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ULSTER<br />
Offical <strong>Match</strong> <strong>Day</strong> <strong>Programme</strong><br />
v DRAGONS<br />
Sat 2 Mar 2024, 7.35pm<br />
Kingspan Stadium
In this Issue<br />
5 Mascots<br />
6 President’s Welcome<br />
10 <strong>Dragons</strong><br />
Players to Watch<br />
12 Last Time Out<br />
16 Squad Stats<br />
22 Referees’ Corner<br />
25 Half-Time<br />
Exhibition Games<br />
26 Teams<br />
28 Club Origins<br />
32 Training Gallery<br />
28<br />
36<br />
Danske Bank<br />
Schools’ Cup<br />
41 Guess Who<br />
42<br />
Player Interview:<br />
David McCann<br />
42<br />
44 Spot The Difference<br />
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48<br />
52<br />
56<br />
58<br />
61<br />
65<br />
<strong>Rugby</strong> For All<br />
Ballyclare Hares<br />
A New Chapter in a<br />
Season of Change<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> <strong>Rugby</strong> Foundation<br />
Gains Charity Status<br />
From Grassroots To Greatness:<br />
Sophie Barrett<br />
Player Q&A:<br />
Tom O’Toole<br />
Meet Young Fundraising Hero,<br />
Lewis Rennie<br />
58<br />
65<br />
3
Mascots<br />
Name: Charlie Harrison<br />
Age: 11<br />
From: Lisburn<br />
I am excited to meet the <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
players and run out onto the new<br />
pitch to experience the atmosphere<br />
of Kingspan Stadium.<br />
My favourite player is<br />
Rob Baloucoune. I really like how<br />
fast he is!<br />
I play rugby at my school,<br />
Forthill College.<br />
Kingspan Welcome<br />
Name: Niamh Shields<br />
Age: 10<br />
Location: Belfast<br />
Welcome once again to<br />
Kingspan Stadium, the home of <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
<strong>Rugby</strong>, for tonight’s <strong>URC</strong> fixture against<br />
the <strong>Dragons</strong>.<br />
The <strong>URC</strong> games are always highly<br />
anticipated and this is no exception with<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> looking to move up the table and<br />
push for play-off places.<br />
Despite the challenges of recent weeks,<br />
I am sure spirits will be high in the <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
camp and the whole team will be looking<br />
to make sure we end the day with a win.<br />
The atmosphere at Kingspan Stadium is<br />
always fantastic and all the support from<br />
fans is a huge motivation to the players, so<br />
more of the same is needed for this game<br />
to help spur on the team.<br />
While you are out and about in the fan zone<br />
before kick-off, please do have a go at the<br />
Kingspan Try-Cycle challenge. There are<br />
some fantastic prizes to be won, including<br />
an away trip with the <strong>Ulster</strong> team.<br />
Have a great night and get behind the<br />
team for another memorable occasion at<br />
Kingspan Stadium.<br />
Siobhan O’Dywer<br />
Global Head of Marketing<br />
Kingspan<br />
I’m a huge <strong>Ulster</strong> <strong>Rugby</strong> fan and have<br />
been going to matches with my Dad<br />
since I was 2. I love playing for Malone<br />
Minis with my friends and enjoy scoring<br />
tries a lot more than tackling.<br />
My Favourite players are Nathan Doak<br />
and Neve Jones.<br />
When I’m older I’d love to travel the<br />
world with the Ireland 7s team.<br />
5
Tonight, <strong>Ulster</strong> welcome coach Dai Flanagan<br />
and his <strong>Dragons</strong> to Kingspan Stadium<br />
for Round 11 of the <strong>BKT</strong> United <strong>Rugby</strong><br />
Championship. Having slipped to eighth<br />
place in the league, a win is vital as we seek<br />
to ensure our qualification for next season’s<br />
European Champions Cup and for the league<br />
play-offs.<br />
I am pleased to welcome <strong>Dragons</strong><br />
representatives Graeme Bradbury, Simon<br />
Coghlan and all other fans who have travelled<br />
from Wales for tonight’s fixture and hope they<br />
have an enjoyable weekend in Belfast.<br />
The match is the first in the post Dan McFarland<br />
era. While I offer my best wishes to Dan Soper<br />
and his fellow coaches who have prepared the<br />
team this week, and to Richie Murphy, who will<br />
take over for the remainder of the season, I<br />
also record my thanks to Dan McFarland for his<br />
dedication and commitment over the last six<br />
years. I have no doubt he will reappear before<br />
too long, and I wish him and his family all the<br />
very best for the future.<br />
World International Women’s <strong>Day</strong> is celebrated<br />
next Friday. To mark this special day we will<br />
be joined tonight by several guests who have<br />
been involved directly with the Women and<br />
Girls game as players and coaches. We have<br />
also invited our female referees and our evergrowing<br />
number of women who serve on the<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> Branch Committee. Additionally, I am<br />
delighted that Lady Mary Peters will joining us<br />
as she often does for this annual event.<br />
We are currently in the middle of the Six Nations,<br />
both at senior and Under 20 level. With a<br />
combined six wins from six matches, both teams<br />
are well placed. The seniors are looking to win<br />
back-to-back grand slams, which would be a first<br />
for any side in the Six Nations. Richie Murphy’s<br />
U20s are seeking a third successive grand slam.<br />
Best wishes to all involved in both camps.<br />
The recently completed Celtic Challenge<br />
included several <strong>Ulster</strong> players and it is good to<br />
note that Sadhbh McGrath, Neve Jones, Fiona<br />
Tuite, Brittany Hogan and Vicky Irwin have<br />
all been included in the Ireland squad for the<br />
upcoming Tik Tok Women’s Six Nations.<br />
On the domestic front, there were two events<br />
worthy of special mention. On 27th January,<br />
Ballyclare RFC won the Energia All-Ireland<br />
Junior Cup for the first time with a thumping<br />
48 – 8 victory over Bective Rangers in Dundalk.<br />
Thus, the trophy stays in <strong>Ulster</strong> for a third<br />
successive season.<br />
Then last Saturday, prior to the Ireland v<br />
Scotland match at the Aviva, Greg Barrett, the<br />
President of the I.R.F.U. presented a Volunteer<br />
Recognition Award to Ballymoney stalwart<br />
John Waide. This was a much-deserved award<br />
to someone who has put so much time and<br />
effort into club rugby – well done John.<br />
To finish, having lost our last three games,<br />
and with the recent upheaval, I know that<br />
the players can’t wait to get out there to put<br />
things right. If ever there was a time for our<br />
brilliant supporters to STAND UP FOR THE<br />
ULSTERMEN, it is tonight.<br />
Denis Gardiner<br />
President, IRFU <strong>Ulster</strong> Branch<br />
#evYuMr<br />
PROUD TITLE SPONSOR OF THE<br />
<strong>BKT</strong> UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP<br />
7
9
DRAGONS<br />
<strong>Dragons</strong> most recent victory against <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
came at Rodney Parade in March 2015 although<br />
the two did draw 32-32 at the same venue in<br />
December 2017.<br />
<strong>Dragons</strong> have won just twice at Kingspan<br />
Stadium: 21-28 in October 2004 and 14-16 in<br />
September 2008.<br />
James Benjamin<br />
James Benjamin, <strong>Dragons</strong><br />
academy graduate, first impressed<br />
on the Sevens stage and was<br />
part of the Welsh squad for the<br />
Commonwealth Games in 2018.<br />
Benjamin operted at back row<br />
and also at centre for his home<br />
club, before making the transition<br />
to hooker ahead of the 2021/2022<br />
season. At the end of the 2022/23<br />
season the hooker had made 75<br />
appearances scoring six tries in<br />
the process.<br />
Both hookers, James Benjamin<br />
and our old friend Brad Roberts,<br />
are strong at set-pieces, with<br />
<strong>Dragons</strong> ranking fifth in the<br />
league for lineout success.<br />
Players to Watch<br />
Home Ground: Rodney Parade<br />
Last Season: 15th<br />
Coach: Dai Flanagan<br />
Will Reed<br />
Young fly-half, Will Reed, came through<br />
the Academy system at the <strong>Dragons</strong><br />
and after impressing at age grade level<br />
he became a part of the Wales U20<br />
international set up in 2021 earning<br />
two caps.<br />
Described as a ‘superstar of the future’<br />
the 22-year old, has now made 31<br />
appearances and scored 101 points for<br />
his club.<br />
New Players:<br />
Santiago Cordero (Bordeaux Begles)<br />
Signings JJ Hanrahan for this (<strong>Dragons</strong>) season:<br />
Dane Blacker Joe Joyce (Scarlets) (Bristol)<br />
Sean Jansen (Leicester)<br />
Dan Lydiate (Ospreys)<br />
Seán O’Brien (Leinster)<br />
Liam McNamara Corey Baldwin (Ireland (Scarlets) Sevens)<br />
Andrew Smith Cai Evans (Ireland (Ospreys) Sevens)<br />
Tadgh McElroy (Leinster)<br />
Rodrigo Martínez (Argentina Pampas)<br />
Michael McDonald (<strong>Ulster</strong> - loan)<br />
NAME POSITION DOB<br />
HEIGHT<br />
(cm)<br />
WEIGHT<br />
(kg)<br />
Rhodri Jones 23/12/1991 Prop (1) 188 125<br />
Rodrigo Martinez 07/07/1998 Prop (1) 187 112<br />
Aki Seiuli 22/12/1992 Prop (1) 180 115<br />
Josh Reynolds 01/12/1998 Prop (1) 181 123<br />
Elliot Dee 07/03/1994 Hooker 184 105<br />
Bradley Roberts 04/01/1996 Hooker 177 108<br />
James Benjamin 21/02/1994 Hooker 182 100<br />
Brodie Coghlan 21/12/2000 Hooker 182 112<br />
Leon Brown 26/10/1996 Prop (3) 189 128<br />
Lloyd Fairbrother 13/11/1991 Prop (3) 175 117<br />
Chris Coleman 31/08/1998 Prop (3) 189 121<br />
Luke Yendle 27/06/2000 Prop (3) 185 120<br />
Nathan Evans 03/01/2002 Prop (3) 178 120<br />
Ben Carter 23/01/2001 Second Row 198 120<br />
George Nott 21/01/1996 Second Row 199 117<br />
Joe Davies 13/11/1995 Second Row 199 125<br />
Sean Lonsdale 07/06/1997 Back Row 196 113<br />
Matthew Screech 24/10/1992 Second Row 198 116<br />
Aaron Wainwright 25/09/1997 Back Row 189 110<br />
Harrison Keddie 10/07/1996 Back Row 190 108<br />
George Young 10/10/2001 Back Row 188 104<br />
Ryan Woodman 02/02/2004 Back Row 195 107<br />
Taine Basham 02/11/1999 Back Row 183 100<br />
Ollie Griffiths 23/03/1995 Back Row 186 109<br />
Dan Lydiate 18/12/1987 Back Row 194 115<br />
Dane Blacker 06/07/1998 Scrum Half 174 78<br />
Gonzalo Bertranou 31/03/1993 Scrum Half 177 88<br />
Rhodri Williams 05/05/1993 Scrum Half 176 87<br />
Lewis Jones 24/11/1992 Scrum Half 176 83<br />
Che Hope 10/01/2003 Scrum Half 175 79<br />
Angus O'Brien 17/09/1994 Outside Half 180 98<br />
Will Reed 03/11/2001 Outside Half 173 86<br />
Jack Dixon 13/12/1994 Centre (12) 188 104<br />
Aneurin Owen 19/10/2000 Centre (12) 180 94<br />
Harri Ackerman 21/12/2004 Centre (12) 185 93<br />
Sio Tomkinson 27/05/1996 Centre (13) 180 95<br />
Max Clark 03/10/1995 Centre (13) 186 102<br />
Steff Hughes 17/02/1994 Centre (13) 184 93<br />
Joe Westwood 10/07/2003 Centre (13) 191 101<br />
Corey Baldwin 13/10/1998 Back 3 182 99<br />
Jordan Williams 20/09/1993 Back 3 173 86<br />
Ashton Hewitt 20/11/1994 Back 3 178 88<br />
Cai Evans 23/06/1999 Back 3 185 84<br />
Rio Dyer 21/12/1999 Back 3 187 99<br />
Jared Rosser 31/12/1997 Back 3 189 101<br />
David Richards 30/07/1999 Back 3 181 94<br />
Ewan Rosser 16/12/2000 Back 3 180 90<br />
11
Last Time Out<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> left Wales with a bonus point after<br />
a narrow defeat to Ospreys as they were<br />
beaten 19-17 in Round 10 of the United<br />
<strong>Rugby</strong> Championship.<br />
Marcus Rea scored a try to help <strong>Ulster</strong> hold<br />
the lead at the break, before the game<br />
opened up in the second half. Tom Stewart<br />
came off the bench to touch down, and<br />
Jake Flannery looked to have won it with a<br />
late penalty before Dan Edwards dropped<br />
a goal at the death to decide the game.<br />
The dramatic finish didn’t look on the cards<br />
Sun 18 Feb<br />
19 - 17<br />
after a scrappy start to the afternoon which<br />
saw opportunities limited for both sides.<br />
The hosts had the first chance to register<br />
points on the board, but Edwards pulled<br />
his kick at goal beyond the posts with 6<br />
minutes on the clock.<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> then went close with 21 minutes<br />
gone thanks to some quick thinking off the<br />
boot from Flannery with the fly-half using<br />
a penalty to launch a cross-field kick over<br />
to the left channel, but Jacob Stockdale<br />
was unable to ground the ball.<br />
After half an hour, Edwards had another<br />
kick at goal and this time he was successful<br />
to give Ospreys the lead. At this stage of<br />
the game, <strong>Ulster</strong> captain Iain Henderson<br />
was replaced by Cormac Izuchukwu, which<br />
came shortly after Scott Wilson had come<br />
on for Marty Moore.<br />
The first try of the game came in the<br />
34th minute after the <strong>Ulster</strong> pack showed<br />
their power after a set-piece. It came<br />
after Ospreys indiscipline led to a penalty,<br />
allowing Flannery to kick deep into the 22.<br />
From the resulting lineout the <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
forwards moved the ball forward several<br />
times with quick drives for the line before<br />
openside Marcus Rea burrowed over from<br />
close range. From left of the sticks, Nathan<br />
Doak slotted his kick to make it 7-3.<br />
Edwards kicked another penalty for the<br />
Welsh side to make it 7-6 at the break.<br />
Ospreys 8 Morgan Morse was shown a<br />
yellow card 8 minutes into the second half<br />
for a deliberate knock-on and Flannery’s<br />
kick into touch allowed the <strong>Ulster</strong> pack<br />
to have another go from the lineout. Tom<br />
Stewart, who had just come off the bench,<br />
looked to have grounded the ball from the<br />
maul but was judged to have been held up<br />
over the line.<br />
Edwards kicked Ospreys into a 9-7 lead in<br />
the 56th minute before lock James Ratti<br />
was shown a yellow card to temporarily<br />
send them down to 13 men.<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong>’s Flannery again bombed the penalty<br />
deep into the 22, and this time there was<br />
no stopping Tom Stewart from touching<br />
down after the lineout maul for his 8th<br />
score of the season, with Doak slotting the<br />
extras from wide on the right.<br />
It was then 14 versus 14 when <strong>Ulster</strong> sub<br />
Luke Marshall was yellow carded for a high<br />
tackle in the 62nd minute, and Ospreys<br />
went on the attack.<br />
Tom Stewart managed to steal the ball from<br />
the breakdown close to his own goal line<br />
and smacked an enormous clearing kick<br />
into the vacant Ospreys half. It bobbled<br />
all the way deep into the 22 before it was<br />
gathered by a defender who was smashed<br />
into touch by the chasing Dave Shanahan.<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> came close in the following phases<br />
but Ospreys suddenly broke away after an<br />
interception and the counter attack was<br />
finished by Kieran Williams and converted<br />
by Edwards to give them a 2-point lead<br />
with 66 played.<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> moved ahead late in the game when<br />
they claimed the lead in the 76th minute. It<br />
came thanks to a monstrous penalty from<br />
Flannery, who nudged the ball over with<br />
the tee sitting just inside his own half to<br />
make it 17-16 to the visitors.<br />
It looked like it had won the game, only for<br />
Edwards to score a drop goal just as the<br />
clock ticked into the red to win the game<br />
for Ospreys.<br />
13
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15
Utility Back<br />
20/08/1992<br />
185cm<br />
93kg<br />
35<br />
5<br />
Will<br />
Addison<br />
Hooker<br />
26/05/1993<br />
180cm<br />
103kg<br />
116<br />
-<br />
John<br />
Andrew<br />
Wing<br />
19/08/1997<br />
193cm<br />
94.5kg<br />
65<br />
4<br />
Rob<br />
Baloucoune<br />
Fly Half<br />
13/06/1994<br />
183cm<br />
87kg<br />
106<br />
7<br />
Billy<br />
Burns<br />
Centre<br />
24/02/2002<br />
183cm<br />
101kg<br />
1<br />
-<br />
Ben<br />
Carson<br />
Scrum Half<br />
01/05/1990<br />
178cm<br />
86kg<br />
130<br />
11<br />
John<br />
Cooney<br />
Back Row<br />
28/01/2002<br />
184cm<br />
99kg<br />
3<br />
-<br />
Reuben<br />
Crothers<br />
Scrum Half<br />
17/12/2001<br />
185cm<br />
85kg<br />
58<br />
-<br />
Nathan<br />
Doak<br />
Back Row<br />
03/11/1990<br />
193cm<br />
126kg<br />
9<br />
-<br />
Dave<br />
Ewers<br />
Fly Half<br />
07/06/1999<br />
183cm<br />
91.5kg<br />
12<br />
-<br />
Jake<br />
Flannery<br />
Prop<br />
13/06/1994<br />
185cm<br />
123kg<br />
2<br />
-<br />
James<br />
French<br />
Lock<br />
21/02/1992<br />
199cm<br />
118kg<br />
149<br />
81<br />
Iain<br />
Henderson<br />
Hooker<br />
27/04/1990<br />
185cm<br />
105kg<br />
234<br />
39<br />
Rob<br />
Herring<br />
Centre<br />
07/09/1998<br />
188cm<br />
97kg<br />
89<br />
3<br />
James<br />
Hume<br />
ULSTER RUGBY MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD<br />
Lock<br />
28/01/2000<br />
201cm<br />
117kg<br />
18<br />
-<br />
Cormac<br />
Izuchukwu<br />
Backrow<br />
13/01/1996<br />
196cm<br />
105kg<br />
42<br />
-<br />
Greg<br />
Jones<br />
Prop<br />
10/02/1992<br />
183cm<br />
120kg<br />
9<br />
SA 83<br />
Steven<br />
Kitshoff<br />
Full Back<br />
20/08/1998<br />
170cm<br />
77kg<br />
93<br />
1<br />
Mike<br />
Lowry<br />
Centre<br />
03/03/1991<br />
180cm<br />
98.5kg<br />
164<br />
11<br />
Luke<br />
Marshall<br />
Back Row<br />
13/06/2000<br />
193cm<br />
109.5kg<br />
35<br />
-<br />
David<br />
McCann<br />
Centre<br />
06/08/1992<br />
193cm<br />
112kg<br />
182<br />
17<br />
Stuart<br />
McCloskey<br />
Hooker<br />
08/01/2002<br />
183cm<br />
107kg<br />
-<br />
-<br />
James<br />
McCormick<br />
Wing<br />
10/08/2000<br />
188cm<br />
88kg<br />
54<br />
-<br />
Ethan<br />
McIlroy<br />
Scrum Half<br />
20/03/2001<br />
183cm<br />
85kg<br />
-<br />
-<br />
Conor<br />
McKee<br />
Prop<br />
01/03/1991<br />
178cm<br />
122kg<br />
93<br />
10<br />
Marty<br />
Moore<br />
Centre<br />
08/08/1999<br />
184cm<br />
92kg<br />
60<br />
-<br />
Stewart<br />
Moore<br />
Wing<br />
09/06/2001<br />
191cm<br />
101.5kg<br />
31<br />
-<br />
Ben<br />
Moxham<br />
Fullback<br />
15/07/1999<br />
181cm<br />
89kg<br />
1<br />
-<br />
Shea<br />
O’Brien<br />
Lock<br />
10/09/1992<br />
196cm<br />
114kg<br />
189<br />
-<br />
Alan<br />
O’Connor<br />
Prop<br />
30/11/1995<br />
183cm<br />
117kg<br />
109<br />
1<br />
Eric<br />
O’Sullivan<br />
SA<br />
ULSTER RUGBY MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD<br />
Prop<br />
23/09/1998<br />
184cm<br />
122kg<br />
97<br />
13<br />
Tom<br />
O’Toole<br />
Centre<br />
03/04/2002<br />
193cm<br />
101kg<br />
6<br />
-<br />
Jude<br />
Postlethwaite<br />
17
ULSTER RUGBY MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD<br />
Back Row<br />
08/09/1997<br />
188cm<br />
109kg<br />
43<br />
-<br />
Marcus<br />
Rea<br />
Wing<br />
24/08/2000<br />
188cm<br />
92kg<br />
9<br />
-<br />
Aaron<br />
Sexton<br />
Back Row<br />
21/09/1993<br />
193cm<br />
115kg<br />
94<br />
-<br />
Matty<br />
Rea<br />
Dave<br />
Shanahan<br />
Scrum Half<br />
20/06/1993<br />
177cm<br />
77kg<br />
90<br />
-<br />
Back Row<br />
04/11/1998<br />
180cm<br />
100kg<br />
6<br />
-<br />
Sean<br />
Reffell<br />
Harry<br />
Sheridan<br />
Back Row<br />
21/09/2001<br />
195cm<br />
116.5kg<br />
17<br />
-<br />
Prop<br />
06/01/1999<br />
183cm<br />
116.5kg<br />
18<br />
-<br />
Callum<br />
Reid<br />
Tom<br />
Stewart<br />
Hooker<br />
11/01/2001<br />
183cm<br />
102kg<br />
36<br />
2<br />
Back Row<br />
26/06/2004<br />
189cm<br />
104kg<br />
-<br />
Tom<br />
Briggs<br />
James<br />
Humphreys<br />
Fly Half<br />
14/11/2001<br />
185cm<br />
81kg<br />
-<br />
Cameron<br />
Doak<br />
Prop<br />
17/12/2003<br />
189cm<br />
126kg<br />
-<br />
Lock<br />
28/01/2003<br />
203cm<br />
117kg<br />
-<br />
Charlie<br />
Irvine<br />
Ethan<br />
Graham<br />
Wing /Fullback<br />
27/04/2004<br />
181cm<br />
78.5kg<br />
-<br />
Wing /Fullback<br />
08/09/2004<br />
184cm<br />
93kg<br />
-<br />
Lucas<br />
Kenny<br />
Lock<br />
16/03/2004<br />
201cm<br />
108kg<br />
1<br />
Joe<br />
Hopes<br />
Ben<br />
McFarlane<br />
Wing /Fullback<br />
04/10/2004<br />
174cm<br />
76.5kg<br />
-<br />
ULSTER RUGBY ACADEMY<br />
Jacob<br />
Stockdale<br />
Nick<br />
Timoney<br />
Kieran<br />
Treadwell<br />
Andrew<br />
Warwick<br />
Lorcan<br />
McLoughlin<br />
James<br />
McNabney<br />
George<br />
Saunderson<br />
Zac<br />
Solomon<br />
Wing<br />
Back Row<br />
Lock<br />
Prop<br />
Back Row<br />
Back Row<br />
Prop<br />
Hooker<br />
03/04/1996<br />
01/08/1995<br />
06/11/1995<br />
12/03/1991<br />
03/04/2002<br />
28/02/2003<br />
01/11/2001<br />
17/06/2004<br />
191cm<br />
188cm<br />
198cm<br />
178cm<br />
189cm<br />
193cm<br />
185cm<br />
177cm<br />
102kg<br />
109kg<br />
115kg<br />
116.5kg<br />
110kg<br />
115kg<br />
125kg<br />
97kg<br />
113<br />
136<br />
153<br />
184<br />
1<br />
3<br />
-<br />
1<br />
37<br />
3<br />
11<br />
-<br />
ULSTER RUGBY<br />
ACADEMY<br />
Based at Kingspan Stadium along<br />
with the senior squad, the aim of<br />
the <strong>Ulster</strong> <strong>Rugby</strong> Academy is to<br />
develop rugby talent to reach their<br />
potential and perform to <strong>URC</strong>,<br />
European and international standards.<br />
Prop<br />
Jack<br />
Boal<br />
01/05/2003<br />
Jacob<br />
Boyd<br />
Prop<br />
10/07/2004<br />
Josh<br />
Stevens<br />
Back Row<br />
14/12/2004<br />
Rory<br />
Telfer<br />
Wing /Fullback<br />
29/08/2003<br />
Henry<br />
Walker<br />
Hooker<br />
01/01/2003<br />
Scott<br />
Wilson<br />
Prop<br />
06/08/2002<br />
All players must have the ability to<br />
play rugby for Ireland.<br />
187cm<br />
115kg<br />
-<br />
186cm<br />
113kg<br />
-<br />
178cm<br />
93kg<br />
-<br />
183cm<br />
92kg<br />
-<br />
187cm<br />
101kg<br />
-<br />
186cm<br />
125kg<br />
2<br />
19
21
Referees’ Corner<br />
Tonight, we welcome Gianluca Gnecchi<br />
(FIR) and his team of officials to Kingspan<br />
Stadium for the <strong>BKT</strong> United <strong>Rugby</strong><br />
Championship game against the <strong>Dragons</strong>.<br />
As always, <strong>Ulster</strong> <strong>Rugby</strong> would like to<br />
remind spectators to respect the decisions<br />
of the match officials at all times.<br />
the sport, a background in education, and<br />
a commitment to recruiting, developing,<br />
and retaining referees of all levels.<br />
In this Referee Corner, we spotlight Richard<br />
Kerr, the Referee Development Manager<br />
for <strong>Ulster</strong> <strong>Rugby</strong>, looking at his role, the<br />
important part he plays in developing<br />
referees, and his journey with the whistle.<br />
Richard’s journey is marked by a passion for<br />
A Former Teacher with a Passion for <strong>Rugby</strong><br />
Richard’s rugby journey started back in<br />
the mid 1980s when he played mini rugby<br />
at Coleraine RFC and then in his early<br />
years at Coleraine Inst. He then focused<br />
on athletics and cross-country running<br />
where he represented Northern Ireland<br />
and <strong>Ulster</strong> and Irish Schools, before<br />
returning to play a bit of social rugby after<br />
University. Richard then took the wise<br />
decision to follow in his Father Francis’<br />
footsteps and took up refereeing in 2001.<br />
Following a 20 year teaching career in<br />
Cookstown High School, Richard had<br />
the opportunity of transitioning from<br />
teaching to his full-time role with <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
<strong>Rugby</strong> in 2018 which reflects his enduring<br />
commitment to fostering growth and<br />
development in individuals.<br />
Richard served on the IRFU National<br />
Referee Panel from 2003 until 2023,<br />
after numerous All-Ireland League and<br />
other top flight games across Ireland and<br />
indeed beyond!<br />
Richard is incredibly proud of his<br />
tenure in the Green Jersey saying<br />
“I have officiated in some great places,<br />
from the Stade Mayol in Toulon, and a packed<br />
Aviva Stadium, to my very first game at<br />
Newry RFC and a recent U18 Girls’ game<br />
at the Palace Grounds in Armagh. A pitch<br />
is a pitch… white lines, green grass and 30<br />
players. Every venue is the same to me.”<br />
As well as being a current active USRFR<br />
referee, one key aspect of Richard’s role<br />
as Referee Development Manager is to<br />
recruit new referees into the USRFR across<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong>. New Referee Courses are a key<br />
event in Richard’s calendar, where he has<br />
the opportunity to inspire, develop, and<br />
support new aspiring referees who share<br />
a love for the game of <strong>Rugby</strong> Union.<br />
New Referee Courses consist of several<br />
workshops, ranging from an induction<br />
day where the Trainee Referees cover<br />
key aspects of law, communication, and<br />
positioning, to on-pitch sessions on<br />
refereeing the set piece, touch judging,<br />
and more technical aspects of game<br />
management, including the all-important<br />
whistle tone! These sessions are highly<br />
engaging, and throughout the process,<br />
new cohorts build camaraderie and share<br />
their learning from their games.<br />
“I have fond memories of my new-referee<br />
course and the important wisdom that<br />
Richard shared with me and the group.<br />
Richard was always approachable and on<br />
hand to answer any on-field questions<br />
that came up from my early games. He<br />
really encouraged us all to reflect on our<br />
games and select a couple of areas to<br />
improve each time we ran out into the<br />
middle” - Rob Rees, USRFR Referee.<br />
Spotting the Talent of Tomorrow<br />
at all levels to progress<br />
through the ranks. This keeps<br />
him busy supporting the USRFR<br />
mentoring scheme, monthly meetings,<br />
and the Development Group of Referees,<br />
which includes some of the rising stars<br />
in the Society going through the IRFU’s<br />
National Panel Development Group system<br />
(formerly known as IPAS) as they are being<br />
evaluated to join the IRFU National Panel<br />
of referees, all while remaining an active<br />
referee himself.<br />
Richard commented, “I really enjoy<br />
working with referees and seeing them<br />
progress to different levels of the game.<br />
Whether it’s a new referee obtaining<br />
their full society membership or the<br />
likes of our High-Performance Referees<br />
refereeing their first professional fixture.<br />
There have been lots of proud moments<br />
over the years.”<br />
Richard continues, “Recruiting and<br />
developing our referees is important,<br />
but so too is retaining our referees. The<br />
USRFR works hard to ensure that we<br />
provide a supportive environment for all<br />
our referees by actively promoting a sense<br />
of community. We have three area hubs<br />
that meet each month, a social activities<br />
committee, and lots of engaging online<br />
activities too, with social channels to<br />
keep us all connecting and engaging<br />
with each other. None of this would<br />
be possible of course without the<br />
total support and dedication on my<br />
colleagues in the IRFU Referee Dept, <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
<strong>Rugby</strong> and perhaps most importantly,<br />
the fantastic team of volunteers we<br />
have within the <strong>Ulster</strong> Society of <strong>Rugby</strong><br />
Football Referees.”<br />
Richard isn’t just about referees, though.<br />
He continues to work tirelessly to engage<br />
with players, <strong>Ulster</strong> <strong>Rugby</strong> Committees,<br />
Clubs, and Schools to provide insight<br />
into officiating and most importantly of<br />
all, ensure that the values of rugby are<br />
maintained at all levels.<br />
A true servant of the game, we love.<br />
There is so much opportunity that<br />
Richard, along with a group of committed<br />
volunteers, has put in place to support new<br />
referees. Could you be the next USRFR new<br />
referee? If you are interested in taking up<br />
the whistle, or indeed just want to find out<br />
more about refereeing, please reachusing<br />
the details below.<br />
Recruitment is only one aspect of Richard’s<br />
role, of which there are many. Another<br />
key aspect is developing existing referees<br />
If interested in becoming a Referee, please contact:<br />
Richard Kerr<br />
Referee Development Manager<br />
richard.kerr@irfu.ie | 07493 868 388<br />
U.S.R.F.R<br />
23
Half-Time<br />
Exhibition Games<br />
Nevin Spence Memorial Stand End<br />
Cooke<br />
Kit: Black & White<br />
Newry<br />
Kit: Blue & White<br />
1 Matthew McCourt<br />
2 Dalton McKinney<br />
3 Martin Keenan<br />
4 Daniel Barr<br />
5 Austin O’Neil<br />
6 Kitione Thompson<br />
7 Caolan McNally<br />
8 Conor Luft<br />
9 Aidan Caughey<br />
10 Josh Gordon<br />
11 Noagh Viner<br />
12 Heath Mellor<br />
1 Patrick Killen<br />
2 Anthony Magennis<br />
3 Finn Laverty<br />
4 Max Fitzpatrick<br />
5 Oran Hughes<br />
6 Tom Cranney<br />
7 Shane Cunningham<br />
8 Ruairi Martin<br />
9 Oliver Fourie<br />
10 Oscar White<br />
11 Aleksander McGaffin<br />
12 Daniel Turley<br />
AbbeyAutoline Family Stand End<br />
Carrick<br />
Kit: Black & Red<br />
Banbridge<br />
Kit: Navy, Yellow, Maroon<br />
1 Callum Smyth<br />
2 Zach Morrison<br />
3 Tom Ferris<br />
4 Oliver Tester<br />
5 Dylan Drysdale<br />
6 Jacob Cevik<br />
7 Georgi Cawood<br />
8 Harry Chambers<br />
9 Ryan Moore<br />
10 Lee Gail<br />
11 Oliver Finlay<br />
12 Jensen Campbell<br />
1 Olly McCarthy<br />
2 Robbie Forsythe<br />
3 Olly Jardine<br />
4 Toby Mathers<br />
5 Noah Teggart<br />
6 Joel Ringland<br />
7 Alfie Wallace<br />
8 Jacob Hetherington<br />
9 Alex Gillespie<br />
10 Alfie Crawford<br />
11 Samuel Nelson<br />
12 Oliver Cairns<br />
25
1<br />
2<br />
3<br />
1<br />
2<br />
3<br />
Steven Kitshoff<br />
Tom Stewart<br />
Tom O’Toole<br />
Rodrigo Martinez<br />
James Benjamin<br />
Chris Coleman<br />
4<br />
5<br />
4<br />
5<br />
Cormac Izuchukwu<br />
Harry Sheridan<br />
Sean Lonsdale<br />
Matthew Screech<br />
6<br />
8<br />
7<br />
6<br />
8<br />
7<br />
David McCann<br />
Nick Timoney<br />
Marcus Rea<br />
Dan Lydiate<br />
Taine Basham<br />
Harry Taylor<br />
9<br />
John Cooney<br />
Referee: Ian Kenny<br />
Assistants: Frank Murphy,<br />
Andrew Fogarty<br />
TMO: Matteo Liperini<br />
9<br />
Dan Blacker<br />
10<br />
10<br />
Billy Burns<br />
Will Reed<br />
11<br />
11<br />
Mike Lowry<br />
12<br />
Corey Baldwin<br />
12<br />
Jude Postlethwaite<br />
Aneurin Owen<br />
Replacements<br />
16 John Andrew<br />
13<br />
Replacements<br />
16 Brodie Coghlan<br />
13<br />
17 Andrew Warwick<br />
18 Scott Wilson<br />
James Hume<br />
C<br />
17 Aki Seiuli<br />
18 Luke Yendle<br />
Steff Hughes<br />
C<br />
19 Kieran Treadwell<br />
19 Barny Langton-Cryer<br />
20 Sean Reffell<br />
21 Nathan Doak<br />
15<br />
14<br />
20 George Nott<br />
21 Gonzalo Bertranou<br />
15<br />
14<br />
22 Luke Marshall<br />
22 Harri Ackerman<br />
23 Jacob Stockdale<br />
Will Addison<br />
Ethan McIlroy<br />
23 Huw Anderson<br />
Ewan Rosser<br />
Joe Westwood<br />
27
Scott Wilson - Dromore RFC<br />
John Cooney<br />
Gonzaga<br />
College<br />
Jake Flannery - Kilfeacle RFC<br />
Ethan McIlroy<br />
Ballynahinch RFC<br />
Harry Sheridan - Civil Service NI<br />
Cormac Izuchukwu – Tullamore RFC<br />
Luke Marshall - Ballymena RFC<br />
Reuben Crothers<br />
Lisburn RFC<br />
David Shanahan - Clontarf RFC<br />
29
1 Billion<br />
PET bottles<br />
recycled into our<br />
manufacturing<br />
processes by 2025<br />
1bn<br />
Ambitious<br />
Target<br />
Areas<br />
Energy,<br />
Carbon,<br />
Circularity,<br />
Water<br />
4<br />
Kingspan’s Commitment<br />
to Sustainability<br />
Zero<br />
Company<br />
waste to<br />
landfill<br />
by 2030<br />
0<br />
Read our<br />
Report<br />
here<br />
Five<br />
Ocean<br />
Cleanup Projects<br />
ECOALF, Seabin,<br />
Clearbot<br />
to date<br />
5<br />
100million<br />
Litres of rainwater<br />
harvested<br />
by 2030<br />
100m<br />
One Legacy<br />
Leaving the planet<br />
in a better place<br />
through our Planet<br />
Passionate<br />
communities<br />
projects 1<br />
31
TRAINING<br />
in Pictures<br />
33
ulster.rugby/matchtickets<br />
35
After two very close semi-finals, RBAI and<br />
Ballymena Academy came out victorious<br />
to secure their spots in the Danske Bank<br />
Schools’ Cup Final here in Kingspan<br />
Stadium on Monday 18 March.<br />
RBAI came out to defend their title as<br />
winners of last year’s competition against<br />
Wallace High School here at the stadium on<br />
Tuesday 27 February. They stole the show<br />
with an impressive attacking performance<br />
in the first half and stand-out performance<br />
from full-back Joshua GIbson, scoring a<br />
hat-trick of tries. The final score resulted<br />
in 33-20 to the current cup holders and<br />
they will go on to see if they can hold on<br />
for a consecutive year.<br />
Ballymena and<br />
RBAI to go<br />
head to head in<br />
Ballymena battled it out with Sullivan here<br />
on Wednesday 28 February in very wet<br />
conditions. Ballymena haven’t lifted the cup<br />
since 2010 and so had that perseverance to<br />
push on to the final. In what was a thrilling<br />
match between the two sides, Ballymena<br />
were aggressive in both aspects of the game<br />
and their first half attacking performance,<br />
combined with excellent defensive work in<br />
the second half, made it a convincing win,<br />
despite Sullivan’s best efforts, resulting in<br />
a final score of 25-14.<br />
Tickets are now on sale for the final<br />
at ulster.rugby/buytickets.<br />
Schools’ Cup Final<br />
WATCH STREAMED<br />
COVERAGE<br />
FINAL<br />
RBAI v Ballymena Academy<br />
Mon 18 Mar, 3pm | Kingspan Stadium<br />
MEDALLION<br />
Shield<br />
RBAI v<br />
Sullivan Upper<br />
Tue 5 Mar, 2.30pm<br />
Kingspan Stadium<br />
Subsidiary<br />
Shield<br />
Campbell College v<br />
Royal School Armagh<br />
Wed 13 Mar, 2.30pm<br />
Queen’s Sport, Upper Malone<br />
37
39
?<br />
?<br />
?<br />
Guess Who?<br />
?<br />
?<br />
?<br />
?<br />
?<br />
?<br />
Can you name the 4 players?<br />
Answers: (Top to bottom) James Hume, Andrew Warwick, David McCann, Ethan McIlroy<br />
41
DAVID McCANN<br />
From Club T<br />
Origins Interview<br />
So Aahead Kieran, of 150 our caps Origin for Round <strong>Ulster</strong>, this how weekend, does that tell make us you a bit feel? about<br />
It your fills junior me with club pride. journey? When I came here I didn’t know how long I<br />
would be here, I left home, moved to a different country, had ups<br />
I started playing mini rugby at Cooke RFC at Shaw’s Bridge,<br />
and downs but it’s gone pretty well! To get to 150 is massive for<br />
I think I must have been six or seven until I went to school<br />
me, my family and my wife.<br />
at RBAI and would go on to play with Instonians RFC. When<br />
I got to school obviously my main focus was on schools’<br />
And rugby what which better helped opponent me to to evolve do it and against play than a number Connacht? of<br />
Yes! positions. Having I moved an Interpro from around playing Christmas centre into are the the back games<br />
you row want which to helped be involved me feel in. very Especially rounded after and a massive I kicked<br />
game on from against there. Racing 92, we did things in that game<br />
that we want to take forward and improve on.<br />
What are your memories about playing at<br />
Cooke RFC?<br />
Tgame I remember and hopefully we went we on can a rugby come tour out on to top.<br />
England, I must have been in P7 and played<br />
How in festival, important we lost are in the a final fans so in matches it was heartbreaking<br />
as a kid but I am still friends with<br />
like<br />
this?<br />
It<br />
the<br />
makes<br />
people<br />
a massive<br />
I played<br />
difference<br />
with all those<br />
in line-out<br />
years ago.<br />
calls<br />
as It’s you special can’t when hear you them! think It’s of those unbelievable, days as I<br />
remember it was all about at the having weekend, fun John and Cooney I’m still chased pals<br />
a with conversion them now. after a try and they missed, it was<br />
like the try was forgotten about! After the effort<br />
he put in, it gives you a lot of energy. For me,<br />
especially That experience in those of defensive playing sets, at a club sometimes like<br />
when Cooke you – how are in important the depths are of clubs it, the to fans the can<br />
give professional you a big journey? boost of energy.<br />
I think when you start your minis it shapes<br />
the way you see rugby. One of my best<br />
friend’s dad was a coach at Cooke and<br />
at the time I’d probably have played more<br />
football and he encouraged me to come along<br />
and play with my friends.<br />
My memories of rugby are<br />
all positive, I kept playing,<br />
enjoying it and formed a<br />
positive mindset<br />
about rugby.<br />
Cooke<br />
RFC<br />
Onto <strong>Dragons</strong> - we are back at home,<br />
how are you feeling ahead of it?<br />
There has been a shift in the organisation recently and that’s<br />
something that we have addressed as a squad, there is no<br />
revolutionary change to the way we prepare for this week<br />
but we know that we have to respond. <strong>Dragons</strong> are<br />
dangerous if you let them get going, so we have to<br />
try to dominate and put our game out there.<br />
A win could push us higher up the table,<br />
how excited are the players for the rest<br />
of the season?<br />
We know that as long as you are in the top<br />
8 of the <strong>URC</strong>, you’ll be playing knock-out<br />
rugby. We have shown that we can compete<br />
and we want to do better than last year.<br />
How has training been this week?<br />
It’s been good, we all know we have<br />
a responsibility to get back on track.<br />
Everyone appreciates Dan McFarland’s<br />
contribution over the years but as players<br />
we have responsibility to move things<br />
forward for the fans, the organisation, and<br />
the history of the club.<br />
How important are the fans this weekend?<br />
We have been on the road the past few games<br />
and being back at home, putting in a good<br />
performance at home, getting them behind us is<br />
so important. The players have a responsibility to<br />
put in a good performance for the fans at<br />
Kingspan Stadium.<br />
Back Row<br />
13/06/2000<br />
193cm<br />
109.5kg<br />
35<br />
43
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See Wah, OFXpert since 2018<br />
45
Personalised team<br />
experience<br />
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47
<strong>Rugby</strong> for All:<br />
Ballyclare RFC's<br />
Clare Hares Inspire<br />
Inclusivity<br />
The Clare Hares, a disability rugby team<br />
established at Ballyclare RFC show that<br />
rugby really is for all. This grassroots club<br />
has gone the extra mile to be inclusive in<br />
their community.<br />
The Clare Hares are not your typical rugby<br />
team. They are a group of individuals with<br />
learning disabilities who come together<br />
to enjoy the game in a supportive and<br />
inclusive environment. Organised by<br />
dedicated club members Moore Kennedy<br />
and Clifford Gilmore, the Clare Hares offer<br />
a platform for individuals with learning<br />
disabilities to engage in tag rugby, a noncontact<br />
form of rugby.<br />
"Clare Hares had a very successful start<br />
to their time at The Cloughan, home of<br />
Ballyclare <strong>Rugby</strong> Club," says Kennedy,<br />
highlighting the positive reception the<br />
team has received within the club and the<br />
broader community. They are now coached<br />
by Gary Dorman, Kris James, Tommy Scott<br />
and Davy Kernoghan and have four or five<br />
helpers who are doing Duke of Edinburgh.<br />
The essence of disability tag rugby lies in its<br />
inclusivity. It welcomes men, women, and<br />
children of all ages and abilities, ensuring<br />
that everyone has the opportunity to<br />
participate in the sport they love. The Clare<br />
Hares provide a safe and supportive space<br />
for individuals to engage in rugby regardless<br />
of their background or ability level.<br />
For Sarah Gilmore, a member of the Clare<br />
Hares, rugby isn't just a sport – it's a source<br />
of joy and camaraderie.<br />
"I love seeing my friends, I<br />
have made lots of friends.<br />
Everyone on the team is so<br />
special in their own way,"<br />
says Gilmore, reflecting on her experience<br />
in the team.<br />
Ballyclare <strong>Rugby</strong> Club prides itself on its<br />
commitment to community engagement<br />
and inclusivity. As a registered<br />
Community Amateur Sports Club, the<br />
club is dedicated to promoting ‘rugby<br />
for all’ in the local area.<br />
For Sarah and her teammates, Ballyclare<br />
<strong>Rugby</strong> Club is more than just a sports<br />
venue – it's a second home. "Ballyclare<br />
<strong>Rugby</strong> Club is my most favourite place in<br />
the whole wide world," shares Sarah. "It<br />
makes me feel free, and I really enjoy it. It<br />
is a really nice feeling."<br />
Through the Clare Hares, Ballyclare RFC<br />
is championing the values of inclusivity,<br />
friendship, and the sheer joy of playing<br />
rugby. The goal of the <strong>Ulster</strong> <strong>Rugby</strong><br />
Foundation is to support teams such as<br />
this to ensure people of all ages, all abilities<br />
can enjoy rugby.<br />
ulster.rugby/matchtickets<br />
49
Enjoy the<br />
big match<br />
in style<br />
ulster.rugby/hospitality<br />
51
A NEW<br />
CHAPTER IN<br />
A SEASON<br />
OF CHANGE<br />
Guest Article: Rod Nawn<br />
at the top is a route to better oval ball<br />
outcomes.<br />
Supporters and the players in whom he<br />
trusted should thank Dan McFarland for his<br />
commitment and the many good things he<br />
leaves behind. He’s a high-class coach and<br />
a good man, and we should all wish him<br />
the success he deserves elsewhere.<br />
Now, with the IRFU, CEO Jonny Petrie and<br />
senior management figures such as Bryn<br />
Cunningham will think long and hard in<br />
the search to find a new Head Coach who<br />
can assemble a squad which will, at last,<br />
bring trophies to Belfast. It may well be<br />
that whoever takes charge will want to give<br />
younger players native to the Province their<br />
heads – if they are good enough.<br />
How many will be available to Head Coach<br />
Dai Flanagan depends on Wales’s Warren<br />
Gatland, but winger Rio Dyer, hooker Elliot<br />
Dee, breakaway forwards Aaron Wainwright<br />
and Taine Basham are just some who would<br />
bring some quality to the <strong>Dragons</strong> line-up.<br />
And despite its struggles, players of<br />
the proven class of flanker Dan Lydiate<br />
and centre and skipper Steff Hughes<br />
are performers who could cause <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
problems, especially at the breakdown and<br />
on the counter.<br />
Hooker Dee has only played three times<br />
for his club this season and his spot has<br />
been occupied frequently by one Bradley<br />
Roberts, once of <strong>Ulster</strong> by way of Rainey<br />
Old Boys, and now a fully-fledged Welsh<br />
international!<br />
So, in a blink of an eye a Head Coach is<br />
gone, an interim one to arrive soon, but a<br />
rugby season rolls relentlessly on.<br />
This first Saturday evening in March, the<br />
<strong>Dragons</strong> arrive at Kingspan Stadium, and<br />
Dan Soper will be in charge of <strong>Ulster</strong> until<br />
Richie Murphy completes his duties with<br />
Ireland Under 20s.<br />
A home win, and a signal of confidence<br />
and momentum against the Welsh visitors,<br />
would lift spirits all round, if briefly, as a<br />
reset in the club begins on several fronts.<br />
increasing scrutiny.<br />
A cerebral man, he will have known the<br />
consequences of successive years of <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
not achieving tangible rewards in the <strong>URC</strong><br />
and flattering too often to deceive in Europe.<br />
He was a first-rate coach who brought<br />
stability to the Province in 2018 when,<br />
famously, Brian O’Driscoll labelled the<br />
under-achieving <strong>Ulster</strong> ‘a basket case.’ He<br />
did invest in younger players and some owe<br />
much to his tutelage, and without dispute<br />
he was hardworking and ambitious.<br />
The <strong>Dragons</strong> have been at the centre of the<br />
continuing crisis of club rugby in Wales,<br />
Rodney Parade once such a hotbed of the<br />
game in a rugby-mad country. Under many<br />
guises it has tried to make an impact in<br />
the professional era but there are so many<br />
contradictory, conflicting undercurrents<br />
in the Principality that it has always<br />
appeared the poor relation, literally. Percy<br />
Montgomery, Ross Moriarty and Jamie<br />
Roberts are just a few of the world-class<br />
players who have pulled on the <strong>Dragons</strong><br />
jersey, yet – like <strong>Ulster</strong> – success in terms of<br />
titles and trophies has been absent for the<br />
last two decades.<br />
Skipper Iain Henderson won’t be available<br />
to bring his special intelligence to the team,<br />
but with Ireland taking a Six Nations break,<br />
perhaps Jacob Stockdale, Tom Stewart,<br />
Nick Timoney and Tom O’Toole may be<br />
released by Andy Farrell to bolster the<br />
selection pool for Soper.<br />
With recent defeats in Europe and a<br />
frustrating loss at the Ospreys a fortnight<br />
ago it is difficult for all in the <strong>Ulster</strong> fold<br />
to square those performances and results<br />
with the uplifting displays and wins against<br />
Racing 92 and in Dublin over mighty Leinster<br />
on New Year’s <strong>Day</strong>.<br />
Dan McFarland’s reign was ended quite<br />
suddenly and a succession plan announced<br />
without taking a breath. Professional sport<br />
is a ruthless business, results inevitably<br />
the gauge, and for McFarland his team’s<br />
protracted inconsistency had put him under<br />
Though a mid-season dismissal in rugby is<br />
not unprecedented, it is unusual so clearly<br />
his position must have been in jeopardy<br />
for some time. Supporters will recall the<br />
trough into which the team fell last year,<br />
the subsequent revival but ultimately falling<br />
just short.<br />
Sadly, it mirrored the disappointment of<br />
the previous year when last-gasp defeat<br />
in the <strong>URC</strong> semi-final in South Africa saw<br />
league title hopes collapse, while European<br />
success – so often the beacon which roused<br />
the fans and the players – withered on the<br />
cusp of an anticipated exciting climax to<br />
the season.<br />
President Truman said ‘the buck stops here’<br />
of his time in the Oval office, and, if it may<br />
not be obviously always fair, it is a sporting<br />
fact that when success proves persistently<br />
elusive the judgement will be that a change<br />
Every team, in whatever sport, seeks an<br />
identity, whether that be in playing style<br />
or in the composition of its personnel, and<br />
an <strong>Ulster</strong> side with a broad core of gifted<br />
homegrown talent would please those<br />
who have stayed the course and filled the<br />
Kingspan Stadium seats and terraces.<br />
But this evening debates over recent events<br />
will happily be sidelined for the moment,<br />
and the players will be glad to get out on<br />
the home surface and play rugby!<br />
The visiting <strong>Dragons</strong> have found the <strong>URC</strong><br />
campaign testing once again, and, with the<br />
Sharks, are anchored to the bottom of the<br />
table. But their two wins have been over<br />
the Scarlets and the high-flying Ospreys,<br />
and the playing pool is littered with Welsh<br />
internationals.<br />
53
Flanagan is operating at a club reliant on<br />
several experienced players often required<br />
by Wales, and he has tried to bring through<br />
youngsters to complement the likes of Dee,<br />
Hughes and Lydiate. He has seen some<br />
bright moments, and the Head Coach has<br />
drawn on a lifetime in the game to show<br />
patience and determination to guide the<br />
<strong>Dragons</strong> through the current tumult in<br />
Wales’s club game.<br />
And John Cooney, Nathan Doak, David<br />
McCann, Steven Kitshoff and many others<br />
have forged, or are forging, more than<br />
decent careers. Yet, despite such talents,<br />
silverware hasn’t come to Ravenhill since<br />
Mark McCall’s 2006 Celtic League winners.<br />
Different, ever-changing times of course,<br />
but at <strong>Ulster</strong> <strong>Rugby</strong> HQ that timeline is a<br />
constant frustration.<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong>’s resources are more complete, its<br />
facilities now thoroughly professional on<br />
the pitch, in the dressing room and in the<br />
support teams. Rob Herring, Henderson,<br />
Stockdale, Stewart, Timoney, James Hume,<br />
Robert Baloucoune, Michael Lowry, Billy<br />
Burns, Stuart McCloskey, Will Addison and<br />
Kieran Treadwell have been involved with<br />
the most successful Ireland team ever.<br />
Could you support<br />
What better fillip to everyone involved in<br />
the club, and those who loyally support<br />
it, than an instant pick-me-up in the form<br />
of an emphatic win this evening. Add in a<br />
few tries and a glance at the league table<br />
over this weekend might see <strong>Ulster</strong> hoisted<br />
from mid-table and back into more a more<br />
competitive position.<br />
It’s a road ahead which could be thrilling,<br />
and if there are hurdles to be cleared in the<br />
months and years ahead, a victory over the<br />
<strong>Dragons</strong> would offer real sunlight into the<br />
gloom of the last fortnight.<br />
Let’s hear it for the <strong>Ulster</strong>men.<br />
Horatio’s Garden Northern Ireland?<br />
Opening this winter at<br />
Musgrave Park Hospital in<br />
Belfast, Horatio’s Garden<br />
Northern Ireland will<br />
nurture the wellbeing of<br />
people after spinal injury<br />
from across the province.<br />
Donate to <strong>Ulster</strong> <strong>Rugby</strong>’s<br />
official charity partner<br />
2023/24 this Christmas<br />
at horatiosgarden.org.uk<br />
Horatio’s Garden is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registered charity number 1151475/SC045386.<br />
Registered Office: Horatio’s Garden, 2 Throope Down Office, Blandford Road, Coombe Bissett, Salisbury, SP5 4LN<br />
01722 326834 | horatiosgarden.org.uk | info@horatiosgarden.org.uk | @horatiosgarden<br />
55
<strong>Ulster</strong> <strong>Rugby</strong> Foundation Gains Charity Status<br />
With a vision to inspire lifelong<br />
participation in rugby, the <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
<strong>Rugby</strong> Foundation has secured official<br />
charitable status.<br />
The <strong>Ulster</strong> <strong>Rugby</strong> Foundation will raise vital<br />
funds needed to ensure that rugby is a<br />
sport open to all ages and abilities across<br />
the province. As a registered charity, the<br />
Foundation is committed to using the power<br />
of sport, and unique values of rugby, to have<br />
a positive impact on participants’ lives and<br />
our local community.<br />
Set to support grassroots programmes<br />
throughout <strong>Ulster</strong> that use rugby as a<br />
tool to enhance physical and mental<br />
health, inclusivity and education, the initial<br />
focus of the charity will be on providing<br />
more opportunities for Women and Girls,<br />
increasing access through Disability rugby,<br />
and developing young people through local<br />
clubs and schools.<br />
Of the announcement, Gerard McCurdy,<br />
Chief Commissioner of the Charity<br />
Commission for Northern Ireland, said:<br />
“I would like to congratulate the <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
<strong>Rugby</strong> Foundation on their achievement of<br />
charitable status, which marks an important<br />
milestone in their development.<br />
“The Foundation is now listed on the<br />
Northern Ireland register of charities, a vital<br />
online public resource where anyone can,<br />
at the click of a button, look up a registered<br />
charity and find out what they do, who their<br />
trustees are and how their work is benefitting<br />
the public.”<br />
Chair of the <strong>Ulster</strong> <strong>Rugby</strong> Foundation Board,<br />
Martin Pitt, also welcomed the news:<br />
“We believe that rugby has the power<br />
to have a lasting positive impact for our<br />
local community.<br />
“The funds raised will go directly towards<br />
supporting amateur game programmes<br />
that help participants to develop a sense<br />
of teamwork and resilience skills, as<br />
well as improving mental and physical<br />
health, and improving educational and<br />
employment opportunities.<br />
“The <strong>Ulster</strong> <strong>Rugby</strong> Foundation is set<br />
to bring about lasting change in the<br />
province through its charitable work, and<br />
we’re all looking forward to continuing<br />
to progress that.”<br />
David Johnston, Funding Manager at <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
<strong>Rugby</strong>, added:<br />
“The club is delighted to support the<br />
Foundation through a range of fundraising<br />
activity at our upcoming games, including at<br />
Saturday’s <strong>BKT</strong> United <strong>Rugby</strong> Championship<br />
game versus the <strong>Dragons</strong>, which is focussed<br />
on celebrating the work of the domestic<br />
game through the league’s Origins Round.<br />
“Fans will be able show their support by<br />
purchasing a raffle ticket for the chance<br />
to win some great prizes, meeting with<br />
the player ambassadors in the fan zone,<br />
and hearing the stories of those who<br />
are set to directly benefit through our<br />
grassroots sport.”<br />
For more information visit<br />
ulster.rugby/foundation<br />
57
Sophie<br />
Barrett<br />
Sophie Barrett began her rugby career at<br />
Enniskillen RFC when she was a child, and<br />
from there has achieved being part of our<br />
Senior Women’s team and most recently<br />
has won the Celtic Challenge 23/24 with<br />
her Wolfhounds teammates. We chatted<br />
to her about her local club and her origins.<br />
What does your club mean to you?<br />
Enniskillen is where I started my whole<br />
rugby journey. I feel like it has been a<br />
massive part of my life. I went through<br />
minis, to youth, to senior and the set up<br />
Enniskillen have really brings players on<br />
- the coaches there are exceptional. The<br />
likes of Jimmy Moore has been integral<br />
to my rugby career, he has been with me<br />
since I was 14 and taught me all the basic<br />
skills and all the coaches there have really<br />
put rugby at the centre of my life.<br />
How has being part of a club helped you<br />
on your rugby journey?<br />
Playing in a club, you get to play games,<br />
travel around the country, it really brings<br />
you on as a person. It has really helped me<br />
develop my skills, and I think having that<br />
exposure to a lot of game time has really<br />
helped me reach a higher level. It has also<br />
given me friends for life.<br />
Ireland such as Claire Boles, Catherine<br />
Dane and India Daley. They’ve all got so<br />
far and it’s such an amazing inspiration to<br />
see players from my club that have gone<br />
so far. It shows me I can do that too.<br />
What is your favourite club memory?<br />
Winning the <strong>Ulster</strong> Cup was a big thing<br />
for me. We won U15, and we won U18 last<br />
year and both those wins are probably my<br />
favourite memories.<br />
Who was pivotal in your rugby journey at<br />
your club?<br />
There’s actually a few. As I said, Jimmy<br />
Moore has been with me throughout my<br />
whole rugby journey. Rodney Balfour in<br />
the senior ladies has been an amazing<br />
coach as well, and he thinks a lot of the<br />
girls and gets on with everyone. But I<br />
would say all the coaches throughout my<br />
time in Enniskillen have got me to where I<br />
am today.<br />
How vital would you say grassroots clubs<br />
are to the game?<br />
Playing at a club from a young age, it means<br />
a lot to you. Enniskillen is now so important<br />
to me. There has been so many girls that<br />
have played for Enniskillen that have gone<br />
on to play for <strong>Ulster</strong>, and even further to<br />
59
PROUD TO BE OFFICIAL WATER<br />
& HYDRATION PARTNER OF<br />
ULSTER RUGBY<br />
Q&A<br />
Tom O’Toole<br />
Favourite <strong>Ulster</strong> player of all time?<br />
Ian Madigan<br />
Favourite rest / recovery day activity?<br />
Sea swim, sauna and walking Roxie my<br />
French Bulldog<br />
Any habits or rituals before a game?<br />
Cleaning and doing jobs around the<br />
house. Always finish with a cold shower<br />
before heading to them game.<br />
Least favourite drill at training?<br />
The Bronco test<br />
Favourite game day meal?<br />
Spaghetti bolognaise<br />
What’s your biggest pet hate?<br />
When people don’t acknowledge when<br />
you hold the door for them<br />
One thing you can’t live without?<br />
My friends and family<br />
Most used app on your phone?<br />
YouTube<br />
If you were stuck on a desert island<br />
with a teammate, who would you pick<br />
and why?<br />
James Hume because I would be with my<br />
best mate and we would still have a laugh.<br />
Teammate who is most likely to become<br />
a coach?<br />
Stuart McCloskey because he is a bit of a<br />
rugby nause<br />
Apart from rugby, what other sports do<br />
you like?<br />
MMA, American football, darts<br />
and basketball<br />
Favourite TV show?<br />
Only fools and horses<br />
61
2023/24 2023/24 FIXTURES FIXTURES<br />
2023/24 FIXTURES<br />
From stadium<br />
We help partners like the <strong>URC</strong><br />
gain a competitive advantage<br />
using data-driven insights.<br />
A Zebre Parma Sat 21 Oct W 36-40 <strong>URC</strong><br />
H Vodacom Bulls Sun 29 Oct W 26-19 <strong>URC</strong><br />
A Connacht Sat 4 Nov L 22-20 <strong>URC</strong><br />
H Munster Fri 10 Nov W 21-14 <strong>URC</strong><br />
to boardroom,<br />
We help business leaders<br />
identify and solve their<br />
toughest challenges<br />
the same way.<br />
H Emirates Lions Fri 17 Nov W 24-17 <strong>URC</strong><br />
A Glasgow Sat 25 Nov L 33-20 <strong>URC</strong><br />
H Edinburgh Sat 2 Dec L 24-27 <strong>URC</strong><br />
A Bath <strong>Rugby</strong> Sat 9 Dec L 37-14 ICC<br />
H Racing 92 Sat 16 Dec W 31-15 ICC<br />
H Connacht Fri 22 Dec W 20-19 <strong>URC</strong><br />
A Leinster Mon 1 Jan W 21-22 <strong>URC</strong><br />
H Toulouse Sat 13 Jan L 24-48 ICC<br />
data is game-changing.<br />
A Harlequins Sat 20 Jan L 47-19 ICC<br />
A Ospreys Sun 18 Feb L 19-17 <strong>URC</strong><br />
H <strong>Dragons</strong> Sat 2 Mar 7.35pm <strong>URC</strong><br />
A Hollywoodbets Sharks Sat 23 Mar 1.00pm <strong>URC</strong><br />
Let’s talk business goals. Hear from<br />
former Springbok Captain turned<br />
Elixirr Partner, Bob Skinstad.<br />
Visit elixirr.com/bob-skinstad<br />
A DHL Stormers Sat 30 Mar 5.15pm <strong>URC</strong><br />
A Montpellier Sun 7 Apr 12.30pm CC<br />
H Cardiff Fri 19 Apr 7.35pm <strong>URC</strong><br />
H Benetton Fri 26 Apr 7.35pm <strong>URC</strong><br />
A Scarlets Sat 11 May 3.05pm <strong>URC</strong><br />
Artificial intelligence | Data | Digital | Innovation<br />
H Leinster Sat 18 May 7.35pm <strong>URC</strong><br />
A Munster Sat 1 Jun 5.15pm <strong>URC</strong><br />
63
Meet Young<br />
Fundraising Hero,<br />
Lewis Rennie<br />
In the wake of tragedy, rugby became a<br />
source of solace for Graham and Lewis<br />
Rennie after losing their son and brother,<br />
Callum, to cancer. Graham found purpose<br />
coaching the Minis at Larne <strong>Rugby</strong> Club,<br />
while Lewis played for the team. <strong>Rugby</strong><br />
provided them with moments of respite<br />
from grief, offering a shared passion and<br />
valuable time together.<br />
Inspired by Callum’s memory, Lewis<br />
fundraised for The Big C Foundation NI,<br />
supporting children with cancer. Their<br />
efforts gained momentum, raising over<br />
£16,000 and achieving charity status.<br />
Grateful for community support, the<br />
Rennies continue their mission, providing<br />
essential resources and support to children<br />
undergoing treatment.<br />
In recognition of their dedication, Bank of<br />
Ireland arranged a special day at Kingspan<br />
Stadium, where Lewis met his local hero,<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> player Ben Moxham. Despite their loss,<br />
Graham and Lewis find joy in family time and<br />
outdoor adventures, with rugby serving as a<br />
constant source of strength. Lewis is currently<br />
undertaking a new fundraising challenge, the<br />
7 Peak Challenge, aiming to climb Ben Nevis<br />
in the summer.<br />
In the spirit of the Origins Round, the <strong>URC</strong><br />
along with <strong>BKT</strong> have kindly let Lewis present<br />
the Player of the <strong>Match</strong> medal this evening.<br />
WATCH<br />
VIDEO
Thank You!<br />
Access to<br />
3G Pitch and<br />
Kingspan Pass<br />
Challenge<br />
SPIRIT OF ‘99 THE 1924<br />
HEINEKEN<br />
QUARTER BAR<br />
CLUBHOUSE<br />
BAR<br />
CLUBHOUSE<br />
KITCHEN<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> <strong>Rugby</strong> wish to thank all of our sponsors<br />
and partners for their continued support.<br />
Main Sponsor<br />
PROMENADE 1<br />
PROMENADE 2<br />
ABBEY AUTOLINE<br />
FAMILY STAND<br />
RAVENHILL<br />
SUITE<br />
FAMILY TERRACE<br />
NEVIN SPENCE MEMORIAL TERRACE<br />
SCRUM<br />
BAR<br />
KUKRI<br />
SHOP<br />
LINEOUT<br />
BAR<br />
NEVIN SPENCE MEMORIAL STAND<br />
FAN ZONE /<br />
FOOD VILLAGE<br />
Kit Sponsor<br />
Official On-kit Sponsors<br />
EAST TERRACE<br />
BACKLINE<br />
BAR<br />
A&L GOODBODY LOUNGE<br />
CORPORATE BOXES<br />
Official Sponsors<br />
Catering<br />
The Food Village will be in operation,<br />
serving a variety of cuisines, while the<br />
Cool FM Crew will provide the soundtrack<br />
for the evening.<br />
All five public bars will also be in operation,<br />
with live entertainment in the Clubhouse Bar.<br />
Kukri Store<br />
The Kukri Store will be open from gates<br />
open, until 30 minutes after full-time.<br />
Audio<br />
Audio descriptive match commentary to<br />
enhance the match experience for people<br />
affected by sight or hearing loss will be<br />
available.<br />
Earpieces can be collected from the admin<br />
building reception prior to the game, or<br />
you can book your equipment by calling<br />
on (028) 9049 3222.<br />
Kingspan Stadium is now fully cashless,<br />
with all bars and catering outlets<br />
operating via card payments only.<br />
Domestic Sponsors<br />
Official Partners<br />
Live music will be available pre & post-match in the Clubhouse Bar<br />
Respect<br />
Policy<br />
Incident hotline<br />
07790<br />
200 200<br />
We are<br />
passionate in<br />
our support<br />
We are silent<br />
during kicks<br />
at goal<br />
We respect the<br />
match officials’<br />
decisions<br />
We drink<br />
responsibly<br />
We do not tolerate<br />
abusive or discriminatory<br />
language<br />
We respect opposition<br />
players, management<br />
& supporters<br />
We are mindful<br />
of our language<br />
67
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