Ulster Rugby Match Day Programme - Munster

ULSTER
Official Match Day Programme
v MUNSTER
Sat 2 Jan 2021, 5.15pm
Kingspan Stadium

8
Issue
In this
Welcome and a Happy New Year to you and yours,
as tonight Ulster continue their Guinness PRO14 campaign.
This Christmas has been a challenging time for all but hopefully
the Ulstermen being back on their home turf in Kingspan Stadium
certainly helps bring a sense of some normality as we enter 2021.
The roars of thousands will be sorely 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 and especially over a tough Christmas period 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 kick the New Year off and hope to maintain their winning ways
following a win over Connacht last weekend. They will face a very tough task, as they clash
with Munster. Despite the absence of travelling fans this evening, 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, stay safe and enjoy the game.
32
26
34
President’s Welcome 5
Why It Matters: Eimear Considine 7
Player Interview: James Hume 8
Virtual Mascot 11
Senior Squad 14
Teams 20
Behind the Player: Chloe McIlwaine 26
Munster: Ones To Watch 30
Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup 32
Last Time Out 34
Player Interview: Bradley Roberts 36
Getting to Know: Aishling O’Connell 40
Player Q&A: David Shanahan 45
36
3

President’s
Welcome
Welcome to Round 10 of the 2020-21
Guinness PRO14 campaign. I hope you
all had a great Christmas!
I would like to extend a very warm welcome to
our guests, Munster, this evening. Festive Inter-
Pros always provide some extra excitement
and today’s fixture will be no exception as
Ulster and Munster both seek to consolidate
their positions at the top of their respective
Conferences in the Guinness PRO14.
Ulster come into this game off the back
of a resolute victory over Connacht at the
Sportsground last Sunday evening, and will
want to make it two from two in the Inter-
Pros. Munster’s derby game against Leinster
was unfortunately postponed, so they will be
coming into this game eager to come away
with a win.
Although this game is being played behindclosed-doors,
I know that the team will
provide their own atmosphere at Kingspan
Stadium, and your support will be keenly
felt from home. We continue to work closely
with the IRFU, Belfast City Council and the
Northern Ireland Executive to bring back
supporters to Kingspan Stadium when
government restrictions allow.
I would like to congratulate sub-Academy
(PTS1) player, Ben Moxham, on making
his senior debut for Ulster, coming on as a
replacement against Connacht on Sunday.
It’s hugely encouraging to see young talent
comfortably making their step up to senior
rugby. This is testament to the work that
not only Ben has put into his development,
but also the work of Kieran Campbell and
his Academy staff, as well as the player
integration that has been facilitated by Dan
McFarland and his senior coaches.
The Ulster Academy has enjoyed success
over the last few months in both the IRFU
Sevens tournament and also Inter-Pro ‘A’
friendlies, having gone unbeaten against
Leinster, Munster and Connacht. Several
players will be putting their hands up
for selection in the upcoming U20s Six
Nations Championship.
On the domestic rugby front, we continue to
liaise, in partnership with the IRFU, with the
Northern Ireland Executive about a return
to rugby activity in Northern Ireland, while
clubs in the Republic of Ireland continue
with limited non-contact activity under
Level 5 restrictions.
As we continue our fight against COVID-19, I
would like to thank you for continuing to help
protect our community by Standing Up For
The Ulster Men at home.
Happy New Year to you all!
SUFTUM
Gary Leslie
President, IRFU Ulster Branch
UlsterRugby.com
5

7

James Hume
Centre
07/09/1998
188cm
98kg
28
The 22-year-old centre has been pushing
hard to stake his claim for the 13 jersey in
the last few months, already racking up
seven starts this season for the Ulster men,
including last weekend’s victory in Galway.
How have you found becoming a regular
starter for Ulster?
That was obviously the goal for me at the
start of the season; I wanted to start at 13
and take that jersey. I’m on a strong road
to getting there; hopefully I’ll stay injuryfree
and keep working on my defence with
JP (Jared Payne) and attack with Peely
(Dwayne Peel). I feel since I’ve started a
few games and got comfortable when
we’re winning – I’m not in any position
to take that for granted – I just want to
get better and be the best I can. That’s
something I’m really driving at the
minute.
You have forged a partnership with
Stewart Moore in recent games – has
it helped having a regular partner in
the centre?
Both Stu’s are class; they’re different
players. Stewart Moore brings that
kicking aspect to his game – almost
a second 10 – we get on really well
and always have. It’s the same with
Stuart McCloskey, I get on with him
too. It’s nice to get a bit of synergy
in midfield; there’s been a seamless
change between both of them. It’s
comfortable and reassuring to know
there are two options there that are
equally as good.
You have been coached by Ulster’s Skills
Coach, Dan Soper at school and club level.
Can you tell us about the impact has had
since joining Ulster?
He’s class. You can see from Nick Timoney’s
try at the weekend against Connacht that
Alan O’Connor gave a nice inside tip and
Greg (Jones) gets a good offload away.
That’s something that we’ve brought into
our game in the last couple of seasons
since ‘Sopes stepped in. Our gym sessions
aren’t just weights anymore; there are skills
involved and everyone is keen to do extra
work after sessions. He has really driven the
skill aspect of the game.
You could potentially be up against
Chris Farrell and Damian de Allende
in midfield for Munster – do you relish
these opportunities?
If I want to drive to be the best in my position,
I have to challenge myself against Ireland
internationals and World Cup winners. I’m
not going to back down from that; that’s
the sort of challenge I thrive on. Whatever
combination Munster pick, I’ll put my best
foot forward.
It was a very resolute performance last Sunday
against Connacht at The Sportsground –
what did you make of that win?
There was a big focus coming into last week
about not winning an away Inter-Pro since
2015. That was in the back of our minds
and we looked at the collision battle; that’s
something Connacht pride themselves
on and we wanted to take that away from
them. We thought we did that quite well.
Coming off the back of two very narrow
European losses, it was a tough place to be,
but it was an unbelievable feeling to get that
win at The Sportsground.
It’s shaping up to be a super contest with
Munster at Kingspan Stadium…
It’ll be brilliant to play back home this
weekend. Munster are a great side with a lot
of depth as well. I’m really looking forward
to it. It will be another big challenge because
they’re unbeaten in the Guinness PRO14 as
well as us. They’ll not want to come up here
to back down. We’re excited about it.
UlsterRugby.com
9

Virtual
Mascot
Name: Harvey Wauchope
Age: 4
From: Gortin, Tyrone
Harvey enjoys the outdoors. Whether
it’s playing rugby or helping in the
garden, he loves getting muddy!
Harvey’s favourite player is
Stuart McCloskey.
He also misses seeing Sparky
pitch-side on TV!
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
Angus
Curtis
Fly Half / Centre
26/03/1998
178cm
92kg
13
Matt
Faddes
Centre/Wing
06/11/1991
185cm
94kg
22
Craig
Gilroy
Wing
11/03/1991
183cm
92kg
190
10
Iain
Henderson
Lock
21/02/1992
198cm
117kg
116
58
Coaching
Staff
Head Coach:
Dan McFarland
Assistant Coach:
Dwayne Peel
Defence Coach:
Jared Payne
Forwards’ Coach:
Roddy Grant
Skills Coach:
Dan Soper
Will
Addison
Utility Back
20/08/1992
185cm
93kg
19
4
John
Andrew
Hooker
26/05/1993
180cm
104kg
77
Robert
Baloucoune
Wing
19/08/1997
193cm
90kg
21
Rob
Herring
Hooker
27/04/1990
199cm
107kg
188
16
James
Hume
Centre
07/09/1998
188cm
98kg
28
Bill
Johnston
Fly Half
07/02/1997
180cm
87kg
18
Greg
Jones
Back Row
13/01/1996
196cm
105kg
20
Billy
Burns
Fly Half
13/06/1994
185cm
86kg
42
3
Sam
Carter
Lock
10/09/1989
201cm
116kg
19
AUS 16
Marcell
Coetzee
Back Row
08/05/1991
193cm
114kg
53
SA 30
John
Cooney
Scrum Half
01/05/1990
178cm
87kg
74
11
Ross
Kane
Prop
14/10/1996
180cm
118kg
49
Michael
Lowry
Full Back
20/08/1998
170cm
75kg
34
Louis
Ludik
Full Back
08/10/1986
183cm
90kg
112
Rob
Lyttle
Wing
28/01/1997
175cm
85kg
39
UlsterRugby.com
15

Centre
06/08/1992
193cm
11kg
128
4
Stuart
McCloskey
Prop
11/10/1989
185cm
118kg
17
56
Jack
McGrath
Prop
15/12/1992
191cm
132kg
5
Gareth
Milasinovich
Prop
01/03/1991
178cm
121kg
47
10
Marty
Moore
Centre
08/08/1999
1831cm
91kg
11
Stewart
Moore
Back Row
22/04/1991
188cm
105kg
39
30
Jordi
Murphy
Centre
03/03/1991
180cm
97kg
144
11
Luke
Marshall
Scrum Half
13/12/1985
173cm
93kg
9
NZ 4
Alby
Mathewson
Hooker
05/09/1996
183cm
102kg
32
Adam
McBurney
Prop
02/01/1992
175cm
111kg
65
Kyle
McCall
Fly Half
21/03/1989
180cm
87kg
13
30
Ian
Madigan
Lock
10/09/1992
196cm
114kg
120
Alan
O’Connor
Lock / Back Row
19/05/1995
193cm
110kg
14
David
O’Connor
Prop
23/09/1998
185cm
120kg
49
Tom
O’Toole
Back Row
08/09/1997
188cm
105kg
3
Marcus
Rea
Hooker
04/01/1996
175cm
108Kg
2
Bradley
Roberts
Scrum Half
20/06/1993
175cm
78kg
64
David
Shanahan
Wing / Full Back
03/04/1996
191cm
103kg
72
33
Jacob
Stockdale
Back Row
01/08/1995
188cm
111kg
68
Nick
Timoney
Lock
06/11/1995
198cm
118kg
97
3
Kieran
Treadwell
Prop
12/03/1991
178cm
113kg
127
Andrew
Warwick
Prop
30/11/1995
185cm
115kg
54
1
Eric
O’Sullivan
Back Row
21/09/1993
193cm
112kg
55
Matthew
Rea
Back Row
10/05/1989
183cm
103kg
135
2
Sean
Reidy
17
UlsterRugby.com

19

1 O’Sullivan 2 Herring 3 Moore
1 O’Connor 2 Scannell 3 Ryan
C
C
4 Treadwell
5 Carter
4 Wycherley 5 Holland
6 Rea
8 Timoney
7 McCann
6 O’Donoghue
8 O’Sullivan
7 Cloete
9 Cooney
9 Casey
11 McIlroy
10 Burns
11 Coombes
10 Healy
REPLACEMENTS
16 A McBurney
17 C Reid
18 T O’Toole
12 McCloskey
13 Hume
REPLACEMENTS
16 R Marshall
17 D Kilcoyne
18 R Salanoa
12 Scannell
13 Goggin
19 D O’Connor
19 T Ahern
20 M Coetzee
21 N Doak
15 Stockdale
14 Faddes
20 T O’Donnell
21 N McCarthy
15 Daly
14 Nash
22 I Madigan
23 B Moxham
Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU)
Assistant Referees: Andrew Brace, Rob O’Sullivan (both IRFU)
TMO: Joy Neville (IRFU)
22 J Crowley
23 D Sweetnam
UlsterRugby.com
21

Next Home Game:
SAT 16 JAN
1.00PM
KINGSPAN STADIUM
23

25

Behind the Player
Chloe McIlwaine
In our series, Behind the Player in
association with Deloitte, Ulster Women’s
players give us an insight into how they
got involved in the game and their journey
to representing the province.
This week, we feature Malone and Ulster
Rugby second row, Chloe McIlwaine.
Tell us a little about your rugby pathway
to date.
I’m probably quite a newbie to the game
having just played three seasons. I played
hockey all through secondary school and for
Queen’s University. I went to do my Masters’
at Loughborough University and I decided
that I would focus less on sport and make
sure I would graduate. I took a back seat
from hockey but I wanted to try something
else. There was a ‘Give It a Try’ event so I
Lock
03/05/1995
went along where I got picked up by the 1st
XV coach there. Within a couple of weeks, I
was starting at centre for Loughborough 1sts.
After that, I came back home and played for
Ballynahinch. Last season, I moved to Malone
to play in the All-Ireland League. I’ve been in
the Ulster setup for two years now as well.
Who have been your main influences in
your rugby career?
I’ll have to give a shout-out to my dad and
twin brother. My dad has played rugby all
his life and my brother had two shoulder
dislocations so he’s retired but they were a
massive influence on me. That’s what helped
me from watching them play for almost my
whole life. I understood the game of rugby
and that’s probably what allowed me to
achieve so much in a short space of time.
My older cousin, David McIlwaine played for
Ulster professionally so he was an influence
as well and steered me onto the correct
pathway of elite sport.
Moving here after playing in England, there’s
a big difference for women’s rugby and we
aren’t quite able to match them yet at the
professional level, but the support we get in
clubs and provincial teams, hopefully that
will only take another couple of seasons
before we get there.
What have been your proudest moments
in rugby?
My first game for Loughborough University
was pretty special because we were playing at
Newcastle Falcons stadium. I was speechless!
Representing Ulster when we played against
Connacht in August at The Dub was another
proud moment. That was my third game as
a forward – Suff converted me for my sins!
I was calling the lineouts and my family
was there to watch. I knew how proud my
parents were so that was a nice feeling.
What are your rugby aspirations?
As I mentioned, I was recently converted to
a forward this season. I was playing second
row for both Ulster and Malone, so my goal
would be to establish myself in the back row
with Malone. Some of the girls and I work
really well together. My long-term goal is to
get back into the Ulster jersey.
WATCH: Ulster Rugby TV
What barriers have you had to overcome
to reach this point?
I’ve been quite lucky; there haven’t been
many barriers for me. At Loughborough,
the facilities are world-class. We trained and
played on 4G pitches and in professional
rugby stadiums. My first rugby coach was
Sarah Hunter who is the England Rugby
captain. That was phenomenal. Coming to
Ulster, the setup with Suff (Derek Suffern,
Performance Coach), Diesel (Paul Heasley,
Strength & Conditioning Coach), and
Pops (Neill Alcorn, Head Coach) and our
other coaches there are second-to-none.
At Malone, you can see the support we get
for women’s sport which is fantastic.
UlsterRugby.com
27

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john.orourke@macronstore.com
29

Ones to Watch
NAME
Munster have won all of their games so far this season – seven games in
the Guinness PRO14 and their two recent matches in the Champions Cup.
Last weekend’s Guinness PRO14 clash with Leinster which was due to be held
at Thomond Park on Boxing Day was postponed.
Niall Scannell
The 28 year old Hooker from
Cork, joined Munster in 2013.
Joined by his brother Rory
in the starting line-up, the
Scannells become the first
set of brothers to start for
Munster in the PRO12 in
December 2015.
Niall has represented Ireland
20 times.
Last 3 Meetings
Jack O’Donoghue
The 6’3’ back-row has played
127 times for Munster since
his debut against Zebre in
2014.
Following a spell of injury in
2018, O’Donoghue made 18
appearances in the 2019/20
season and does not shy
away from contact.
3 Jan
2020
9 Nov
2019
Liam Coombes
The 23 year old winger/
full-back from Cork, scored
a try on his debut away to
the Toyota Cheetahs in 2018.
Then promoted to the senior
squad ahead of this season.
With plenty of pace,
Coombes is a threat out
wide, as he showed against
Ulster in their A game
last month.
21 Dec
2018
Ulster 38 16 19
Munster 17 22 12
POSITION DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT
Stephen Archer Prop 29/01/1988 188cm 120kg
Diarmuid Barron Hooker 06/08/1999 183cm 98kg
Tadhg Beirne Lock/Back Row 08/01/1992 198cm 113kg
Chris Cloete Flanker 15/02/1991 176cm 98kg
Gavin Coombes Back Row 11/12/1997 198cm 110kg
James Cronin Prop 23/11/1990 180cm 113kg
Billy Holland Lock/Back Row 03/08/1985 191cm 111kg
Dave Kilcoyne Prop 14/12/1988 183cm 112kg
Jean Kleyn Lock 26/08/1993 203cm 125kg
Keynan Knox Prop 06/04/1999 185cm 115kg
Jeremy Loughman Prop 22/07/1995 185cm 120kg
Rhys Marshall Hooker 12/10/1992 184cm 108kg
Kevin O'Byrne Hooker 16/04/1991 180cm 107kg
Liam O'Connor Prop 13/07/1995 178cm 110kg
Tommy O'Donnell Back Row 21/05/1987 185cm 107kg
Jack O'Donoghue Back Row 08/02/1994 191cm 107kg
Peter O'Mahony Back Row 17/09/1989 191cm 106kg
Jack O'Sullivan Back Row 01/10/1998 188cm 100kg
John Ryan Prop 02/08/1988 183cm 117kg
Roman Salanoa Prop 28/10/1997 183cm 123kg
Niall Scannell Hooker 08/04/1992 185cm 109kg
RG Snyman Lock 29/01/1995 206cm 116kg
CJ Stander Back Row 05/04/1990 185cm 114kg
Fineen Wycherley Lock 11/12/1997 193cm 112kg
Joey Carbery Fly-half 01/11/1995 183cm 85kg
Craig Casey Scrum-half 19/04/1999 165cm 75kg
Andrew Conway Full-back / Wing 11/07/1991 180cm 89kg
Liam Coombes Full-back / Wing 01/05/1997 191cm 89kg
Neil Cronin Scrum-half 08/12/1992 173cm 83kg
Shane Daly Wing / Centre 19/12/1996 191cm 91kg
Damian De Allende Centre 25/11/1991 191cm 105kg
Keith Earls Utility Back 02/10/1987 178cm 90kg
Chris Farrell Centre 16/03/1993 193cm 110kg
Matt Gallagher Full-back 26/10/1996 185cm 95kg
Dan Goggin Centre 10/12/1994 185cm 100kg
Mike Haley Full-back 28/06/1994 191cm 93kg
JJ Hanrahan Fly-half / Centre 27/07/1992 183cm 93kg
Nick McCarthy Scrum-half 25/03/1995 180cm 84kg
Alex McHenry Centre 07/10/1997 188cm 95kg
Connor Murray Scrum-half 20/04/1989 188cm 94kg
Calvin Nash Wing 08/08/1997 178cm 90kg
Rory Scannell Centre 22/12/1993 180cm 98kg
Darren Sweetnam Wing 05/05/1993 185cm 95kg
31

Guinness PRO14 Campaign to Conclude
in March Ahead of New “Rainbow Cup”
The current Guinness PRO14 campaign will
end in March allowing South Africa’s four
‘Super’ teams and existing clubs to finish
the season with a 16-team “Rainbow Cup”
competition ahead of the British & Irish
Lions tour.
After consulting with key PRO14 stakeholders,
the Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup was chosen
as the best pathway to finish up the current
campaign and introduce South Africa’s four
‘Super’ teams: the Vodacom Bulls; Emirates
Lions; Cell C Sharks and DHL Stormers. This
decision also allows our European-based
sides to earn qualification for European
Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) tournaments
in 2021/22 in a fair and equitable manner.
Ahead of the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to
South Africa, the Guinness PRO14 Rainbow
Cup will provide a ground-breaking spectacle
for fans who will see international star players
from north and south establish new rivalries in
their bid for the ultimate Test selection.
Right through until the last kick of the ball in
the Rainbow Cup in June, fans will be able to
watch it all unfold with our broadcast partners
Premier Sports, eir Sport, S4C, TG4, DAZN
and Super Sport.
How it will work
The 2020/21 Guinness PRO14 campaign will
finish after 16 rounds with the Conference
winners facing each other in a final in late March.
Qualification for EPCR tournaments in 2021/22
will be decided by rankings after Round 16
On April 17, 2021, the Guinness PRO14
Rainbow Cup will kick-off and introduce the
Vodacom Bulls, Emirates Lions, Cell C Sharks
and DHL Stormers and their World Cupwinning
Springboks
The Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup will consist
of a pool stage (two pools of eight teams)
and a final between the two pool winners
The scheduled dates for the conclusion of the
2020-21 Guinness PRO14 campaign are:
R12: February 20
R13: February 27
R14: March 6
R15: March 13
R16: March 20
Final: March 27
Once Round 16 has been completed, the
top-ranked teams from each conference
will qualify for the 2021/22 Heineken
Champions Cup. The requirement for playoffs
is under review.
Guinness PRO14 “Rainbow Cup” – Forging
new rivalries
With South Africa preparing to host their
first British & Irish Lions tour since 2009, the
World Cup champions will see their ‘Super’
teams – the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers
take on the very best that Ireland, Italy,
Scotland and Wales have to offer.
Players aiming to make the British & Irish Lions
squad will find no better trial environment to
test themselves in, as they go up against the
likes of Siya Kolisi, Pieter Steph du Toit (both
DHL Stormers), Duane Vermeulen (Vodacom
Bulls), Elton Jantjies (Emirates Lions) and
former Guinness PRO14 top-try scorer
Makazole Mapimipi (Cell C Sharks).
The Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup will kick
off on April 17 with two pools of 8 teams
made up of two Irish, two South African,
two Welsh, one Italian and one Scottish club.
Each team will play one game against each
pool opponent and the sides that finish top
of their pools will face off in a final on June 19.
Across 57 matches, the Guinness PRO14
Rainbow Cup will feature the best of the
Springbok talent going toe-to-toe with
some of the British & Irish Lions’ biggest
names – every one of them keen to lay down
a marker to their respective selectors ahead
of what will prove to be a historic tour.
UlsterRugby.com
33

Guinness PRO14 Round 9
Sun 27 Dec
Last Time Out
19 - 32
Ulster left The Sportsground with an
impressive victory over Connacht on
Sunday evening, after an Ian Madigan
kicking masterclass and tries from Playerof-the-Match,
Jordi Murphy and Nick
Timoney strengthened Ulster’s position at
the top of Conference A.
It only took until the second minute of the
game for Ulster to open the scoring after
Connacht were penalised for not rolling
away. Ian Madigan made no mistake with the
long-range penalty effort.
Ulster doubled their lead through another Ian
Madigan penalty, after great work over the
ball by Jordi Murphy.
The hosts started to apply pressure on Ulster,
forcing a number of scrum penalties five
metres out, and Kyle McCall was sent to the
sin bin to add to Ulster’s woes. Connacht’s
efforts paid dividends when Jack Carty
dived over to score in the right-hand corner.
He converted his own try and took the lead
for the Galway side.
Ulster responded immediately, however, with
Ian Madigan adding three to his tally and retaking
the lead.
That lead wasn’t long-lived, as Connacht
capitalised on having the extra man on
the field, going wide to winger John Porch
who went over in the corner. Carty added
the conversion.
In the second half, with the Galway winds
starting to pick up, Ulster were first to strike.
The visitors got a penalty after Connacht
were pinged for collapsing the maul. Ian
Madigan kicked for the lineout option. Alby
Mathewson went on a sniping run off the
back of the Ulster maul but was brought
down just short. Jordi Murphy obliged in
picking up and powering over for the Ulster
men. Ian Madigan made no mistake with
the conversion.
Ulster were in the ascendency, and Nick
Timoney was next to get his name on the
scoresheet, collecting a lovely inside ball
from Greg Jones. Timoney bounced off a
couple of tackles to make his way over the
chalk. Madigan landed the extras.
Connacht pulled one back through centre,
Tom Daly bursting through the Ulster line.
Carty pulled the conversion attempt wide to
leave the score unconverted.
However, Ian Madigan put Ulster out of sight
with three excellent unanswered penalties in
the swirling wind to give Ulster their ninth
successive victory in the Guinness PRO14.
Full-time score: Connacht 19 Ulster 32
UlsterRugby.com 35

Bradley Roberts
Hooker
04/01/1996
175cm
108Kg
2
We caught up with the South African born
Rainey Old Boys RFC hooker, who has
recently joined the Ulster Rugby squad as
injury cover and featured in the wins over
Edinburgh and Connacht.
Brad, welcome to Ulster Rugby! You’re
from Durban, South Africa originally. Can
you tell us a little about your background
and what led you to Ulster?
Yes, I was born and raised in Durban and
went to school there. I moved to Wales
when I finished school to play rugby
before going home for a couple of
years, then I moved here in 2017.
I wanted to pursue rugby as a
career; I wasn’t really doing
much in South Africa and just
went through the motions
at university. I wanted to
give rugby another crack
and when the opportunity
came up to play for Rainey
Old Boys in Magherafelt,
I thought, “why not?”. I
wanted to take rugby
seriously and thought
it would be a foot in the
door.
They were looking for a
hooker at Rainey and Benjy
van der Byl at Coleraine
Rugby Club knows a couple
of agents - one of those
helped to place me in Wales
- they got hold of me to ask if
I was interested in going. It was
just by chance really; I wasn’t
looking for anything at the time
but when the chance came up, I
thought it was a good opportunity
to give it a go.
How were you selected to join up with the
Ulster squad?
I’ve been at Rainey since 2017 and have
been pretty successful there. We got
promoted into Division 2A of the All-Ireland
League in the 2018-19 season. I’m not too
sure how it happened but my performances
were going well and the next thing I know
is that I get a phone call saying that they’d
like me to come in as injury cover. I suppose
it came off the back of my hard work and
playing well for Rainey.
It was very surprising; I initially had
intentions of trying to get into the Ulster
set-up throughout my time at Rainey, but it
didn’t look like it was going to happen. So,
when the phone call came through, it was a
no-brainer for me to accept.
How have you found it since joining up
with the squad?
The squad is unbelievable. There are so many
good characters and good guys; I wouldn’t
have a bad word to say about any of them.
Everyone has been so welcoming and
helpful to me. It’s been an easy adjustment
because of them. I’ve been really enjoying
my time with the squad and am making the
most of it.
What were the emotions like when you
made your debut against Edinburgh?
It was a big moment for me and my family.
My dad passed away in September and
I said to him, “Dad, I’m going to make it”
and he told me, “I have no doubt.” I can’t
put into words how it felt. It’s something
I have wanted to do since I was a young
boy – I never thought it would be for Ulster
– but I’m happy it was in the end. It’s great
to be asked to be involved with a brilliant
club doing very well at the moment. It was
a privilege.
UlsterRugby.com
37

You seem to have developed a bit of a
fan club on social media – everyone was
rooting for you when you were close to
scoring on your debut!
It’s something to do with my hair, I think! It’s
a bit wild – definitely an eye-catcher!
How would you say club rugby has
prepared you to integrate with the
Ulster squad?
The club rugby has been massive. I think
the physicality is on-par with the pro game.
Although Rainey play in the Division 2A, it
doesn’t do them justice; the rugby is really
good. There’s a step-up in intensity in the
Ulster set-up, but club rugby did a lot to
prepare me. Some of the games you play
away with Rainey, the clubs are really tough.
It’s a good pathway into the pro game.
Ulster really owe me nothing; they didn’t
have to bring me in, so it’s a statement that
there’s potential for players in all of the
AIL leagues to be brought into the set-up
if they perform well and show promise. It’s
great for the club game because it gives
players hope. If I can do it, anyone can.
Has joining up with the Ulster squad
changed or renewed your ambitions?
My ambitions are to be a regular in the
side. I’ve only been in the squad for seven
weeks now and up until nine weeks ago,
I never thought I’d play for Ulster. My
ambitions have changed completely. I love
living in Northern Ireland; the people are
great and Belfast is a lovely city. I can see
myself living here long-term, so I need to
do my part and hopefully the rest will fall
into place.
39

Are you good at any other sports?
Basketball and karate.
What is your favourite film?
Hacksaw Ridge.
Do you have any fears? If so, what are they?
Heights – I’m not a fan!
What motivates you?
The girls you train and play with; the fitter
and better they get helps push you on.
Getting to Know:
Aishling O’Connell
LIVE STATS
Do you have a nickname? If so, what is it?
Shling.
Who was your favourite player growing up
and why?
Paul O’Connell - he was just an absolute
warrior and he has a great second name too!
Who is your favourite player now?
Ciara Griffin - her work rate is unreal.
What is your favourite thing about
playing rugby?
The contact.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us
about them.
We found two kittens on the side of the
road and adopted one this summer so we’ve
three kittens - Beag, Bróga and Rua.
Are you a tidy or messy person?
Definitely messy!
If you could eat one meal for the rest of
your life, what would it be?
Brownies and ice cream.
What can’t you live without?
Rugby. I definitely realise that after this year!
Do you have any pre-match rituals or
superstitions?
Breakfast has to be homemade pancakes
and bacon before a game.
If you were a super-hero, what powers
would you have?
To stay super fit no matter what I ate.
List two pet peeves.
When the dishes are left in the sink to “soak”
overnight; it drives me mad! Also, dirty play
on the pitch.
What three words would your friends use
to describe you?
Fun, kind and dedicated.
Click Here
UlsterRugby.com
41

Player
Q&A
David Shanahan, Scrumhalf
When did you start playing rugby, and who
was your first team?
Playing for Clontarf RFC when I was 8!
What’s your favourite rugby memory?
Beating Racing 92 at home in 2019.
If you could re-live one moment from your
rugby career, what would it be?
The above!
What’s the one thing you could not live
without?
Air.
What’s your pre-match routine?
Any superstitions?
Have to run on to the pitch – never walk!
Who has been the biggest influence on
your rugby career and why?
My Dad, he made me keep playing rugby
even when I hated it!
Tell us something not many people would
know about you?
I can dunk!
Favourite subject in school?
Latin.
All time favourite movie?
Friday Night Lights.
Best player you have played with?
Charles Piutau.
Best player you have played against?
Leone Nakarawa.
43

Rugby Gold Over The Rainbow
Normally as we herald the arrival of a new
year, it is refreshingly cliched to summon
uplifting wishes to our friends, family and,
of course, the community which would
normally convene at Kingspan Stadium for
a big Inter-Pro.
As 2021 arrives the terraces and stands
are empty, the concourse eerily silent,
the strangest of times for sport set to
continue in an unhappily disengaged way
for a while yet.
But it is a time when our hopes for reunions
with friends before a game must be
nurtured, when those of us who share a
passion for rugby must nourish the thought
of rolling up to a Guinness PRO14 clash or
for another big European night.
As this period in our global history
hopefully adapts and morphs into a more
recognisable way of living, enjoying our
lives Ulster’s fortunes – for many – have
been welcome, encouraging distractions.
Whether following on television, on radio or
by constant updates on our smartphones,
the desire to be immersed in ‘our’ club
proves unshaken.
In an astonishing, if smile-inducing,
bewildering, backcloth to the ‘virtual’
enthusiasm for the team and for individual
UlsterRugby.com
Guest article:
Rod Nawn
players, the success on the pitch in 2020’s
stop-go seasons has done much for
our wellbeing.
Dan McFarland spoke this week of his
overall impression of the past nine months
and the fixtures confusion of it being
“piece meal”, a generous but candid
summation of what must have been the
most challenging period in his time at
the helm.
Somehow Ulster has navigated hurdles
without precedent to compete in a 2019/20
PRO14 season in two parts, finishing its
domestic obligations and a Champions
Cup journey to the quarter-finals in the
early autumn – only to press restart a few
weeks later in both tournaments.
Covid-19 has convulsed every aspect
of life but sport in general has tried to
offer a conduit for passions and opinions,
an outlet for energies unspent and longheld
ambitions.
Rugby has rolled with the punches of
sudden lockdowns, complex restarts,
eleventh-hour postponements and what is
now the everyday ritual of Covid testing
and its consequent protocols.
It may well be tempting fate as this new
year of 2021 arrives, but the Guinness PRO14
is not just set on a course of finishing the
current campaign, indeed it is determined
on a radical, imaginative and potentially
defining conclusion.
The winners of the current two Conferences
will meet in the final, play-offs have been
‘binned’, and in April a new eight-match
Rainbow Cup will - it is hoped - seamlessly
follow with our familiar sides joined by
the glamourous South African powers in
the shape of the Bulls, Stormers, Sharks
and Lions.
So, full marks for audacious ambition, and
we will all hope the pandemic does not
play more havoc! On a sporting level it
could be a massive leap, and commercially
it has huge potential.
And in that future Dan McFarland has every
right to feel his team will flourish. Under his
stewardship of the last two years, he has
fashioned a squad which has his imprint.
It is organised, increasingly impressive up
front and with an attack-minded confidence
which has allowed Michael Lowry, James
Hume, Stewart Moore, Rob Lyttle, Ethan
McIlroy, Tom O’Toole, Eric O’Sullivan, Nick
Timoney and Matty Rea, to name but a few,
to flourish in the heat of battle.
This evening, for the inevitably robust visit of
Munster to Kingspan Stadium, the coaches
have a broader and more experienced pool
of proven players from which to choose.
The team which performed so well in a
rare victory in Galway on Sunday may have
had some names unfamiliar to the wider
rugby community but each and every one
of the Sportsground match-day panel
instinctively played with McFarland’s ‘heads
up’ instruction.
With every month it has been more difficult
than under previous regimes to identify a
raft of ‘nailed-on’ selections for big games
in both competitions. With the virus running
amok, with international calls at important
stages of the club season, Ulster has become
a stronger unit physically and mentally, and
it has a heavier swathe of stardust to scatter
in the cause.
Munster sits atop Conference B with seven
games played and all won, while Ulster
heads Conference A with nine victories
from as many matches, so it’s not just
another PRO14 clash, not just another
Inter-Pro derby.
Today the visitors will field many of their
internationals, so don’t be surprised to see
the names of Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, JJ
Hanrahan, Conor Murray, Peter O’Mahony
and CJ Stander on the teamsheet, and
Ulster’s firm eye on the title prize could
mean Billy Burns, Jacob Stockdale, Stuart
McCloskey and John Cooney will feature
after missing the Connacht win under the
IRFU’s Player Management protocols.
The holiday fixtures between these old
rivals are never less than exhausting affairs,
but Johann van Graan’s teams mirror
McFarland’s in having match winners behind
impressive set-pieces and forward units.
They are intriguing clashes every year, no
quarter asked nor given, but rarely – given
the streamlined denouement to the race
for the PRO14 title – has there been a
more important one. Both clubs will now
be focused on getting to the Final with
unblemished records, though Ulster’s visit
to Leinster next week will crank up the
expectations if the hosts travel to the RDS
with its 100 per cent record intact.
But on this opening Saturday of 2021, the
thoughts in the Ulster dressing room will be
solely on Munster, multiple winners, a club
emerging quickly through a transitional
period. It promises to be a wonderful
tussle and one which would have packed
the Kingspan Stadium arena, but in these
different times support will be a very social
distance, sadly.
Here’s to happier times ahead, when the
throng assembles to cheer a team reliably
able to meet all obstacles with a full,
confident stride.
Happy New Year all!
45

47

Thank You!
2020/21 FIXTURES
Ulster Rugby wish to thank all of our sponsors
and partners for their continued support.
Main Sponsor
JANUARY
Munster Sat 2 5.15pm Home
Leinster Fri 8 7.35pm Away
Gloucester Sat 16 1.00pm Home
Toulouse Sun 24 3.15pm Away
Kit Sponsor
Official Sponsors
Domestic Sponsors
Official On-kit Sponsors
GUINNESS PRO14 CONFERENCE A
Team Played W D L Bonus Pts
Ulster 9 9 0 0 6 42
Leinster 7 7 0 0 7 35
Ospreys 8 3 0 5 2 14
Dragons 7 3 0 4 2 14
Glasgow Warriors 8 2 0 6 2 10
Zebre 8 1 0 7 1 5
Official Partners
mmw
Millar McCall Wylie
GUINNESS PRO14 CONFERENCE B
Team Played W D L Bonus Pts
Munster 7 7 0 0 4 32
Connacht 7 4 0 3 4 20
Scarlets 8 4 0 4 4 20
Cardiff Blues 9 4 0 5 2 18
Edinburgh 7 2 0 5 2 10
Benetton 7 0 0 7 3 3
UlsterRugby.com
49