BKT-URC Ulster Rugby Match Day Programme - v Connacht

ULSTER
Offical Match Day Programme
v CONNACHT
Sat 17 Sep 2022, 7.35pm
Kingspan Stadium
Nevin. Painted by Emma

In this Issue
7
10
Our Official
Mascots
Player Interview:
Luke Marshall
14 Remembering
Nevin
16
20
Ulster Rugby to
Dedicate Stand...
2022/23 Men’s
Senior Squad
24 Some
New Faces
10
CEO Welcome
28 Team
Announcements
30
Ones to Watch
Connacht
Ahead of our opening game of the BKT
United Rugby Championship, I want to take
this opportunity to reflect on the 10-year
anniversary since the untimely passing of
Ulster player, Nevin Spence.
We marked Nevin’s passing, alongside
his father Noel and brother Graham on
15 September 2012, this week as a club
by announcing our plans to dedicate the
Memorial Stand at Kingspan Stadium in
his honour.
The Nevin Spence Memorial Stand, which
will officially be unveiled on 26 April 2023
on what would have been Nevin’s 33rd
birthday, will be a tangible reminder now, and
for generations to come, of the legacy that
Nevin left behind as a player and a person.
This week was also an opportunity for private
reflection, and we spent time as a club
remembering Nevin and his life.
Spence, Luke Marshall shares his memories
of the person that his former teammate was,
and also the lasting impact he continues to
have on Ulster players, past and present.
Although neither I, nor Dan McFarland,
were at the club when Nevin was a player,
it’s evident that he continues to shape and
influence who we are as a province.
Tonight, the Senior Men’s team will be
wearing black armbands bearing Nevin,
Graham and Noel’s names, and the Spence
family will be in our thoughts throughout the
evening. Together, with our supporters, as
well as Connacht Rugby and their fans, we
will remember Nevin.
#SUFTUM | #AlwaysWithUs
Jonny Petrie
CEO, Ulster Rugby
35 Half-Time
Exhibition Games
38
44
48
The Smiling Star
Shines Bright
Ulster Rugby
Academy
Ulster Society of
Rugby Football
Referees
38
24
48
In this programme, which features as its front
cover a painting of Nevin by his sister Emma
3

President’s
Welcome
URC URCOFFICIAL URCOFFICIAL URC
Welcome to Kingspan Stadium for our
BKT United Rugby Championship opener
against Connacht, which marks the official
start of our 22/23 Senior Men’s campaign.
It has been a significant time of late as we
live through a moment of history following
the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth
II. As a club, our sincere condolences are with
the Royal Family at this time, and we paid our
respects by cancelling our pre-season game
versus Glasgow Warriors, planned to take
place last Friday at Scotstoun Stadium, with
all domestic activity across the province also
paused last weekend.
This week also saw the tenth anniversary
since the passing of Nevin Spence, his
father, Noel, and brother, Graham. Although
a decade has passed, Nevin, Noel and
Graham still very much live on at Ulster
Rugby, and at my own club, Ballynahinch.
The announcement of the Nevin Spence
Memorial Stand at Kingspan Stadium this
week ensures that Nevin’s legacy, as both a
talented player and outstanding young man,
lives on for years to come.
As we look to the game ahead this evening, it
is encouraging that the Ulster men were able
to secure a 31-12 win over Exeter Chiefs under
the Kingspan Stadium lights. The team sheet
was a blend of youth and experience, and I
was particularly impressed to see a strong
performance from some of our new faces,
including Jake Flannery and Sean Reffell.
It was also a delight not only to see Jacob
Stockdale back on the pitch, but securing
a late try. A moment which was no doubt
made even more special by the fact that his
wife, Hannah, and baby daughter, Phoebe,
were in the stands.
Tonight we face our Interprovincial rival,
Connacht Rugby, in what is set to be a highoctane
season opener. We’ve had trials and
tribulations against the side, both at home
and at the formidable Sportsground, but
I am confident that Dan and his team have
suitably prepared the players for what lies
ahead this evening. A warm welcome goes
out to both the travelling squad, and away
supporters who have joined us from Galway
and beyond.
I hope that you enjoy the clash this evening
between some of the finest players in Irish
Rugby, and I also ask you to join me in taking
time to remember a young talent that was
lost too soon. As I watch the Ballynahinch
mini rugby team form a Guard of Honour,
and also play at half-time, my thoughts will
be with the Spence family, and all those at
my home club of Hinch, as they continue to
grieve for the loss of three outstanding men.
All of whom left an irreparable gap in the
rugby community, with their legacy forever
in our hearts and minds.
#SUFTUM | #AlwaysWithUs
Philip Gregg
President, IRFU Ulster Branch
5

Mascots
Name: Charlie Benson
Age: 12
From: Newtownabbey
Favourite Player: John Cooney
John Cooney is my favourite player, as
he has amazing skills and always take
time to talk to me and get a selfie.
Being able to lead Ulster out onto the
pitch at Kingspan Stadium is a dream
come true.
Name: Conall Courtney
Age: 11
From: Richhill
Favourite Player: Iain Henderson
I’m excited to enjoy the fantastic
experience of walking out onto the
pitch at the Kingspan Stadium with
the best team in Europe.
7

9

Luke Marshall
Following the 10-year anniversary of the
passing of Ulster player, Nevin Spence, we
spoke to Luke Marshall about his memories
of what Nevin was like as a friend,
teammate, and how his legacy will live on
at the club for years to come.
This week marked a significant anniversary
since the passing of Nevin, Noel and
Graham Spence. Can you tell us about
what Nevin was like?
I first met Nevin through Ulster schools’
rugby, when I must have been sixteen, and
he was probably sixteen or seventeen. He
was the same back then as he was when he
progressed into the Ulster squad. One of the
most humble people I’ve ever come across,
and very talented as well. At that stage, he
had already played U16 football for Northern
Ireland, and then decided he was going to
give rugby a go instead. He never changed
from when I met him throughout the time
that he progressed very quickly through the
Ulster Academy and into the Senior squad.
He was incredibly humble and hard-working.
Can you tell us about a memory of Nevin
that shows what kind of person he was?
One of the things that I remember was when
we were going down to an Irish schools’ camp
in Dublin, we travelled together and when we
got off the train, there was a homeless man in
Remembering Nevin
the station. Most people walked by, but Nevin
suddenly disappeared and we wondered
where he had gone. He went to the nearby
café to buy a bacon roll and a cup of coffee,
and he gave it to the homeless man. That was
just Nev. He went off to do it quietly without
us noticing, and he wasn’t shouting about
doing it. As a friend, he was as generous a
person as you’ll ever meet.
What did Nevin bring to the Ulster team?
We played together in Ulster and Irish
schools and, as we went into the Ulster
Academy and then the Senior set-up, we
were probably competition for each other,
but that was never an issue. He always gave
100%, and would go hard, but there was no
bitterness towards me as his competition,
which was lovely. He loved telling jokes.
Terrible jokes [laughs]. I’d say if you asked
any of the boys that’s what they’d say
about Nev. Really cheesy jokes. He found
them hilarious, and would be wetting
himself before he got to the punchline.
Many of the team, like yourself, will have
personal memories of Nevin. But for
newer players, and for the squad going
forward, what sort of impact does Nevin
continue to have?
Our core values as a squad, and a rugby
club, are in many ways how Nevin lived
his life. He embodied the qualities that
we want to train and play by. Dan talks
about the ‘Power of Us’, which is about
everyone working together for each other,
and that was Nev. He worked his socks off
at training, whether it was at the gym or
on the training pitch, as he wanted to be a
better player. That was partly for himself,
but he also wanted to be his best for the
team. He was a good teammate, and that’s
what every team strives for in its players.
At Ulster, we always want to be there for
each other, and push each other. He was
the teammate we all strive to be.
At the Connacht game we’re going to take
time to remember Nevin. How poignant will
this be?
It’s hard to believe it’s ten years. Obviously
every year it’s sad when you think back to
what happened, but it’s difficult to believe
that’s how many years have passed. It seems
so much more recent for those of us that
knew Nevin. It will be a very poignant time
on Saturday. From my point of view, I think
about what his life would be like if he was
still alive. Would he be married with kids,
and what would he have accomplished in
his professional career? I also think about
Graham, and his young family, as well as
Noel, as a grandad. It’s very sad to think
about how suddenly and quickly it
happened.
With the announcement of
the Nevin Spence Memorial
Stand, how important do you
think the stand will be in
ensuring that generations
to come will remember
Nevin’s name and
legacy?
For people who
knew Nevin it’s
great, but also for
young people who
might not have
heard of Nevin,
as they will ask
questions about who
the stand is named
after, and talk about
him. It’s a tangible way
of keeping his memory
alive, and the same with
his Dad and brother. It’s
a nice mark of respect for
the family too. I think every
year about how there are
less people in the squad and
organisation who knew Nevin,
and I sometimes worry about
him being forgotten. However,
the Nevin Spence Memorial
Stand will allow us to continue
to remember the contribution
he made to Ulster in his life.
11

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Nevin
Remembering
When the Spence clan gathered together,
you got to see the genuine love and
affection they had for one another. Nev
and his sister Emma bantered each other
day and night, Graham would roll his eyes
while mum and dad would laugh.
Everyone will have their own memories of
Noel, Graham and Nevin, and I will share my
last memory of them with you. I visited the
family farm to do a photoshoot with Nev.
It was for the Dairy Council, and it involved
him standing with cows in a field. That alone
was a cause of much amusement because
Nev was classed by the family as ‘just a
part-time milker’.
It was a lovely afternoon on Drumlough
Road. As usual, I was running late when I
arrived in the yard in my new yellow car.
As I stepped out all I could hear was Noel
laughing at the colour and size of the car.
A crushing handshake and more laughter
followed. Nev soon appeared then Emma
followed by her mum, next the milk tanker
driver was brought around, and they all
debated the pros and cons of the car and
its colour and its suitability for someone of
large build.
After fifteen minutes of good craic had
passed, Nev remembered that Graham had
been patiently waiting around the road with
the cows and we quickly jumped into his car
to meet up with him.
When we arrived, Nev took heaps of abuse
from Graham for being a ‘gentleman farmer’,
just turning up for a photograph and then
flying off again without doing a hand’s turn!
It was all great craic and the photographs
I took of Nev that day are amongst my
favourites. He looked really happy and,
despite the banter and hassle from Graham,
he did pose very well.
John Dickson
Ulster Rugby Photographer
ulster.rugby

Ulster Rugby to
Dedicate Stand in Memory
of Nevin Spence
On the 10-year anniversary of the tragic
passing of former player, Nevin Spence,
Ulster Rugby has announced plans to
dedicate the Memorial Stand at Kingspan
Stadium in his honour. The Nevin Spence
Memorial Stand will be officially unveiled
on 26 April 2023 – what would have been
Nevin’s 33rd birthday.
A gifted young rugby player, Nevin
tragically passed away in an accident
together with his father, Noel, and brother,
Graham, on 15 September 2012 – a day
forever remembered in the hearts and
minds of the rugby community in Ulster,
Ireland and beyond.
In recognition of Nevin’s early success
with Ballynahinch RFC, children from his
local club will form a Guard of Honour
ahead of the game, with its mini section
competing against Carrick RFC at half-
time. A collection of Hinch playing
jerseys from the past decade - which
feature Nevins initials - will also be on
display in the President’s Suite.
The Senior Ulster Men’s team, many
of whom have personal memories of
Nevin, will be wearing black armbands
embroidered with ‘Nevin, Graham and
Noel’ on Saturday night, with Luke
Marshall sharing his memories of Nevin
as a friend and teammate in the official
match programme. The front cover of
the programme also features a painting
of Nevin by his sister, Emma Spence.
Connacht Rugby will also present a
jersey to the club at the Captain’s coin
toss ahead of the game to recognise
the impact that Nevin had across Irish
Rugby during his career, including 11
appearances for Ireland U20.
Speaking on how Ulster Rugby are set to
mark the 10th anniversary of the passing
of Nevin, Ulster Rugby CEO, Jonny
Petrie, said:
“With every passing year, we are
reminded of what a tragic loss the
Spence family, together with the rugby
community, suffered ten years ago
today. Nevin was a talent that shone
bright, both on and off the pitch, and his
lasting legacy is an integral part of who
we are at Ulster Rugby.
“The Nevin Spence Memorial Stand will
recognise that his memory lives on for
players, staff and supporters, and is our
way of ensuring that he is remembered
now, and for generations to come, by all
those who visit our home.”
ulster.rugby
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19

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
46
2
Rob
Baloucoune
Lock
27/07/1995
205cm
120kg
Frank
Bradshaw-Ryan
Fly Half
13/06/1994
183cm
87kg
74
7
Billy
Burns
Lock
10/09/1989
201cm
116kg
39
AUS 16
Sam
Carter
Scrum Half
01/05/1990
178cm
86kg
101
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
132
68
Iain
Henderson
C
Hooker
27/04/1990
185cm
105kg
216
26
Rob
Herring
Centre
07/09/1998
188cm
98kg
62
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
32
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
158
6
Stuart
McCloskey
Scrum Half
24/06/1999
178cm
95kg
Michael
McDonald
Full Back/Wing
10/08/2000
188cm
89kg
37
Ethan
McIlroy
MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
21
ulster.rugby

Prop
15/12/1992
191cm
130kg
16
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
32
Stewart
Moore
Wing/Centre
09/09/1991
191cm
100kg
19
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
157
Alan
O’Connor
Prop
30/11/1995
185cm
117kg
86
1
Eric
O’Sullivan
Prop
23/09/1998
184cm
121kg
79
3
Tom
O’Toole
Centre
03/04/2002
193cm
93kg
Jude
Postlethwaite
Back Row
08/09/1997
188cm
109kg
25
Marcus
Rea
Back Row
21/09/1993
193cm
114kg
76
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
105
2
Nick
Timoney
Prop
19/11/1990
192cm
128kg
Jeffery
Toomanga-Allen
Lock
06/11/1995
198cm
115kg
126
8
Kieran
Treadwell
Back Row
03/07/1986
193cm
118kg
17
SA 60
Duane
Vermeulen
Prop
12/03/1991
178cm
117kg
157
Andrew
Warwick
MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
23
ulster.rugby

New
Some
Faces
Shea O’Brien
The full-back, who claimed the Player
of the Match award whilst helping
City of Armagh to secure victory in
the Bank of Ireland Senior Cup in
March 2020, is no stranger to awards
having also been named the 2019/20
Ken Goodall Club Player of the Year
in the Ulster Rugby Domestic Rugby
Awards.
With an impressive skillset gained
through his involvement in the club
game at City of Armagh RFC from
Minis level through to competing in
the AIL, as well as being a talented
GAA footballer, O’Brien joins the
Senior Men’s set-up this pre-season,
alongside completing his medicine
degree at Queens University Belfast.
O’Brien’s Development contract
follows on from his starting role
in Ulster’s Development Inter-Pro
fixtures versus Leinster and Munster
last season.
Rory Telfer
Rory Telfer was a key player for
his school, Coleraine Grammar in
the 2021-22 Danske Bank Schools’
campaign.
An accomplished kicker, he
represented Ulster and Ireland at
Age-grade level, most recently
playing France in an U19 doubleheader
with Ireland in April.
25

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27

1
2
3
1
2
3
4
Eric O’Sullivan
5
Tom Stewart
C
Marty Moore
4
Peter Dooley
Dave Heffernan
C
5
Jack Aungier
6
Alan O’Connor
8
7
Sam Carter
6
Gavin Thornbury
8
7
Leva Fifita
11
Jacob Stockdale
Matty Rea
David McCann
Nathan Doak
9
Marcus Rea
10
OFFICIALS
Referee: Eoghan Cross
AR 1: Chris Busby
AR 2: Andrew Cole
TMO: Leo Colgan
11
John Porch
Josh Murphy
Paul Boyle
Kieran Marmion
Conor Oliver
9
10
We like to thank
Connacht Rugby for
their kind gift of a jersey
to the club to pay their
respects to the Spence
family, and recognise the
contribution that Nevin
made to Irish Rugby.
#SUFTUM
#AlwaysWithUs
Replacements
16 John Andrew
Billy Burns
12
Replacements
16 Dylan Tierney-Martin
Conor Fitzgerald
12
17 Callum Reid
18 Jefffery Toomaga-Allen
19 Cormac Izuchukwu
20 Jordi Murphy
Stuart McCloskey
13
17 Denis Buckley
18 Sam Illo
19 Niall Murray
20 Shamus Hurley-Langton
Tom Daly
13
21 David Shanahan
22 Angus Curtis
23 Aaron Sexton
15
Luke Marshall
14
21 Caolin Blade
22 David Hawkshaw
23 Oran McNulty
15
Tom Farrell
14
Rob Baloucoune
Byron Ralston
ulster.rugby
Stewart Moore
Tiernan O’Halloran
29

Ones to Watch
Kieran Marmion
11/02/1992 1.76 m 82 kg
With 209 appearances to his name, the 30 year-old
Scrum Half has a wealth of experience. Clockingup
a total of 1,169 minutes of game-time last season,
Marmion played the majority of the games in which he
was involved.
Leva Fifita
29/07/1989 1.95 m 116 kg
The Tongan International Lock made 15 appearances
for the men in green last season. Carrying for 373
metres and making 124 tackles.
He is a ferocious ball-carrier and no stranger to a fast
paced maul.
Tom Daly
31/07/1993 1.91 m 107 kg
The 29 year-old Centre is fundamental to the Connacht
defensive line. Last season he made over 100 tackles in
his 12 appearances.
Tonight, Ulster will have to spot the gaps in order to
breach that mid-field defence.
ulster.rugby 31

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33

Half-Time | Exhibition Games
Bangor RFC
1 Oliver Stephens
5 Matthew Elliott
2 Edan Polley
6 Connor James
3 James Ferguson
7 Theo Cathcart-Hamilton
4 Oliver Rice
8 Matthew Nelson
Coaches: Mark Tinman, Colin Fisher, Dave Henderson
Academy RFC
1 Sebastian Johnston 5 Oliver Coiley
2 AJ Harbinson-Smyth 6 Shea Rogan
3 Jack Knox
7 Damhan Gormley
4 Harry Cole
8 Charlie Crothers
9 Joshua Parkinson
10 Ethan Blayney
11 Isaac Howell
12 Jude Robinson
9 Leah Rooney
10 Mika Kayacan
11 Jack Connolly
12 Sebastian de Castro Carvalho
Memorial End
Coaches: Sam Jameson, Adam Martin, Terry Knox
Ballynahinch RFC
1 Cameron McDowell 5 Jake Marner
9 Matthew Fitzsimons
2 Ethan Galloway
6 Jamie Dodd
10 Noah Cooke
3 Jack Seaney
7 Joshua Patterson
11 Toby Martin
4 Jack Kenwell
8 Karl Bailie
12 Will Rodgers
Coaches: Michael Rodgers, David Kenwell, Malcolm Seaney
Carrickfergus RFC
1 Jake Wady
5 Jamie Robinson
9 Jordan Beggs
2 Mason Murray
6 Alfie Barnes
10 Nathan Grant
3 Isaac Fairfowl
7 Zak Cornish
11 Aidan McGonigle
4 Zach Arbuthnot
8 Mark Todd
12 Tim Hickey
Coaches: A Chism, G Hunter, A Gilpin
35
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37

Guest article:
Rod Nawn
The Smiling Star Still Shines Bright
That unmistakable shock of blond hair, the
thrilling, barrelling run to the line or into
the tackle, these are enduring images of
an impressive young rugby talent.
That the past tense has to be employed
to describe and remember a young man
who shone not just on the pitch but on the
training ground and in the dressing room,
is heart-breaking still. His death ten years
ago this very week, along with that of his
beloved father and brother, in an horrific
farm accident not only robbed sport of
an outstanding prospect but denied a
much wider community of a young man of
principle, generous nature and a capacity to
generate good cheer in any environment.
That Nevin Spence’s all-too-short life will
forever be commemorated by Ulster Rugby
in the Memorial Stand which will bear his
name is fitting as it is a place where good
humour and laughter regularly mix with
uplifting cheers of encouragement or
celebration for the home team, of which he
might well still be part.
When he died, with his father Noel and
brother Graham in dreadful circumstances
in Hillsborough on a sunny Saturday
evening, he was just 22.
Nevin Spence holds a singular place in
the hearts and memories of the sporting
community for many reasons, some of
them not easily articulated. He hadn’t, yet,
won the international caps many predicted
he would, nor had he made a statistically
awesome mark on the game he had chosen
to prioritise.
That he might well have achieved much
in soccer, where he’d already represented
Northern Ireland as a schoolboy, hints at the
athletic all-rounder he was, the youngster
who embraced sport with a joie de vivre
which was infectious.
He was introduced to rugby at Dromore
High School and then was identified as a
genuine talent when he moved to Wallace
High School in Lisburn. Images of him
storming through flailing tackles and
outpacing chasing opponents allow us all
to see a young man relishing the chance to
add refreshing, smiling value to the team.
He joined the Ulster Academy under Gary
Longwell’s careful tutelage, and it is surely
no coincidence that the former Ulster and
Ireland lock forward forged an unspoken
but lasting bond. Each of them shared a
determination to make the very most of
whatever rugby gifts they had been granted,
each started each day in their careers eager
to learn and refine their skills, whether as a
coach or blossoming player.
All those who played a part in Nevin’s sadly
curtailed rugby career always remark that,
even when blessed with so many attributes,
he was eager to add to his game, learn from
his coaches and from his peers.
‘Hardworking’ is a word that persistently
comes to the fore when those who worked,
trained and played alongside him are asked
of his qualities.
Nevin’s instinct to learn and improve was
just part of an unique character which truly
did see life and every day as an opportunity.
At 18 he was a formidable physical
specimen, nearly 15 stones and six feet tall,
and he was an instant success in the Ireland
Under 20 set-up, capped eleven times in
two years and a regular try-scoring threat.
At the same age, in 2010, Nevin made his
first appearance for Ulster off the bench,
and quite remarkably went on to play for
Brian McLaughlin’s side 42 times before his
tragic death.
McLaughlin’s reputation for nurturing young
players meant Nevin was always going to
be thrive, and he grasped his opportunities
with a wonderful zest, and in what was
then the PRO12 and in Europe, whether
in the centre or on the wing, he won the
admiration of supporters and teammates
alike with his committed, resolute displays.
Considering that amongst those contending
for backline spots were Darren Cave, Paddy
Wallace, Luke Marshall, Andrew Trimble
and Tommy Bowe, it’s obvious just what
a superbly equipped operator Nevin was,
happy to play anywhere for the one and
only club he wished to represent.
International recognition continued in
2011/12 with two appearances for the Irish
Wolfhounds, effectively a tier just below
the national side. He played for Ireland
in the non-capped game in Gloucester
against an all-star Barbarians in the Spring
of 2012, a year after a swathe of impressive
contributions for Ulster saw him named in
Declan Kidney’s extended squad for the Six
Nations Championship.
Not one who targeted individual
acknowledgement, there was nevertheless
delight for his family, friends and fans
when he was crowned Young Player of the
Year in 2011 by the Irish Rugby Football
Union Players Association. Then too his
infectious ability to raise the spirits was all
too apparent, his authentic humility always
evident.
Nevin Spence stood out off the field as
well, and the unswerving admiration of his
colleagues at Ulster and in the Ireland panel
was earned through a personality which
was always focussed on the success of the
team. Nevin was more than just a wonderful
rugby player, he was a generous young
ulster.rugby
39

man, selfless in committing his talents to the
greater, wider good.
His friends could be counted in thousands
because Nevin Spence was more than a
much-admired and talented sportsman,
he had other things in his life which he
approached with his trademark enthusiasm
and energy.
tenets, but he was no fevered evangelical:
he was a fascinating young man in part
because he wore his faith so lightly and with
such personal confidence.
Rugby was important to him, and once he’d
decided on pursuing that path he did so
with a gusto and an appetite to learn and
improve which was contagious to all those
players in school and representative agegrade
groups, and was unsullied, undiluted
when he joined the senior Ulster and Ireland
squads.
His very presence, whether it be in a
changing room or with friends with whom
he shared uplifting times when not a word
was spoken of sport, lifted the mood. As one
Ulster coach observed, he was a positive,
encouraging influence, his will to win the
most virulent of benign viruses.
the funerals of three men torn inexplicably
from the heart of an industrious happy
family. The entire community was in a
heightened state of shock, but neighbours,
friends, and many strangers too rallied
round.
Across the British Isles rugby paid its tribute
to Nevin and his father and brother, and
when Ravenhill Park opened its gates wide
a week after the tragedy, thousands poured
in to pay their solemn homage.
Nevin Spence had that sort of effect on
people from all walks of life, and of all
creeds and none. As Ireland captain, Brian
O’Driscoll and the alumni of Irish rugby
took their places in the stadium amongst
the supporters who regularly urged the
Ulster team on, it was hugely comforting
that Nevin Spence’s smiling image offered a
strange but emphatic reassurance that he’d
always be part of our fondest memories.
His lust for life, his determined pursuit of
excellence had taken him far in sporting
terms, but it had given so much more to us
all: a shared joy of a short journey filled with
optimism and generosity of spirit.
Yes, that shock of blond hair. Nevin Spence,
gifted and with rugby horizons still to reach,
always cut a smile-inducing figure on the
pitch.
To him it was the team that mattered most,
and he was the heartbeat of so many.
The day before his shocking demise
he’d been part of an Ulster A team as he
continued his rehabilitation from long-term
injury, then he’d joined up with the senior
side as it won a thrilling clash with Munster
at Kingspan Stadium. He’d have hoped to be
involved soon with that group but he was as
genuinely happy for those who’d seen off a
fierce Inter-Pro rival.
He was as comfortable walking through
the family fields and livestock on the
family farm as he was being caught up in
the throng of admirers before and after an
important game at Kingspan Stadium. His
parents, sisters and brothers were firmly
the most important people in his young life,
his strong, instinctive values hewn from a
secure and caring home life.
Nevin shared with his parents and siblings
a strong Christian faith and he led his life in
sport and in his relationships true to those
It was 24 hours later that the dreadful
news began to spread of the events at
Hillsborough which started so innocently
with the quest to rescue the much-loved
family dog. Dad Noel, elder brother
Graham and then Nevin shockingly
perishing. Sister Emma was caught up
in the developing, horrifying drama and
would be treated in hospital, and very
soon she became and eloquent and
inspiring voice for a family shredded but
never broken by outrageous loss.
Her gifts as an artist would be deployed to
give the home of Ulster Rugby’s walls some
striking images of her brother in his robustly
energetic pomp, and more of her work
provided evocative memories of her family,
the faith she too shared a quiet but critical
strength through immeasurable pain.
The sporting world converged on the
Spence home on the days before and after
ulster.rugby 41

PROUD
COMMUNITY
PARTNER
ulster.rugby
43

Academy
Ulster Rugby
Ben
Carson
Centre
24/02/2002
183cm
101kg
-
Ruben
Crothers
Back Row
28/01/2002
189cm
98kg
-
Joe
Hopes
Second Row
16/03/2004
197cm
100kg
-
James
Humphreys
Out-Half
14/11/2001
185cm
81kg
-
James
McCormick
Hooker
08/01/2002
181cm
110kg
-
Conor
McKee
Scrum-Half
20/03/2001
182cm
85kg
-
Lorcan
McLaughlin
Back-Row
03/04/2002
189cm
105kg
-
James
McNabney
Back Row
28/02/2003
193cm
113kg
Rugby World Cup 2023
Ireland Match Breaks
George
Saunderson
01/11/2001
Prop
189cm
123kg
-
Harry
Sheridan
Second Row
21/09/2001
194cm
122kg
-
Rory
Telfer
Full-Back/Wing
29/08/2003
183cm
87kg
-
Scott
Wilson
Prop
06/08/2007
186cm
122kg
-
ulster.rugby

Ballynahinch RFC
Remembering Nevin Spence
Ballynahinch RFC is set to play a prominent
role during tonight’s commemorative events
as Ulster Rugby joins with the supporters to
honour the memory of Nevin, Graham, and
Noel Spence.
It was as an 18-year-old that Nevin made
his breakthrough with the County Down
club, grabbing crucial tries throughout the
season as they made history by securing
a Grand Slam - winning every competition
they had entered.
“Sometimes pro players on the rise can drift
away from their club, or find themselves
playing for a club for which they have no
affiliation. It wasn’t like that with Nevin,” said
Ballynahinch RFC Chairman James Kirk.
“He loved playing for Ballynahinch and
gave everything each time he pulled on the
jersey. When he became an Ulster regular,
and unavailable to us, he was still engaged
with what was happening at the club, and
cheered his mates on from the sideline,”
added James.
“He was a proper club man and it’s only
fitting that our jerseys have borne his initials
in every fixture since he passed and that
the Spence Cup, donated by the family in
memory of Noel, Graham and Nevin, remains
the most prestigious and sought-after award
in our club,” said James.
In recognition of Nevin’s success with, and
dedication to, Ballynahinch RFC, children
from his club will form a Guard of Honour
ahead of the Ulster game v Connacht, with
the Hinch mini section competing against
Carrick RFC at half-time.
A collection of Hinch playing jerseys will
also be on display in the President’s Suite
to chronicle the longstanding tribute the
club has made to Nevin by having his initials
printed on the shirt.
ulster.rugby
It’s the most prominent and visible way the
club has commemorated Nevin, with other
activity also taking place in his memory
throughout the last decade.
Members of Ballynahinch RFC joined up
with Nevin’s friends, and for 5 years between
2013 and 2018, they played at the Carrick
7s Tournament as the NGN 7s, named in
memory of Nevin, Graham, and Noel. An
over 40s side also faced the Ben Robinson
Barbarians at Shaw’s Bridge, and an NGN XV
was formed to play the Perennials.
In additional to this evening’s events,
Ballynahinch RFC also staged their own
commemorative displays ahead of this
afternoon’s game against Banbridge RFC.
A minute’s silence was held at the pre-match
lunch, with the flag at Ballymacarn Park
flying at half-mast. Another silence took
place before kick-off, and the players wore
black armbands.
Ulster Rugby President, Phillip Gregg, said:
“At my home club of Ballynahinch, it is of
vital importance to us that we remember the
lasting legacy that Nevin Spence had on our
club, which is why each year since his passing
we have proudly displayed his initials on our
playing jerseys.
“Nevin was an outstanding young man, both
on and off the pitch, and he brought great
pride to Hinch, as a club player, when he lined
out with the Ulster men, and when he pulled
on the green jersey to represent Ireland at
U20s level.
“Our club will never recover from the loss
of such a shining light, with Nevin, Noel and
Graham forever in our hearts and minds.”
Following the passing
of Nevin, Noel and
Graham Spence on
15 September 2012,
Ballynahinch RFC has
honoured the legacy
of Nevin as a talented young
player by proudly emblazoning
their playing jerseys with ‘NS’
over the past decade.
47

Law update
There is only one new Law trial in this season which
affects how the game is played and this is outlined below:
Law 19.10 - Adding brake foot to scrum engagement – both hookers will be
required to have one foot forward as the scrum sets up, which acts as a brake
on the scrum until the call of ‘Set’ in the engagement sequence.
Further information can be found at the following link:
www.world.rugby/the-game/laws/global-law-trials
The Ulster Society of
Rugby Football Referees
We welcome Eoghan Cross (IRFU) and his
team of officials to the Kingspan Stadium
this evening for this first round game in
the BKT United Rugby Championship.
All spectators are reminded to respect the
match officials at all times: #respectURgame
Members of the Ulster Society of Rugby
Football Referees (USRFR) have been busy
over the last few weeks preparing for the
new season. Highlights include:
• Pre-season Strength and Conditioning
sessions were held at two venues over a
seven week period – referees of all levels
attended sessions at Lisburn RFC and
Ballymoney RFC
• A New Referee course was held at
Newforge on Saturday 20 August
• The USRFR pre-season conference was
held at Newforge on Sunday 21 August.
• Area meetings have taken place over
the last week where referees discussed
various scenarios and incidents that have
happened in recent games
The USRFR have a full and busy
programme of training and education
events to ensure that referees can develop
and gain experience for what can be a
very difficult job.
Many of the Global Law trials from last
season have now been fully incorporated
into Law and these include:
• Law 8: Charging a conversion – chargers
must not do so until the kicker moves in any
direction to begin their approach to kick
• Law 9 – Dangerous play – jumping into or
over a tackle has been added
• Law 9: Flying wedge – only one latcher is
permitted pre contact
• Law 9: Dangerous play – the jackler may
be levered away but not dangerously
• Law 12: Goal line drop out
• Law 13: In goal – a player on the ground
may play the ball to ground it for a try or
touchdown
• Law 15: Ruck – diving / falling on ball near
to ruck (1m) as it emerges is a penalty kick
• Law 16 : Maul formation – ripper must be
bound to ball carrier
• Law 16: Maul – ball carrier cannot slide
or move backwards. The ball must be
transferred backwards
• Law 18: 50:22
• Law 18: Lineout – a ball prevented from
travelling 5 metres is a free kick
Affiliate Referee course
Richard is also keen to remind all
personnel involved in the club and
school game that anyone who referees
a game, at U13 level and above, must be
an active member of the USRFR or be a
fully qualified Affiliate Referee.
“It is really important that I re-emphasise
this at the start of the new season”.
The Affiliate Referee course is now
accessed on Gainline, which is the
IRFU’s education platform. This course
is open to anyone aged 16 or over.
The affiliate referee scheme is
specifically aimed towards club and
school coaches who only wish to referee
games involving their own teams.
A full update on the Affiliate Referee
process will be posted on the Ulster
Rugby website soon.
If anyone is interested in refereeing,
or you wish to take your refereeing
a step further and join the USRFR,
please contact
Richard Kerr
Referee Development Manager
richard.kerr@irfu.ie
07493 868 388
ulster.rugby
49

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 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
51

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
53