Ulster Rugby - Match Day Programme - Pre-season v Saracens

ULSTER
Official Match Day Programme
v SARACENS
Fri 3 Sep 2021, 7pm
Kingspan Stadium
PRE-SEASON
FRIENDLY

In this Issue
Welcome back to Kingspan Stadium, the home of
Ulster Rugby, where tonight the Ulster squad welcomes
Saracens for the first of their pre-season friendly matches.
While the past year and a half has been extremely challenging
for all, it is fantastic to welcome up to 10,000 fans back to Kingspan Stadium tonight
to support the Ulstermen on their home turf. As sponsors, we are delighted to start welcoming
fans back this evening and looking forward to the brighter days that lie ahead.
Tonight, after weeks of preseason training, Ulster will look to get their season started on
a positive note with a win over formidable English opponents Saracens. With several of
Ulster’s Irish internationals unavailable for selection, this fixture provides some of the squad’s
rising stars an opportunity to stake their claim for involvement when the season gets
underway here at Kingspan Stadium on Friday 24 September against
the Glasgow Warriors.
Saracens will be looking to put in a strong performance in the lead-up to their new
Gallagher Premiership campaign after being promoted from the Championship last season.
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 tonight and for the season ahead. To Ulster’s committed fans, take care and enjoy the
game.
8
14
26
5
President’s
7
Our
8
Player
12
Welcome
Virtual
Mascot
Interview:
Stewart Moore
Referees prepare
for the new season
14 Squad
Profiles
18 Team
Line-ups
22 Saracens
Ones To Watch
26 Pre-season
Picture Gallery
28
41
Player Interview:
Mick Kearney
An Appetiser to
Relish & Appreciate!
43 URC
Fixtures
28
3

President’s
Welcome
Welcome to our pre-season friendly fixture
versus Saracens, and our first men’s home
game of the 2021-22 season! I’m absolutely
delighted to be able to welcome supporters
to Kingspan Stadium this evening.
I’d also like to extend a warm welcome to our
opponents, Saracens. We know the quality
this team brings and we expect a tough
game tonight.
We’re very much looking forward to
competing in the new United Rugby
Championship, with the addition of the
Emirates Lions, DHL Stormers, Vodacom
Bulls and Cell C Sharks. Our first game
in the competition will be at home to
Glasgow Warriors on 24 September. Ulster
will also face ASM Clermont Auvergne and
Northampton Saints in the group stages
of the Heineken Champions Cup; two very
exciting match-ups!
In June, 10 Ulster players were selected for
the Ireland Under-20s Six Nations squad.
Congratulations to forwards George
Saunderson, Harry Sheridan and Reuben
Crothers, and backs Conor McKee, Nathan
Doak, James Humphreys, Ben Carson,
Ben Moxham, Conor Rankin and Jude
Postlethwaite on their involvement. This will
no doubt hold them in good stead for the
season ahead – be it in the Senior Men’s
squad or the Ulster Rugby Academy.
I’d like to take the opportunity to congratulate
Robert Baloucoune, James Hume, Tom
O’Toole and Nick Timoney on making their
Ireland debuts versus USA in July. Well done
also to Stuart McCloskey, Rob Herring, Billy
Burns, Will Addison and Jacob Stockdale
who also featured in the Summer Series.
We announced the arrival last week of
second row, Mick Kearney, who has signed
for Ulster on a short-term contract. I have
no doubt he will contribute positively to the
squad with his experience.
Last week, we were pleased to reveal the
2021-22 Kukri home jersey, which the Deloitte
Ulster Women’s team debuted last Saturday
in their first Interprovincial game in almost
two years. It was fantastic to see the return
of provincial rugby for the Women’s team;
they will next face Leinster tomorrow at
Energia Park, with coverage being streamed
live on BBC Sport NI and TG4. Having these
games broadcast will help boost the profile
of the women’s game and inspire the next
generation of young girls to give rugby a try.
In other Interprovinicial news, our Age-
Grade teams have also been competing
against their provincial rivals over the last
couple of weekends after a long hiatus due
to COVID-19, so it’s really pleasing to see the
next generation competing again.
I hope you enjoy this evening’s game, and
thank you for your support
SUFTUM
Gary Leslie
President, IRFU Ulster Branch
5

Virtual
Mascot
Name: Lucas Reaney
Age: 7
From: Bangor
Favourite Player: Iain Henderson
Lucas loves going to watch Ulster
Rugby play at Kingspan Stadium on
Friday nights, especially when he gets
to sing ‘Stand Up For The Ulstermen’
as loud as he can.
He also loves meeting Sparky too!
7

Stewart Moore
The centre has put in the hard graft in preseason
and is relishing the opportunity to
show his wares for the season ahead in
Friday’s game versus Saracens…
How has pre-season been for you and
how confident are you of challenging
this season?
Credit where credit is due, our Strength and
Conditioning coaches have done a fantastic
job this pre-season. It’s the first year where
I feel properly match-ready without game
time yet. I’ve said before that we want to be
consistently competing for Championships
and I’ve no doubt, the depth of the squad we
have and the pre-season we’ve put in, we’re
definitely a step ahead of other teams out
there. There’s full belief behind us.
You played thirteen games last year –
twelve of which were starts – what was
your first full season like in the Senior
Ulster Men’s team?
you nervous inside. You want to play well and
now you’ve got people to play in front of,
it’s really nice. I’m looking forward to seeing
them and having them ‘SUFTUM’ behind us!
What is your motivation for games like this
against Saracens?
As a collective, we’ve done our pre-season
and all the hard work is behind you and it’s just
about showcasing that. For me, it’s definitely
a time to put my hand up. I remember two
years ago, I started a pre-season game
and it goes a long way. I unfortunately got
injured so didn’t get to take the leap, but
it’s important to demonstrate what you’ve
learned in pre-season and putting a sense of
trust in your coaches that you can do the job
with the structure they’ve put in and you’ve
worked on. I just want to show what I’ve
learned and how hard I’ve worked – the team
feel the same way as well, wanting to put our
hands up.
I got more game time than I thought I ever
would. The way the season worked out, I
had a couple of games before the Heineken
Champions Cup, then played against
Connacht and Leinster. I was playing with the
‘A’ team and we had limited game time there.
Luckily, I started in the first Round and kicked
on from there. Stuart [McCloskey] got called
into the Ireland set-up so the space was up
for grabs. To get twelve starts was nice. I had
people around me to help me through.
Your first season was in a strange
environment – this game against Saracens
is in front of supporters. What does that do
for a player knowing there will be crowds?
It’s exciting; I was quite used to there being
nobody there but I’m really looking forward
to up to 10,000 fans coming to Kingspan
Stadium on Friday. I know it’s a pre-season
game but having supporters there just makes
Centre
08/08/1999
183cm
91kg
15
UlsterRugby.com
9

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Ulster Society of
Rugby Football Referees
prepare for the
new season
IT’S ALL
KICKING
The USRFR have been busy in recent weeks
preparing for the new season.
Many members took the opportunity
to participate in weekly Strength and
Conditioning sessions where they were able
to prepare physically for the season ahead.
Peter Hughes and James Douglas put the
referees through their paces and we thank
them both, along with Lisburn RFC for
allowing the use of their pitches and the IRFU
Referee Department for funding the sessions.
As well as the on pitch work, the USRFR also
held their AGM and pre-season conference
on the week beginning 16th August. First up
was the annual AGM at which Mr John Adams
was elected as the new President of the
USRFR. John takes over from David Napier
who served as President for two years due
to the Covid 19 pandemic. Eamonn Whelan
takes over from Roger Cleave as the Chair
of the Operations Committee. The incoming
President thanked all post holders for their
efforts during what has been a most difficult
period and paid particular thanks to those
who are stepping down from their posts.
One of the biggest events of the USRFR
calendar was held on Thursday 19 August.
The annual pre-season conference took
place via Zoom due to the current Covid 19
pandemic. The main focus for the evening
was the Global Law Trials which are now
being used at all levels of rugby. Chris Busby
and Richard Kerr led the session which
included an interactive presentation along
with an opportunity for some Q&A. Other
topics discussed were Foul Play and scrums,
along with looking at other focus areas for
the season ahead and a reminder of some
administration tasks. With most referees
being out of action for 18 months, there
is a general enthusiasm and desire from
everyone to get back out onto a pitch.
Whilst mistakes will be made and some
decisions may not be agreed with by both
teams and sets of supporters, the USRFR are
keen to remind all stakeholders involved in
the game that respect for the referee is one
of the core values of Rugby Union. Referee
abuse in any form will not be tolerated.
We wish all our referees and evaluators all
the very best for the season ahead.
A guide to the Global Law Trials which will
be introduced to all levels of the game with
immediate effect can be found at:
world.rugby/the-game/laws/global-law-trials
If interested in refereeing, please contact
Richard Kerr
Referee Development Manager
richard.kerr@irfu.ie
OFF
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SOUNDTRACK
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RUGBY
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Dan Soper
Assistant Coach
Jared Payne
Defence Coach
Craig
Gilroy
Iain
Henderson
Rob
Herring
James
Hume
Dan McFarland
Head Coach
Roddy Grant
Forwards Coach
Craig Newby
Skills Coach
Wing
11/03/1991
183cm
92kg
194
10
Lock
21/02/1992
198cm
117kg
121
63
Hooker
27/04/1990
185cm
107kg
197
22
Centre
07/09/1998
188cm
98kg
41
1
Will
Addison
Utility Back
20/08/1992
185cm
93kg
22
5
Sam
Carter
Lock
10/09/1989
201cm
116kg
23
AUS 16
John
Andrew
Hooker
26/05/1993
180cm
104kg
87
John
Cooney
Scrum Half
01/05/1990
178cm
87kg
84
11
Robert
Baloucoune
Wing
19/08/1997
193cm
90kg
29
1
Angus
Curtis
Fly Half / Centre
26/03/1998
178cm
92kg
14
Billy
Burns
Fly Half
13/06/1994
185cm
86kg
50
7
Nathan
Doak
Hooker
26/05/1993
180cm
104kg
87
Cormac
Izuchukwu
Lock
28/01/2000
201cm
114kg
6
Michael
Lowry
Full Back
20/08/1998
170cm
75kg
46
Greg
Jones
Back Row
13/01/1996
196cm
105kg
26
Rob
Lyttle
Wing
28/01/1997
175cm
85kg
47
Ross
Kane
Prop
14/10/1996
180cm
118kg
52
Ian
Madigan
Fly Half
21/03/1989
180cm
87kg
24
30
Mick
Kearney
Lock
29/03/1991
198cm
116 kg
-
Luke
Marshall
Centre
03/03/1991
180cm
97kg
144
11
Senior Squad
UlsterRugby.com
15

Senior Squad
Back Row
01/08/1995
188cm
111kg
81
1
Nick
Timoney
Lock
06/11/1995
198cm
118kg
109
3
Kieran
Treadwell
Prop
12/03/1991
178cm
113kg
137
Andrew
Warwick
Prop
11/10/1989
185cm
118kg
17
56
Jack
McGrath
Prop
15/12/1992
191cm
132kg
6
Gareth
Milasinovich
Prop
01/03/1991
178cm
121kg
59
10
Marty
Moore
Centre
08/08/1999
183cm
91kg
15
Stewart
Moore
Back Row
22/04/1991
188cm
105kg
48
30
Jordi
Murphy
Lock
10/09/1992
196cm
114kg
133
Alan
O’Connor
Lock / Back Row
19/05/1995
193cm
110kg
15
David
O’Connor
Prop
30/11/1995
183cm
115kg
66
1
Eric
O’Sullivan
Prop
23/09/1998
185cm
120kg
61
1
Tom
O’Toole
Back Row
08/09/1997
188cm
105kg
5
Marcus
Rea
Back Row
21/09/1993
193cm
112kg
64
Matthew
Rea
Hooker
04/01/1996
175cm
108Kg
5
Bradley
Roberts
Wing/Full Back
03/04/1996
191cm
103kg
82
35
Jacob
Stockdale
Scrum Half
20/06/1993
175cm
78kg
71
David
Shanahan
Hooker
11/01/2001
183cm
100kg
-
Tom
Stewart
Full Back / Wing
10/08/2000
188cm
85kg
15
Ethan
McIlroy
Back Row
13/06/2000
193cm
107kg
6
David
McCann
Wing
24/08/200
188cm
94kg
1
Aaron
Sexton
Prop
06/01/1999
183cm
118kg
5
Callum
Reid
Centre
06/08/1992
193cm
11kg
140
6
Stuart
McCloskey
Back Row
10/05/1989
183cm
103kg
144
2
Sean
Reidy
17
UlsterRugby.com

1 Reid 2 Andrew 3 Kane
C
Forwards
Ralph Adams-Hale
Harvey Beaton
Andy Christie
Eroni Mawi
Theo McFarland
Sean Reffell
4 Kearney
5 Carter
Alec Clarey
Marco Riccioni
Sam Crean
Tim Swinson
Ben Earl
Janco Venter
6 Rea
8 Jones
7 Rea
Callum Hunter-Hill
Nick Isiekwe
Billy Vunipola
Tom Woolstencroft
Joel Kpoku
Jackson Wray (C)
Ethan Lewis
9 Doak
Backs
11 Moxham
10 Madigan
Aled Davies
Alex Goode (VC)
Nick Tompkins
Manu Vunipola
Ben Harris
Ivan van Zyl
REPLACEMENTS
Bradley Roberts
Gareth Milasinovich
Marty Moore
Alan O’Connor
Sean Reidy
Dave Shanahan
Jude Postlethwaite
Ben Carson
Azur Allison
David McCann
Harry Sheridan
Andrew Warwick
Lewis Finlay
Conor Rankin
12 Curtis
13 Moore
14 Gilroy
15 Sexton
Alex Lewington
Alex Lozowski
Sean Maitland
Dom Morris
Elliott Obatoyinbo
Rotimi Segun
Referee: Frank Murphy (IRFU)
Assistant Referees: Stuart Gaffikin, Dan Carson
Jonathan Peak
Charlie Watson
UlsterRugby.com
19

WOMEN”S INTER-PROS
Deloitte Ulster Women fell to a dominant Munster side in their first Interprovincial outing in
almost two years at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday.
Kingspan’s Commitment
to Sustainability
Kingspan’s products sold in 2020, will make a significant
positive contribution to the environment over their lifetime.
164m
tonnes
164 million
tonnes of CO 2
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Over 34
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rainwater will be
harvested by our
tanks produced
in 2020 2
573m
In 2020 alone,
we upcycled 573
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plastic bottles
9bn
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The capacity
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Enough to light
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DISCOVER MORE
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UlsterRugby.com 21

Ones to Watch
Ben Harris
The 21-year-old flying winger has been on
duty for Great Britain in Tokyo, scoring four
tries en route to a fourth-place finish in the
Rugby Sevens. Harris, who originally came
through the London Irish Academy is a
Sevens specialist, making his World Series
debut in 2019 and then being awarded the
England Mens Sevens Player of the Year title
for his performances in 2020.
He made his Saracens debut in the Gallagher
Premiership against Gloucester in August
2020 and marked the occasion with a try in
front of the home supporters. He has since
gone on to make four appearances for the
Men in Black, also featuring in the Trailfinders
Challenge Cup before the Championship
campaign before signing a long-term deal
this summer.
Nick Isiekwe
The lock has returned from his season on loan at Northampton
Saints and is looking to get straight back in to action at his
boyhood club where he has already featured 86 times. Isiekwe
made his Saracens debut aged just 18, and a mere year later
was earning his first international cap for England on the tour of
Argentina in 2018.
Prior to that, he plied his trade at Old Albanian before joining the
Sarries Academy and represented his country from Under-16 to
Under-20 level.Trialling many positions in that time, Isiekwe was
tried at prop, centre, back row and lock – his height dictating the
latter would be the preferred outcome.
Ivan van Zyl
The Springbok scrumhalf joined Saracens in the
summer on a two year deal from the Bulls in
South Africa.
With six caps for the Boks to his name he has
played with and against some of the top players
in the world and is aiming to make his mark in the
Gallagher Premiership.
A Super Rugby debutant in 2016, van Zyl first
represented the Blue Bulls in his early teens and
progressed through to the franchise’s Academy
after finishing high school. His performances for the
Blue Bulls Academy earned him a spot in the 2015
South Africa Under-20s squad and he appeared
in two World Rugby U20 Championships before
three years later winning his first Springbok cap.
Van Zyl’s Test debut came against Wales in the
summer of 2018, and in 2020, the Pretoria-born
nine helped the Bulls to the inaugural Super Rugby
Unlocked title.
23

Halftime U12s
Players
1 Dylan Gray
Players
1 Ethan Frost
2 Paddy Gillies
2 Maisie Bowden
3 Rocco Steen
3 Rudi Mannine
4 Archie Kennedy
4 Ollie Curran
5 Sam Coulter
5 Jack Largey
Instonians RFC
6 Max Coulter
Cooke RFC
6 Seth Ferguson
Coaches
1 Stephen Gray
7 Marcus Brennan
8 Jack Robinson
Coaches
1 Mark Fetius
7 Luke Corry
8 Paul Stevenson
2 Jonny Steen
9 Luke Crothers
2 Rowan Frost
9 Jack Fallon
3 Neil Gillies
10 Jamie Shaw
3 Jonny Manning
10 Shane McKinney
Club Colours:
Yellow / black / purple
11 Joshua Milligan
12 Cameron Lyttle
Club Colours:
Black / white
11 Adam McGreevy
12 Max McCauseland
Players
1 Oliver Playfair
Players
1 Aaron Burgess
2 Erin Playfair
2 Daniel Bell
3 Tyler Black
3 Ben Scandrett
4 Max Freeman
4 Jack Paterson
5 Ramzi Qutteineh
5 Ethan Lappin
Bangor RFC
6 Jesse Gillespie
Ards RFC
6 Joey Carson
Coaches
1 Tarek Qutteineh
7 Noah Lack
8 Milo Parker
Coaches
1 Johnny Bell
7 Matthew Wilson
8 Ollie Hobson
2 Nigel Playfair
9 Alfie Collins
2 Graham Scandrett
9 Luke McKenzie
3 Steven Freeman
10 Reuben Leung-Hunter
3 Nathan Bell
10 Jack Reid
Club Colours:
Blue / Yellow
11 Jacob Campbell
12 Ben McCracken
Club Colours:
Black
11 Noah Granleese
12 Ollie Hoey
LIVE STATS
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25

PRE-SEASON
PICS
UlsterRugby.com
27

Mick Kearney
The second row has been training with
Ulster and is straight into the thick of it
against Saracens on Friday.
Welcome, Mick! How does it feel to have
signed for Ulster?
It feels great to have signed for Ulster -
one of the top teams in Europe. They’ve a
fantastic squad and coaching group so to
have the opportunity to work for them is
brilliant; it’s a great opportunity.
Can you tell us about yourself and your
rugby career?
I started playing rugby with Clontarf RFC
in Dublin at U6 level. I played through the
age groups then up to AIL with the club.
I played at Irish Youth level, Leinster U19s,
U20s and Irish U20s where I played with a
lot of guys who are here with Ulster, with
the likes of Craig Gilroy. It’s good to reconnect
with them. I got an opportunity
to go to Connacht and spent four years
over in the west of Ireland with them.
That where I got the first opportunity to
work with Dan McFarland as well. I came
back and played four years with Leinster
which was the same enjoyment as I had
at Connacht. The opportunity came
to experience a completely different
environment and culture at Zebre where I
spent two years. Now I’m here!
How have you been enjoying Ulster preseason
and the Ulster camp?
I’ve really enjoyed it! I’ve only been here
a couple of weeks so it’s comfortably the
shortest pre-season I’ve had to do. The
lads have been unbelievably welcoming,
and they’ve got me up to speed from
a play-calling point-of-view and from a
cultural point-of-view; what Ulster Rugby
is all about and what their ambitions are
for the coming years. It’s been really cool
to be involved and I’m playing catch-up
at the moment. The majority of the squad
have had 5-6 weeks together now and
they’re in really good shape.
What were your first impressions of
Ulster Rugby and Kingspan Stadium?
There’s a reason Ulster are one of the
best teams in Europe. I’ve always thought
it was the people inside the places that
make it. If you took all the people out of
Ulster and put them anywhere on a back
pitch somewhere, it would still be an
unbelievable place to train and play, but to
have this stadium and gym facilities, it’s an
added bonus.
“
It feels great to have signed for Ulster - one of the
top teams in Europe. They’ve a fantastic squad and
coaching group so to have the opportunity to work
for them is brilliant; it’s a great opportunity.
“
Lock
29/03/1991
189cm
116kg
-
UlsterRugby.com
29

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An Appetiser to Relish
and Appreciate!
We’re back! The Kingspan Stadium
turnstiles are clicking again, and up to ten
thousand fortunate, previously frustrated,
souls are about to gorge tonight on a
rugby menu denied for too long.
The Season Ticket holders who’ve eagerly
grasped the chance to ‘resume normal
service’ will gather for a Friday evening
experience which has been much missed
through a necessary sacrifice in the
turbulent, unprecedented circumstances of
the last two years.
There’ll be a large cohort of fans who can’t
yet attend in person who’ll be watching this
evening’s game with English giants Saracens
at home, the new season heralding the
welcome return of BBC Northern Ireland’s
cameras to this ‘opener’. During the league
competition we will surely learn to love as
the United Rugby Championship, there’ll be
Guest article:
Rod Nawn
important live games again on ‘the Beeb’,
so more good news as the new season
beckons.
It was way back in February 2020 that
the arena resounded to the full-throated
roar of an Ulster crowd in good-natured
partisan mode, and this evening is another
step towards capacity crowds back in the
famous stadium.
The ‘new normal’ might bear more
than a passing resemblance to our past
experiences, and a gentle reminder that
we should never take anything for granted
again – however small it might seem in the
larger picture of life.
It will be more than just a little uplifting to
watch those in white shirts bound on to
the pitch tonight to take on a club which
has faced all sorts of challenges in the last
few years and remains the benchmark for
success in England and in Europe.
Saracens and Ulster have left many fond
and sometimes controversial memories
from previous Belfast contests, but the
clubs have rich rugby legacies, and the
relationship is one of mutual respect and
shared sporting ambitions.
Naturally, much of the focus leading up
to this evening’s game has been on the
superb job done in the last decade of
Saracens’ Director of Rugby, Mark McCall. A
wonderful player for Ulster and for Ireland,
he was skipper when the European Cup was
famously brought back to Belfast in 1999, a
career-ending injury that season denying
him his place at centre.
But he rightly lifted the trophy at Lansdowne
Road alongside his team-mate and friend
David Humphreys, and those celebratory
images are burned into so many memories.
His coaching expertise saw him follow Alan
Solomons in charge of his native province
and McCall remains the last Head Coach
to lead Ulster to silverware with a Celtic
League triumph in 2006.
Too soon he left, the victim of poor results
and a venomous minority of fans which
probably thought the heroics of 1999 should
be the ‘norm’, while – given hindsight –
McCall deserved better.
But he merits a warm welcome back this
evening, a multiple English Premiership
winner, three times victorious in the
Heineken Champions Cup. And adding to
his reputation for quiet, dignified resilience,
he’s stayed at the helm as Saracens suffered
relegation to the Championship and rode a
very public storm over financial irregularities
of which he had no control.
He resumes in the Premiership with a squad
the envy of most clubs: Itoje, the Vunipola
brothers, George, Farrell, Daly, Maitland and
Goode are just some of the high-pedigree
talents to remain at the newly named
StoneX Stadium outside London.
In the other coaching, box Dan McFarland
too will be happy with his squad for
2021/22, not least those closest to him
in the management team. Dan Soper
has moved into the Assistant Coach role
(occupied previously by Dwayne Peel who’s
now in charge at Scarlets), while Jared
Payne, Craig Newby and Roddy Grant will
hope to develop further a playing pool with
so much promise.
There have been no so-called marquee
player incomings, though lock Mick
Kearney’s recent short-term recruitment
from Zebre adds some heft to a group of
forwards which will have its mettle tested
even more consistently with the arrival
into the URC of the top South African
clubs, namely the Bulls, Stormers, Sharks
and Lions.
This evening will afford Ulster the
opportunity to measure itself against what
will be a gifted opposition, one not perhaps
fully-loaded after Lions and international
summer calls, but Saracens can boast
a remarkable production line from its
Academy.
Many of Ulster’s own products from that
source will surely feature at some stage
this evening, and supporters will hope that
33

exciting attacking talents such as Robert
Baloucoune, Michael Lowry, Will Addison,
Stewart Moore, James Hume, Ethan McIlroy
and Nathan Doak will flourish in the white
heat of URC and European competition.
Jacob Stockdale, the evergreen Craig Gilroy,
Rob Lyttle, Billy Burns, Ian Madigan, John
Cooney and Stuart McCloskey have personal
and collective targets in mind, while up
front Jack McGrath will want a fresh start at
prop when he returns from an extended layoff.
And Gareth Milasinovich and Cormac
Izuchukwu, when fully fit, can make a real
impression on the coach and the fans in this
early part of the season.
Rob Herring, Eric O’Sullivan, Tom O’Toole,
Marty Moore, Sean Reidy, Jordi Murphy, Nick
Timoney, the O’Connor brothers; Alan and
David, Marcus and Matty Rea will all see this
year as important at the various stages of
their careers.
Bradley Roberts and John Andrew are
hookers ready to challenge the natural order,
and flanker David McCann is a player with
the potential to play at the very highest level,
and under McFarland’s tutelage he can make
his mark in this important and very different
rugby year.
McCall will undoubtedly want his players to
demonstrate they can perform at the levels
the club consistently demands, and while
it’s unlikely some of the biggest names will
field tonight, do not expect anything but
a well-drilled side, coached by respected
figures like new Head Coach Joe Shaw, Kevin
Sorrell, Ian Peel, Adam Powell and, of course,
Head of Performance Phil Morrow, who’s
contributed so much to Ulster, Ireland and
the Lions for many years, particularly as an
expert in conditioning, fitness regimes and
innovations.
So, a lot of familiar faces on the pitch, in the
coaching booths and, most certainly, in the
seats of a Kingspan Stadium which will be
well-populated for the first time in well over
a year.
It may be a friendly match, but players and
coaches will get the opportunities to see their
charges challenged by talented performers
from England’s and Ireland’s most ambitious
and forward-looking clubs.
On and off the pitch tonight is one for the
memory bank. It augurs well for the future,
surely.
UlsterRugby.com

Official charity of
Ulster Rugby Announces
Extended Charity Partnership
with Extern
Ulster Rugby has teamed up with Extern as
its official charity partner for a third year
running to continue supporting its work in
tackling mental health challenges among
the most vulnerable people in Ulster.
Extern supports around 17,000 people across
the province every year through dozens
of projects in the areas of mental health,
homelessness, problem drug and alcohol
usage, Traveller health, family support and
youth services, among others.
The extended partnership, announced
today, recognises the impact of COVID-19
on planned activity by the charity over the
past 18 months and, more significantly, the
ongoing impact on people’s mental health as
society seeks to recover from the pandemic.
The main areas of focus for the partnership
over the next year will be on continuing to
promote Extern’s mental health services
and highlighting the importance of sport
and team activities in tackling loneliness and
mental health challenges.
The partnership will further highlight Extern’s
Safe Haven fundraising appeal, which aims
to raise vital funds to support Extern’s
respite centres for young people across both
Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Ulster fans can also expect a fun calendar
of activities which will tie in with the return
of the rugby season. Previous activities
organised between the two organisations
have included a special Drop the Mask event
at Kingspan Stadium to raise awareness of
men’s mental health and meet-and-greet
events with young people who are engaged
with Extern’s youth services.
Danny McQuillan, Interim CEO of Extern,
welcomed the renewed partnership
announcement, saying:
“We are delighted that this fantastic
relationship with Ulster Rugby will be
continuing for another year, as they have
been much-valued supporters of our work
over the past two years. Their support has
been of particular value in raising awareness
and funds for our Hardship Appeal, which
was activated in response to the rapid onset
of COVID-19 in March 2020.
“As we begin to see the easing of restrictions
and the reopening of society, we hope that
this partnership will offer us many more
opportunities to work together over the next
12 months.”
He added: “Many of our frontline staff
in Extern know how beneficial sport
and physical activity can be for those
tackling mental health issues, as well as for
intervening positively in the lives of young
people, particularly at our Safe Haven respite
centres. We have no doubt that Ulster Rugby
will continue to provide plenty of inspiration
for this work over the coming year.”
Jonny Petrie, Ulster Rugby CEO, said:
“We are delighted to have the
opportunity to continue working
alongside Extern in the year
ahead. Given the impact of the
pandemic on the activity we had
planned, we felt it was important
to extend our partnership for a
further year.
“As a result, we can bring further awareness
to the vital, and often life-saving, work that
Extern carry out. It feels that prioritising
mental health is more important than ever
and, as the governing body for rugby across
Ulster, we want to show how mental and
physical health work in tandem.
“With a number of activations already in the
diary, including at the upcoming pre-season
game against Saracens at Kingspan Stadium,
I look forward to Ulster Rugby standing
alongside Extern in the year ahead as they
continue to support those who need it most
across our province.”
Extern staff and volunteers will be present
at tonight’s match to encourage donations
from supporters in aid of Extern’s projects,
as well as hosting a special ‘Safe Space’
for people to find out more about the
charity’s work.
UlsterRugby.com
37

Rugby World Cup 2023
Ireland Match Breaks
Register
39

Important:
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all supporters,
Ulster Rugby would ask all supporters to follow the latest public health
guidance in relation to COVID-19 restrictions.
Please DO NOT attend Kingspan Stadium if you are
experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
RAVENHILL PARK GARDENS
SPIRIT OF ‘99
THE 1924
PROMENADE 1
PROMENADE 2
ONSLOW PARADE
TURNSTILES
Clean Hands Keep Distance Wear Face Covering
ABBEY AUTOLINE FAMILY STAND
FOOD
VILLAGE
ADMIN’
BUILDING
When travelling around the Stadium, please wear a face covering,
make use of hand sanitisation stations, and be distance-aware and
respectful of other supporters.
EAST TERRACE
A&L GOODBODY LOUNGE / VIP BOXES
ISOLATION
ROOM
C-19 MEDIC
Respect Policy
Stadium Facilities
TURNSTILES
We are passionate
in our support
We are silent during kicks
at goal
We respect the match
officials’ decisions
We drink
responsibly
Catering
The Food Village will be in operation,
serving a variety of cuisines, while the Cool
FM Crew pump out the tunes.
All public bars will be closed, in line with NI
Executive COVID-19 restrictions.
Audio descriptive match commentary to
enhance the match experience for people
affected by sight or hearing loss will be
available. Earpieces can be collected from
the admin building reception prior to the
game, or you can book your equipment by
calling Jen on (028) 9049 3222.
We do not tolerate
abusive or discriminatory
language
We respect opposition
players, management
& supporters
We are mindful
of our language
INCIDENT HOTLINE
07790
200 200
Kukri Store
The Kukri Store will be open from 5.30pm
until 30 minutes post-match.
OUR Club
The activity centre for our Junior Season
Ticket holders will not be in operation for
this fixture.
UlsterRugby.com
41

Thank You!
FIXTURES
Ulster Rugby wish to thank all of our sponsors
and partners for their continued support.
Main Sponsor
Kit Sponsor
Official Sponsors
Domestic Sponsors
Official Partners
Official On-kit Sponsors
H Glasgow Fri 24 Sep 7.35pm
A Zebre Sat 2 Oct 5.15pm
H Benetton Fri 8 Oct 7.35pm
H Lions Fri 15 Oct 7.35pm
A Connacht Fri 22 Oct 7.35pm
A Leinster Sat 27 Nov 8.00pm
A Ospreys Sat 4 Dec 3.00pm
H Connacht Sun 26 Dec 5.15pm
H Leinster Sat 1 Jan 7.35pm
A Munster Sat 8 Jan 7.35pm
H Scarlets w/o 29 Jan
A Dragons w/o 19 Feb
H Cardiff w/o 5 Mar
A Stormers w/o 26 Mar
A Bulls w/o 2 Apr
H Munster w/o 23 Apr
A Edinburgh w/o 30 April
H Sharks w/o 21 May
BACK
TOGETHER
UlsterRugby.com 43

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