UR-MatchDay-Programme-BOI-PreSeason-vExeter

ULSTER
Offical Match Day Programme
v EXETER
Fri 2 Sep 2022, 7pm
Kingspan Stadium
PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY

In this Issue
Welcome back to Kingspan Stadium, the home of Ulster Rugby,
where this evening the Ulster squad welcome Exeter Chiefs for
our annual home pre-season friendly.
It is great to see live rugby returning once again and I’m sure the Ulster squad
are looking forward to getting back out on the pitch after an intensive block
of pre-season training.
Exeter Chiefs have been one of the most consistently formidable forces in English
rugby in recent years, so tonight’s game will serve as a stern test for the Ulster men
who are tapering off preparations for the URC season kick-off at home against
Connacht in two weeks’ time. We will enjoy watching on with interest to see how both
our new recruits and the more familiar faces are primed for 2022/23.
Finally, I would like to wish the Ulster squad and management team the very best of
luck for tonight’s game and indeed the year ahead. To Ulster’s committed fans, have a
fantastic night and we look forward to seeing you throughout what will no doubt be
another thrilling season of action at Kingspan Stadium.
4 President’s
Welcome
7
8
12
Our Official
Mascots
Player Interview:
Jordi Murphy
2022/23 Men’s
Senior Squad
16 Squad
Stats
20
22
26
Some New
Faces
Match Day
Teams
Exeter Chiefs
Ones To Watch
29 Half-time
Exhibition Games
32
34
38
Player Q&A
Jeff Toomaga-Allen
Ulster Fine Tuning
Is Chief Priority
Ulster Rugby
Academy
40 Stadium
Map
41
This Season’s
Fixtures
4
12
34
38
3

President’s Welcome
Welcome to Kingspan Stadium for our Bank
of Ireland pre-season friendly versus Exeter
Chiefs. The new season is upon us, with
tonight promising to whet our appetite for
what lies ahead for the Ulster men.
Firstly, I would like to say that I am honoured
to have been elected the 125th President of
IRFU Ulster Branch. Our outgoing President,
Gary Leslie, made a valuable contribution
over the years he served in the role, especially
given the ongoing impact of COVID-19, and
I look forward to continuing his work, and
those who have held this role before me, in
the season ahead.
Although some time has passed since we
were cheering the Ulster men on from the
stands of Kingspan Stadium, it has been
far from a quiet summer for the men and
women of Ulster. With eight of the province’s
players called up for international duty in
New Zealand, a historic Series win over the
All Blacks was sealed, with our very own Rob
Herring crossing the whitewash to secure
a crucial try in the third Test. Ulster’s Neve
Jones and Taryn Schutzler also got the call
up, which saw them travel to Japan, with
Greg McWilliam’s side securing a win, before
their fortunes were reversed.
Last weekend also saw a return to domestic
action for clubs across Ulster. A total of 25
games took place across six competitions:
The Ulster Rugby Premiership 1 & 2, the
2XV League, and the Kukri Ulster Rugby
Championship Division 1, 2 & 3. The Provincial
Premier and Provincial Regional will kick-off
this weekend, alongside our Club Academy
qualifying festival.
This all follows what has been a busy summer,
during which we hosted an extensive rugby
camp programme. For the first time ever, we
were able to put on a two-night residential
camp for girls during which they further
developed their understanding of the game
and learned more about the core values, such
as teamwork, commitment, communication,
integrity, and respect.
It marked another significant step forward
for the Women and Girls’ game, after
the establishment of our new Ulster U16
girls’ team which was set up as part of
Player Performance Pathway programme,
recognising the growing number of talented
female rugby players in the province.
There are many people who work hard
behind the scenes to support our game,
and I would like to take this opportunity to
single out one of them. For 10 years, Paul
Whitten has worked diligently and with
great dedication as our Rugby Operations
Coordinator. This last decade saw him
become a popular and respected colleague,
and although we are sad to see him go,
everyone at Ulster Rugby wishes Paul an
extremely happy and fulfilling retirement.
So now, with pre-season complete for
Dan McFarland’s squad, our latest recruits
to the Senior Men’s team have already
found their feet. We are delighted to have
Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Frank Bradshaw-
Ryan, Jake Flannery, Sean Reffell and
Michael McDonald join our ranks – with
hooker, Declan Moore, making his move
from Munster a permanent one, after
already having secured a try in his first
cap for Ulster in last season’s victory
over Connacht, our upcoming rivals for
the first game of the new United Rugby
Championship season.
Now all that is left for me to say is, enjoy
tonight’s game. This will be the first time
that the two sides have met since the
2016-17 Champions Cup, so it’ll set us
up for another exciting season of rugby
across the province, and I for one, can’t
wait to see what the months ahead hold
for Ulster.
Philip Gregg
President, IRFU Ulster Branch
5

Mascots
Name: Robbie Moore
Age: 12
From: Belfast
Favourite Player: James Hume
It is a dream mine to play for
Ulster. Walking out with the team
on match day would make my
family so proud.
Name: Nicky Martin
Age: 10
From: Carrickmacross
Favourite Player: Iain Henderson
I love watching rugby and to
be a mascot for my province
before a game and see all the
Ulster players is very special and
exciting for me.
7

Jordi Murphy
With Jordi Murphy set to captain an
extended squad of Ulster men against the
Exeter Chiefs tonight, we chatted to him
about how pre-season has gone for the
team, how he’s finding it being back from
injury, and what his expectations are for
the new season ahead.
Jordi, can you tell us how the mood is in
the camp ahead of the home pre-season
friendly?
The mood has been really good. We’ve
been at it for six, seven weeks now, so it’s
been a tough pre-season. It’s a mixture
of looking forward to games again, being
excited to see what we can put out, and
showcasing what we have been working on
during the off season.
How are you feeling personally ahead of
the new season?
I’m feeling good. I had my fair share of
injuries last year, so I have worked hard in
the time off. For the moment, touch wood,
I’m still pieced together, so I’m looking
forward to enjoying being out with the
lads again in front of a home crowd at
Kingspan Stadium.
How has the squad coped with the
disappointment at the end of last season?
You take all the learnings you can. It’s not
really been in our minds, or talked about
in meetings ahead of this game. It’s done
now, and you can’t hold on to it. Last
season didn’t go as we planned or hoped.
We hoped to win trophies. But we need
to move on now, and try and take a few
lessons, and go one better in the season
ahead.
What does success look like against the
Exeter Chiefs?
I’ve played in plenty of pre-season games,
and you never feel 100%, but that’s how you
want it to be, with the lungs and legs burning.
There will be quite a lot of boys running out
tonight. From Dan’s perspective, getting as
many guys out as possible is important –
and for us, as players, it will be about trying
to put your best foot forward ahead of our
first United Rugby Championship game
against Connacht. We have a good chance
to get a result against Exeter. They are a
strong side, and they only have a week to
go until they start their league, so there
won’t be any messing around. It’s going to
be full-on from the start, but that’s exactly
how we want it.
Back Row
22/04/1991
188cm
106kg
55
Watch
Pre-Season
Training
9

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2022/23
MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
TOP ROW (L-R): Sean Reffell, Callum Reid, Ben Moxham, Gareth Milasinovich, Jeffert Toomaga-Allen, Marcus Rea, Sam Carter, Frank Bradshaw-Ryan, Cormac Izuchukwu, Matty Rea, Greg Jones, Jude Postlethwaite, David McCann, Aaron Sexton, Tom Stewart
MIDDLE ROW (L-R): Jake Flannery, Michael McDonald, Rob Lyttle, Stewart Moore, Eric O’Sullivan, Marty Moore, Tom O’Toole, Nathan Doak, Will Addison, Kieran Treadwell, Jacob Stockdale, Ethan McIlroy, John Andrew, Declan Moore, Shea O’Brien, Dave Shanahan
BOTTOM ROW (L-R): Craig Gilroy, Andrew Warwick, Rob Baloucoune, John Cooney, James Hume, Rob Herring, Alan O’Connor, Iain Henderson (C), Jordi Murphy, Stuart McCloskey, Billy Burns, Luke Marshall, Nick Timoney, Michael Lowry, Ian Madigan, Angus Curtis
NOT PICTURED: Duane Vermeulen
ulster.rugby 13

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15

Utility Back
20/08/1992
185cm
93kg
26
5
Will
Addison
Hooker
26/05/1993
180cm
103kg
95
John
Andrew
Wing
19/08/1997
193cm
93kg
45
2
Rob
Baloucoune
Lock
27/07/1995
205cm
120kg
Frank
Bradshaw-Ryan
Fly Half
13/06/1994
183cm
87kg
73
7
Billy
Burns
Lock
10/09/1989
201cm
116kg
39
AUS 16
Sam
Carter
Scrum Half
01/05/1990
178cm
86kg
100
11
John
Cooney
Fly Half / Centre
26/03/1998
178cm
92kg
19
Angus
Curtis
Scrum Half
17/12/2001
185cm
85kg
24
Nathan
Doak
Fly Half
07/06/1999
183cm
91kg
Jake
Flannery
Wing
11/03/1991
183cm
90kg
206
10
Craig
Gilroy
Lock
21/02/1992
199cm
116kg
131
68
Iain
Henderson
Hooker
27/04/1990
185cm
105kg
214
26
Rob
Herring
Centre
07/09/1998
188cm
98kg
61
3
James
Hume
Lock
28/01/2000
201cm
117kg
7
Cormac
Izuchukwu
Back Row
13/01/1996
196cm
106kg
37
Greg
Jones
Full Back
20/08/1998
170cm
76kg
67
1
Mike
Lowry
Wing
28/01/1997
175cm
85kg
57
Rob
Lyttle
Fly Half
21/03/1989
179cm
89kg
31
30
Ian
Madigan
Centre
03/03/1991
180cm
95kg
147
11
Luke
Marshall
Back Row
13/06/2000
193cm
108kg
14
David
McCann
Centre
06/08/1992
193cm
111kg
157
6
Stuart
McCloskey
Scrum Half
24/06/1999
178cm
95kg
Michael
McDonald
Full Back/Wing
10/08/2000
188cm
89kg
36
Ethan
McIlroy
MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
C
17
ulster.rugby

Prop
15/12/1992
191cm
130kg
14
Gareth
Milasinovich
Hooker
15/09/1996
183cm
112kg
1
Declan
Moore
Prop
01/03/1991
178cm
123kg
75
10
Marty
Moore
Centre
08/08/1999
184cm
91kg
31
Stewart
Moore
Wing/Centre
09/09/1991
191cm
100kg
18
Ben
Moxham
Back Row
22/04/1991
188cm
106kg
55
30
Jordi
Murphy
Full Back
15/07/1999
181cm
90kg
Shea
O’Brien
Lock
10/09/1992
196cm
110kg
156
Alan
O’Connor
Prop
30/11/1995
185cm
117kg
85
1
Eric
O’Sullivan
Prop
23/09/1998
184cm
121kg
78
3
Tom
O’Toole
Centre
03/04/2002
193cm
93kg
Jude
Postlethwaite
Back Row
08/09/1997
188cm
109kg
24
Marcus
Rea
Back Row
21/09/1993
193cm
114kg
75
Matty
Rea
Back Row
04/11/1998
180cm
99kg
Sean
Reffell
Prop
06/01/1999
183cm
116kg
10
Callum
Reid
Wing
24/08/2000
188cm
92kg
3
Aaron
Sexton
Scrum Half
20/06/1993
175cm
78kg
80
Dave
Shanahan
Hooker
11/01/2001
183cm
103kg
5
Tom
Stewart
Wing/Full Back
03/04/1996
191cm
102kg
83
35
Jacob
Stockdale
Back Row
01/08/1995
188cm
113kg
104
2
Nick
Timoney
Prop
19/11/1990
192cm
128kg
Jeffery
Toomanga-Allen
Lock
06/11/1995
198cm
115kg
125
8
Kieran
Treadwell
Back Row
03/07/1986
193cm
118kg
16
SA 60
Duane
Vermeulen
Prop
12/03/1991
178cm
117kg
156
Andrew
Warwick
MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
19
ulster.rugby

New Some
Faces
Sean Reffell
23-year-old, Sean Reffell, joined Ulster
from Saracens, where he was awarded
the Young Player of the Season award
for 2020/21. The Irish-qualified back row
also holds the Saracens record for most
tackles in a game, with 39 tackles made
in the Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final
versus Worcester in 2019.
Known for his impressive work-rate, the
former England U20s openside made 40
appearances for Saracens since a debut in
the Anglo-Welsh Cup in November 2017.
Jake Flannery
The Tipperary-born ten, having produced a stand-out
performance for the 2019 Grand Slam-winning Ireland
U20s, is no stranger to those following young talent in
Irish rugby.
Having started his rugby career in the club game
at Kilfeacle & District RFC, Flannery went on to play
schools rugby at Rockwell College and made his
Munster A debut in the Celtic Cup and All Ireland
League debut with Shannon RFC in the 2018/19
season. A place in the Munster Academy followed in
the summer of 2019, with his Guinness PRO14 debut
off the bench for Munster away to Zebre coming in
February 2020.
The 22-year-old fly-half, who has gone on to earn a further
6 caps for Munster, will join Ulster on a one-year deal.
Michael McDonald
Frank Bradshaw Ryan
26-year-old Limerick-born Bradshaw Ryan, who stands
at over 2m tall, is set to bolster the province’s second row
having moved from French Pro D2 side, USON Nevers.
Known for his lineout skills and ability to carry, the Munster sub-
Academy graduate, and former Ireland U19s player, will also
bring the leadership skills he has honed over the last six years
in France. The second row joins Ulster on a one-year deal.
Born in Louth, McDonald spent his childhood
years playing at Dundalk RFC, before
moving to Perth in Australia at the age of 13,
where he moved up the ranks to make his
Senior debut for Western Force in the Rapid
Rugby tournament as a 19-year-old.
He was selected for the Junior Wallabies,
which led him to the World Cup Final in
2019. His impressive performances led
to his signing for Super Rugby franchise,
Waratahs, where he spent a season before
moving back to Western Force last year.
21

1
2
3
1
2
3
4
Callum Reid
5
Declan Moore
Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY
4
Alec Hepburn
5
Jack Yeandle
Marcus Street
6
Frank Bradshaw-Ryan
8
7
Sam Carter
C
6
Jack Dunne
8
7
Jonny Gray
11
Rob Lyttle
Harry Sheridan
Jordi Murphy
9
Michael McDonald
Sean Reffell
10
OFFICIALS
Referee: Andrew Brace
AR 1: Oisin Quinn
AR 2: Keith Davison
11
Olly Woodburn
Richard Capstick
Ollie Leatherbarrow
Sam Maunder
Christ Tshiunza
9
10
Jake Flannery
12
Harvey Skinner
12
Replacements as follows:
Replacements as follows:
Eric O’Sullivan
Tom Stewart
John Andrew
Marty Moore
Gareth Milasinovich
Alan O’Connor
Cormac Izuchukwu
Matty Rea
Marcus Rea
Greg Jones
Nathan Doak
Conor McKee
Billy Burns
Jacob Stockdale
Luke Marshall
Craig Gilroy
Stewart Moore
Rory Telfer
15
Ian Madigan
Angus Curtis
13
14
Max Norey
James Kenny
Harry Williams
Patrick Schickerling
Rus Tuima
Lewis Pearson
Jack Maunder
Will Becconsall
Ribbons
15
Solomone Kata
Ian Whitten
13
14
Aaron Sexton
Rory O’Loughlin
ulster.rugby
Shea O’Brien
Facundo Cordero
23

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25

Ones to Watch
Jonny Gray
14/03/1994 1.98 m 122 kg
Well-known opponent, ex-Glasgow Warrior and
Scottish International, Jonny Gray, joined the club
ahead of the 2020/21 season and immediately made
an impact. Gray’s work-rate and dedication played a
key role in helping the Chiefs lift both the Gallagher
Premiership and Heineken Champions Cup titles
Rory O’Loughlin
21/01/1994 1.88 m 95 kg
O’Loughlin joined the Chiefs from Leinster during
the summer. This talented back offers not only guile
and class, but has a wealth of experience at the very
highest level.
O’Loughlin helped Leinster lift the Heineken
Champions Cup, beating Racing 92 back in 2018.
Harvey Skinner
31/12/1997 1.89 m 92 kg
The 24-year-old Fly Half is a product of the Academy
system, with a bright future ahead.
Skinner made his first Gallagher Premiership appearance
back in 2019 and has been keen to establish himself as a
regular in Rob Baxter’s match-day squad, battling it out
with fellow Fly Half, Joe Simmonds.
ulster.rugby 27

Half-Time
Exhibition Game
A FRESH
TAKE ON
REFRESHMENT
#NOWYOUCAN
Co. Cavan RFC
1 Adam Johnston
2 James Finlay
3 Daniel King
4 Paddy Farrelly
5 James Richardson
6 John McCarron
7 William Woods
8 Killian Smith
9 Ethan Black
10 Xavier Reilly
11 Kyle Reilly
12 Dylan Elliott
Coleraine RFC
1 Alfie Grocott
2 Harrison Draycott
3 Joshua Chambers
4 James Coates
5 Alfie McFarlane
6 Aaron Boylan
7 Cathán McNicholl
8 Levi Jarvis
9 Andrew Hall
10 Abby Connolly
11 Yoanna Natovska
12 Isla Burgess
Coaches
Adam Woods
Martin Reilly
Christopher McCarron
Coaches
James McCreanor
Aidan Browne
Nigel Hall
GREAT TASTE.
ZERO ALCOHOL.
29

Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
Tighthead prop, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen,
is set to bring a wealth of experience
gained from across the world to the white
jersey. We caught-up with Jeff ahead of his
first run out in front of a home crowd at
Kingspan Stadium.
Jeff, how are you and your family settling
into Belfast?
We’ve settled in really well, thank-you – and
that includes a visit to pretty much all the
cafes around Belfast. So, if anyone needs
any hotspots to go to, I’m the man to ask!
How has pre-season treated you and the
squad?
Awesome. It’s been hard, and different
because I’ve come from the Prem, which
has a different style of pre-season, and
I’m not as young anymore. However, my
body feels a bit like a hybrid of a Super
Rugby, Premiership, and now Ulster preseason,
which is good. I’ve enjoyed it so far,
including the hard slog with the boys and
the team. The team feels really good too.
I’m really enjoying it and having fun with it –
and that’s what I do, is have fun.
What skills and experience do you bring to
the squad?
Wow. I’ve been playing the game for a while
now, so I think the experience I can bring
is from across different leagues. Super
Rugby is fast-paced, and the Premiership
is physical – so it’s hybrid of both that I
can bring. Now, coming into this squad, I
can bring the experience of both worlds,
as well as my own flair and touch. I like to
throw the ball around, but I’m not scared to
get nitty gritty. My skills are definitely my
assets. I’d like to say my fitness, but man,
the young boys are running around me.
I think dynamism around the field is a big
asset for me too.
You mentioned the younger guys, and it’s
quite a young squad we have here. How
have you found it working with these
players so far?
It’s always good working with the young
squad here. I’m actually always learning
from them. The excitement to play and not
be afraid to throw the ball around. It’s cool to
see the different individuals who are strong
in different areas. I always like to learn, and I
think that I’m a bit of a chameleon – I adapt
and change to my environment.
Have you noticed a difference in the
style of rugby played by Ulster so far
versus other clubs that you have been
involved with?
It’s similar to my last club in New Zealand,
I guess. At Ulster, there is a really strong
31

workhorse mentality in the forward pack.
That’s a big thing I’ve noticed – and just the
nitty gritty, and the technical aspect of it as
well. Also, off the field is a big difference.
When you come to Ulster there is a sense of
belonging – and that bleeds into the team.
When you’re playing, you play with trust as
there is that sense of belonging in the way
we play. We can lean on each other and
bounce off each other’s skills.
What are your thoughts on the coaching
staff at Ulster?
We have great coaching staff – and the
culture is next level. They really drive the offfield
culture too. I’m all about that, as I’m a
team man. Always the team first is what it’s
all about. I think all the boys understand that
we all have a part to play to win. The end
result matters. The trophies in the cabinet,
that’s what matters.
What has been your greatest achievement
in your rugby career so far?
Probably having my son old enough
to understand what I do. I’ve won a
championship before, with the Hurricanes,
and that was a big deal for me. But the
understanding now, as an older player, that
my son knows what I do for a living and
can come to a game and understand that I
throw a ball for a living, I find that cool.
What is it that you’re hoping to achieve
at Ulster?
Well, I want silverware. I know the Ulster
fans want it too – I’ve even had people stop
me in the street to tell me this, and that we
have the potential to win. I believe this year
we definitely have a great chance of doing
it. Not only for us, but for all the Support
Staff, supporters, and everyone at the club,
as well as across the province.
Prop
19/11/1990
192cm
128kg
How are you feeling about being in the
starting lineup for the game?
I’m excited. I wasn’t expecting it, to be
honest. But I’m looking forward to showing
the boys what I can do and bring to Ulster. I
want to impress the coaches too. It’s all about
respect for me – and that’s showcasing it, as
well as earning their respect.
What do you think Exeter will bring to the
table? What do you see as their threats?
They are a strong team, and they are
particularly strong up front. If we can nullify
this, we have a better chance of winning.
We need to believe we can do it. It’s going
to be a good contest at Kingspan Stadium
on Friday night.
Lastly, what are you most excited about
when it comes to running out in front of a
home crowd at Kingspan Stadium?
It’s the fans and the atmosphere, especially
given it’ll be under the Friday night lights.
That’s what drew me to the club – the fans
and the hype around playing at Kingspan
Stadium. It’s going to be a special night.
Kingspan’s Commitment
to Sustainability
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Ultra
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in 2020 2
Conserved
Water
400m
Enough water
to fill over 400
million baths
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In 2020 alone,
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Circular
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33

Guest article:
Rod Nawn
Tonight, McFarland will very possibly give
game-time to many of the less familiar
names in the forty-six players in this
season’s senior squad, particularly as the
international contingent continue their
phased return to club activity.
The recruitment in the close season was
carefully researched, the overwhelming
desire was to add depth in key positions
such as the front row, thus the addition
of former All Black and Wasps tight head
Jeffery Toomaga-Allen. Sean Reffell arrives
from Saracens to contest in the back row,
and Michael McDonald, also Irish-qualified,
brings Super Rugby experience with the
Waratahs to high-class competition at
scrum-half.
Ulster Fine Tuning Is Chief Priority
Three long months ago Ulster completed
a season of solid competition in the
new United Rugby Championship and in
Europe’s Heineken Champions Cup.
As Spring took a firm grip, the prospect of
coveted silverware was very real, the squad
fashioned by Head Coach Dan McFarland
had performed with some style and greater
consistency throughout a demanding,
sometimes exhausting, fixture list.
Another blemish-free record in the group
stage of the Champions Cup demonstrated
a solidity, creativity and focus required of the
very top teams. That a quirky two-legged
last sixteen encounter with Toulouse should
be lost by a single point on aggregate was
as frustrating for the team and coaches as
it was for the thousands of fans in Kingspan
Stadium who saw Dupont, Ntamack and
the fabled French outfit on the ropes.
In the URC the Stormers scored a
late, late try in the semi-final to deny
McFarland’s side a place in the Final, and
there is but scant consolation that it was
that South African side which captured
the inaugural title.
This evening, after an intense but positive
pre-season, the preparations for the next
chapter move up a gear with the visit to
Belfast of the decorated Exeter Chiefs.
Next weekend the trip to Glasgow to take
on the Warriors will be a further highclass
test of the prospects for this much
anticipated campaign.
Last year the Ulster faithful witnessed
compelling evidence that a team capable
of challenging in all competitions was
being robustly and forensically built, fit
for purpose and with realistic ambitions to
satisfy that yearning for a trophy.
Jake Flannery will want to press his claims
for the out-half berth in the longer term, and
Frank Bradshaw-Ryan is another newcomer
to Belfast with ambitions to challenge for a
second-row spot.
The concentration on identifying and
developing local talent in the Academy
system has paid rich dividends already,
with Michael Lowry, James Hume, Robert
Baloucoune and Tom O’Toole now
established at the highest level.
Unavailable this evening, but flanker
David McCann has sampled senior
battle already and will be even more
determined to stake a claim for a spot
in the breakaway pool which already has
Matty and Marcus Rea, Nick Timoney,
Greg Jones, a fully-fit Jordi Murphy and
the Springbok Duane Vermeulen.
Clearly McFarland has injected new energy
into key areas, particularly up front.
He’ll hope O’Toole, Eric O’Sullivan, Marty
Moore, an injury-free Gareth Milasinovich,
Callum Reid and the indomitable Andrew
Warwick can provide the prop positions
with high-calibre options, and after his
heroics in New Zealand with Ireland this
summer, hooker Rob Herring sets a high bar
to which Declan Moore, John Andrew and
Tom Stewart will undoubtedly aspire.
For McFarland, like so many head coaches,
a strong, deep squad is essential to navigate
a long, demanding list of fixtures, keeping
to IRFU strictures on player management
and preparing for representative calls. The
Autumn internationals will certainly see
a healthier contingent of Ulster players
involved, and the recently announced
Emerging Ireland tour of South Africa in late
September will undoubtedly reduce Ulster’s
personnel at the testing start of the URC.
Connacht will be the visitors to Belfast in a
fortnight to open the challenge for the URC
title, and two weeks later Leinster travels
north for what will undoubtedly be a key
ulster.rugby
35

match in the initial stages of a tournament
in which Ulster came tantalising close to
triumph in June.
The Exeter Chiefs test tonight may not
be a full-throated one but the prospect
of several of their garlanded international
contingent preparing for another tilt at the
English Premiership title should offer some
fine entertainment for the crowd. Stuart
Hogg, Lewis Cowan-Dickie, Jonny Gray,
Jack Nowell, Joe and Sam Simmonds and
the Maunder brothers are just a few of the
big names Director of Rugby Rob Baxter
has attracted to Devon to create one of the
genuine fortresses in the European game.
Exeter has relied heavily too on two
Ulstermen in particular in the last fifteen
years: Gareth Steenson was brave enough
to seek new pastures when he found his
route to No. 10 at Ravenhill was blocked by
a certain David Humphreys.
He guided the Chiefs throughout its rise
to the top of English rugby, to Premiership
titles and to the Holy Grail of European
champions.
Now on the coaching ticket at Sandy
Lane, Steenson’s influence endures,
while his fellow Ulsterman Ian Whitten,
an Irish international remember, sought
opportunities at the Chiefs over a decade
ago and still is a staple of the attack-minded
three-quarter line.
With a game against the Cornish Pirates
slated in for Saturday, it’s possible that
Baxter and his Head Coach Ali Hepher may
well spread their playing resources over
both games as the Chiefs too get their first
significant ‘hit out’ of the new campaign.
That won’t diminish the attraction of a
fixture between two talented and carefully
assembled squads, each aspiring to
domestic and European success.
In the Ulster coaching box, there’ll be a
familiar face this season, and Jonny Bell’s
return to the set-up is welcome indeed, an
idea fit following the departure of another
stalwart as player and coach, Jared Payne.
Bell’s organisational skills as a player
transferred to roles at Gloucester in the
English Premiership, Glasgow and Worcester.
He’ll be determined to contribute to
a convincing challenge in both major
competitions in this important season when
many players will be harbouring hopes of
catching the eye as next year’s World Cup
in France looms. That will happen only if
the team makes further positive strides and
the omens are good that the studious work
under McFarland will bear fruit.
The excitement of a new season always
breeds expectation and high hopes, and
this year there is truly convincing evidence
that the playing and coaching teams at
Kingspan Stadium are better prepared than
ever to end a frustrating trophy drought
going back to 2006.
Hope springs eternal, but perhaps never
with such justified belief.
Let the games begin!
ulster.rugby 37

Ulster Rugby Academy
Joe Hopes (club TBC), Lorcan
McLoughlin (Queen’s University / IQ
Rugby), James McNabney (Ballymena
RFC), Rory Telfer (club TBC) and Scott
Wilson (Queen’s University) have been
inducted into the Academy squad as Year
One players.
Ulster Rugby Academy Manager, Gavin
Hogg commented:
“We’re extremely excited to confirm our
Academy intake for season 2022-23, and
welcome five new entrants into our squad.
“Each of our new entrants has had
different journeys along the pathway; it’s
pleasing to see their hard work, and the
support that has been provided by their
clubs, schools and our programme, being
rewarded with a place in the Academy.
I would like to thank all of those people
who have played a part in getting these
players to where they are in the next stage
of their development.
“The staff team is very much looking forward
to supporting the continued development of
the Academy players. Their integration with
the senior squad and coaches will be a great
but exciting challenge for this group over the
next few months.”
Ulster Rugby Academy Squad 2022-23
Year 1
Joe Hopes
Lorcan McLoughlin
James McNabney
Rory Telfer
Scott Wilson
Year 2
James Humphreys
Conor McKee
George Saunderson
Harry Sheridan
Year 3
Ben Carson
Reuben Crothers
James McCormick
Rugby World Cup 2023
Ireland Match Breaks
ulster.rugby

RAVENHILL PARK GARDENS
ABBEY AUTOLINE FAMILY STAND
Catering
SPIRIT OF ‘99
PROMENADE 1
EAST TERRACE
A&L GOODBODY LOUNGE / VIP BOXES
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
The Kukri Store will be open from gates
open until 30 minutes after full-time.
THE 1924
PROMENADE 2
Audio
ONSLOW PARADE
TURNSTILES
FOOD
VILLAGE
TURNSTILES
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 on
(028) 9049 3222.
Kingspan Stadium is now fully cashless,
with all bars and catering outlets
operating via card payments only.
Live music will be available pre & post-match in the Clubhouse Bar
ADMIN’
BUILDING
2022/23 FIXTURES
H Exeter Chiefs Fri 2 Sep 7.00pm
A Glasgow Warriors Fri 9 Sep 7.30pm
PRE-SEASON
PRE-SEASON
H Connacht Fri 17 Sep 7.35pm URC
A Scarlets Sat 24 Sep 1.00pm URC
H Leinster Fri 30 Sep 7.35pm URC
H Ospreys Sat 8 Oct 7.35pm URC
A Emirates Lions Sat 15 Oct 1.00pm URC
A Cell C Sharks Sat 22 Oct 5.15pm URC
A Munster Sat 29 Oct 5.15pm URC
H Zebre Parma Fri 25 Nov 7.35pm URC
A Leinster Sat 3 Dec 7.35pm URC
A Sale Sharks w/o 9-11 Dec TBC HCC
H La Rochelle w/o 16-18 Dec TBC HCC
A Connacht Fri 23 Dec 7.35pm URC
H Munster Sun 1 Jan 5.15pm URC
A Benetton Sat 7 Jan 1.00pm URC
A La Rochelle w/o 13-15 Jan TBC HCC
H Sale Sharks w/o 20-22 Jan TBC HCC
H DHL Stormers Fri 27 Jan 7.35pm URC
A Glasgow Warriors Fri 17 Feb 7.35pm URC
A Cardiff Sat 4 Mar 7.35pm URC
H Vodacom Bulls Sat 25 Mar 7.35pm URC
H Dragons Fri 14 Apr 7.35pm URC
H Edinburgh Fri 21 Apr 7.35pm URC
Respect
Policy
Incident hotline
07790
200 200
We are
passionate in
our support
We are silent
during kicks
at goal
We respect the
match officials’
decisions
We drink
responsibly
We do not tolerate
abusive or discriminatory
language
We respect opposition
players, management
& supporters
We are mindful
of our language
41

OFFICIAL
APP
Thank You!
Ulster Rugby wish to thank all of our sponsors
and partners for their continued support.
Main Sponsor
Kit Sponsor
Official On-kit Sponsors
Official Sponsors
Domestic Sponsors
Official Partners
43

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