Ulster Rugby Match Day Programme - Leinster

ULSTER 

Official Match Day Programme 

v LEINSTER 

Sat 6 Mar 2021, 7.35pm 

Kingspan Stadium

8 

Issue 

In this 

Welcome and best wishes to you and yours, as tonight 

Ulster proceed with their Guinness PRO14 campaign. 

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 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 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 keep to winning ways, following a win last weekend against the 

Ospreys. Tonight, our Ulstermen will face a tough test as they clash with Leinster. 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 this evening. 

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. 

26 

32 

President’s Welcome 5 

Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup 7 

Player Interview: Robert Baloucoune 8 

Virtual Mascot 11 

Senior Squad 14 

Teams 20 

Behind the Player: Keelin Brady 26 

Leinster: Ones To Watch 28 

Last Time Out 30 

Player Interview: Jordi Murphy 32 

First Female Chair at Dungannon RFC 36 

International Women’s Day 42 

Getting to Know: Neve Jones 48 

Player Q&A: Aaron Sexton 49 

36 

42 

3

President’s 

Welcome 

Welcome to Round 14 of the 2020-21 

Guinness PRO14 campaign. We’re back at 

Kingspan Stadium for the second week 

running, but without our supporters in 

these difficult times. 

Our guests tonight are provincial rivals, 

Leinster, and I extend a warm welcome 

to the team; it has been almost two years 

since we hosted them at Kingspan Stadium. 

We are surely in for a highly competitive 

Inter-Pro as Ulster look to put pressure on 

the Conference A leaders. 

Ulster come off the back of a 21-7 victory 

over a determined Ospreys side, and are 

sitting in second place in Conference A 

with 54 points. Tonight’s opponents 

Leinster saw off Glasgow at Scotstoun 

Stadium on Sunday by 40 points to 21, 

collecting the bonus point to strengthen 

their position at the summit of our 

Conference A with 60 points. 

It was fantastic to see the return against 

Ospreys last week of Jacob Stockdale, 

Robert Baloucoune and Sean Reidy, after 

recovering from their respective injuries. 

My congratulations also go to Ross Kane 

on making his 50th appearance for the 

Ulster men. 

Last Saturday, Iain Henderson, Rob Herring 

and Billy Burns featured in Ireland’s 

dispatching of Italy by 10-48 at The Stadio 

Olimpico. Congratulations to all of them! 

This week, we were bolstered by the news 

that David McCann and Ross Kane became 

the latest pair to commit their futures to 

the Province ahead of the 2021/22 season. 

Well done to both players. 

Ulster ‘A’ were also in action last weekend, 

and despite a final flourish of tries, they 

unfortunately weren’t enough to overcome 

Munster ‘A’ at Energia Park, as they were 

defeated 22-29. Conor Rankin and Aaron 

Sexton got on the scoresheet, with a 

penalty and conversion through the boot of 

Bill Johnston, as well as another conversion 

from Nathan Doak. 

Tonight’s special edition match programme 

celebrates Women and Girls’ rugby in Ulster 

as we approach International Women’s 

Day on Monday 8th March. Ulster Rugby is 

taking the opportunity in this programme 

to share some of your favourite moments 

from the Women and Girls’ game, as we 

move towards a return to domestic rugby 

as soon as is possible within restrictions. 

I hope you enjoy the game tonight. We’re 

grateful to you for continuing to Stand 

Up For the Ulster Men from home to help 

protect our community. 

SUFTUM 

Gary Leslie 

President, IRFU Ulster Branch 

UlsterRugby.com 

5

GUINNESS PRO14 CAMPAIGN TO CONCLUDE IN 

MARCH AHEAD OF NEW “RAINBOW CUP” WITH 

SOUTH AFRICA’S TOP FOUR ‘SUPER’ TEAMS 

The current Guinness PRO14 campaign will end in 

March allowing South Africa’s four ‘Super’ teams 

and our 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 Cup-winning 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 

FINAL CHAPTER OF GUINNESS PRO14 

Rounds 12 to 16 will take place from February 20 and conclude 

on March 20. A final will then take place at the home venue of the 

highest-ranked team. This abbreviated fixture list will aim to ensure 

home and away in-conference fixtures are completed and each 

team plays all of its cross-conference matches also. Further 

clarification will be available when fixtures are confirmed. 

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. Requirement for play-offs 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 an historic tour. 

7

Robert Baloucoune 

We always 

back 

ourselves, 

especially 

at home 

Wing 

19/08/1997 

1.93m 

90kg 

22 

The winger made his first appearance 

of the season for Ulster last weekend 

against Ospreys, after recovering from 

long-term injury, and he is delighted to 

be back in action. 

Welcome back Rob, you must be delighted 

to get back out there? 

It’s always great to be back on the pitch. It 

was frustrating during the long period I 

was out. I had a second injury on top of my 

hamstring, just as I was getting back into the 

swing of things, but I’m back on the pitch now 

and happy I’m playing. 

It felt pretty good when I came on against 

Ospreys because I was passed the ball pretty 

early in the second half. There was no beating 

around the bush, and I got stuck in quite 

quickly. I felt the running around in the first 

few minutes, but I got settled in after that. It 

was a bit of a shock to the system but it was 

great. It’s different playing a match; you can’t 

really train for it. I found as soon as I was on 

the pitch, I was looking to get past someone; 

it’s completely different to training but I really 

enjoyed it and I’m ready for next week. 

The game against Ospreys would have 

been your first game behind-closed-doors. 

How did you find it? 

It was weird. You could hear both teams 

screaming away; it’s so different without fans 

and you miss them. Having fans gives you 

a real boost and we’re all looking forward 

to them returning. It’s still a game of rugby 

though at the end of the day, and you just 

have to get through it. 

You were called up to the Ireland 

development training squad last season 

before lockdown; it must have been 

frustrating that you were injured and out 

of contention for the Autumn Nations Cup 

and Six Nations? 

Yeah quite a few of the [Ireland] Sevens 

boys like Shane Daly and Hugo Keenan are 

getting their chances in the Ireland squad. 

I was disappointed but there wasn’t much 

I could do; that’s rugby for you. Hopefully 

my chance comes again and I can put my 

performances in for Ulster and get back into 

the situation I was in before. 

You mentioned the Sevens players – what 

do you make of those players stepping up 

into the 15s Ireland squad? 

I wouldn’t have thought in a few years that 

we’d see each other in the Ireland squad. It’s 

good to see the boys progressing through. 

That switch to 15s has worked well for them 

and playing Sevens has benefited them. It’s 

great to see they’re performing well too – Will 

Connors and Hugo Keenan were class at the 

weekend [against Italy]. It just shows how 

much it has benefited them playing Sevens. 

It’s a massive game with the two top teams 

in Conference A of the Guinness PRO14 

going head-to-head; are you confident 

that you can beat Leinster this weekend? 

We always back ourselves, especially at 

home, to beat Leinster. We’ve definitely got 

the players. We showed a bit of that in the 

second half where we were able to play a 

bit more with the ball against Ospreys. We 

didn’t really start well but we’ll be looking to 

come out hard and put Leinster on the back 

foot from the start. 

Would you say this game is an opportunity 

to gain control and put pressure on Leinster? 

It’s our opportunity to put in a performance. 

If we can do that against Leinster, it 

means we have the most wins in a season. 

Hopefully we can do that. We’ve just been 

talking about focusing on ourselves and if 

that means beating Leinster and putting 

out a good performance, that’s what we’ll 

do. In terms of finishing the season, we’re 

looking for maximum points and putting as 

much pressure as we can on Leinster. 


9

Virtual 

Mascot 

Name: Hugo Robertson 

Age: 2 

From: Newtownards 

Favourite player: Iain Henderson 

Hugo is getting to grips with his mini 

rugby ball and loves watching Ulster 

play on TV. 

His favourite player is Iain Henderson 

as he has enjoyed watching him play 

in this year’s Guinness Six Nations. 

Hugo’s Grandad is a Season Ticket 

Holder and hopefully it won’t be too 

long before they make the trip to 

Kingspan Stadium together! 

11

DISCOVER THE 

SPIRIT WITHIN. 

“ THE INDOMINABLE SPIRIT OF OUR PEOPLE 

IS THE VERY SOUL OF OUR WHISKY” 

Product available to purchase at 

WWW.LOCHLOMONDWHISKIES.COM 

@lochlomondmalts @lochlomondwhiskies 

THE SPIRIT OF PRO14 RUGBY 

Enjoy Responsibly

Senior 

Squad 

Angus 

Curtis 

Fly Half / Centre 

26/03/1998 

178cm 

92kg 

13 

Matt 

Faddes 

Centre/Wing 

06/11/1991 

185cm 

94kg 

26 

Craig 

Gilroy 

Wing 

11/03/1991 

183cm 

92kg 

191 

10 

Iain 

Henderson 

Lock 

21/02/1992 

198cm 

117kg 

116 

61 

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 

80 

Robert 

Baloucoune 

Wing 

19/08/1997 

193cm 

90kg 

22 

Rob 

Herring 

Hooker 

27/04/1990 

185cm 

107kg 

190 

19 

James 

Hume 

Centre 

07/09/1998 

188cm 

98kg 

32 

Bill 

Johnston 

Fly Half 

07/02/1997 

180cm 

87kg 

18 

Greg 

Jones 

Back Row 

13/01/1996 

196cm 

105kg 

23 

Billy 

Burns 

Fly Half 

13/06/1994 

185cm 

86kg 

44 

6 

Sam 

Carter 

Lock 

10/09/1989 

201cm 

116kg 

21 

AUS 16 

Marcell 

Coetzee 

Back Row 

08/05/1991 

193cm 

114kg 

56 

SA 30 

John 

Cooney 

Scrum Half 

01/05/1990 

178cm 

87kg 

78 

11 

Ross 

Kane 

Prop 

14/10/1996 

180cm 

118kg 

50 

Michael 

Lowry 

Full Back 

20/08/1998 

170cm 

75kg 

37 

Louis 

Ludik 

Full Back 

08/10/1986 

183cm 

90kg 

112 

Rob 

Lyttle 

Wing 

28/01/1997 

175cm 

85kg 

41 


15

Centre 

06/08/1992 

193cm 

11kg 

132 

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 

51 

10 

Marty 

Moore 

Centre 

08/08/1999 

1831cm 

91kg 

11 

Stewart 

Moore 

Back Row 

22/04/1991 

188cm 

105kg 

42 

30 

Jordi 

Murphy 

Centre 

03/03/1991 

180cm 

97kg 

144 

11 

Luke 

Marshall 

Scrum Half 

13/12/1985 

173cm 

93kg 

11 

NZ 4 

Alby 

Mathewson 

Hooker 

05/09/1996 

183cm 

102kg 

35 

Adam 

McBurney 

Prop 

02/01/1992 

175cm 

111kg 

65 

Kyle 

McCall 

Fly Half 

21/03/1989 

180cm 

87kg 

17 

30 

Ian 

Madigan 

Lock 

10/09/1992 

196cm 

114kg 

123 

Alan 

O’Connor 

Lock / Back Row 

19/05/1995 

193cm 

110kg 

15 

David 

O’Connor 

Prop 

23/09/1998 

185cm 

120kg 

52 

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 

65 

David 

Shanahan 

Wing / Full Back 

03/04/1996 

191cm 

103kg 

74 

33 

Jacob 

Stockdale 

Back Row 

01/08/1995 

188cm 

111kg 

72 

Nick 

Timoney 

Lock 

06/11/1995 

198cm 

118kg 

101 

3 

Kieran 

Treadwell 

Prop 

12/03/1991 

178cm 

113kg 

130 

Andrew 

Warwick 

Prop 

30/11/1995 

183cm 

115kg 

58 

1 

Eric 

O’Sullivan 

Back Row 

21/09/1993 

193cm 

112kg 

56 

Matthew 

Rea 

Back Row 

10/05/1989 

183cm 

103kg 

136 

2 

Sean 

Reidy 

17 

UlsterRugby.com

19

1 O’Sullivan 2 Andrew 3 O’Toole 

1 Byrne 2 Tracy 3 Bent 

4 O’Connor 

5 Treadwell 

4 Toner 5 Fardy 

C 

6 Timoney 

8 Coetzee 

7 Murphy 

6 Ruddock 

8 Penny 

7 van der Flier 

C 

9 Cooney 

9 McGrath 

11 Stockdale 

10 Madigan 

11 Kearney 

10 Byrne 

12 McCloskey 

12 O’Loughlin 

REPLACEMENTS 

REPLACEMENTS 

16 A McBurney 

16 S Cronin 

17 A Warwick 

18 M Moore 

13 Hume 

17 P Dooley 

18 T Clarkson 

13 O’Brien 

19 C Izuchukwu 

19 R Molony 

20 S Reidy 

21 A Mathewson 

15 Lowry 

14 Baloucoune 

20 J Murphy 

21 R Osborne 

15 O’Reilly 

14 Kelleher 

22 S Moore 

23 R Lyttle 

Referee: Frank Murphy (IRFU) 

Assistant Referees: Seán Gallagher, Robert O’Sullivan (both IRFU) 

TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU) 

22 J Osborne 

23 J Dunne 


21

Next 

ULSTER 

Home Game: 

v ZEBRE 

FRI 19 MAR 

8.15PM 

KINGSPAN 

STADIUM 

23

FULL MATCH REPLAYS 

NOW AVAILABLE 

WITH XTRA 

MEMBERSHIP. 

SIGN UP NOW AT 

PRO14.RUGBY 

25

Behind the Player 

Keelin Brady 

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 Railway Union RFC 

and Ulster second row, Keelin Brady. 

Tell us a little about your rugby pathway 

to date. 

I came from a family which loved sport; my 

dad and brother played rugby. I started out 

paying Gaelic football and camogie. I’d be 

watching my brother playing and watching 

on the sidelines at Virginia RFC, and people 

would ask me, “would you not join? We have 

a girls’ team.” I went to one training session 

after being pestered by my parents to go, 

and I remember we were training on the 

main pitch and I loved it. I played for three 

years at underage level at Virginia and we 

had great success winning leagues and 

a cup. It laid the foundation for me and 

nurtured my love of the game. That’s where 

my passion grew. 

Off the back of that success, I was chosen 

to play for Ulster U18s. The first year I played 

was the year we won the Inter-Pros in 2016. 

I played another year for the U18s and I 

was chosen to be vice-captain, so that was 

another great year for me. I just started off 

my rugby career in a really strong team 

and the girls were fantastic; it paved the 

way for me. When I finished playing for the 

Ulster U18s, it was around the time I got 

my Leaving Certs and went off to college. 

I applied for a college in Kildare and got 

a sport scholarship, so I played with the 

club in Kildare, MU Barnhall for two years, 

Second Row 

25/05/1999 

before pushing myself further and getting in 

contact with John Cronin at Railway Union 

and joining up with them. This is my second 

season playing there and I’m now in the 

Ulster senior squad. I’ve come through the 

ranks and really enjoying it. 

Who have been your main influences in 

your rugby career? 

There have been so many! Starting out at 

Virginia, it was such a family atmosphere 

and when my brother played, my dad 

coached him then when I started playing, 

dad coached me! I made friends for life 

at Virginia and the coaches there, Dessie 

Higgins, Ivor Fannin, Pat Mullen and my 

dad, Hugh Brady – I better mention him 

– were such a huge influence on me and 

made me the player I am today. I’d have to 

hand them that! 

The lads up at Ulster – Suff (Derek Suffern), 

Pops (Neill Alcorn) and Diesel (Paul Heasley) 

have always been pushing us to be the best 

we can be and have been great influences at 

such a high level when I was thrown in at the 

deep end at age 18! 

Our Ulster U18 coaches, Charlie Farrell, Zoe 

Faloon, Jemma Jackson and Davy Chambers 

were very good to me when I started off in 

the squad. They were fantastic mentors. 

At Railway Union, John Cronin, Andy 

(Adams), Blaise (Kenny), Jude (Cleary) 

and all the people at the club have been 

a fantastic support. I’m only in my second 

season at Railway, so it has been great to rely 

on them to push me in the right direction. 

What have been your proudest moments 

in rugby? 

From the glory days in Virginia to playing 

senior level, I’ve had a few! One that stood 

out the most was was vice-captain of the 

Ulster U18s in my second year in the squad. 

Our first game was against Connacht 

which was played at home in Virginia. It 

was an honour to play at home and have 

my family and club family all around me. 

Another special time was my first AIL 

match with Railway Union at age 18. My 

parents were with me then as well and it 

was a great privilege. Through Railway 

Union, I also got the opportunity to play 

rugby in Canada for a summer, which I 

loved. Of course, getting my first senior 

cap for Ulster was a fantastic moment. It 

was great to have the honour of playing 

for my province and putting on my jersey 

for the first time. It was something I’ll 

never forget. 

#IWD2021 


27

Ones to Watch 

NAME 

Luke McGrath 

Last 3 Meetings 

Peter Dooley 

Leading the team as captain in the absence of Johnny Sexton, 

McGrath was the January Player of the Month for Leinster 

Rugby. The 19-time capped Ireland international scored 

Leinster’s fifth try against Glasgow stemming their comeback. 

Across two games, he also gained 52 metres and dictated the 

play expertly for his side. 

Birr man Peter Dooley was a mainstay in the Leinster scrum 

throughout February, starting both of the province’s games 

against Dragons and Glasgow Warriors. In the 29-35 win at 

Dragons, Dooley scored the crucial first try during a difficult 

first half. He also pitched in with 10 carries and 10 tackles in an 

attritional contest. He was even more involved last time out 

against Glasgow Warriors, making 13 tackles and carrying 18 

times in an all-action performance. 

Scott Penny 

Flanker Scott Penny has flown clear at the top of the 

Leinster try-scoring charts for this season with nine, all 

scored in the Guinness PRO14. In February, he scored 

three tries in two games. Penny also had a combined 22 

carries for 88 metres and 29 tackles. Against Glasgow, he 

also became just the fifth player to make 20-plus carries 

and tackles in a PRO14 game since Opta started recording 

this data in 2009-10. 

8 Jan 

2021 

12 Sep 

2020 

29 Aug 

2020 

Ulster 12 5 10 

Leinster 24 27 28 

POSITION DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT 

Vakh Abdaladze Prop 06/02/1996 1.85m 117kg 

Adam Byrne Wing/Full Back 10/04/1994 1.93m 101kg 

Andrew Porter Prop 16/01/1996 1.84m 114kg 

Caelan Doris Back Row 02/04/1998 1.94m 106kg 

Cian Healy Prop 07/10/1987 1.85m 112kg 

Cian Kelleher Wing/Full Back 07/08/1994 1.85m 90kg 

Ciarán Frawley Outhalf 04/12/1997 1.92m 95.6kg 

Conor O’Brien Centre 06/02/1996 1.90m 101kg 

Dan Leavy Flanker 23/05/1994 1.91m 106kg 

Dan Sheehan Hooker 17/09/1998 1.91m 111kg 

Dave Kearney Wing/Full Back 19/06/1989 1.81m 90kg 

Devin Toner Lock 29/06/1986 2.08m 126kg 

Ed Byrne Prop 09/09/1993 1.80m 114kg 

Garry Ringrose Centre 26/01/1995 1.87m 95kg 

Harry Byrne Outhalf 22/04/1999 1.88m 92kg 

Hugh O’Sullivan Scrumhalf 24/02/1998 1.79m 80kg 

Hugo Keenan Full back 18/06/1996 1.85m 92kg 

Jack Conan No.8 29/07/1992 1.93m 111kg 

Jack Dunne Second Row 21/11/1998 2.02m 112kg 

James Lowe Wing/Full Back 08/07/1992 1.88m 105kg 

James Ryan Lock 24/07/1996 2.04m 116kg 

James Tracy Hooker 02/04/1991 1.85m 106kg 

Jamison Gibson-Park Scrumhalf 23/02/1992 1.76m 80kg 

Jimmy O’Brien Centre 27/11/1996 1.84m 89kg 

Johnny Sexton Fly Half 11/07/1985 1.88m 92kg 

Jordan Larmour Wing 10/06/1997 1.78m 90kg 

Josh Murphy Flanker 17/02/1995 1.96m 110kg 

Josh van der Flier Flanker 25/04/1993 1.87m 102kg 

Luke McGrath Scrumhalf 03/02/1993 1.75m 82kg 

Max Deegan No.8 01/10/1996 1.93m 109kg 

Michael Bent Prop 25/04/1986 1.85m 118kg 

Peter Dooley Prop 04/08/1994 1.85m 116kg 

Rhys Ruddock Back Row 13/11/1990 1.91m 111kg 

Robbie Henshaw Centre/Full Back 12/06/1993 1.91m 99kg 

Rónan Kelleher Hooker 24/01/1998 1.85m 106kg 

Rory O'Loughlin Centre 21/01/1994 1.88m 94kg 

Ross Byrne Fly Half 08/04/1995 1.88m 90kg 

Ross Molony Lock 11/05/1994 2.00m 113kg 

Rowan Osborne Scrumhalf 03/11/1996 1.71m 77kg 

Ryan Baird Second Row 26/07/1999 1.98m 112kg 

Scott Fardy Lock 05/07/1984 1.98m 111kg 

Scott Penny Flanker 22/09/1999 1.85m 103kg 

Seán Cronin Hooker 06/05/1986 1.80m 103kg 

Tadhg Furlong Prop 14/11/1992 1.85m 123kg 

Tommy O’Brien Centre 28/05/1998 1.83m 95kg 

Will Connors Back Row 04/04/1996 1.93m 102kg 

29

advantage however, and Madigan kicked for 

the line-out. John Andrew came away from 

the maul to score. John Cooney duly slotted 

the conversion. 

The Ulster men began to turn the screw, 

punching at the Ospreys line for a sustained 

period. Dan Evans impeded an Ulster pass 

and saw yellow for a deliberate knock-on. 

Referee Seán Gallagher awarded Ulster with 

the penalty try. 

Lyttle thought he had scored again after 

Sean Reidy charged down a Rhys Webb 

kick to offload to the winger, but the ball 

crept forward when Reidy tried to get the 

ball away. 

In a further stroke of misfortune, Lyttle was 

denied a try for a third time, after Ulster went 

through the hands but the TMO spotted a 

forward pass in the build-up. 

The Ulster men looked good for another try 

but time wasn’t on their side and the referee 

blew the whistle to end the game. 

Ulster remain in second place in Conference 

A of the Guinness PRO14 with 54 points. 

Full-time score: Ulster 21 - 7 Ospreys 

Guinness PRO14 Round 13 

FRI 26 FEB 

Last Time Out 

21 - 7 

WATCH: Highlights 

Ulster put in a strong second half 

performance to get a hard-earned victory 

over Ospreys at Kingspan Stadium last 

Friday night. 

The visitors were first to strike in just the 

2nd minute of the game, when captain 

Rhys Webb charged down Ian Madigan’s 

attempted clearing kick, for winger Keelan 

Giles to pounce on the ball and score the try. 

Stephen Myler added the conversion. 

Ulster found themselves defending for much 

of the first quarter, Rhys Webb again causing 

Ulster problems, making a break up the short 

side to test the hosts’ defence. 

An opportunity came for Ulster when Jacob 

Stockdale held firm to keep the ball in play 

at the touchline and fed Michael Lowry who 

went on the chip-and-chase, but an unlucky 

bounce of the ball led to an Ospreys scrum 

and scuppered his efforts. 

Ulster finally got on the board in the 38th 

minute against the run of play. Nick Timoney 

pilfered a loose ball and used his impressive 

pace to go on a searing run down the left 

wing, dispatching the supporting John 

Cooney to run in under the posts. Cooney 

added the two to his score. 

Ulster found their rhythm in the opening 

few minutes of the second half. It looked 

like Rob Lyttle was in at the left-hand corner 

but the try was ruled out. Ulster had the 


31

Jordi Murphy 

Ulster Rugby caught up with the 

openside to chat about his captaincy, 

Saturday’s clash with Leinster and the 

role professional sportsmen can play in 

promoting Women’s sport. 

Congratulations on being appointed 

captain for the last two games – both wins 

- against Glasgow and Ospreys. How did it 

feel to lead the side in those games? 

It was incredible. Dan had chatted to me 

on the Monday morning the week of the 

Glasgow game. It took me by surprise but 

I was delighted and said, “absolutely, I’d 

love to!”. It’s an easy group to be captain of 

because there are some really experienced 

guys in there who have strong voices and 

people aren’t afraid to speak up. A lot of 

young, really keen guys who are happy to be 

led and to listen when it comes to advice I 

might be able to give them or what direction 

we want to point the team in. To get two wins 

out of two, I couldn’t have asked for anymore. 

They haven’t been the finest performances 

but we’re definitely trending in the right 

direction. It’s been a pleasure to captain the 

team so far. 

Does being captain change how you 

prepare for a game? 

I don’t think it really does, to be honest. I’d 

always prepare the same way, trying to make 

sure I have all my work and learnings done 

at the start of the week so I can get into 

the tail-end of the week feeling confident 

and knowing my role. One thing that has 

changed is making sure I have to speak up a 

bit more. I do anyway; I’m not afraid to speak 

my mind if there’s something I think will help 

the group, I would have said it anyway. But 

maybe it’s a little more talking in the middle 

of training sessions or afterwards. I delegate 

a bit to some other guys to speak up at 

certain times because you don’t want to hear 

the same voice all week, so it’s just about 

trying to share the load with other players 

who can make good points. It hasn’t been 

a huge change but dealing with the referee 

is a new one. It used to be only when I was 

in trouble but now I’m talking to the referee 

more as captain. 

Have you had any advice from any of the 

other leaders or coaches in the squad? 

Not really but I’ve captained teams before 

at age-grade level and I would be one of 

the people who might speak up more. I’ve 

learned from really good captains like Rory 

Best and Iain Henderson at Ulster, Paul 

O’Connell at Ireland, and Isa Nacewa and Leo 

Cullen at Leinster. I’ve had some pretty good 

players to look up to! I look back now at the 

way they conducted themselves and try to 

learn from that. 

You seemed to be absolutely everywhere in 

both games you skippered – would you say 

your leadership style is to lead by example? 

I think so. As I said, I’m not afraid to speak 

up but I would never want to be one of 

those rambling captains who does a lot 

more talking than doing! I think the best 

way to lead is definitely by example. If you 

can get through your work well, that’s good 

infectious energy for the people around you 

and I think that’s the best way to lead. I’m 

enjoying my rugby at the moment and long 

may that continue. 

Just on that point, are there any particular 

areas of your own game that you’ve been 

focusing on this season? 

One of the things we always do is chat to 

coaches non-stop throughout the season. 

Defence-wise with Jared Payne, we’ve been 

looking at not just tackle completion but 

more impact tackles and winning the gain 

Back Row 

22/04/1991 

1.88m 

105kg 

42 

30 


33

line. Making good decisions at ruck time 

is something I’ve been working on with 

the coaches and Roddy Grant especially 

– making sure you can quickly get back 

into the defensive line. They are two of 

the things I’ve been focusing on; there’s 

room for improvement but I’m going in 

the right direction. 

From a back-row perspective, what 

will Ulster need to do to get the win 

and put pressure on them at the top of 

Conference A? 

Every time we play Leinster, it’s a really 

attritional game. They play at a really high 

tempo and that’s something that we as a 

back-row need to lead; our speed around 

the park – not just in defence but in attack 

as well. Leinster get a lot 

of energy and speed 

from their back-row. 

We would at the 

very minimum be 

looking to match 

that and pick it 

up a level from there. It’s really exciting to 

be playing a team that, if we’re honest, has 

been better than us for a number of years, 

but we are definitely improving game-ongame. 

We’re really looking forward to a big 

battle against them. They’ve been pretty 

tasty over the last few years and ones 

which we’ve unfortunately fallen on the 

wrong side of and we want to right that 

wrong this weekend. 

You’re a supporter of the recentlyconcluded 

20x20 campaign to champion 

Women’s sport in Ireland. What role do 

you think professional sportsmen can 

play in supporting and promoting the 

women’s game? 

A really big role – from a professional 

sportsman’s point of view, we’re quite 

fortunate that we get a lot of media coverage 

ourselves. It’s important to be able to shine 

a spotlight from the position we’re in on 

Women’s sport which is growing yearon-year. 

It still needs a lot of support and 

that’s something that as professional 

sportspeople we can do to promote it . For 

example, promote it on social media and 

to watch it obviously and have an input on 

it when it’s on. We should put a spotlight 

on it and take any opportunity we can to 

speak about it and get involved as much 

as possible. 

In Ireland, Women’s sport has gone from 

strength-to-strength in the last few 

years. The women have done incredible 

things on the rugby front; they’ve done 

incredibly well in the Six Nations and had 

some amazing wins in the World Cup, 

none more so than against New Zealand a 

few years ago. The more you can promote 

the Women’s game, the more it’s seen 

amongst younger women and girls, and 

the more they’ll get involved in sport. 

Sport is an incredible thing and if possible, 

every young person should be involved 

in it; girls are no different to boys in that 

regard in my eyes. It doesn’t take a lot to 

help shine a spotlight on Women’s sport. 

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35

#IWD2021 

Cheryl Wilson leads the way 

as first female Chair of Rugby 

at Dungannon RFC 

Cheryl Wilson has been co-opted to 

Chairperson of Rugby on Dungannon 

RFC’s general committee – making her 

the first woman to hold the position at 

the club. 

“It’s got a lot of attention!”, Cheryl said 

when speaking to Ulster Rugby of her 

appointment. “As far as I was concerned, 

I was privileged to be taking up the role 

within my club, but I’ve had phone calls 

and congratulations from all over Ireland.” 

A devotee to the women’s game in Ulster, 

Wilson has been embedded in rugby 

life for as long as she can 

remember, watching games 

from the side of the pitch as 

a youngster. As soon as she 

was able to drive, she joined 

Cooke RFC – the only club 

with a women’s team at the 

time – so that she could play 

the game she loved. 

As the women’s game grew, 

she moved to City of Armagh 

RFC and enjoyed All Ireland 

success there. In 2016 when her native 

Dungannon set up a senior women’s team, 

she jumped at the opportunity to get 

involved. Since then, the women’s section 

at the club has gone from strength-tostrength, 

with the team winning the 

Regenerate cup in their first season and 

now competing in the Deloitte Ulster 

Women’s Premiership. 

Cheryl has become a recognisable figure 

at Dungannon, volunteering when possible 

and supporting the other teams within the 

club. It was this, along with her leadership 

skills, that she feels led to her appointment. 

“The biggest thing for women in rugby 

leadership roles is definitely confidence 

and having the knowledge of the game. 

You need to have the experience, ability 

and understanding to forge an opinion 

and the confidence to communicate it 

effectively. It is also the ability to get on 

with people to get the job done. 

“I’ve always been able to help people and 

that finds its way back to you. I’d be the 

first to put my hand up if something was 

needed and it gets you known throughout 

the club.” 

As Chairperson of Rugby, she will oversee 

all on-pitch aspects of the club, with 

responsibility for coaches and participation 

levels. She will ensure each team within 

Dungannon, irrespective of age, gender or 

ability has what it needs to 

succeed. 

“There’s a good set-up here 

already. I will be taking over 

from Kenny Wright, [who 

now takes up the Junior 

Vice-President position at 

the club] and anywhere 

that I can see potential for 

improvement, that’s up to 

me with the support of the 

committee.” 

When it comes to being appointed to a 

club committee, Cheryl stresses that it’s 

important to earn that place on merit, 

that gender should not be a basis for 

appointment. 

She doesn’t see herself as a pioneer but 

would be delighted if her experience 

sparks an interest in women and girls to 

get involved at their club. 

“Even if girls never play anything more 

than for the social aspect, if they enjoy the 

game and understand it, some may then 

come back as parents, then progress to 

coaches at mini and youth level. It’s this 

feeder effect that’s needed to sustain 

club rugby. If my appointment can be the 

catalyst that gets someone along to their 

local club, then that’s what it’s all about!” 


37

Bonus Hope of Winning Run 

Ulster’s hopes of reaching the 

Guinness PRO14 Final at the end of next 

month will surely be decided over the 

next three games. 

This evening’s visit to Kingspan Stadium of 

the formidable rugby machine known as 

Leinster pitches the top two sides in the 

Conference A table against each other. 

Both teams boast almost identical records 

- twelve wins and just one defeat from the 

campaign so far, but one statistic does rather 

stand out in explaining why the reigning 

champions arrive in Belfast with a six-point 

advantage at the top of the division. 

Each and every one of those points are 

simply described as ‘bonus’, reward for 

scoring four tries or more on five more 

occasions than did Ulster and securing a 

losing bonus in the surprise defeat for Leo 

Cullen’s outfit by Connacht at Christmas. 

These are the fine margins of which so many 

coaches across the spectrum of high-class 

sport speak. Tonight’s teams are by far 

the best in the entire PRO14 competition, 

reprising last year’s one-two when the Final 

pitted Leinster blue against Ulster white. 

Guest article: 

Rod Nawn 

There remain just three games in the ‘regular’ 

season before the top sides in Conference 

A and B meet in the 2021 decider, a swift 

route to the Final which was only designed 

midway through the campaign when 

the anticipated system of play-offs was 

abandoned without much ceremony. 

Perhaps, given the huge disruption caused by 

the pandemic, and the sudden invention of a 

Rainbow Cup competition next month, it was 

an understandable, flexible response to the 

challenge of the completing the PRO14. That 

this is an unusual rugby year is unarguable, 

and strange times often demand unusual 

amendment, thus this Ulster-Leinster clash is 

as close to a ‘shoot-out’ for the title as we are 

likely to have this season. 

Nobody in either camp is using the lazy 

‘must-win’ cliché, but what is true is that 

only an Ulster win – with a bonus point or 

not – will keep alive even the dimmest flame 

of hope alive that this remarkable Leinster 

squad will be denied topping Conference A 

and reaching yet another Final. 

In the not unlikely event that Ulster can 

win this evening, the final two weekends of 

competition would require Dan McFarland’s 

team to win and win well in the remaining 

outings at the Dragons and at home to 

Zebre, and Leinster to implode against Zebre 

away and at the RDS against the Ospreys. 

Complicated? Not really. Forwards Coach 

Roddy Grant confined his targets to Ulster 

producing winning performances in this 

last decisive fortnight. What he and the 

players, coaches and supporters cannot 

control is what happens to Leinster, and 

thus the ‘one match at a time’, ‘being in 

charge of what we do’ are familiar but 

entirely sensible ambitions. 

This evening’s game comes in the midst of 

the Six Nations Championship and Ireland 

coach Andy Farrell has released Stuart 

McCloskey, John Cooney, Eric O’Sullivan 

and Tom O’Toole, while Leinster will benefit 

massively with the addition to an impressive 

pool of Rhys Ruddock, Ed and Ross Byrne 

and Josh van der Flier from the Irish camp. 

The resources available to Cullen and to his 

assistant Stuart Lancaster are on a different 

scale and level than any other Irish Province, 

but the quality bar in Ulster is high, and 

McFarland’s excellent harnessing of his 

players while plainly setting a template 

for the future guarantees that the current 

PRO14 kingpins will face a real challenge 

under the Saturday evening lights. 

Up front Ulster has become a force in the 

set-piece and as fine a group of breakaways 

anywhere in the competition is clinical and 

abrasive at the breakdown. The maul is an 

attacking weapon of real venom, with John 

Andrew, Adam McBurney, Marcell Coetzee, 

a high-confidence Jordi Murphy and Nick 

Timoney regularly on the scoresheet 

because of a concentrated collective effort. 

In recent weeks Andy Warwick has been 

posting starry displays in the front row, 

his form a reward for a miserably lengthy 

period with what was a serious injury. 

Kieran Treadwell and Alan O’Connor are 

lock forwards of athleticism and power, 

good carriers and their careers already 

forged with pedigree. 

It is behind that front eight that Ulster, 

like Leinster, is blessed. Michael Lowry’s 

imagination is matched by his reliability and 

solidity at full-back, even if we suspect he 

would be just as effective at No. 10 where 

there are excellent options, Ian Madigan the 

man-in-possession. 

The McCloskey-James Hume axis in midfield 

will pose slick attacking threats, and with 

John Cooney somehow not required 

by Ireland, Ulster benefits from his wellchronicled 

talents. 

The excitement, of course, has been 

the return to fitness and the team of 

Jacob Stockdale and, of course, Robert 

Baloucoune, the staggeringly impressive 

winger with the physique of a Number Eight 

and the speed of a gazelle. His 40-minte 

run-out against the Ospreys last week just 

makes fans hanker for more of another ‘oneoff’ 

with – like Jacob – the rugby world at 

his feet. 

For Leinster, Dave Kearney knows a thing 

or two about powerful wing play at the 

highest level, Luke McGrath is an established 

and regarded quantity, while up front Sean 

Cronin, Devin Toner, Jack Conan, van der 

Flier and Ruddock are available to bolster 

an international-class forward cohort. 

Ulster-Leinster Inter-Pros have a rich history, 

much of it robust, and given the potential 

alignment of a few unlikely stars in the 

galaxy the prize over the next fortnight, a 

Guinness PRO14 Final spot, adds spice to 

what is always a special occasion. 

39

game and to life in the round, a signal that 

what we imagine is normal is returned. 

While Leinster have other fish to fry in the 

Heineken Champions Cup, there is the 

unusual prospect for Ulster of European 

Challenge Cup rugby imminent, and that 

does afford McFarland and his coaching 

team and the playing squad a real chance 

to bring silverware back to Ravenhill Park for 

the first time in 15 years, since Mark McCall’s 

side secured the Celtic League title. 

But the focus, in still rather opaque times, 

is on the game this evening with one of the 

finest teams Ireland has ever produced at 

club level, a squad which has conquered 

domestically at ease and in Europe with 

real style. 

That there will be no raucous and acceptably 

partisan roars from the seats and stands at 

Kingspan Stadium is a disappointment still 

hard to accept, but we live in the world we 

do and the players and managements of all 

the clubs in the sport deserve a lot of credit 

for serving up a season definitely worth 

watching, and some of it of high quality. 

Soon, perhaps, those spaces will be filled 

and what a morale boost that will be to the 

Ulster fans will be eager for a win to confirm 

the gap is indeed closing between Kingspan 

and the RDS, and to savour victory in what is 

a fixture with so many layers of history. 

Wherever you watch or listen to the action 

be assured that the Guinness PRO14’s best 

are in action, and that the crown will rest a 

little less steadily in Dublin 4 as this Ulster 

side, under a sophisticated Head Coach, 

plots sustained success. 

LIVE 

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41

International Women’s Day: 

Celebrating Women and Girls’ Rugby in Ulster 

For this special edition programme, 

Ulster Rugby in partnership with 

Deloitte asked for you to share 

photos from your favourite rugby 

memories in the women and 

girls’ game – and we had a 

fantastic response! 

Keep an eye out on our social 

media channels on International 

Women’s Day (Monday 8 March), 

where we will be sharing more of 

your memories. 

This is just a small selection of 

the photos that our supporters 

shared using the #IWD2021 and 

#StandUpTogether hashtags. 


43


#IWD2021 

45

Hooker 

26/12/1998 

Malone RFC 

Are you good at any other sports? 

Define good? I like to think I am good at lots 

of them… In reality, not so much, but I love 

trying new sports. 

What is your favourite film? 

I’m more of a series person, I generally fall 

asleep during films but I loved Jojo Rabbit 

when it came out. 

What motivates you? 

Friends, family, my club but mainly myself. 

I like to see myself progress and be able to 

see the success and the sacrifices I have 

made are worth it. 

#IWD2021 

Getting to Know: 

Neve Jones 

Do you have a nickname? If so, what is it? 

I mainly just get Neve, but some of the girls 

call me Nevey or Nevo. 

Who was your favourite player growing up 

and why? 

Growing up I was fascinated by Jonny 

Wilkinson - his control and commitment to 

the sport was extraordinary and watching 

him play was incredible. 

Who is your favourite player now? 

It would have to be Ciara Griffin - she is a 

powerhouse with unbelievable knowledge 

of the game. Playing against her is always a 

challenge and with her is even better! 

What is your favourite thing about 

playing rugby? 

The physicality! Pushing my body every 

week to get stronger, faster, fitter. No two 

games are the same and I love playing 

through the different variables in the game 

but mainly tackling! The camaraderie is also 

pretty cool. 

Do you have any pets? If so, tell us 

about them. 

Yes, I have a dog called Lottie at home and 

a donkey called Hector, he lives with my 

grandpa and his horses. 

If you could eat one meal for the rest of 

your life, what would it be? 

Tacos with lots of cheese and guacamole. 

What can’t you live without? 

My car, it is full of fun activities like 

skateboarding, roller skating, skimboarding 

and endless rugby balls! 

Do you have any pre-match rituals? 

Mascara and a scrunchie are essential. 

If you were a super-hero, what powers 

would you have? 

Either flying or invisibility. 

What three words would your friends use 

to describe you? 

Thoughtful, entertaining, kind. 


47

Player 

Q&A 

Aaron Sexton, Wing 

When did you start playing rugby, and who 

was your first team? 

P6 at Bangor Minis 

What’s your favourite rugby memory? 

Coming off the bench for my senior debut 

against Edinburgh 

If you could re-live one moment from your 

rugby career, what would it be? 

Any Danske Bank Schools’ Cup match, 

loved them 

If you didn’t play rugby, what other sport 

would you play? 

Athletics, would stick with sprinting 

Best player you have played against? 

Steff Evans in the A league 2 years ago 

What’s your pre-match routine? Any 

superstitions? 

Listen to music and get ready for the game 

Tell us something not many people would 

know about you? 

I almost completely quit rugby to play 

football at 13, glad I didn’t 

Who has been the biggest influence on 

your rugby career? 

Both my parents have been great 

throughout my career and help me a lot 

What’s the one thing you could not 

live without? 

Chocolate 

Best player you have played with? 

It’s tough to chose just one with so much 

quality at Ulster at the minute, but I’d have 

to say John Cooney 

49

UlsterRugby.com

53

Thank You! 

2020/21 FIXTURES 

Ulster Rugby wish to thank all of our sponsors 

and partners for their continued support. 

Main Sponsor 

MARCH 

Leinster Sat 6 7.35pm Home 

Dragons Sat 13 7.35pm Away 

Zebre Fri 19 8.15pm Home 

Kit Sponsor 

Official Sponsors 

Domestic Sponsors 

Official On-kit Sponsors 

GUINNESS PRO14 CONFERENCE A 

Team Played W D L Bonus Pts 

Leinster 13 12 0 1 12 60 

Ulster 13 12 0 1 6 54 

Ospreys 13 7 0 6 3 31 

Zebre 13 4 0 9 1 17 

Glasgow Warriors 12 3 0 9 4 16 

Dragons 12 3 0 9 3 15 

Official Partners 

mmw 

Millar McCall Wylie 

GUINNESS PRO14 CONFERENCE B 

Team Played W D L Bonus Pts 

Munster 13 11 0 2 6 50 

Connacht 13 8 0 5 9 41 

Scarlets 14 7 0 7 6 34 

Cardiff Blues 14 6 0 8 2 26 

Edinburgh 12 4 0 8 4 20 

Benetton 12 0 0 12 6 6 


55

Ulster Rugby Match Day Programme - Leinster

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