BKT-URC Ulster Rugby Match Day Programme v Cardiff

Seven weeks after our last home match, I am
pleased to welcome Head Coach, Matt Sherratt,
and his Cardiff team to Kingspan Stadium
for tonight’s Round 14 BKT United Rugby
Championship match. I am also delighted to
welcome Ulster’s recently appointed Interim
Head Coach, Richie Murphy, as he oversees
his charges at home for the first time.
Having travelled to an extremely hot and humid
South Africa, followed by an equally hot France
during the last month, I know how much the
players are looking forward to running out
tonight in front of our home supporters in less
challenging conditions. On behalf of the squad,
I pass on our appreciation to those supporters
who made the trip to both countries. You may
have been outnumbered, but you certainly
made yourselves heard.
Both sides have had somewhat disappointing
seasons to-date. However, although Cardiff have
only won three league games, they have proved
very competitive in recent matches, losing
narrowly to Leinster, Glasgow and Munster in
their last three matches. Ulster currently sit in
eighth position in a very crowded table, with
only five points separating fifth from eleventh.
With play-off places and European qualification
on the line, tonight’s game is hugely important
for Ulster.
Joining us tonight are Cardiff representatives
Chris and Jennifer Sutton, and Peter and
Christine O’Connell. We trust that you and
your supporters have an enjoyable weekend in
Belfast. Also present this evening are the U.S.
Consul General James Applegate, his deputy
Chris Rendo and Lyn Debevoise, an American
diplomat based in Washington DC. Hopefully
you will enjoy the Kingspan Stadium experience.
Since our last home game, Ulster has parted
company with Jonny Petrie. I record my thanks
to Jonny for his efforts during the last five
seasons and wish him well in the future.
Our recently appointed Interim CEO Hugh
McCaughey, having travelled to France for the
two European fixtures, is in the stadium tonight
for his first home match. Hugh will already be
known to many of our supporters, and I am sure
you will join me in wishing him every success
over the next number of months.
In the Women’s Six Nations, Ireland recorded
a bonus point win against Wales last Saturday,
having lost narrowly to Italy in their previous
game. Well done to all concerned, especially
the Ulster players in the squad. We wish them
well in their final two matches against England
and Scotland, the latter to be played at the
Kingspan Stadium on Saturday 27 April.
Domestically, I offer my congratulations to
Ballyclare RFC. Having already won the Energia
All Ireland Junior Cup and been crowned
champions of the Ulster Championship One
League, coach Mike Orchin-McKeever led them
to victory over Monkstown last Saturday in the
All-Ireland play-off final. Trailing as they entered
injury time, captain Joel McBride scored a
try with the last play of the game for a heartstopping
win. We wish them well as they begin
their journey in AIL 2C next season.
As I said above, this is a hugely important fixture
for Ulster. With the committed support of the
Ulster fans, I am confident that the players can
deliver the win which we all crave.
STAND UP FOR THE ULSTERMEN
Denis Gardiner
President, IRFU Ulster Branch
#evYuMr
PROUD TITLE SPONSOR OF THE
BKT UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
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