Ulster Rugby Match Day Programme - v Scarlets

ULSTER
Official Match Day Programme
v SCARLETS
Sun 22 Nov 2020, 7.35pm
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.
Welcome to the lucky few Ulster supporters in Kingspan Stadium tonight. The roars of
thousands will be keenly missed, but we know that so many 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.
Tonight, Ulster will look to maintain their winning ways following last week’s win over Zebre.
On the pitch this evening, Ulster will face a tough task, as they clash with the Welsh warriors,
Scarlets. On behalf of the entire Ulster Rugby and Kingspan community, we would like to
extend the warmest of welcomes to our 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.
32
26
President’s Welcome 5
Why It Matters: Lloyd Ashley 7
Player Interview: Alby Mathewson 8
Virtual Mascot 11
Senior Squad 14
Teams 20
Behind the Player: Diane Ramsay 26
Scarlets: Ones To Watch 30
Supporter Reflections 32
Last Time Out 34
Player Interview: Ethan McIlroy 36
Getting to Know: Ella Durkan 40
Player Q&A: Eric O’Sullivan 45
Testing Sunday for Confident Ulster 46
46
3

President’s
Welcome
Welcome to Round 7 of the 2020-21
Guinness PRO14 campaign and the fourth
game of this season to be hosted at
Kingspan Stadium.
I am delighted that we are able to welcome
1,000 supporters into the stadium tonight.
I am confident that Dan McFarland and
team will not only benefit from, but greatly
appreciate the support from the stands that
comes from you being here.
A warm Ulster welcome goes to our
guests, Scarlets. I expect a tough
encounter this evening, especially
following their victory away from home
in the last round against Connacht.
The Ulster senior squad continues to have
a superb Guinness PRO14 campaign with
a 100% winning record after six rounds.
Dan McFarland has rotated the squad very
effectively, and it’s hugely encouraging to
see the team playing with such confidence
and collaboration, and to a clear game plan.
My congratulations to Dan and all of the
Support Staff on the gains made already
this season.
I would also like to take this opportunity
to congratulate Matty Rea, Eric O’Sullivan
and Marcell Coetzee on making their
50th appearances for the Ulster men,
and Sean Reidy for his 100 Guinness
PRO14 appearances.
As we continue in our efforts in the fight
against COVID-19, I would like to thank
the lucky supporters who are with us at
Kingspan Stadium tonight for adhering to
social distancing measures, for wearing a
mask, and practising good hand hygiene. I
also thank all of our other Ulster supporters
for continuing to SUFTUM at home.
SUFTUM
Gary Leslie
President, IRFU Ulster Branch
UlsterRugby.com
5

7

Alby Mathewson
Scrum Half
13/12/1985
173cm
93kg
6
Ulster Rugby caught up with scrum-half,
Alby Mathewson to hear how he has been
settling in since joining the Province in
the summer.
How have you been settling in since
joining up with Ulster in the summer?
The boys have been really welcoming and
it’s been easy to fit in in terms of the rugby.
It’s difficult outside of our bubble to
get to know the lads well, which is
important in a team sport. The only
time I get to spend with them at
the moment is at training and in
the gym. All in all, it’s been fun
and we’re winning so you can’t
complain about that!
You got to play alongside Bill
Johnston for the first time
with Ulster against Zebre on
Monday; how did you find
playing with him?
I had a couple of starts with
Bill at Munster so I know what
makes him tick. I thought
he played really well against
Zebre and controlled the game,
putting us in good positions to
attack from. We were able to
work fairly well together.
You previously played for Munster
before joining Ulster, so there will
be some similarities between the
two provinces, but what are the
main differences between Munster
and Ulster?
For me at Ulster the main difference
would be the age profile. Munster
have a few older boys running
around down there. Here, the players
are really young; it’s a very enthusiastic
group. In terms of wanting to learn, Ulster is
right up there with the extra skill work. You
come to meetings and when the coach asks
a question, there are 6, 7 or 8 guys that can
answer. What I do really like about the lads
here is their desire to get better.
We’re lucky at Ulster in that we have an
indoor gym with space to do skills work.
We would do gym but in between, we
would work on skills, which is where the
game is often won. Having that setup is
very handy. You can see it in the way we
play; our forwards are very skilful.
What influenced your decision to
join Ulster?
The way Ulster played last season and their
European form was impressive. Ulster’s
style of play really excited me. I worked with
Peely [Dwayne Peel] at Bristol before as
well. When the opportunity came up, it was
quite an easy decision to come to.
What are your thoughts on the Academy
system and the younger players breaking
into the senior squad?
Times are changing; players are coming
in now full of confidence, which is a good
thing. When I was young, you’d come in,
do as you’re told and learn your role. It
took a long time to earn the respect of
other players. Now the young guys speak
up in meetings and have good ideas. You
don’t want to suppress the young fellas
because they might have an idea that
nobody has thought of. The guys having
that confidence to come in and run the
meetings is really positive. The skillset
of the likes of Michael Lowry and James
Hume is so impressive. There are young
nines coming through, and all the loose
forwards are really young too. The style of
play has changed from years gone by; you
see now the skills in the pack in particular
is improving every year. That’s where it’s
heading and Irish Ruby is in good hands
with the young players coming through.
Up next is Scarlets at Kingspan Stadium
– what sort of challenge do they pose
for Ulster?
There are no easy games in the PRO14. The
Scarlets have very dangerous backs and
have played some exciting rugby. We have a
big focus on us this week. We think that if we
can play the way we want to and implement
our style, will go a long way towards getting
a good result.
UlsterRugby.com
9

Virtual
Mascot
Name: Gracie May Ferguson
Age: 10
From: Banbridge
School: Fairhill Primary, Kinallen
Hobbies: Playing rugby and
bananagrams
What do you like most about
supporting Ulster: Friday nights and
Saturdays at Kingspan Stadium
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
70
11
Angus
Curtis
Fly Half / Centre
26/03/1998
178cm
92kg
13
Matt
Faddes
Centre/Wing
06/11/1991
185cm
94kg
17
Craig
Gilroy
Wing
11/03/1991
183cm
92kg
187
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
72
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
16
Robert
Baloucoune
Wing
19/08/1997
193cm
90kg
21
Billy
Burns
Fly Half
13/06/1994
185cm
86kg
41
1
Sam
Carter
Lock
10/09/1989
201cm
116kg
17
AUS 16
Marcell
Coetzee
Back Row
08/05/1991
193cm
114kg
50
SA 30
Greg
Jones
Back Row
13/01/1996
196cm
105kg
18
Ross
Kane
Prop
14/10/1996
180cm
118kg
49
Michael
Lowry
Full Back
20/08/1998
170cm
75kg
29
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
4
Gareth
Milasinovich
Prop
01/03/1991
178cm
121kg
42
10
Marty
Moore
Centre
08/08/1999
1831cm
91kg
8
Stewart
Moore
Back Row
22/04/1991
188cm
105kg
35
30
Jordi
Murphy
Centre
03/03/1991
180cm
97kg
143
11
Luke
Marshall
Scrum Half
13/12/1985
173cm
93kg
6
NZ 4
Alby
Mathewson
Hooker
05/09/1996
183cm
102kg
31
Adam
McBurney
Prop
02/01/1992
175cm
111kg
62
Kyle
McCall
Wing
28/01/1997
175cm
85kg
37
Rob
Lyttle
Fly Half
21/03/1989
180cm
87kg
8
30
Ian
Madigan
Lock
10/09/1992
196cm
114kg
115
Alan
O’Connor
Lock / Back Row
19/05/1995
193cm
110kg
9
David
O’Connor
Prop
23/09/1998
185cm
120kg
45
Tom
O’Toole
Back Row
08/09/1997
188cm
105kg
3
Marcus
Rea
Back Row
21/09/1993
193cm
112kg
51
Matthew
Rea
Back Row
10/05/1989
183cm
103kg
131
2
Sean
Reidy
Scrum Half
20/06/1993
175cm
78kg
62
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
95
3
Kieran
Treadwell
Prop
12/03/1991
178cm
113kg
124
Andrew
Warwick
Prop
30/11/1995
185cm
115kg
51
Eric
O’Sullivan
17
UlsterRugby.com

19

1 O’Sullivan 2 Andrew 3 Moore
1 Evans 2 Davies 3 Sebastian
C
4 O’Connor
5 Treadwell
4 Lousi 5 Drake
6 Rea
8 Coetzee
7 Reidy
6 Kennedy
8 Kalamafoni
7 Morgan
9 Cooney
9 Blacker
11 Lyttle
10 Johnston
11 Evans
10 Jones
12 Moore
12 Asquith
REPLACEMENTS
16 A McBurney
17 K McCall
13 Marshall
REPLACEMENTS
16 D Hughes
17 P Price
C
13 Hughes
18 T O’Toole
18 W Kruger
19 D O’Connor
19 J Price
20 J Murphy
21 A Mathewson
15 Lowry
14 Faddes
20 U Cassiem
21 W Homer
15 O’Brien
14 Conbeer
22 I Madigan
23 C Gilroy
Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR)
Assistant Referees: Sean Gallagher, Chris Busby (both IRFU)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (IRFU)
22 S Costelow
23 T Morgan
UlsterRugby.com
21

Next Home Game:
FRI 11 DEC
8.00PM
KINGSPAN STADIUM
23

25

Behind the Player
Diane Ramsay
In our series, Behind the Player in
association with Deloitte, Ulster’s Women
players share a little bit about themselves
and their rugby careers.
This week features Queen’s University and
Ulster winger, Diane Ramsay.
Tell us a little about your rugby pathway
to date.
I played for Ballymoney minis when I was
around 6 years old for about a year but
my mum thought it was too rough so I was
taken out of it quite quickly! I was the only
girl in my team and no boy wanted to tackle
me; they always passed to me so I could
score all the tries!
Winger
14/08/1996
I played hockey all my way through
secondary school and then started a parttime
job at Ballymoney Rugby Club. One
Sunday afternoon, when I was helping out,
the captain of the ladies’ team came to beg
my manager for me to just go and stand
on the pitch because they didn’t have
enough players. I didn’t even know back
then that you passed the ball backwards; I
just stood there clueless and didn’t touch
the ball or a person! That was officially my
first rugby match.
I tried to put together a team at Dalriada
School. Ulster Rugby was running a sixweek
programme which we took part in and
entered a tag competition. We got through
to the finals in our first year but we weren’t
very good as we wanted to play contact!
We weren’t allowed to keep on the rugby
after those six weeks and I was gutted.
I went to Queen’s and tried to juggle hockey
and rugby, but I just fell in love with rugby so
much. We had Claire McLaughlin, Gemma
McCutcheon and Jemma Jackson there in
my first year and they were brilliant. They
helped me progress massively. I only played
3 matches the entire season but remember
scoring a try in the semi-final of the Rosie
Stewart Cup; it was unreal getting that
experience. Now I’m running around with
Ulster as well!
What barriers have you had to overcome
to reach this point?
The year I got my first Ulster cap was two
seasons ago. I was one of the only players
who wasn’t from the big clubs like Cooke
and Malone in the squad. It was difficult
because I was going there not really
knowing people and girls already
had friendship groups formed. I
had to commit so much time to
training and it put me out of my
comfort zone but at the same time,
I’m so glad I stuck at it because
we have some fantastic coaches.
Learning from them at a higher level
has developed my game hugely. I feel as
if I was brought up not to miss training
unless you have a limb hanging off!
I stuck to that when I had the opportunity
to be called into the Ulster squad and I’m
so pleased I did.
What has been your proudest
moment in rugby?
One of my proudest moments with
Queen’s was when we won the Junior
Plate and Carrick Sevens in one year. It
was the culmination of all the hard work
we put in the 2-3 years previously. We went
unbeaten in the league and it was so lovely
to do that with that group of girls. In uni
teams, they tend to play in three year cycles
with students coming and going – I’m still
involved and I hope to still play for a few
more years – there are girls who don’t have
that opportunity because they move on. It
was a big moment for me.
At Ulster, last year in our Inter-Pro game
against Munster, I scored my first try right in
the corner. I have loads of great photos from
it because I was nearly on the touchline! That
was one of my favourite moments.
What are your aspirations?
I’d like to continue playing at Queen’s because
our next goal is to make it into the AIL. As
we’ve come from being in the AIL to the
bottom division and working our way up, that’s
something I’d love to be part of. I’ve watched the
team progress through these years.
At Ulster level, I’d like to continue playing and
start more games. I’ve been involved for two
years and would love for that to continue and end
up like Jemma Jackson who has been part of the
squad for several years now.
UlsterRugby.com
27

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29

Ones to Watch
Sione Kalamafoni
Sione has made a big
impact in West Wales since
his arrival from Leicester
Tigers this summer with
the experienced Tongan
international No. 8 giving the
Scarlets go-forward with his
relentless carrying.
Last 3 Meetings
Steff Evans
Steff has been one of the
most elusive wingers in the
competition over recent
years and came out of
lockdown in sizzling form.
Another who is hoping
to stake a case for an
international recall.
29 Nov
2019
23 Nov
2018
Rob Evans
After missing out on the 2019
Rugby World Cup, Rob has
returned from neck surgery
in great shape. With 39
caps for Wales, he is one of
the best ball-handling frontrowers
around and played a
big part in the Scarlets title
success in 2016-17.
1 Sep
2018
Ulster 29 29 15
Scarlets 5 12 13
NAME POSITION DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT
Paul Asquith Centre 12/08/1993 182cm 95kg
Jake Ball Lock 21/06/1991 197cm 124kg
Dane Blacker Scrum-half 06/07/1998 171cm 80kg
Dom Booth Hooker 06/08/2000 172cm 105kg
Aled Brew Wing 09/08/1986 185cm 101kg
Uzair Cassiem Back row 17/03/1990 189cm 110kg
Sam Costelow Fly-half 10/01/2001 175cm 83kg
Ryan Conbeer Wing 05/02/1999 178cm 92kg
Gareth Davies Scrum-half 18/08/1990 178cm 88kg
James Davies Back row 25/10/1990 183cm 98kg
Jonathan Davies Centre 05/04/1988 186cm 101kg
Taylor Davies Hooker 30/07/1995 185cm 106kg
Dan Davis Back row 17/09/1998 181cm 96kg
NAME POSITION DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT
Danny Drake Lock 25/03/1995 197cm 113kg
Ryan Elias Hooker 07/01/1995 187cm 110kg
Dylan Evans Prop 25/01/1989 184cm 113kg
Rob Evans Prop 14/04/1992 186cm 118kg
Shaun Evans Hooker 14/09/1996 183cm 101kg
Steff Evans Wing 01/09/1994 182cm 93kg
Rhys Fawcett Prop 09/10/1996 185cm 116kg
Leigh Halfpenny Full-back 22/12/1988 177cm 85kg
Kieran Hardy Scrum-half 30/11/1995 184cm 92kg
Josh Helps Lock 22/12/1994 197cm 116kg
Dafydd Hughes Hooker 08/01/1996 178cm 102kg
Steff Hughes Centre 17/02/1994 180cm 95kg
Tom James Wing 17/04/1987 190cm 103kg
Alex Jeffries Prop 27/04/1995 191cm 118kg
Dan Jones Fly-half 07/01/1996 183cm 90kg
Marc Jones Hooker 03/04/1987 185cm 105kg
Morgan Jones Second row 23/05/1999 201cm 110kg
Wyn Jones Prop 26/02/1992 184cm 118kg
Sione Kalamafoni No.8 18/05/1988 194cm 117kg
Ed Kennedy Back row 19/09/1994 196cm 110kg
Osian Knott Centre 07/01/2000 189cm 102kg
Werner Kruger Prop 23/01/1985 191cm 125kg
Samson Lee Prop 30/11/1992 180cm 117kg
Tomi Lewis Wing 17/01/1999 183cm 80kg
Sam Lousi Lock 20/07/1991 198cm 121kg
Josh Macleod Back row 27/10/1996 189cm 110kg
Kemsley Mathias Prop 29/07/1999 185cm 121kg
Johnny McNicholl Wing/Full-back 24/09/1990 185cm 96kg
Joe Miles Back-row 17/09/1998 190cm 109kg
Tyler Morgan Centre 11/09/1995 186cm 104kg
Ioan Nicholas Centre/Wing 03/04/1998 185cm 92kg
Angus O’Brien Fly-half 17/09/1994 181cm 85kg
Ken Owens Hooker 03/01/1987 184cm 110kg
Rhys Patchell Fly-half 17/05/1993 191cm 92kg
Tom Phillips Back row 13/02/1996 193cm 110kg
Jac Price Second row 08/04/2000 201cm 118kg
Phil Price Prop 10/11/1988 184cm 117kg
Tom Prydie Wing/Full-back 23/02/1992 189cm 93kg
Tevita Ratuva Lock 08/05/1995 198cm 110kg
Iestyn Rees Back row 05/10/1999 188cm 109kg
Lewis Rawlins Lock 13/04/1990 198cm 111kg
Joe Roberts Centre 10/05/2000 182cm 96kg
Tom Rogers Wing 17/12/1998 185cm 87kg
Pieter Scholtz Prop 20/03/1994 187cm 102kg
Javan Sebastian Prop 27/09/1994 177cm 121kg
Aaron Shingler Back row 07/08/1987 197cm 107kg
Steffan Thomas Prop 22/04/1997 179cm 107kg
Blade Thomson Back row 04/12/1990 198cm 106kg
Carwyn Tuipulotu No. 8 21/08/2001 186cm 125kg
Liam Williams Full-back/Wing 09/04/1991 185cm 87kg
Johnny Williams Centre 18/10/1996 189cm 105kg
31

excitement, then maybe in for a burger and
definitely a couple of pints before kick-off.
Meeting up with other members of family
and a chance to catch up with friends old
and new. There is also that special moment
of welcoming the team out onto the pitch –
18,000 voices belting out ‘Stand Up For The
Ulster Men’ and a buzz of anticipation that
lifts the hairs on the back of your neck. There
is no other sporting feeling quite like it. Oh,
how I have missed those days.
Supporter Reflections - Brian O’Hara
What a year this has been. From a rugby
perspective, it is difficult to reflect on
what we have missed without it seeming
trivial in comparison to events outside the
sporting world.
It is impossible to ignore the tragedies that
have unfolded in the wider community here
and of course globally, which put everything
in perspective. But let’s face it, life goes on,
and sport in general plays a
major role in lifting our spirits.
The first lockdown period was
ultra-difficult without any live
sport at all. As a sports fanatic
and rabid rugby supporter, I
can remember re-watching
the last Ulster match against
the Cheetahs at least five
times just to keep sane. When elite sport
returned in August it was welcome but also so
different. All those empty stadiums, especially
the Aviva, totally soulless and without any
atmosphere. How the teams performed as
well as they did was amazing. There were
initial disappointments but then Ulster did
the business in Edinburgh (what a result that
was against the odds) and gave us all hope
for a fantastic end of season clash with the
old enemy. Unfortunately, the Aviva was once
again not a happy hunting ground for us and
at that stage I simply wanted an end to the
19/20 season so that we could look forward
to a fresh start.
And what a start we have had to the new
season! Six straight wins, the team playing
really well, and bags of great young talent in
the squad. Cause for optimism indeed - but
we are watching from afar, we are not in there
on match days supporting our team as part
of the Ulster family. Let’s face
it, it is simply not the same
watching matches at home on
TV. Better than nothing, yes,
but a fair way short of what
genuine supporters want.
We are not just spectators,
we want to be there at the
ground, supporting. Certainly,
that’s what I miss most – that
feeling of unity and belonging, contributing to
the fantastic electricity which permeates the
whole arena when the team are going well.
Match days are everything. The anticipation
of another great day out in the company of
like-minded souls. Getting the supporters kit
on, the train into Central Station, the walk up
the Ravenhill Road, mingling with the crowds
along Ravenhill Avenue, everyone discussing
the team, the match, our hopes. Into the
stadium and just absorbing the heightening
So here we are, eight long months later but
at last, with a small number of spectators
allowed to return, there is a glimmer of light
at the end of a very dark tunnel. Better
days will return under those bright lights,
and when they do, we’ll be there cheering
on our team alongside the rest of the Ulster
Rugby family.
WATCH: Ulster Rugby TV
UlsterRugby.com
33

Ulster consolidated their position in
Conference A of the Guinness PRO14 with
a nine-try demolition of Zebre in Parma
on Monday evening. Player-of-the-Match,
Marcell Coetzee - on his 50th appearance for
the Ulster men - scored a haul of four tries.
Ulster started strongly, putting in wave after
wave of attacking phases, before Marcell
Coetzee marked his 50th appearance for the
province by muscling his way over the line
after five minutes. Bill Johnston confidently
added the conversion.
The Italian side was quick to respond, when
Pierre Bruno did well to keep hold of the
ball from a cross-field kick, and after a TMO
check, the try was deemed to be grounded.
Antonio Rizzi brought the scores level after
11 minutes.
Marcell Coetzee got his second score of the
night off the back of a dominant Ulster maul,
the back-row doing really well to get the ball
down over a pile of Zebre bodies over the line.
Zebre had the opportunity to reduce the
deficit in the 27th minute through a penalty
but Rizzi’s kick was off-target.
Ulster immediately went on the attack again,
with full-back Michael Lowry going on a
superb run down the left wing, his pass sent
loose by a Zebre hand, which Stewart Moore
gratefully collected to dot down.
Marcell Coetzee made it a hat-trick of tries
when he snuck through the middle of an
Guinness PRO14 Round 6
Mon 16 Nov
Last Time Out 14 - 57
advancing Ulster maul for his third score
of the evening and Ulster’s four-try bonus
point just before the break. Johnston slotted
the extras.
Ulster continued to turn the screw in the
second half, through a well-taken Bill
Johnston score in the right-hand corner, then
adding the extras to his own try.
Luke Marshall was next on the score sheet
for Ulster, cutting an excellent line inside to
score, and Johnston was again on-target.
Zebre got their second try of the evening
through Nicoló Casilio, Paolo Pescetto
converting.
Marcell Coetzee wasn’t yet finished for the
night, and the South African once again
powered over to get his fourth score in the
59th minute. The flags stayed down for
Johnston’s conversion attempt.
It was a night to remember for Ethan McIlroy,
who on his first Ulster start, got his name
on the score sheet as well. The Academy
back three collected a long pass from Ian
Madigan to score in the left-hand corner. The
conversion was just off-target.
Ulster’s final score of the evening came
through David Shanahan, who ran a lovely
support line off Sean Reidy to score under
under the posts for Ulster’s ninth try of the
game, with Johnston getting the conversion.
Full-time score: Zebre 14 - 57 Ulster
UlsterRugby.com 35

Ethan McIlroy
Full
Back/Wing
10/08/2000
188cm
85kg
3
The Ulster Academy back three has had a
busy few weeks lately, but he made time
this week to reflect on his first start in a
senior Ulster jersey.
Congratulations on your first start and
your first try for Ulster on Monday against
Zebre – you must be delighted?
I was really pleased to get a start. It’s been
a while since I played a full 80-minutes with
everything that’s going on, so I was really
happy to get the minutes under my
belt. I was delighted to top it off
at the end of the game against
Zebre with a try. The calves were
getting a bit tired at the end, but
I wasn’t too bad. I was a little
bit sore on Tuesday but it was
fantastic to go for the full 80.
Ulster have put in some
excellent results this season;
what’s the mood like in the
squad at the moment?
The mood is good and morale
is high throughout the squad.
There’s some real depth now
which you can see with recent
team selections; some positions
have had some interchange and
it’s really boosted the confidence
in the squad and it helps us aim to
compete in finals.
How have you found training and
playing with the senior squad?
It’s fantastic; training is really fastpaced.
It’s intense at times but
it really prepares you well for
games. Games aren’t a massive
step up when you’re training well
like that within the senior squad.
What players and coaches in the
senior squad have been helping
you integrate?
The back three players are obviously a
big help. I live with Michael Lowry so I can
always go to him and talk to him. He plays
in the back three as well so he helps me
massively. He plays fly-half as well which is
an important role and often a leader position
in the team, and although he’s young, he’s
well-experienced and seen as a leader in the
group. Jared Payne is great to talk to about
defence and Dwayne Peel about attack. You
can approach them whenever you want and
they have the answers you need to make
you a better player.
How has the Academy system and the
coaching helped support you in reaching
this point, getting senior caps for Ulster?
It’s brought me on a lot. After I left school, I
went into the Ulster sub-Academy and then
the Academy. I trained with them and played
in a number of Ulster ‘A’ games before
making my senior debut. The Academy
has really helped develop further; it’s a step
up from schools’ rugby. I feel like I’ve really
improved my game since school and a lot of
that is down to the Academy coaches.
Who have been the main influences on
your rugby career?
My family and my coaches at school. Nicky
Wells [Director of Rugby at Methodist
College] has obviously had a big part to
play on my rugby career as well in getting
to this point.
Can you tell us what your goals are for
this season?
My short-term goals would be to try and
cement my place in the Ulster 23 or even
starting XV, and try to get as many games
as possible playing for the senior side.
UlsterRugby.com
37

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List two pet peeves.
When people wear short sleeve t-shirts with
body warmers.
When people chew with their mouths open.
What three words would your friends use
to describe you?
Happy, Loyal, Competitive.
Are you good at any other sports?
I played Gaelic and Camogie a lot so I’d like
to say I’m decent enough at them.
What is your favourite film?
Getting to Know:
Ella Durkan
Remember the Titans.
What motivates you?
To make sure I never let myself, my family or
my team down.
Do you have a nickname? If so, what is it?
Yeah I do, my nickname is Durks. But I
think a lot of the girls forget I have a real
name as most of them only ever call me by
my nickname.
Who was your favourite player growing up
and why?
Brian O’Driscoll was always my favourite
player because he was always someone that
worked as hard as he could for his team.
2 years ago and the other 3 years ago, so
we’re not quite sure what age they are but
regardless I still consider them both pups. I
admit that I might be a bit biased but I think
they’re the best wee dogs about.
Are you a tidy or messy person?
I’d love to say I’m tidy but that would be a
blatant lie...
If you could eat one meal for the rest of
your life, what would it be?
In a challenging year for local sport, our
partnership with the Irish FA and Ulster
GAA continues to support volunteers in
clubs and schools.
Congratulations to our clubs & volunteers
for hitting a number of important milestones
in 2020.
Who is your favourite player now?
Christmas dinner.
Portia Woodman is definitely the player I
would look up to now.
What is your favourite thing about
playing rugby?
Having the craic with my team mates on
and off the pitch.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us
about them.
I’ve got a black Labrador and yellow
Labrador. We rescued one of them nearly
What can’t you live without?
My family.
Do you have any pre-match rituals or
superstitions?
I’m not organised enough to have any
superstitions!
If you were a super-hero, what powers
would you have?
I’d love to be able to fly or maybe stop time.
UlsterRugby.com 41

Player
Q&A
Eric O’Sullivan
When did you start playing rugby, and
who was your first team?
I started playing rugby when I went to
secondary school with Templeogue College.
What’s your favourite rugby memory?
Winning the Shield with my school – I was
the captain of that team.
If you could re-live one moment from your
rugby career, what would it be?
The same as above – winning the Shield
with Templeogue.
If you didn’t play rugby, what other sport
would you play?
I used to be a goalkeeper in soccer but I
don’t think I’d be very good!
What’s the one thing you could not
live without?
My dog.
Best player you have played against?
Dan Cole at Leicester.
What’s your pre-match routine? Any
superstitions?
I eat a lot of Super Noodles!
What’s on your pre-match playlist?
A lot of Eminem and some 50 Cent to try
and get in the zone.
Tell us something not many people would
know about you?
I love farming – if I wasn’t playing rugby, I’d
like to be a farmer.
Who has been the biggest influence on
your rugby career?
My parents. I set out fairly early on that I
wanted to be a professional rugby player
and they always believed in me and
encouraged me.
Best player you have played with?
Marcell Coetzee.
45

Testing Sunday
Guest article:
Rod Nawn
for Confident Ulster
As if the pandemic and its consequent
restrictions were not enough, thousands
of Ulster supporters are unable to roar on
a team riding high on confidence.
Six consecutive Guinness PRO14 wins, six
notably impressive performances, and a
free-scoring instinct allied to increasingly
reassuring displays in all forward
departments. The development of the team,
as Head Coach Dan McFarland would insist,
is the priority and he and his assistants can
surely take huge credit for a new, if unusual,
season of something more than promise.
Not since 2012 has Ulster produced such a
winning sequence, but this squad has been
particularly consistent and persistent in
pressing home hard-won advantages and
working hard on some perennial frailties.
Bonus points are now regularly accrued,
and as Leinster continues to lay waste to
the rest of the Conference A landscape,
Ulster is snapping at the champions’ heels,
improving and convincing, and shedding an
historic instinct for inconsistency.
UlsterRugby.com
That only a smattering of supporters will be
in Kingspan Stadium this Sunday evening
to urge the side on against a Scarlets
outfit which itself is steadying after a
disappointing start to the campaign, and
which is Under Head Coach Glenn Delaney,
navigating these important weeks without
a cohort of key players involved with Wales.
Without Leigh Halfpenny, Rhys Patchell,
Jonathan Davies and Liam Williams to
name only attackers, the team from Llanelli
has slowly imposed itself an arrives in
Belfast with three wins in Conference B
and on the back of a gutsy and disciplined
display 20-14 win against Connacht at a
typically windy, wet and cold Sportsground
in Galway.
Steff Hughes, Steff Evans and scrum-half
Dane Blacker are proven backs, and Johnny
McNicholl has brought an infusion of
energy and ingenuity to the Scarlets attack,
while winger Ryan Conbeer scored two
intelligently taken tries in the West.
International demands have meant hooker
Taylor Davies and props Jac Morgan and
Javan Seabastian have stepped up, and
with Jake Ball with Wales locks Sam Louisi
and Morgan Jones have smoothly slotted
into the engine room. And there is some
heft too in a back row in which Sione
Kalamafoni, Jac Morgan and Rob Evans
starred against Connacht.
But for all the talent available to Delaney
to compensate for absentees on national
service, it is McFarland who has most
reason to be satisfied with how his players
have dealt with many of those same issues:
and the growing standing of hookers
John Andrews and Adam McBurney, the
form Sam Carter has shown at lock, and
the quality of the plethora of back-rows
available and eager to perform is proof
positive that the squad is stronger, deeper
and clearly more cohesive.
The remarkable Marcell Coetzee continues
to stun fans and opposition alike after the
most worrying early seasons with Ulster;
the Springbok a talismanic figure but not
irreplaceable when Nick Timoney, Jordi
Murphy, Sean Reidy, the brothers Rea –
Marcus and Matty - and Greg Jones offer
oven-ready cover.
Ian Madigan and Bill Johnston are top-class
out-halves as Billy Burns’ Ireland career
blooms, and when John Cooney surely joins
the national group again, Alby Mathewson’s
pedigree and David Shanahan’s persistence
offer options at the base of the scrum.
There are many things McFarland has
done to take Ulster to the top table in the
Guinness PRO14 and in European
Champions League rugby, but it’s the
opportunities created for, and taken by,
those such as Michael Lowry, Rob Lyttle,
Stewart Moore and Ethan McIlroy which are
testament to his own coaching skillset.
With Luke Marshall back in harness in
midfield, as Stuart McCloskey waits for
Ireland’s call again, the portents all around the
pitch are good, potential is being replaced by
experience and improving players.
Rob Herring is on Twickenham duty with
Burns, Iain Henderson and Jacob Stockdale
this weekend, but there are O’Connors,
a Treadwell and a Carter from whom to
select, all forged in the heat of consistent
battle from the start or off the Head Coach’s
much-used bench.
For some seasons, ‘promise’ and ‘potential’
have been realistically employed adjectives.
What McFarland, Roddy Grant, Dwayne Peel,
Dan Soper, Jared Payne and Niall Malone’s
key analysis have developed is a rugby
squad of enviable ability and intelligence.
The latter quality overtly demonstrated
by McFarland and markedly shared by his
carefully crafted coaching group.
But this is but Round 7 of a long, long PRO14
season, and after the Scarlets test – and it
will be challenging given the character of the
team and its management – Ulster travel to
BT Murrayfield where Richard Cockerill will
be determined to halt his Edinburgh side’s
struggles. By the end of November, if Ulster
is boasting still an unbeaten record and has
Leinster firmly in its crosshairs, there will be
a reset moment.
In early and mid-December it’s Champions
Cup rugby again, and Toulouse come to
Kingspan Stadium first before a trip to a
Gloucester club very much in transition
and, yet, Kingsholm cherishes its ‘fortress’
reputation. So the season accelerates,
literally, into a different league.
But this Sunday, in front of a reduced but
passionate group of home support, Ulster will
be focused on winning, technical efficiency
and game management, and with a flourish
when the occasion affords that. It is, currently,
rugby with a broad smile on its face and if we
can ever safely contemplate packing the arena
it will be a scene to behold: attractive fare on
the pitch, and a raucous accompanying roar
from the stands and terraces.
For the moment it is we, the public, who will
and must exercise caution. Let the emerging
entertainers on the Kingspan sward just
whet our appetite further for a return to the
bonding of team and fans.
Sunday evenings have never been so
strange, but this one could be one to truly
lift the spirits.
Let’s hope so!
47

49

RAVENHILL ROAD
Important:
RAVENHILL PARK GARDENS
Please DO NOT attend the Stadium if you are experiencing:
• a high temperature
GREEN ZONE
SPIRIT OF ‘99 THE 1924
ONSLOW PARADE
• a new, continuous cough
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
FOOD TRUCK
TURNSTILES
BLUE ZONE
PROMENADE 1
PROMENADE 2
PURPLE ZONE
2m
ADMIN’
BUILDING
RED ZONE
REGISTRATION
RED ZONE
REGISTRATION
ROOM
Clean Hands
Stay Apart
Wear A Mask
AMBER ZONE
FOOD TRUCK
When travelling around the Stadium, please respect other
supporters and only use your allocated turnstiles and entry time
/ zone and exit gate.
EAST TERRACE
A&L GOODBODY LOUNGE
YELLOW ZONE
ISOLATION
ROOM
C-19 MEDIC
Respect Policy
Stadium Facilities
VIP BOXES
TURNSTILES
We are passionate
in our support
We do not tolerate
abusive or discriminatory
language
We are silent during kicks
at goal
We respect opposition
players, management
& supporters
We respect the match
officials’ decisions
We are mindful
of our language
We drink
responsibly
INCIDENT HOTLINE
07790
200 200
There will be limited catering and retail
facilities available for this fixture. All stadium
bars will remain closed.
Catering
A food truck serving hot food and
refreshments will be located at the rear
of the Memorial End Stand, to service this
stand and the East Terrace / Premium Stand.
Another food truck will be located at the
corner of the Grandstand and Family Stand,
to service these two stands.
Kukri Store
Supporters in the Memorial Stand and East
Terrace / Premium Stand can access the
Kukri Store directly before the game and at
half-time. Click and collect is also available
when pre-ordering at ulsterrugbyshop.com.
Supporters in the Grandstand and Family
Stand can use the click and collect option
only: pre-order from ulsterrugbyshop.com
then collect at the Kukri pop-up shop at
the rear of the Grandstand either before the
game or at half-time.
Both the Kukri Store and pop-up shop will
close at the start of the second half.
UlsterRugby.com
51

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 40 - 15 H
Zebre Mon 16 14 - 57 A
Scarlets Sun 22 7.35pm H
Edinburgh Mon 30 8.15pm A
DECEMBER
Toulouse Fri 11 8.00pm H
Gloucester Sat 19 3.15pm A
Connacht Sun 27 7.35pm A
Kit Sponsor
Official Sponsors
Domestic Sponsors
Official On-kit Sponsors
GUINNESS PRO14 CONFERENCE A
Team Played W D L Bonus Pts
Leinster 6 6 0 0 6 30
Ulster 6 6 0 0 4 28
Ospreys 6 2 0 4 1 9
Glasgow Warriors 5 1 0 4 1 5
Dragons 4 1 0 3 1 5
Zebre 6 1 0 5 0 4
Official Partners
mmw
Millar McCall Wylie
GUINNESS PRO14 CONFERENCE B
Team Played W D L Bonus Pts
Munster 5 5 0 0 2 22
Cardiff Blues 6 3 0 3 2 14
Scarlets 6 3 0 3 2 14
Connacht 4 2 0 2 2 10
Edinburgh 6 2 0 4 2 10
Benetton 4 0 0 4 1 1
UlsterRugby.com
53