Ulster Rugby Match Day Programme v Munster

ULSTER
Official Match Day Programme
v MUNSTER
Fri 22 Apr 2022, 7.35pm
Kingspan Stadium

In this Issue
Welcome back to Kingspan Stadium, the home of Ulster Rugby,
where tonight the Ulster squad welcomes Munster Rugby for the
sixteenth round of the United Rugby Championship.
As we enter the final rounds of the United Rugby Championship, Ulster will take on
fellow Irish province Munster. Ulster will look to bounce back from a tough loss last
weekend to French side, Toulouse. While Munster are looking to build on their win
in the Champions Cup. With both sides looking to keep their quarter final place in the
URC table and ensure a home venue for the game, we expect a close fought game.
On behalf of the entire Ulster Rugby and Kingspan community, we would like to extend
the warmest of welcomes to our visitors and we have no doubt that the loyal crowd
in Kingspan Stadium will be stirring support for the Ulster team.
Finally, on behalf of Kingspan, I would like to wish the Ulster Rugby squad and
management team the very best of luck. To Ulster’s committed fans,
enjoy the game, lead the way and help ensure that this is an evening
to remember at Kingspan Stadium.
8
24
32
5 President’s
Welcome
7
8
12
Our Virtual
Mascot
Player Interview:
Nick Timoney
Bank of Ireland
Towns Cup Final
16 Squad
Profiles
22 Team
Line-ups
24
Deloitte Women’s
Junior Cup Champions
28 Munster
Ones to Watch
31 Half-time
Exhibition Games
32
Last Time
Out
40 Q&A:
Jordi Murphy
42
52
Focus Sharpens as
Games Get Bigger
Ulster Society of
Rugby Football Referees
52
3

President’s
Welcome
Welcome to Round 16 of the United
Rugby Championship. It’s great to be
back at the home of Ulster Rugby for the
second week running!
Welcome to our inter-provincial rivals,
Munster, who come into this game after a
fantastic victory over Exeter last Saturday in
the Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16.
Ulster fell to a heart-breaking defeat
by the defending champions, Toulouse
in their Round of 16 clash on Saturday
evening, but I know that Dan McFarland
will ensure the players bounce back for
this crucial URC game.
Best of luck to the Ireland team as they
take on England in the penultimate Round
of the TikTok Women’s Six Nations on
Sunday. The following Saturday, we will
look forward to hosting the final Round
in which Ireland will face Scotland at
Kingspan Stadium. Tickets for this game
start at just £10 for adults and £5 for
Juniors. We hope to see you there!
On the domestic front, I’d like to extend
my congratulations to Queen’s University
and Ballyclare on their respective victories
in the Deloitte Ulster Women’s Junior Cup
and Bank of Ireland Towns Cup Finals on
Easter Monday! They were two fantastic
games which were a wonderful advert for
rugby in Ulster.
Tomorrow, Kingspan Stadium will play
host to two more Cup Finals. Monaghan
will face Letterkenny in the Gordon West
Cup Final and Queen’s University 2s will
take on Grosvenor in the McCrea Cup Final.
Best of luck to all teams participating.
This weekend also sees a number of
AIL play-offs with Ballymena, Queen’s
University, Belfast Harlequins, Bangor,
Ballynahinch, Banbridge, Rainey Old Boys
and City of Derry involved – good luck to
the Ulster teams competing.
Enjoy the game and SUFTUM!
Gary Leslie
President, IRFU Ulster Branch
5

Virtual
Mascot
Name: Danny Moutray
Age: 4
From: Ballyclare
Favourite Player: John Cooney
Favourite thing about supporting
Ulster: Singing songs at
Kingspan Stadium
7

Nick Timoney
The Ulster flanker made his 100th
appearance for the province on Saturday
versus Toulouse, and we caught up with
him to reflect on his Ulster career so far…
Congratulations on making your 100th
appearance for Ulster on Saturday – how
does it feel to have reached that milestone?
It’s pretty cool, but I think it’s something
when I finish playing, I’ll look back on it
as more of an achievement than I do now.
Winning trophies would be more of a focus
at the moment, and it would have been
nice to be a winning memory. It was a
disappointing result for us to be out of the
competition when we had performed so
strongly. It was a huge honour being part of
a group that I’ve always wanted to join. It’s
great from that point of view but it still feels
a bit unsatisfactory that the game didn’t go
as planned.
Even at the moment, playing in big games
with the likes of Mikey Lowry, James Hume,
Rob Baloucoune, Ethan McIlroy, and these
young lads who are well on their way to
becoming – if not already – Ulster legends.
There are good friends of mine like Stuart
McCloskey, Alan O’Connor and John Cooney
who have played in the vast majority of my
100 caps alongside me. That’s quite cool
because they’re people I’ve been incredibly
close with over the years.
0 100 100
00 100 100
100 100 100
Looking back through those
appearances for Ulster, what memories
stand out for you?
There have been loads! For me, it’s been
the players that I’ve got to play with, be
that current squad members who I’m really
good friends with, or my first few caps at
the tail-end of a good few Ulster legends. I
got my third cap at home to Leinster which
was the last game of the season and Roger
Wilson and Ruan Pienaar’s last game. I got
to play with the likes of Andrew Trimble,
Tommy Bowe and Rory Best; all those
legends of the club.
Back Row
01/08/1995
188cm
114kg
100
There are a few big European games that
stand-out too. Playing Harlequins away in
the snow was a special memory. La Rochelle
at home was my first European home game
on a Sunday; that was pretty cool. My third
cap against Leinster when I was getting
into it, the atmosphere, having a couple
of coaches and players leaving. It felt like
I was part of some significant moments at
the club.
9

Personally, how do you feel you have
grown as a player over those 100
appearances?
I’ve probably grown in a lot of ways. When
I first started playing, I was an athletic
enough guy who could run and tackle
a bit, but I didn’t know a whole lot about
forward play and I wasn’t maybe as good
at the breakdown. When you’re young, you
dismiss the small things that come with
experience. As you get that experience, you
see the importance of them. I’ve tried to
become more of a leader and realise to be
in the team, you have to take responsibility
and it’s not just a case of trying to get
yourself into the starting XV. The team relies
on people who are wanting to play but also
be the driving force to make the team better
and win more.
How is the mood in the squad this week?
Obviously, Saturday was a tough defeat
but with Munster coming to Kingspan
Stadium, it gives the squad something
to focus on and prepare for quickly?
It was devastating last weekend, but I think
we’re still in a great position in the URC and
have a huge game this week. There’s still an
opportunity to do something we haven’t
done as a club for 16 years, so as much as it
was incredibly disappointing to be knocked
out of Europe, the URC is our focus. It’s
a home Inter-Pro game against another
team who are up there, and it’s a quick
turnaround to get ourselves back on the
horse. We certainly won’t be feeling sorry
for ourselves and this is a good opportunity
for us to go out and make up for what we
felt we lost out on last week.
What will you expect from Munster in
terms of their threats?
Munster are a club that is known what they’re
about for a long time. They want to take you
on physically upfront and have the added
dimension of dangerous backs. They have
some talented youngsters as well. It will be a
battle at the set-piece and breakdown. They
have some smart and exciting half-backs,
and a good mix of experience and young
guns coming through, similar to ourselves.
It should be a good game!
What did you make of the atmosphere
at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday? You’ll
be wanting more of the same on Friday
for a huge inter-pro?
It was incredible. It was as good as I can
remember the atmosphere ever being. The
place was absolutely electric and you could
definitely feel that as a player. It adds to
the spectacle. It was gutting that we didn’t
manage to turn that into a win, but I think it’s
a huge advantage to get that momentum
and buzz around Kingspan Stadium. It’s
contagious. It would be great to have a
similar atmosphere on Friday.
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CEO
Welcome
Bank of Ireland Towns Cup Final
Ballyclare RFC claimed the Bank of Ireland
Towns Cup after defeating Dromore RFC in
a pulsating game at Kingspan Stadium on
Easter Monday.
In the opening few minutes, Dromore had
an early chance after a great break, but
Ballyclare worked quickly over the ball to
force the penalty. The visiting side continued
to press, and their pressure was soon
rewarded with a penalty.
Just three minutes later, Dromore struck
through their centre, Graeme McCandless,
after a period of pressure. McDonald landed
the conversion to put ten points between the
two sides.
Ballyclare’s first points came through the
boot of out-half, Matthew McDowell, after
Dromore were caught off-side. Just three
minutes later, however, Dromore cancelled
it out as McDonald landed another penalty,
restoring their 10-point advantage.
Ballyclare’s first try came off the back of a
maul from the line-out, with blindside flanker
Ross Johnston picking up to power over for
the Hares. McDowell was unable to land the
tricky conversion.
The men in red had another opportunity;
Grant Bartley looking certain to score but
great Dromore defence kept him held up over
the line to give them the goal-line drop-out.
The County Down side found themselves
temporarily down to 14 when Richard
Dickson disrupted Ballyclare’s attack and he
was sin-binned for knocking on. Ballyclare
immediately profited; their tighthead Jack
Black crossing the whitewash. Matthew
McDowell landed the conversion to take the
lead going into the break.
The Cloughan side started the second half
as they finished the first. With a free-play,
Matthew McDowell had great vision to chip
the ball over for Owen Kirk to collect and
score. McDowell added the conversion to put
Ballyclare 9 points ahead.
Ballyclare had a penalty opportunity on
50 minutes to extend their lead further,
but McDowell’s kick was off-target. They
continued to probe, and their full-back Mark
Jackson made a superb break. They made
the switch to go out wide on the left, but the
kick through couldn’t go to hand.
Another chance went begging for the men
in red, scrum-half Ryan McIlwaine directing
his forwards to go on the pick-and-go.
Matthew Coulter looked close to scoring but
the referee spotted a knock-on as he tried to
ground the ball. Dromore got the scrum.
The home side were in the ascendancy. They
opted to go wide where they found space
for Josh Cowan to bundle over in the corner
for an unconverted try.
It wasn’t long until he made his brace; once
again Ballyclare sent the ball through the
hands out left for Cowan to go in for his
second. McDowell’s conversion attempt
bounced off the uprights.
Dromore pulled one back with just over
ten minutes remaining. After a series of
pick-and-goes, tighthead prop Andrew
Black muscled over for their second try of
the afternoon. Adam McDonald slotted the
conversion to reduce the deficit to 12 points.
Momentum had swung Dromore’s way, and
they pounced again with just three minutes
left through Matthew Shirlow driving over. TJ
Morris fired over the conversion to put five
points between the two sides, but time wasn’t
on their side as Ballyclare held on for the win.
Full-time score:
Ballyclare 32 - 27 Dromore
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13

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SENIOR
SQUAD
Head Coach: Dan McFarland
Will
Addison
John
Andrew
Rob
Herring
James
Hume
Cormac
Izuchukwu
Greg
Jones
Assistant Coach: Dan Soper
Forwards Coach: Roddy Grant
Defence Coach: Jared Payne
Skills Coach: Craig Newby
Utility Back
20/08/1992
185cm
95kg
26
5
Hooker
26/05/1993
180cm
100kg
93
Hooker
27/04/1990
185cm
105kg
211
26
Centre
07/09/1998
188cm
95kg
57
3
Lock
28/01/2000
201cm
117kg
7
Back Row
13/01/1996
196cm
108kg
37
Robert
Baloucoune
Wing
19/08/1997
193cm
92kg
41
2
Angus
Curtis
Fly Half / Centre
26/03/1998
178cm
88kg
19
Billy
Burns
Fly Half
13/06/1994
183cm
87kg
70
7
Nathan
Doak
Scrum Half
17/12/2001
185cm
87kg
20
Sam
Carter
Lock
10/09/1989
201cm
116kg
38
AUS 16
Craig
Gilroy
Wing
11/03/1991
183cm
91kg
206
10
John
Cooney
Scrum Half
01/05/1990
178cm
85kg
96
11
Iain
Henderson
Lock
21/02/1992
198cm
116kg
127
68
Ross
Kane
Prop
14/10/1994
180cm
118kg
59
Ian
Madigan
Fly Half
21/03/1989
178cm
89kg
29
30
Mick
Kearney
Lock
29/03/1991
198cm
116 kg
9
Luke
Marshall
Centre
03/03/1991
180cm
99kg
147
11
Mike
Lowry
Full Back
20/08/1998
170cm
76kg
64
1
David
McCann
Back Row
13/06/2000
193cm
108kg
14
Rob
Lyttle
Wing
28/01/1997
175cm
85kg
55
Stuart
McCloskey
Centre
06/08/1992
193cm
110kg
153
6
SENIOR SQUAD
ulster.rugby
17

Prop
11/10/1989
185cm
118kg
24
56
Jack
McGrath
Prop
15/12/1992
191cm
134kg
11
Gareth
Milasinovich
Hooker
15/09/1996
183cm
112kg
1
Declan
Moore
Centre
08/08/1999
183cm
90kg
27
Stewart
Moore
Back Row
22/04/1991
188cm
102kg
54
30
Jordi
Murphy
Lock
10/09/1992
196cm
110kg
152
Alan
O’Connor
Prop
30/11/1995
185cm
117kg
81
1
Eric
O’Sullivan
Prop
23/09/1998
185cm
123kg
76
2
Tom
O’Toole
Full Back/Wing
10/08/2000
188cm
86kg
32
Ethan
McIlroy
Back Row
08/09/1997
188cm
108kg
21
Marcus
Rea
Wing/Centre
06/09/2001
191cm
97kg
17
Ben
Moxham
Prop
01/03/1991
178cm
123kg
74
10
Marty
Moore
Back Row
01/08/1995
188cm
114kg
100
2
Nick
Timoney
Lock
06/11/1995
198cm
115kg
122
4
Kieran
Treadwell
Prop
12/03/1991
178cm
116kg
152
Andrew
Warwick
Back Row
21/09/1993
193cm
110kg
71
Matthew
Rea
Hooker
04/01/1996
175cm
104Kg
16
WAL 1
Bradley
Roberts
Wing/Full Back
03/04/1996
191cm
102kg
83
35
Jacob
Stockdale
Scrum Half
20/06/1993
175cm
77kg
80
David
Shanahan
Hooker
11/01/2001
183cm
103kg
5
Tom
Stewart
Wing
24/08/200
188cm
94kg
3
Aaron
Sexton
Prop
06/01/1999
183cm
117kg
10
Callum
Reid
Back Row
10/05/1989
183cm
102kg
150
2
Sean
Reidy
Back Row
03/07/1986
193cm
119kg
13
SA 60
Duane
Vermeulen
SENIOR SQUAD
19
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21

1 Warwick
2 Herring 3 Moore
1 Loughman 2 Barron 3 Archer
C
4 O’Connor 5 Henderson
4 Kleyn 5 Ahern
C
6 Rea 8 Timoney
7 Murphy
6 O’Donoghue 8 Kendellen
7 Hodnett
OFFICIALS
9 Cooney
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant Referees: Andrew Cole, Paul Haycock
TMO: Brian MacNeice
9 Casey
11 McIlroy
10 Lowry
11 Daly
10 Carberry
REPLACEMENTS
REPLACEMENTS
16 Brad Roberts
12 McCloskey
16 Scott Buckley
12 de Allende
17 Eric O’Sullivan
17 Josh Wycherley
18 Gareth Milasinovich
18 John Ryan
19 Sam Carter
13 Hume
19 Jason Jenkins
13 Farrell
20 Sean Reidy
20 Fineen Wycherley
21 Nathan Doak
21 Conor Murray
22 Ian Madigan
14 Baloucoune
22 Ben Healy
14 Earls
23 Ben Moxham
15 Moore
23 Chris Cloete
15 Haley
ulster.rugby
23

Deloitte Women’s Junior Cup Champions
Queen’s University Belfast were crowned
the Deloitte Ulster Women’s Junior Cup
champions after defeating Co. Cavan in the
final play of the game at Kingspan Stadium
on Easter Monday.
The home side put early pressure on Queen’s
as tighthead prop Elizabeth McKeever
made a great read to intercept, but QUB
were able to compose themselves quickly
to regain possession. Queen’s then enjoyed
a good spell of territory as they kept Cavan
pinned inside their 22, until quick work at the
breakdown got them a penalty to exit.
The Cavan side made a series of hard carries,
which allowed Brigid Reynolds to make a
break through midfield to bring them outside
Queen’s 22. They looked to move the ball wide
but one of their passes drifted just forward to
give Queen’s the scrum. The Belfast side got
the upper-hand and the resulting penalty.
Queen’s closest opportunity came on 21
minutes, when Rachael McIlroy took the
quick-tap penalty just a few metres out to
bring in her forwards on the carry. Cavan
did really well though to force the turnover
on their line. They weren’t out of immediate
danger though, as Queen’s regained
possession and sent the ball wide to Aoife
McCormack, but Cavan managed to bundle
her into touch five metres out for the line-out.
They kicked up-field for Queen’s to re-gather,
but a knock-on just outside Cavan’s 22 gave
them the scrum.
It was Cavan’s turn to go through the hands,
making some impressive offloads going
into contact. Captain, Kate Bartley made a
superb pop into the hands of full-back, Etna
Flanagan, but they couldn’t get change from
their attacking phase. Eventually though on
the half-hour mark, centre Lauren O’Riordan
found the space to go in under the posts
for the home side, and Bartley added the
conversion to put them 7-up.
The Belfast team had a succession of
penalties, each one bringing them closer to
Cavan’s line. They applied wave after wave
of pressure until Abby Sheridan was tackled
into touch by a resolute Cavan defence. The
women in red kicked for touch but couldn’t
get much distance, which kept Queen’s in a
good area of the field. They were unable to
capitalise on that territory however before
the half-time whistle.
Queen’s started the second half strongly;
Rachael McIlroy making an excellent break,
but her offload didn’t quite take for the
supporting Nicole Watterson, so it was scrum
Cavan, ten metres out. Bartley then made the
kick for touch.
Handling errors started to creep in for
both sides as the game reached its third
quarter, and Cavan and Queen’s struggled
to make gains. Soon after, Sophie Hipson
made a strong carry to make good ground
for Queen’s, and Diane Ramsay caused
problems for Cavan’s defence.
On 66 minutes, Queen’s got their first try
of the game; their captain Anna Patterson
showing real strength to power over the line.
It went unconverted, making the score 7-5.
Co. Cavan tried to keep QUB contained
within their half, but the women in blue
got the scrum to regain possession and
work their way into Cavan territory. Miriam
Gonzalo made a super run to make ground.
Cavan’s impressive defence held firm, until the
clock was deep into the red, and Queen’s winger,
Lydia Montgomery went on a scintillating run
down the right wing to run in under the posts
and take the lead. Diane Ramsay added the
conversion to see out the game.
Full-time score:
Co. Cavan 7-12 Queen’s University Belfast
ulster.rugby
25

ULSTER v
CELL C SHARKS
FRI 20 MAY
7.35PM
KINGSPAN
STADIUM
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RUGBY
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27

Craig Casey
Ones to Watch
19/04/1999 1.65m 76kg
Limerick-born Casey, has clocked-up 44 appearances
for his club, as well as 5 for Ireland.
Casey is known for his quick speed at the breakdown
and isn’t shy about taking an opportunity himself.
Damian de Allende
25/11/1991 1.91m 105kg
Capped 58 times for South Africa, de Allende makes a
huge contribution to any team he’s in.
A key player last week in Munster’s Heineken Cup
Champions Cup victory against Exeter, de Allande
dotted-down in the corner after a some great supportplay
and impressive footwork.
Joey Carberry
01/11/1995 1.83m 86kg
Try scorer last week against Exeter, Carberry also
continues to impress off the boot. Landing a 48m
penalty, during the pressures of the tough Heineken
Champions Cup game.
NAME POSITION AGE HEIGHT WEIGHT
Dave Kilcoyne Prop 33 1.85 m 118 kg
James French Prop 23 1.85 m 120 kg
Jeremy Loughman Prop 26 1.85 m 120 kg
John Ryan Prop 33 1.85 m 121 kg
Josh Wycherley Prop 22 1.83 m 108 kg
Keynan Knox Prop 23 1.85 m 115 kg
Liam O'connor Prop 26 1.80 m 110 kg
Roman Salanoa Prop 24 1.83 m 123 kg
Stephen Archer Prop 34 1.88 m 121 kg
Diarmuid Barron Hooker 23 1.84 m 100 kg
Kevin O'Byrne Hooker 31 1.80 m 105 kg
Niall Scannell Hooker 30 1.85 m 111 kg
Fineen Wycherley Lock 24 1.96 m 112 kg
Jason Jenkins Lock 26 2.01 m 125 kg
Jean Kleyn Lock 28 2.03 m 121 kg
Rg Snyman Lock 27 2.06 m 120 kg
Tadhg Beirne Lock 30 1.98 m 114 kg
Thomas Ahern Lock 22 2.06 m 115 kg
Chris Cloete Back row 31 1.76 m 106 kg
Gavin Coombes Back row 24 1.98 m 110 kg
Jack Daly Back row 23 1.83 m 106 kg
Jack O'Donoghue Back row 28 1.91 m 110 kg
Jack O'Sullivan Back row 23 1.89 m 100 kg
John Hodnett Back row 23 1.85 m 103 kg
Peter O'Mahony Back row 32 1.91 m 108 kg
Conor Murray Scrum-half 33 1.88 m 94 kg
Craig Casey Scrum-half 23 1.65 m 76 kg
Neil Cronin Scrum-half 29 1.73 m 83 kg
Rowan Osborne Scrum-half 25 1.70 m 77 kg
Ben Healy Fly-half 22 1.91 m 97 kg
Jack Crowley Fly-half 22 1.83 m 90 kg
Joey Carbery Fly-half 26 1.83 m 86 kg
Calvin Nash Center 24 1.80 m 90 kg
Chris Farrell Center 29 1.91 m 110 kg
Damian De Allende Center 30 1.91 m 105 kg
Dan Goggin Center 27 1.88 m 97 kg
Rory Scannell Center 28 1.79 m 96 kg
Sean French Center 22 1.88 m 99 kg
Shane Daly Center 25 1.91 m 92 kg
Andrew Conway Wing 30 1.80 m 91 kg
Keith Earls Wing 34 1.80 m 90 kg
Liam Coombes Wing 24 1.91 m 90 kg
Jake Flannery Fullback 22 1.83 m 91 kg
Matt Gallagher Fullback 25 1.85 m 96 kg
Mike Haley Fullback 27 1.91 m 94 kg
Simon Zebo Fullback 32 1.88 m 94 kg
ulster.rugby 29

Half-Time Exhibition Games
Players
Players
1 Ryan Anderson
1 Josh Ervine
2 Isaac Calvert
2 Ethan Tully
Belfast Harlequins
RFC
Coaches
1 Dave Dunlop
2 Michael Anderson
3 Dave Calvert
Club Colours:
Blue / White / Red /
Navy
Dromore RFC
Coaches
1 David Cantley
2 Darren Greer
3 Michael McMullen
Club Colours:
Blue / White
3 Owen Chambers
4 Rudi Cosgrove
5 Tom Dunlop
6 Jesse Jordan
7 Erin McCay
8 James McConkey
9 David Miscampbell
10 Robbie Moore
11 Kai Orzel
12 Liam Ramage
Players
1 James McKnight
2 Harry Sloan
3 Patrick Hayes
4 Harry Cantley
5 Archie Dougan
6 Harry Greer
7 Christopher Scott
8 Poppy Rogers
9 Micah McMullen
10 Carson McAllister
11 Zach Watson
12 Oscar Jess
BHSFP RFC
Coaches
1 Chris Moore
2 Andy Ervine
3 Mark Tully
Club Colours:
Blue / Yellow
Carrickfergus
RFC
Coaches
1 Paul Stenson
2 Colin Delaney
3 Johnny Graham
Club Colours:
Red / Black
3 Daniel Moore
4 Jonah Press
5 Joe Roberts
6 Noah Taylor
7 Zack Alderdice
8 Mason Simpson
9 Micah Rayout
10 Jake McFarland
11 Matthew Craig
12 Karter Neill
Players
1 Mark Todd
2 Ryan Delaney
3 Duncan Stenson
4 Jordan Beggs
5 Zach Arbuthnot
6 Jack Graham
7 Jake Wady
8 Zac Cornish
9 Calum Tierney
10 Oliver Tester
11 Charlie Kernaghan
12 Tom Ferris
AbbeyAutoline Family Stand End Memorial Stand End
LIVE STATS
31

their way to a good area of the field. Toulouse
were penalised for collapsing Ulster’s maul,
and John Cooney coolly slotted the three
points to draw level (49-43 on aggregate).
conversion to re-take the aggregate lead.
Toulouse and captain, Antoine Dupont broke
Ulster hearts with five minutes to go, as
he spotted a gap to crash over for the try.
Thomas Ramos landed the conversion to
take the lead on aggregate by a single point.
Ulster had to fiercely defend in the final
minutes to keep Toulouse out, and they were
unable to get back into Toulouse territory
to respond. Toulouse quickly kicked the ball
out to end the game and progress to the
Quarter-Finals.
Last Time Out
23 - 30
The opening few minutes of the second
half saw Ulster quickly out of the blocks,
retaining possession well and testing
Toulouse defences. Both the hosts and the
visitors looked to send the ball sky-wards,
but both back lines diffused it well.
Full-time score:
Ulster 23 - 30 Toulouse
(49-50 on aggregate)
Saturday 16 April, 8pm
Ulster exit the Heineken Champions Cup at
the Round of 16, having been defeated by a
single point on aggregate, and seven points
on the night, at the hands of Toulouse at
Kingspan Stadium.
The visitors had an early opportunity with
two minutes on the clock and Thomas
Ramos obliged with the penalty.
In an eventful first few minutes, both Ulster
and Toulouse went down to 14 temporarily
after Rob Baloucoune collided in the air
with Anthony Jelonch, and three minutes
later, Dimitri Delibes joined Baloucoune after
making a tip-tackle on Ethan McIlroy.
Billy Burns kicked for touch with the penalty,
bringing Ulster to a promising area. They
looked like they might get through but the
pass to Marcus Rea didn’t take just a couple
of metres out.
It wasn’t long however till Ulster were on the
attack again. They sent the ball wide and
the goose-stepping James Hume made the
offload to Ethan McIlroy who ran home for
the try. John Cooney fired over the extras.
Toulouse and Ulster both exchanged a
penalty each through the boot of Thomas
Ramos and John Cooney, leaving four points
between the two sides, 10 on aggregate.
Toulouse produced a superb score on
22 minutes, with Ntamack and Dupont
working in tandem to send Thomas Ramos
racing clear to take the lead, and he
converted his score.
The hosts were keen to respond and had got
to a great area of the field, going through
the hands, but Romain Ntamack sniffed out
the intercept from deep to bundle over and
take the lead on aggregate. Ramos nudged
over the conversion.
The men in red created an outstanding
try just before the break. With a freeplay,
Billy Burns made the cross-field kick
to Ethan McIlroy who dotted down for a
brace. Cooney nailed the difficult touch-line
Eventually, Ulster had a pop at the posts on
52 minutes, which John Cooney duly obliged
with to draw level (46-40 on aggregate).
Nine minutes later, Thomas Ramos replied
with a penalty to put them ahead for the
game, and reducing Ulster’s aggregate lead
to three points.
Ulster had to play the final 15 minutes with
fourteen men as Tom O’Toole was sent off
for a high challenge on Anthony Jelonch.
The hosts weren’t deterred, and they worked
Watch
Match
Highlights
ulster.rugby
33

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Accept the referee’s
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Win with humility,
lose with dignity
Remember who you
represent
Please be respectful
of players’ abilities
Keep your language
clean
Zero tolerance for
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Respect your
opponents
Play fair and
with discipline
Lead by example
Value volunteer referees
and coaches
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39

Q&A
Jordi Murphy
Favourite try you’ve scored for Ulster
Against Racing 92
Your favourite 2021/22 Ulster Kit
White Home Kit
Apart from Rugby, what other sports are
you interested in?
Golf – both watching and playing
Most used app on your phone
Instagram (@jordimurphy)
Most used emoji?
Current favourite Tv Show/Movie?
Succession
Do you have any habits/rituals before
a game?
Visualisation
ulster.rugby
Your least favourite drill in training
Malcolms
To do: start on your chest on the halfway line, get
up and back pedal to 10m line behind you, drop
down to your chest, get up and sprint to far 10m
line, then down on chest, get up back pedal to
the halfway line then drop down to chest again.
Q&A
This is one rep. Keep going for the time stated.
If you were stuck on a desert island,
which teammate would you want to be
stuck with?
Mick Kearney
41

Focus Sharpens
as Games Get Bigger
Professional sport insists that, whatever the
immediate disappointments, there is always
a new target, another important challenge.
That is not to say that for players, coaches
and supporters the end of one dream
does not leave a scar. It does, of course,
especially like last weekend when Ulster
came within a point of eliminating the
Heineken Champions Cup holders.
The heartbreak of a packed, throbbing
Kingspan Stadium late on Saturday night,
was almost tangible. Having beaten
Toulouse in France the previous week,
the newly introduced competition format
of two legs in the Round of 16 was to be
decided over two games.
Dupont, Ntamack, Ramos and a gigantic
pack somehow contrived to overhaul’s
Ulster’s six-point advantage in Belfast. Just.
That Ulster not just contended but came
within that one critical point of claiming a
home quarter-final is both admirable and
frustrating. And it is the latter emotion
which those directly involved – the
players and coaching staff – must manage
Guest article:
Rod Nawn
effectively as another huge game looms so
swiftly; the visit this evening of Munster in
the United Rugby Championship.
As Forwards Coach, Roddy Grant observed
everyone has their own particular scale of
reaction to a loss in what was, last week,
the biggest game of the season. And it’s
also true that it is not always the more
experienced performers who come to
terms more quickly with what might have
been. While everyone is invested fully in
each match and the target beyond, whether
in European or domestic competition, it
would be absurd to believe that vying for
a place in the last eight of the biggest club
competition doesn’t subconsciously rank
high in the ambition of a playing squad and
its coaching group.
Younger players can often be more resilient
in defeat, the result filed under learnings
and lessons applied to the next opponent.
Munster, of course, has navigated past Exeter
through to an Aviva Stadium Champions
Cup quarter-final – ironically with Toulouse
– in a fortnight and is three points behind
second-placed Ulster in the URC standings.
Ulster’s dressing room, to be sure, would
have been in a collectively happier place if it
too was battling on both fronts.
So, Johann van Graan’s group arrives in
Belfast in good form and in a mood to
maintain its current form, and the Head
Coach will relish the notion of triumphing
again in Europe and adding the inaugural
URC title to his CV as prepares for his move
to Bath in the summer.
It would be a fine legacy – and a real
benchmark to bequeath to his successor
Graham Rowntree, the current Forwards
Coach who’ll step up into the top job
next season.
For Ulster, a win at home in this traditionally
fierce Inter-Pro would keep ahead of the
chasing pack which includes tonight’s
opposition, the Stormers and Glasgow
Warriors – who meet tonight – and the
Sharks in the pursuit of a top four finish
and a guarantee of a home quarter-final
play-off. Suddenly, particularly with the
late charge from the South African sides,
it is tight at the top, just seven points
separating second and eighth place.
Head Coach Dan McFarland will have
concentrated on getting everyone’s
heads drained last weekend’s reverse, and
focussed on the immediate challenge of
Munster. The recent URC trip South Africa
recently provided two steely matches
against sides which will shortly become
major forces in that competition and in the
European competitions for which they can
now qualify.
Ulster returned from exhausting games
in vastly different climate conditions to
change its focus on Toulouse, in France,
just a week and a long flight later.
That three weeks was as intense a period
most of the players and staff would have
faced with Ulster, and the experience of
facing three high-class teams in successive
weeks will indeed be an investment for the
future. The pursuit of the first silverware in
the Kingspan Stadium cabinet since 2006
is something which should bear heavily
on this generation on the pitch or in the
stadium.
But it is realistic to see a pool of contracted
rugby players with an encouraging age
profile and having their potential and very
real skills honed and harnessed in the Ulster
cause by a coaching ticket which McFarland
has carefully assembled and believes can
realise the ambitions he most certainly has
for his club, primarily, and for himself.
We are all aware now of the plethora of
talent thickening the attacking threat:
Lowry, Baloucoune, Doak, McIlroy,
Hume, Lyttle, Stewart Moore, Stockdale,
McCloskey, Moxham, Cooney, Burns and
the welcome sight again of Luke Marshall
back in a white jersey.
Many still point for what they believe is a
need for extra bulk up front, but McFarland
won’t settle for beef when he prioritises
technical prowess and rugby intelligence
in those such as O’Sullivan, Marty Moore,
Herring, O’Connor, the Reas, Treadwell,
Timoney, Murphy, Vermeulen, Jones and
the rest.
Then there’s Iain Henderson. Let’s just say
that his performances against Toulouse
demonstrated just why Paul O’Connell was
at Kingspan Stadium, looking on admiringly
at the contribution and leadership of
a player of immense physicality, all the
modern skills of the tight forward, and an
ulster.rugby
43

unparalleled rugby intellect.
Of course it is a team game, and Munster’s
side arrives following two exacting
outings against the acclaimed Exeter
team fashioned for successive English
Premiership successes and a Champions
Cup win for good measure.
It could be that van Graan will decide he
must rotate some of last week’s starting
fifteen given that Cardiff arrives at Thomond
Park next week before that European
quarter-final with Toulouse in Dublin, and a
potential semi-final just a week later.
But he will surely be serious about the
URC places so it is hard to imagine Joey
Carberry will not direct operations from
out-half hoping to thoroughly win over
the unconvinced of his Irish international
credentials. Keith Earls and Simon Zebo, who
has a storied history in games with Ulster,
are still high-quality attacking forces, and
Chris Farrell will surely want to play against
his native Province, preferably alongside the
dangerous, Damian de Allende.
In the pack Josh and Fineen Wycherly are
increasingly important front and second row
influence, while hooker Niall Scannell has
international experience, and ambitions still.
But the captain of the side is in wondrous
form, his talent in the back row for club and
country showing no signs of fading. Indeed,
Peter O’Mahony is arguably in the form of
his life, particularly at the breakdown and in
broken play. There is a reason he captained
the Lions at Test level, and that he’s so often
led his country.
His battles with Nick Timoney, Jordi Murphy
or Matty Rea are ones to savour, the quality
from Limerick matched by the international
class of the Ulster breakaway unit.
Tadhg Beirne, Gavin Coombes and Dave
Kilcoyne may be notable absentees for this
fixture through injury, they will have Europe
as primary personal targets.
Ulster against Munster always enticed the
rugby palate. Munster edged a game at
Thomond Park in January which Ulster so
easily might have won had it been more
measured, calm and clinical. Three months
on, both teams’ form has grown but it is
Ulster which has matured most and been
more consistent in its performances.
Convincing arguments can be forwarded for
either side this Spring evening at Kingspan
Stadium, and it is very possible there will be
periods of cagey stalemate.
But when it needs innovation and invention,
when it requires wholehearted collective
effort and the regular sprinkling of
individual stardust from the kicking tee or
in sweeping attack and smart off-loads the
home team has the capacity to lead the
pursuit of runaway leaders Leinster.
Last weekend the Ulster supporters
rediscovered its 80-minute voice, the
cheers and roars of approval brought back
memories of Ravenhill Park’s past.
Save those vocal chords for another
wonderful and important evening.
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47

Ulster Rugby
Academy
Based at Kingspan Stadium along with the
senior squad, the aim of the Ulster Rugby
Academy is to develop rugby talent to
reach their potential and perform to URC,
European and international standards.
Ben
Carson
Centre
24/02/2002
183cm
100kg
-
Reuben
Crothers
Flanker
29/01/2001
185cm
96kg
-
James
Humphreys
Fly Half
11/04/2001
185cm
80kg
-
James
McCormick
Hooker
08/01/2002
180cm
103kg
-
Conor
McKee
Scrum Half
20/03/2001
183cm
87kg
-
ADEMY ACADEMY
Jude
Conor
ADEMY Postlethwaite ACADEMY Rankin
ADEMY
Centre
ACADEMY
Full Back
03/04/2002 27/05/2001
ADEMY 193cm ACADEMY
185cm
101kg
89kg
ADEMY - ACADEMY
-
ADEMY ACADEMY
ulster.rugby
George
Saunderson
Prop
11/01/2001
191cm
118kg
-
Harry
Sheridan
Lock/Back Row
21/09/2001
196cm
111kg
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ulster.rugby 51
For further info, email
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Thu 17 Mar, 3pm | Kingspan Stadium

Ulster Society of Rugby
Football Referees
We welcome Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
and his team of officials to the Kingspan
Stadium for this evenings URC game
against Munster.
In this week’s digital match programme,
we profile Jarvis Traynor, a Level 2 referee
who has been a member of the USRFR
since 2017.
Why did you decide to take up the whistle?
I had stopped playing after a shoulder injury
and initially thought that I was probably too
old to be a referee.
After attending the 2015 World Cup Final
and having watched Nigel Owens I felt my
fitness was good enough to at least give it a
try and so the journey began.
What is the biggest thing you have learned
since you started refereeing?
I have realised quickly that the more I put
into it the better the referee I will become.
Additionally, I have learned the critique I get
as a referee is something I can learn from
which will help me improve my standards as
I progress and develop as a referee.
What was the process like to become a
referee?
This was the easy part. I applied online
on the Ulster Rugby website and went
through the simple process to become a
referee. The USRFR have a great team of
people that guide you in the early stages
of qualifying to become a referee. This
involved pitch sessions, watching referees
and then refereeing games yourself. I had
oversight and continual training which
allowed me to develop and progress quite
quickly. The USRFR also encouraged me to
attend area meetings where I was able to
discuss new law variations and chat with
other experienced referees.
What is your favourite thing about
refereeing?
I would say without any doubt, when you
have just finished a game and you are quietly
standing watching both teams congratulate
each other, and a player comes alongside
and thanks you for your game.
I sometimes laugh into myself and think...
at least I haven’t ruined this one!
What is the most memorable game you
have refereed so far?
I was fortunate this year to referee a thirdround
fixture in the Danske Bank Schools
Cup. It was a derby game, and the crowd
was massive. To be involved in that and
to see families from both teams standing
applauding each other’s performance was
a great experience.
What is your pre-match routine like?
It never really changes much. The night
before I check the regulations for the level
I am refereeing at. I normally arrive about
an hour before kick-off, do a quick pitch
inspection and chat with the captains
before doing a good warm up. Kit - I usually
carry two of everything.
What is your ambition as a referee?
I am an older referee so I am realistic
about how far I can progress. However, this
hasn’t stopped me from striving to become
a better referee. I have had some good
mentoring sessions lately which have helped
me improve many aspects of my game.
What one law would you like to change or
introduce?
I would be on for a change around the
issuing of red cards. As a former player
I have empathy with players who are
sanctioned for unfortunate head collisions.
I would hope that a 20 minute amber card
could be introduced to allow referees
some leeway in dealing with extraordinary
situations in games.
Who is your favourite referee and why?
My favourite referee is our own USRFR
member Peter Martin. I was fortunate to
Touch Judge for him in an AIL 1B relegation
game between Ballymena and Banbridge a
few seasons ago. Peter has a calm authority;
he presents himself well and has a good on
field presence.
Another attribute Peter has which makes
him stand out even more for me, is his
professional approach to games and his
drive for improving his own game.
What could make you improve as a
referee?
I have been told by some former team
mates to give up refereeing as that’s the
only way I will improve!
In reality, listening to the team of mentors and
evaluators we have and applying what they
have told me is the best way I can improve.
What advice would you give to someone
thinking about taking up refereeing?
Easy, do it at the earliest age you can.
Anything is possible if you have the skill set
and desire to do it.
The USRFR have the resources and
professional personnel to help you get
what you want from it. Richard Kerr and his
team are always available to get you all the
information and training you will need to
become a referee. Just lift the phone and
speak to Richard or one of his team if you
are interested.
If you would like to find out further
information about refereeing, or would
be interested in becoming a referee,
contact:
Richard Kerr
Referee Development Manager
richard.kerr@irfu.ie | 07493 868 388
ulster.rugby
53

COVID-19
Reduce the Risk
SPIRIT OF ‘99
RAVENHILL PARK GARDENS
THE 1924
ONSLOW PARADE
TURNSTILES
PROMENADE 1
PROMENADE 2
Wear Face
Covering
when indoors
Wash Hands
Regularly
and cover coughs
and sneezes
Be Distance
Aware
and respectful of
other supporters
ABBEY AUTOLINE FAMILY STAND
EAST TERRACE
FOOD
VILLAGE
ADMIN’
BUILDING
ISOLATION
A&L GOODBODY LOUNGE / VIP BOXES
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 will provide the soundtrack for
the evening.
All five public bars will also be in operation,
with live entertainment in the Clubhouse Bar.
Kukri Store
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
The Kukri Store will be open from gates
open until 30 minutes after full-time.
OUR Club
The activity centre for our Junior Season
Ticket holders will not be in operation for
this fixture.
ulster.rugby
55

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
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A Connacht Sat 23 Oct L 36-11 URC
A Leinster Sat 27 Nov W 10-20 URC
A Ospreys Sat 4 Dec L 19-13 URC
A Clermont Sat 11 Dec W 23-29 HCC
H Northampton Saints Fri 17 Dec W 27-22 HCC
A Munster Sat 8 Jan L 18-13 URC
A Northampton Saints Sun 16 Jan W 20-24 HCC
H Clermont Sat 22 Jan W 34-31 HCC
H Scarlets Fri 28 Jan W 27-15 URC
H Connacht Fri 4 Feb W 32-12 URC
A Dragons Sun 20 Feb W 0-12 URC
H Cardiff Fri 4 Mar W 48-12 URC
H Leinster Sat 12 Mar W 18-13 URC
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A Vodacom Bulls Sat 2 Apr L 34-16 URC
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