching Staff
Head Coach:
Assistant Coach:
Defence Coach:
Forwards’ Coach:
Skills Coach:
Dan McFarland
Dwayne Peel
Jared Payne
Roddy Grant
Dan Soper
Will
Addison
Utility Back
20/08/1992
185cm
93kg
19
4
John
Andrew
Hooker
26/05/1993
180cm
104kg
70
Iain
Henderson
Lock
21/02/1992
198cm
117kg
116
55
Rob
Herring
Hooker
27/04/1990
199cm
107kg
186
13
James
Hume
Centre
07/09/1998
188cm
98kg
24
Bill
Johnston
Fly Half
07/02/1997
180cm
87kg
14
Robert
Baloucoune
Wing
19/08/1997
193cm
90kg
21
Billy
Burns
Fly Half
13/06/1994
185cm
86kg
41
Sam
Carter
Lock
10/09/1989
201cm
116kg
15
AUS 16
Marcell
Coetzee
Back Row
08/05/1991
193cm
114kg
48
SA 30
Greg
Jones
Back Row
13/01/1996
196cm
105kg
17
Ross
Kane
Prop
14/10/1996
180cm
118kg
49
Michael
Lowry
Full Back
20/08/1998
170cm
75kg
27
Louis
Ludik
Full Back
08/10/1986
183cm
90kg
112
UlsterRugby.com
15

Centre
06/08/1992
193cm
11kg
126
3
Stuart
McCloskey
Prop
11/10/1989
185cm
118kg
17
56
Jack
McGrath
Prop
15/12/1992
191cm
132kg
2
Gareth
Milasinovich
Prop
01/03/1991
178cm
121kg
40
10
Marty
Moore
Centre
08/08/1999
1831cm
91kg
6
Stewart
Moore
Back Row
22/04/1991
188cm
105kg
34
30
Jordi
Murphy
Centre
03/03/1991
180cm
97kg
141
11
Luke
Marshall
Scrum Half
13/12/1985
173cm
93kg
6
NZ 4
Alby
Mathewson
Hooker
05/09/1996
183cm
102kg
29
Adam
McBurney
Prop
02/01/1992
175cm
111kg
61
Kyle
McCall
Wing
28/01/1997
175cm
85kg
36
Rob
Lyttle
Fly Half
21/03/1989
180cm
87kg
6
30
Ian
Madigan
Lock
10/09/1992
196cm
114kg
113
Alan
O’Connor
Lock / Back Row
19/05/1995
193cm
110kg
8
David
O’Connor
Prop
23/09/1998
185cm
120kg
45
Tom
O’Toole
Back Row
08/09/1997
188cm
105kg
2
Marcus
Rea
Back Row
21/09/1993
193cm
112kg
50
Matthew
Rea
Back Row
10/05/1989
183cm
103kg
129
2
Sean
Reidy
Scrum Half
20/06/1993
175cm
78kg
60
David
Shanahan
Wing / Full Back
03/04/1996
191cm
103kg
70
30
Jacob
Stockdale
Back Row
01/08/1995
188cm
111kg
66
Nick
Timoney
Lock
06/11/1995
198cm
118kg
94
3
Kieran
Treadwell
Prop
12/03/1991
178cm
113kg
123
Andrew
Warwick
Prop
30/11/1995
185cm
115kg
49
Eric
O’Sullivan
17
UlsterRugby.com

19

1 McGrath 2 Andrew 3 Moore
1 Seiuli 2 Stewart 3 Pieretto
C
4 Treadwell
5 Carter
4 Harley 5 McDonald
C
6 Rea
8 Coetzee
7 Murphy
6 Wilson
8 Ioane
7 Gordon
9 Cooney
9 Dobie
11 Faddes
10 Madigan
11 Matawalu
10 Horne
12 Moore
12 McDowall
REPLACEMENTS
16 A McBurney
17 E O’Sullivan
13 Marshall
REPLACEMENTS
16 J Matthews
17 A Allan
13 Fergusson
18 G Milasinovich
18 D Rae
19 A O’Connor
19 L Bean
20 M Rea
21 D Shanahan
15 Lowry
14 Gilroy
20 H Bain
21 F Lokotui
15 Bryce
14 Tagive
22 B Johnston
23 E McIlroy
Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU, 186th Championship Appearance)
Assistant Referees: Frank Murphy and Chris Busby (both IRFU)
TMO: Joy Neville (IRFU)
22 S Kennedy
23 B Thomson
UlsterRugby.com
21

ULSTER
Next Home Game:
v
SCARLETS
SUN 22 NOV
7.35PM
KINGSPAN
STADIUM
23

Marty Moore
Prop
01/03/1991
178cm
121kg
40
With Ulster currently unbeaten in this
season’s Guinness PRO14, there is a sense
of excitement in the squad, and tighthead
prop, Marty Moore is delighted to be a
part of it.
“We had a few disappointments at the tailend
of the last season in the play-offs in
the very recent past, so it’s great to be
four from four now. There definitely
is a bounce in our step and
some confidence in the squad
after beating Cardiff Blues
away. We were in unusual
circumstances playing
on a Monday night and
a different venue than
usual, but when you
get an away win like
that by eking it out
was pretty satisfying.
There’s a good mood
in the camp.”
It was a particularly
busy evening for
the Ulster forwards,
involved in numerous
scrums against the
Blues, before full-back,
Michael Lowry scythed
his way through the Cardiff
defence to score just on the stroke
of half-time. Moore couldn’t have been
more relieved.
“It wasn’t a pretty game but Cardiff
Blues are very strong playing off
the back of recent form. With the
conditions, it was a tough night and
when Mikey Lowry went over the line
just before half-time, there wasn’t a
happier man than me after 15 minutes
of scrums! Wins on the road are huge
in the Guinness PRO14 and we can’t take
them for granted.”
The quick break between the disappointment
of exiting the Heineken Champions Cup at
the quarter-final stage, and being runnersup
in the Guinness PRO14, and the start of
the new season was a benefit for Moore and
the Ulster squad, as they had to look ahead
quickly to the 2020-21 season.
“Apart from the physical primer of
playing such big rugby before the
league kicked off, it definitely helped
us. We didn’t have too long to reflect
on the end of the season and let it
get to us; we had a job at hand that
we needed to focus on straight away.
We had to put it to bed in one or two
review meetings and kick on with the
new season.”
When asked about the contribution the Ulster
pack makes to the overall squad’s performance,
the 29-year-old says that it’s important to
provide good ball for the talent in the backs to
give them opportunities to score tries.
“We have a very exciting young back line
with options all across the squad as we’ve
seen from the rotations we’ve had. There
are a lot of young guys coming in and you
have to take ownership as forwards to set a
platform for these guys to play some rugby.
We tend to have more experience in the
pack, so they look to us for the set piece to
be functioning and to give those guys a fair
shot to show what they can do.”
Ulster have a tough test in Glasgow Warriors
at Kingspan Stadium on Monday, and Moore
is acutely aware of the threats they pose
across the team.
“Glasgow always present a huge battle
and, in my mind, it’s as tough as it gets.
They have a big forward pack with a very
good scrum and maul; the same areas they
pride themselves on as we do. Both sides
really want to get the upper-hand in those
areas and don’t shy away from it. The style
they play is so dangerous and they like
to send wingers running off 9. They’re a
good, open rugby team as well as having
that brute force up front. We look forward
to playing them.”
UlsterRugby.com
25

27

Behind the Player
Jemma Jackson
In our series, Behind the Player in coaching team the year they won the Grand
association with Deloitte, Ulster’s Women Slam. Being part of that journey is great.
players share a little bit about themselves
and their rugby careers.
This week, the spotlight is on Old Belvedere
and Ulster fly-half, Jemma Jackson.
Tell us a little about your rugby pathway
to date.
I was thrown in at Banbridge Rugby Club
at age seven. It was there where I went
through the minis up until first year. After
that, I had to stop playing for a few years
because there was no underage girls’ setup
then. It’s crazy to believe that 12 years ago,
there wasn’t the pathway for girls that there
is today. It just shows the growth there is in
Ulster and other provinces for girls’ rugby.
I wanted to apply for Queen’s University
to study and realised there was a women’s
team there, so I went along to play for
Queen’s while still studying for my A-Levels!
I played there until I was 21 when I graduated
in 2016. I loved it there; I grew as a player and
found my position and made great friends I
still have today. I then moved to Cooke to
play in the All-Ireland League; that was my
first taste of it all. A couple of years ago, I
moved to Old Belvedere.
I got my first cap for Ulster in 2013 and I’ve
played ever since. It’s quite an impressive
number of years to be serving - and I know
there are many girls who have served
longer – but now I’m part of the “seniors” in
the squad.
I’ve been involved with the Ulster U18
girls’ coaching set-up and was part of the
Fly-half
19/08/1994
What barriers have you had to overcome
to reach this point?
As females, we don’t have the contracts at
club, provincial or even international level,
and we have to work hard to support our
lives around rugby. I run my own business
and I have to manage that so that I can then
put my energy into my rugby.
The past year has been difficult to balance
everything as my business has grown;
doing my own training, getting my nutrition
correct, getting my recovery right and being
available for games. I’ve somehow made
that work and it’s thanks to my family for
supporting me and – he’s going to hate
me for this – my fiancé, Charlie for driving
me to games, answering emails when I’m
driving or doing other things. It’s definitely
the support network that has helped
me overcome the barrier of being selfemployed.
What have been your proudest moments
in rugby?
There have been a lot! Getting called up
to the 2017 Six Nations squad and being
involved in the warm-up game against
Wales was a really proud moment. Having
my parents there was great.
Another top moment was my first game
in the 10 jersey at Kingspan Stadium as
an Ulster player. Just getting to run
out on the same grass that David
Humphreys did was very special.
At club level, being recognised
as an important part of the Belvo
family and earning my stripes for
them has been fantastic. It has a
tradition of great players and an
excellent culture and I love being brought
into the fold there.
What are your rugby aspirations?
I would always love to get that Irish cap; I’ve
wanted that since I was 18. It would be a
dream come true to play for Ireland in the
10 jersey and represent my country. If that
isn’t the case, I’m fine with that because I
get so much satisfaction playing for Ulster
and Old Belvedere.
I’d like to continue playing for Ulster and
be a good role model for the younger girls
coming through. I love coaching in the
Ulster U18 setup and getting to see the girls
grow as players, making their way into the
senior squad.
With my club, we nearly did it this season
if it wasn’t for COVID-19 but continue to
compete in the AIL, come out on top
with some silverware and enjoy it
as much as I do today.
UlsterRugby.com
29

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31

Warriors to Watch
Last 3 Meetings
Niko Matawalu
Only two players have scored more tries for Glasgow Warriors
than Niko Matawalu, and the Fijian looks just as dangerous with
ball in hand now as he did when he first joined the club. Armed
with a wicked step off both feet and a rapid turn of pace, the
31-year-old has been deployed almost exclusively on the wing
since returning to the club three years ago after a brief stint in
the English Premiership. Still to register his first try in 2020/21,
Matawalu will be looking to change that under the Kingspan
floodlights on Monday night.
Jamie Dobie
Having caught the eye of observers across the Guinness PRO14
with his composure in his debut season as a professional, Jamie
Dobie is continuing to live up to his tag as one of Scotland’s most
exciting young prospects. The scrum-half took home the Player
of the Match award on his first start for the club against the
Dragons back in February, whilst his showings saw him named
as the club’s Young Player of the Season at the 2019/20 awards
week. With an eye for a gap and the opportunity to learn from a
brace of Scotland scrum-halves in Ali Price and George Horne,
the sky is the limit for the Inverness-born 19-year-old.
Tom Gordon
Like Dobie, flanker Tom Gordon burst on to the scene with a
Player of the Match performance in his first start for the club. His
performance in a 34-10 win over Edinburgh back in April 2019
gave notice to the rest of the Guinness PRO14 that Glasgow had
unearthed an openside with real potential, and the former Currie
man has since gone from strength to strength. The club’s Most
Improved Player in the 2019/20 campaign, Gordon’s defensive
work and breakdown nous have made him a real asset to Danny
Wilson and the Glasgow coaching team.
17 May
2019
5 April
2019
21 April
2018
Ulster 20 7 15
Glasgow Warriors 50 30 36
NAME POSITION DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT
Alex Allan PROP 29/02/1992 6ft 2in 18kg
Hamish Bain Second Row 24/09/1997 6ft 7in 115kg
Fraser Brown Hooker 20/06/1989 6ft 113kg
Glenn Bryce Full Back 07/06/1991 6ft 2in 95kg
Scott Cummings Second Row 03/12/1996 6ft 6in 115kg
Jamie Dobie Scrum Half 07/06/2001 5ft 9in 74kg
Mesu Dolokoto Hooker 21/01/1995 5ft 7in 115kg
Matt Fagerson Back Row 16/07/1998 6ft 1in 98kg
Zander Fagerson PROP 19/01/1996 6ft 2in 126kg
Chris Fusaro Back Row 21/07/1989 5ft 11in 94kg
Tom Gordon Back Row 30/01/1997 5ft 9in 93kg
Richie Gray Second Row 24/08/1989 6ft 10in 126kg
Nick Grigg Centre 18/09/1992 5ft 9in 89kg
Rob Harley Back Row 26/05/1990 6ft 6in 110kg
Adam Hastings Fly-Half 05/10/1996 6ft 1in 87kg
George Horne Scrum Half 12/05/1995 5ft 9in 79kg
Pete Horne Fly-Half/Centre 05/10/1989 6ft 92kg
TJ Ioane Back Row 09/05/1989 6ft 104kg
Sam Johnson Centre 19/06/1993 6ft 1in 95kg
Huw Jones Centre 17/12/1993 6ft 1in 102kg
Lee Jones Wing 28/06/1988 5ft 11in 93kg
Oli Kebble PROP 18/06/1992 6ft 3in 124kg
Paddy Kelly Centre 18/10/1995 6ft 1in 96kg
Sean Kennedy Scrum Half 24/04/1991 5ft 10in 80kg
Fotu Lokotui Blindside Flanker 19/03/1992 5ft 10in 108kg
Niko Matawalu Wing 08/03/1989 5ft 10in 85kg
Johnny Matthews Hooker 05/07/1993 5ft 10in 110kg
Kiran McDonald Second Row 11/01/1994 6ft 8in 109kg
Stafford McDowall Outside Centre 24/02/1998 6ft 4in 103kg
Rufus McLean Full Back/Wing 02/03/2000 5ft 10in 75kg
Robbie Nairn Wing 18/02/1997 6ft 3in 101kg
Leone Nakarawa Second-row/Back-row 02/04/1988 6ft 6in 109kg
Adam Nicol PROP 02/07/1997 6ft 1in 110kg
Enrique Pieretto PROP 15/12/1994 6ft 1in 122kg
Ali Price Scrum Half 12/05/1993 5ft 10in 88kg
D’arcy Rae PROP 21/12/1994 6ft 1in 125kg
Aki Seiuli PROP 22/12/1992 6ft 118kg
Tommy Seymour Wing 01/07/1988 6ft 93kg
Grant Stewart Hooker 28/02/1995 6ft 1in 109kg
Kyle Steyn Centre/Wing 21/01/1994 6ft 100kg
Ratu Tagive Wing 08/04/1991 6ft 3in 92kg
Brandon Thomson Fly Half / Full Back 07/03/1995 6ft 1in 92kg
George Thornton PROP 20/01/1997 6ft 3in 119kg
George Turner Hooker 08/10/1992 5ft 11in 105kg
Ryan Wilson Back Row 18/05/1989 6ft 3in 106kg
33

David McCann
Ulster Finish IRFU Academy 7s Series Strongly
The inaugural IRFU Academy 7s Series
concluded at the IRFU High Performance
Centre on Saturday, as Ireland Men’s Sevens
and the four Provinces produced another
competitive day of action to boost players’
game-time and sharpen match intensity
despite the disruption to the season caused
by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the third and final round of the Series,
Ulster were again hugely impressive on the
third weekend of action in Dublin as Kieran
Campbell‘s side, led by the experienced Greg
Jones and boosted by the influential Aaron
Sexton and Ireland Under-20 captain David
McCann among others, produced some
excellent rugby throughout.
Anthony Eddy‘s Ireland once again showed
their quality and experience with a string of
standout performances, but were pushed all
the way by Ulster in the game of the day as
the two sides traded blows in an entertaining
19-19 draw.
The value of the Series to the National Sevens
squad and four Provinces was evident again
as Senior, Academy and National Talent Squad
players were given an invaluable opportunity
to get back on the pitch and showcase their
talents to Provincial and National coaches.
Building on their strong performances from
Round 2, Connacht and Munster will travel
back to Galway and Limerick respectively with
grounds for optimism as they grew in stature
and confidence as the Series progressed,
while a number of National Talent Squad
players were involved for Leinster.
IRFU Academy 7s
Round 3 Results, Sat 7 Nov
Team A Score Team B
Leinster 0 – 17 Ulster
Ireland 28 – 0 Connacht
Ireland 40 – 5 Leinster
Munster 21 – 0 Ulster
Munster 5 – 38 Ireland
Connacht 31 – 12 Leinster
Connacht 17 – 21 Munster
Ulster 19 – 19 Ireland
Leinster 12 – 24 Munster
Ulster 26 – 19 Connacht
IRFU Academy 7s, Round 3 Squads:
Ireland: Aaron O’Sullivan, Ian
Fitzpatrick, Gavin Mullin, Foster Horan,
Jack Kelly, Mark Roche, Billy Dardis,
Hugo Lennox, Terry Kennedy, Duran
Krummeck, Peter Maher, Jordan Conroy,
Eanna Madden.
Connacht: Cathal Forde, Shane
Jennings, Sean O’Brien, Colm
Reilly, Donnacha Byrne, Declan
Adamson, Joshua Dunne, Oisin
McCormack, Hubert Costello,
Cian Prendergast, Cormac
Daly, Eoin de Builtléar.
Leinster: Marcus
Hanan, Lee Barron,
Jack Boyle, Charlie
Tector, Marcus
Kiely, Jamie
Osborne,
Chris
Cosgrave,
Karl Martin,
Joe McCarthy,
Alex Soroka, Niall
Comerford.
Munster: Nick Greene, Conor
Moloney, Alan Flannery, Cian Hurley,
Alex Kendellen, Jack Daly, Sean
French, Jack Crowley, Jake Flannery,
Alex McHenry, Liam Coombes, Scott
Buckley, Mark Donnelly.
Ulster: David McCann, Azur Allison, Greg
Jones, Jude Postlethwaite, Ben Carson,
Conor McKee, Lewis Finlay, Bruce Houston,
Conor Rankin, Aaron Sexton, Hayden Hyde,
Ben Moxham.
Aaron Sexton
UlsterRugby.com
35

Guinness PRO14 Round 4
Mon 2 Nov
Last Time Out
7 - 11
Ulster left Rodney Parade with four points
in the bag - and four wins from four in
the Guinness PRO14 - after a tough, lowscoring
encounter with Cardiff Blues last
Monday evening.
The hosts started quickly out of the blocks,
with Lewis Jones kicking a loose ball from
a line-out, but John Cooney raced back to
clear the ball and get Ulster out of danger.
The visitors responded with good territorial
position, the returning Billy Burns using
a range of tactical kicks to keep the Blues
pinned inside their half.
The Ulster men were the first to get on the
score board after 16 minutes, when Cardiff
Blues were penalised for holding on in the
tackle, and John Cooney surpassed the
500-point mark in the Guinness PRO14
through a well-taken penalty.
The hosts took the lead in the 23rd minute
after a Will Boyde break. Jarrod Evans
lobbed the ball into the grateful arms of Rey
Lee-Lo who touched down to score. Evans
added the conversion.
In the second quarter, Ulster had all the
territory and spent large periods camped
on the Blues’ line and the forwards were
kept busy with numerous scrums as well.
Cardiff’s Olly Robinson was sent to the bin
for repeated Cardiff infringements. Ulster
finally got reward for all that pressure when
Michael Lowry threaded his way through the
Cardiff defence to cross the whitewash.
The first points in the second half didn’t
come until the 64th minute, when the Blues
were penalised for being on the wrong side
and John Cooney extended Ulster’s lead to
four points.
The hosts tried to respond, but Ulster’s
superb defensive work kept Cardiff out to
see out the game.
Full-time score: Cardiff Blues 7 - Ulster 11
UlsterRugby.com 37

LIVE STATS
Click Here
39

List two pet peeves.
Being told to do something just as you
were about to do it, and people always
thinking I’m wrong when I know I am
always right!
What three words would your friends
use to describe you?
Work-horse, dependable and resilient.
Are you good at any other sports?
Do you have a nickname? If so, what is it?
I don’t have any nicknames.
Who was your favourite player growing up
and why?
Rory Best. Never gives up or stops working
and such a great team leader.
Who is your favourite player now?
Male: CJ Stander
Female: Claire Molloy
What is your favourite thing about
playing rugby?
The physicality of the game; I absolutely
love putting in the big hits!
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us
about them.
I have 3 dogs, a poodle called Sky, a Shih
Tzu called Biscuit and a Great Dane called
Delilah. I also have two cats, Misty and
Bundi and I recently got two tortoises called
Getting to Know:
Kelly McCormil
Dwayne and Shelby. Last but not least I have
a pond full of koi fish!
Are you a tidy or messy person?
I am a mixture of both!
If you could eat one meal for the rest of
your life, what would it be?
Lasagna and garlic bread.
What can’t you live without?
Sport.
Do you have any pre-match rituals or
superstitions?
I always have to put my hair into my
signature space buns and put in my red and
white ribbons.
If you were a super-hero, what powers
would you have?
I would either want to be invisible or have
elemental control.
Gaelic and basketball. I have played for my
County Gaelic football team and basketball
for Northern Ireland when I was younger.
What is your favourite film?
I couldn’t pick just one so I’m going to go
with all the Marvel movies!
Do you have any fears? If so, what are they?
Absolutely terrified of heights and the dark,
I’m trying to get over the fear or heights
- I have started rock climbing but I’m still not
too pushed!
What motivates you?
I hate losing so I will always push myself to be
the best I can be. Losing doesn’t feel good.
UlsterRugby.com
41

Player
Q&A
Jack McGrath
When did you start playing rugby,
and who was your first team?
Aged 10 for St Mary’s RFC.
What’s your favourite rugby memory?
Chicago 2016 win over the All Blacks.
If you could re-live one moment from
your rugby career, what would it be?
My first Ireland cap.
What’s the one thing you could not
live without?
My car.
What was your favourite subject
at school?
P.E..
Who is the best player you have
played with?
Isa Nacewa.
What’s your pre-match routine?
Any superstitions?
I have the same meal every match.
What’s on your pre-match playlist?
Radio Gaga.
Who has been the biggest influence on
your rugby career?
My parents.
Tell us something not many people would
know about you?
I have my HGV licence.
What is your all-time favourite movie?
Revenant.
45

Thank You!
2020/21 FIXTURES
Ulster Rugby wish to thank all of our sponsors
and partners for their continued support.
Main Sponsor
NOVEMBER
Cardiff Mon 2 7-11 A
Glasgow Mon 9 8.15pm H
Zebre Mon 16 6.00pm A
Scarlets Sun 22 7.35pm H
Edinburgh Mon 30 8.15pm A
Kit Sponsor
Official Sponsors
Domestic Sponsors
Official On-kit Sponsors
GUINNESS PRO14 CONFERENCE A
Team Played W D L Bonus Pts
Leinster 4 4 0 0 4 20
Ulster 4 4 0 0 2 18
Glasgow Warriors 4 2 0 2 1 9
Ospreys 4 1 0 3 1 5
Dragons 4 1 0 3 1 5
Zebre 4 1 0 3 0 4
Official Partners
mmw
Millar McCall Wylie
GUINNESS PRO14 CONFERENCE B
Team Played W D L Bonus Pts
Munster 4 4 0 0 1 17
Cardiff Blues 4 2 0 2 2 10
Connacht 3 2 0 1 1 9
Scarlets 4 1 0 3 2 6
Edinburgh 4 1 0 3 2 6
Benetton 3 0 0 3 1 1
UlsterRugby.com
47