bkt-urc-ulster-rugby-match-day-programme-v-Benetton

ULSTER
Offical Match Day Programme
v BENETTON
Fri 26 Apr 2024, 7.35pm
Kingspan Stadium

In this Issue
5 Mascots
6 President’s Welcome
10 Coach’s Q&A
12 Last Time Out
16 Squad Stats
21
Big Weekend in
Women’s Rugby
22 Referees’ Corner
25 Half-Time
Exhibition Games
26 Teams
30 Training Gallery
35
36
Thank You South Wales
Ulster Rugby Supporters’ Club
Players To Watch
Benetton
39 Guess Who
21
40
40
Player Interview:
Alan O’connor
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57
3

Mascots
Name: Harry Black
Age: 11
From: Belfast
I’m excited to meet the whole team
and speak to the players.
My favourite player is Nathan Doak.
I play rugby at my school, Campbell
College and for CIYMS.
When I grow up I want to be a vet.
Kingspan Welcome
Name: Jonah McFarland
Age: 9
Location: Ballyclare
Welcome back to Kingspan Stadium, the
home of Ulster Rugby, for tonight’s highly
anticipated URC showdown against
Benetton Rugby.
As we edge closer to the pivotal playoffs,
each URC fixture presents a golden
opportunity to climb the rankings, and
tonight is no exception as Ulster strives
for a coveted place in the top eight.
The unwavering support of the Ulster fans
played a pivotal role in last weekend’s
hard-fought 19-17 triumph over Cardiff
Rugby. With just two URC encounters left
on home turf, harnessing the power of our
passionate supporters will be paramount to
maintaining our position in the URC race.
Before settling into your seats or finding
your spot in the terrace, we invite you to
join us in the fan zone for the Kingspan Try-
Cycle challenge, where participants will
receive a Kingspan/Ulster Rugby water
bottle for their efforts. There are fantastic
prizes to be won, including a chance to
travel with the Ulster team and exclusive
signed merchandise.
As part of our global sustainability
initiative, Planet Passionate, we’re thrilled
to introduce two water bottle refill stations
to the stadium. Help us eliminate singleuse
plastics from Kingspan Stadium by
bringing your reusable water bottles to
the game.
With fingers crossed for another spell of
glorious weather, let’s rally behind our
team and hope for another triumphant
home display under the lights at Kingspan
Stadium. SUFTUM!
Siobhan O’Dywer
Global Head of Marketing
Kingspan
I really love rugby and this is a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
to run out onto the pitch with
the Ulster team.
Rob Baloucoune is my favourite player
because he is really fast!
I play mini rugby at Ballyclare RFC.
5

I extend a warm welcome to the players,
officials and supporters who have travelled
from Italy for tonight’s Round 15 match
between Ulster and Benetton in the BKT
United Rugby Championship. I am especially
pleased that Benetton president Amerino
Zatta and CEO Antonio Pavanello have made
the trip and hope that they enjoy their time
in Belfast. A bit like London buses, having
waited seven weeks for our previous home
match, two have come along in successive
weeks.
Tonight’s opponents have made huge strides
in recent seasons. Benetton currently lie fifth
in the URC and will contest the semi-final of
the European Challenge Cup next Saturday.
As such they will provide a serious challenge
to Ulster this evening. Things remain so
tight in the league that even though we beat
Cardiff last week we dropped from eight to
tenth. However, we are only three points
behind Benetton, so a win tonight would be
very significant as we seek a top eight finish.
The 3G surface at Kingspan has been
thoroughly tested in recent weeks, with
many domestic finals having been played on
the new pitch, some of them in pouring rain.
These could not all have been facilitated on
the old grass pitch. Last Saturday, the finals of
the McCambley, Forster and Crawford Cups
were played back-to-back. Congratulations
to Ballymena Fourths, Ballynahinch Fourths
and Ballyclare Seconds on their victories.
The following day, three more finals took
place in the stadium, with Omagh U14s,
Virginia U16s and Enniskillen U18s winning
their respective Girls Cup Finals. On both
days, we had excellent attendances, but it
was particularly heartening to see so many
supporters in attendance on Sunday as our
Girls rugby goes from strength to strength.
Another double header is scheduled for
the stadium tomorrow, with Ireland hosting
Scotland in the Women’s Six Nations at
2.30, followed by the Women’s Junior Cup
Final between Enniskillen v Malone which
kicks off at 5.30. In 2023 the Irish Women
finished bottom of the table with no points.
This season they are currently level with Italy
on six points and a win against Scotland
in Belfast on Saturday could mean a huge
improvement with a third-place finish. We
wish them well.
Tomorrow sees two Ulster clubs involved
in vital AIL games. Queen’s University face
MU Barnhall in their Division 1B Promotion/
Relegation play-off at Dub Lane, while
Bangor take on Monkstown at Uprichard
Park in a fight for AIL survival. Both games
kick off at 2.30 and our best wishes go to
both Ulster clubs.
In their post-match interviews after the
Cardiff match last Friday, both captain Al
O’Connor and player-of-the-match Harry
Sheridan paid tribute to the Ulster fans and
the importance of their vocal support. I know
how much all the players will appreciate a
repeat performance from the supporters
tonight, as we all STAND UP FOR THE
ULSTER MEN!
Denis Gardiner
President, IRFU Ulster Branch
#evYuMr
PROUD TITLE SPONSOR OF THE
BKT UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
7

9

Coach’s Q&A
with Richie Murphy
How has training been this week?
Training has been good, the boys have
been in good spirits, hopefully we can tidy
up some of the things from last week that
we didn’t do well against Cardiff. We have
been concentrating on reducing our error
count and making sure we look after the
ball better.
You mentioned Reuben, who was once
your captain at Ireland U20s, what can he
bring to the team?
He did very well for us at U20 level but as
I said he’s been doing very well in training
over the last two or three weeks. He is high
work rate, a big poach threat and we are
hoping that will complement the other
guys in the back row this week.
Talk us through your team selection this
week?
It’s great to see Billy (Burns) back starting
at ten, we have had a lot of injury back in
the squad. Our front five hasn’t changed
from last week, but there’s an opportunity
for Reuben Crothers to come in on the
openside. He has impressed in training
over the past number of weeks and has
done well in the AIL with Ballynahinch,
so he’s getting rewarded on the back of
that. Welcoming Stu McCloskey and Rob
Baloucoune back into the team also gives
us a bit more experience.
How has it been managing with the number
of injuries in team?
The guys who have been available to
train this week have been great and full of
enthusiasm. I feel we are starting to get
places, our standards in training are getting
better all the time as is our understanding
of what we are trying to do. It’s unfortunate
that we are missing so many players as
there are a large number, but the guys who
are there are stepping up.
How important will the crowd be this
weekend as it was against Cardiff?
Massive. It’s very important that from a team
point of view, we give them something to
cheer about but when we did manage to put
good phases and pressure against Cardiff,
the Kingspan Stadium faithful got behind
us and it’s a tough place to come to for a
visiting opponent. We want to make sure it
will be same this week for Benetton, a very
strong team who have won four games on
the bounce. We’ll need to be at our best
11

Cardiff, first to score in the first half, were
the first to score in the second. And again,
it was number eleven, Theo Cabango, who
was able to beat Jude Postlewhaite on
the outside down the left hand touch line,
before rounding Stockdale in behind the
defensive line. Tinus de Beer’s conversion
brought the score to Cardiff 6, Ulster 14.
chance, in fact as Thomas Young sprinted
down the right wing and went for the line.
But replacement lock, Cormac Izuchukwu,
was ready to make the intercept of the
game, halting Young, and getting his feet in
the way as the ball was inches from being
grounded.
Josh Adams showed his international class,
with a powerful hand off to create space.
Stockdale looked to grab a late intercept
from Adams’ pass, but as he couldn’t hold
on it was deemed deliberate and he was
shown a yellow card.
Last Time Out
Ulster, and the boot of John Cooney, grab a
late win from Cardiff at Kingspan Stadium
in Round 14 of the BKT United Rugby
Championship.
This game was the first home game for
Interim Head Coach, Richie Murphy, and
a much welcomed return to the Kingspan
Stadium after four tough fixtures on the
road; first in South Africa, and then in France.
Ulster came into the Round 14 fixture in 8th
position on the URC table, knowing a win
was important in the push to secure a knockout
position.
Alan O’Connor was handed the captain’s
armband in a team that saw a return to the
starting line-up Eric O’Sullivan and Jacob
Stockdale, whilst Cardiff welcomed back
British and Irish Lion Number 8, Taulupe
Faletau, and included another Lion, Josh
Adams, on the wing.
Jake Flannery, starting at fly half, kicked
off for Ulster with the Belfast sunset
behind the home side, playing towards the
Nevin Spence Memorial Stand. The early
exchanges saw a couple of illegal tackles
from the visitors and a maul infringement
which allowed Ulster to build some field
position and an opportunity to go right into
the corner. Unfortunately for Doak, his kick
went to the wrong side of the corner flag,
and the first opportunity was squandered.
The next Ulster opportunity came off the
back off an impressive receipt of a Cardiff
high ball, by Ulster tighthead, Scott Wilson.
Ulster looked to play fast and Will Addison
drifted a ball onto Mike Lowry in space, but
sadly it also drifted forward. Wilson and
his fellow front row were penalised at the
following scrum and the visitors kicked into
the Ulster 22. They played the ball off the
top, and scrum half Ellis Bevan, standing
at first receiver, was able to play a simple
but timely pass inside to blindside winger,
Theo Cabango, who showed his wheels
to score the first try of the game. Fly half
Tinus de Beer converted.
Ulster had to reshuffle their options,
following an injury to James Hume, with
Ethan McIlroy coming in as a replacement.
This shifted Will Addison into the centre,
and Lowry to full-back.
Ulster made their first points of the contest
through Nathan Doak, who made no mistake
getting Ulster with the penalty goal after
half an hour.
A no arms tackle by Mann allowed
Doak to strike his second penalty bringing
Ulster back within a point leading towards
the break.
HALF TIME: ULS 6 - 7 CAR
Fri 19 Apr
19 - 17
John Cooney and Billy Burns, both
introduced early in the half began increase
the attacking tempo. This pressure and
pace once again led to a penalty, and an
attacking platform. After a number of
phases, and good collective forward drives,
Dave McCann muscled his way to the try
line for an Ulster try. Cooney converted
to once again bring Ulster back within a
point, at 13-14. With a quarter of the game
remaining, Stockdale returned to the field.
With the replacements also on in the front
row, Ulster were awarded a free kick at the
scrum. Cooney was quick to take the tap, and
Burns found McIlroy who was able to make
some good ground. Cardiff were deemed to
offend at the breakdown, and Cooney was
giving an opportunity at goal. The kick was
good, and after 65 minutes of play, Ulster
took the narrow lead.
Cardiff were not going to roll over, and they
created a chance of their own. More than a
With the final ten minutes approaching,
Postlethwaite was guilty of playing the scrum
half back at the tail of the breakdown, in a
very kickable position. De Beer would make
no mistake regaining the lead.
As Ulster looked certain to follow through
and claim a score, the stadium went into
shock as the ball was spilled forward, and
spun out wide to Cabango once again to
dive into the corner for his hat trick… or so
it seemed.
McCann, acting captain at this stage, was
quick to alert the officials to the source of the
turnover, and the TMO intervened, finding
that was caused by a deliberate knock on
from Cardiff replacement, Rhys Carré.
The try was ruled out, Carré was sent to the
bin, and Ulster now had a penalty in front
of the posts with the result at stake. And
from the crowd’s despair to elation up
steps, John Cooney, who knocked over the
penalty to steal back the late lead and claim
the victory for Ulster!
FULL-TIME: ULS 19 - 17 CAR
Watch Highlights
13

Utility Back
20/08/1992
185cm
93kg
37
5
Will
Addison
Hooker
26/05/1993
180cm
103kg
120
-
John
Andrew
Wing
19/08/1997
193cm
94.5kg
68
4
Rob
Baloucoune
Fly Half
13/06/1994
183cm
87kg
109
7
Billy
Burns
Centre
24/02/2002
183cm
101kg
1
-
Ben
Carson
Scrum Half
01/05/1990
178cm
86kg
136
11
John
Cooney
Back Row
28/01/2002
184cm
99kg
3
-
Reuben
Crothers
Scrum Half
17/12/2001
185cm
85kg
64
-
Nathan
Doak
Back Row
03/11/1990
193cm
126kg
12
-
Dave
Ewers
Fly Half
07/06/1999
183cm
91.5kg
15
-
Jake
Flannery
Prop
13/06/1994
185cm
123kg
2
-
James
French
Lock
21/02/1992
199cm
118kg
152
81
Iain
Henderson
Hooker
27/04/1990
185cm
105kg
237
39
Rob
Herring
Centre
07/09/1998
188cm
97kg
95
3
James
Hume
ULSTER RUGBY MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
Lock
28/01/2000
201cm
117kg
24
-
Cormac
Izuchukwu
Back Row
13/01/1996
196cm
105kg
43
-
Greg
Jones
Prop
10/02/1992
183cm
120kg
14
SA 83
Steven
Kitshoff
Full Back
20/08/1998
170cm
77kg
98
1
Mike
Lowry
Centre
03/03/1991
180cm
98.5kg
165
11
Luke
Marshall
Back Row
13/06/2000
193cm
109.5kg
41
-
David
McCann
Centre
06/08/1992
193cm
112kg
186
17
Stuart
McCloskey
Hooker
08/01/2002
183cm
107kg
-
-
James
McCormick
Wing
10/08/2000
188cm
88kg
59
-
Ethan
McIlroy
Scrum Half
20/03/2001
183cm
85kg
-
-
Conor
McKee
Prop
01/03/1991
178cm
122kg
94
10
Marty
Moore
Centre
08/08/1999
184cm
92kg
63
-
Stewart
Moore
Wing
09/06/2001
191cm
101.5kg
31
-
Ben
Moxham
Fullback
15/07/1999
181cm
89kg
1
-
Shea
O’Brien
Lock
10/09/1992
196cm
114kg
192
-
Alan
O’Connor
Prop
30/11/1995
183cm
117kg
110
1
Eric
O’Sullivan
SA
ULSTER RUGBY MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
Prop
23/09/1998
184cm
122kg
103
13
Tom
O’Toole
Centre
03/04/2002
193cm
101kg
9
-
Jude
Postlethwaite
17

ULSTER RUGBY MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
Back Row
08/09/1997
188cm
109kg
47
-
Marcus
Rea
Wing
24/08/2000
188cm
92kg
9
-
Aaron
Sexton
Back Row
21/09/1993
193cm
115kg
97
-
Matty
Rea
Dave
Shanahan
Scrum Half
20/06/1993
177cm
77kg
91
-
Back Row
04/11/1998
180cm
100kg
8
-
Sean
Reffell
Harry
Sheridan
Back Row
21/09/2001
195cm
116.5kg
23
-
Prop
06/01/1999
183cm
116.5kg
18
-
Callum
Reid
Tom
Stewart
Hooker
11/01/2001
183cm
102kg
42
2
Back Row
26/06/2004
189cm
104kg
-
Tom
Briggs
James
Humphreys
Fly Half
14/11/2001
185cm
81kg
-
Cameron
Doak
Prop
17/12/2003
189cm
126kg
-
Lock
28/01/2003
203cm
117kg
-
Charlie
Irvine
Ethan
Graham
Wing /Fullback
27/04/2004
181cm
78.5kg
-
Wing /Fullback
08/09/2004
184cm
93kg
-
Lucas
Kenny
Lock
16/03/2004
201cm
108kg
1
Joe
Hopes
Ben
McFarlane
Wing /Fullback
04/10/2004
174cm
76.5kg
-
ULSTER RUGBY ACADEMY
Jacob
Stockdale
Nick
Timoney
Kieran
Treadwell
Andrew
Warwick
Lorcan
McLoughlin
James
McNabney
George
Saunderson
Zac
Solomon
Wing
Back Row
Lock
Prop
Back Row
Back Row
Prop
Hooker
03/04/1996
01/08/1995
06/11/1995
12/03/1991
03/04/2002
28/02/2003
01/11/2001
17/06/2004
191cm
188cm
198cm
178cm
189cm
193cm
185cm
177cm
102kg
109kg
115kg
116.5kg
110kg
115kg
125kg
97kg
116
142
156
190
1
3
-
1
37
3
11
-
ULSTER RUGBY
ACADEMY
Based at Kingspan Stadium along
with the senior squad, the aim of
the Ulster Rugby Academy is to
develop rugby talent to reach their
potential and perform to URC,
European and international standards.
Prop
Jack
Boal
01/05/2003
Jacob
Boyd
Prop
10/07/2004
Josh
Stevens
Back Row
14/12/2004
Rory
Telfer
Wing /Fullback
29/08/2003
Henry
Walker
Hooker
01/01/2003
Scott
Wilson
Prop
06/08/2002
All players must have the ability to
play rugby for Ireland.
187cm
115kg
-
186cm
113kg
-
178cm
93kg
-
183cm
92kg
-
187cm
101kg
-
186cm
125kg
12
19

Big Weekend in Women’s Rugby
here at Kingspan Stadium
This weekend, Kingspan Stadium is
gearing up for a huge weekend of
women’s rugby. Prepare yourselves for
two showstopping matches alongside a
range of exciting events that celebrate
the sport at every level.
First up, the Guinness Women’s Six
Nations reaches its thrilling conclusion
as Ireland battles Scotland. Ireland have
shown great strides forward in this year’s
competition, after finishing bottom in last
year’s Six Nations. The ladies in green
will be battling it out for third place, and
a World Cup qualification on Saturday,
highlighting the great improvement in
performance and development.
other twice this season, and both won
whilst at home, so bringing it to the stadium
is shaping up to be an exciting battle.
Come along on Saturday to witness
international stars, celebrate rising talents,
and be part of a vibrant community that’s
nurturing the future of women’s rugby.
Don’t miss your chance to be at Kingspan
Stadium and experience the passion and
dedication of these incredible players!
Following the international test, we have
the Ulster Women’s Junior Cup Final.
Enniskillen will be battling it out with
current champions, Malone to see who
will be crowned this year’s winners. Both
teams feature some of our senior women,
Sophie Barrett and India Daley donning the
Enniskillen colours whilst Peita McAllister
captains Malone. They have played each
21

Referees’ Corner
Tonight, we welcome Sam Grove-White
(SRU) and his team of officials to Kingspan
Stadium for the BKT United Rugby
Championship game against Benetton
Treviso. As always, Ulster Rugby would
like to remind spectators to respect the
decisions of the match officials at all times.
In this Referee Corner, we reflect on some
highlights from the season from several
members of the Ulster Society of Rugby
Football Referees.
As we draw the curtain on another exciting
season of rugby, it’s an opportune
moment to reflect on the 2023/24
season. The past year has been filled
with remarkable moments, growth, and
development for referees across Ulster.
Let’s look back at some of the highlights
and memorable experiences from the
past season, as told by the referees
themselves #memoriesmade.
Referee Laura Taggart: Celebrating
International Women’s Day
Referee Laura Taggart shared one of the
standout moments of her season, saying,
“My highlight was refereeing Armagh vs
Banbridge U14s girls on International
Women’s Day, which was featured on the
front page of match programme at the next
home Energia AIL game. A well-contested
game with 2 great teams of girls!”
Laura’s experience highlights the growing
importance and recognition of women
and girls in Ulster Rugby. Her achievement
on International Women’s Day not only
celebrates her success as a referee but also
underscores the increasing prominence
of female participation in the sport, right
across the province!
Referee Evaluator Stephen Green:
Fostering Growth and Improvement
Stephen Green, a referee evaluator,
highlighted the joy of watching referees
develop, saying, “Has to be watching
referees and discussing the game
and their performance afterwards.
Sometimes there are hard truths but
referees nowadays are so receptive to
constructive criticism and guidance,
willing to take it on board and work to
become better referees. Truly wonderful
also to meet a referee after a match and
be able to say well done, you contributed
to what was an excellent match.”
Stephen’s remarks underscore the
importance of support and constructive
feedback in the development of referees.
It’s a testament to the dedication and hard
work of referees striving to improve their
craft continuously.
Referee Lucas Patterson: A Memorable
First Season
Referee Lucas Patterson shared his
highlight, “So, the highlight was being
TJ2 for the U18 Provincial Cup final for my
first match at Kingspan in my first year
refereeing.”
Lucas’s achievement demonstrates the
opportunities available for new referees
and the support provided by the USRFR to
help them reach their potential. Looking
forward, Lucas expressed his excitement,
“Looking forward to progressing and
having more challenging matches next
season for personal development in my
second year. Excited looking forward to
developing.”
Lucas’s eagerness reflects the enthusiasm
and commitment of the next generation
of referees within the USRFR.
As the 2023-24 season concludes, it’s
evident that the Ulster Society of Rugby
Football Referees continues to thrive,
driven by the passion and dedication
of its members. Each referee’s story
encapsulates the spirit of rugby, from
grassroots to professional levels.
As we look ahead to the next season,
one thing remains clear: the USRFR will
continue to be central to facilitating
matches at all levels in Ulster and beyond.
Referee Development Manager Richard
Kerr: Giving Back to Grassroots Rugby
Reflecting on the past season, Referee
Development Manager, Richard Kerr,
shared his highlight, “A Friday night
lights game at the end of January, City
of Armagh U18 girls v Letterkenny U18
girls. Everything that is good about
the game of rugby was on display that
night. It doesn’t have to be the biggest
game with the biggest crowd and the
biggest trophy at stake. Being able to
give something back to grassroots rugby
after 20 years refereeing in the pressure
cooker atmosphere of the AIL has been
the highlight of my season so far.”
Richard’s words emphasise the
importance of grassroots rugby and the
profound impact it has on the community.
It’s not always about the grandest
stage; sometimes, the most meaningful
experiences are found at the heart
of the game. Looking ahead, Richard
If interested in becoming a Referee, please contact:
Richard Kerr
Referee Development Manager
richard.kerr@irfu.ie | 07493 868 388
expressed his anticipation, saying, “Next
season, I am really looking forward to
USRFR members continuing to achieve
their potential whether on the pitch as a
referee or Touch Judge, or off the pitch
giving back to our wonderful Society in
another way e.g. mentor, coach, evaluator
or administrator.”
U.S.R.F.R
23

Half-Time
Exhibition Games
Nevin Spence Memorial Stand End
Strabane
Kit: Red, Black &
Gold/Yellow
1 Alfie Gibson
2 Alfie Boyle
3 Charlie Baxter
4 Lexi Armstrong
5 Louie Crawford
6 Micah Johnston
7 Oliver Spence
8 Ryan Russell
9 Samuel Whyte
10 Samuel Thompson
11 Harley Patterson
12 William McGarrigle
Watsonians
Warriors Lions
Kit: Blue & Red
1 Ethan Loukes
2 Evan Hancock
3 Fraser Thompson
4 Jamie Murdoch
5 Matthew Nicolson
6 Oscar Adair
7 Reuben van der Merwe
8 Noah Cooper
9 Thomas Lancashire
10 Tom Duckworth
11 Dylan Lee (Ards RFC)
12 Erin Simpson (Ards RFC)
AbbeyAutoline Family Stand End
Ards
Kit: Black
1 Euan Finlay
2 Oliver McNeilly
3 Harley Booth
4 Rory Canmore
5 Jonah McCabe
6 Finn Parker
7 Henry Wasson
8 Fraser Osbourne
9 Stan Thompson
10 Ben Rogers
11 Alecs Kudrjavceva
12 Kai Smyth
Watsonians
Warriors Leopards
Kit: Maroon & White
1 Benjamin Byers
2 Daniel Connor
3 Felix Amos
4 Finlay Thompson
5 Harris Patterson
6 Henry Keys
7 Murray Maxwell
8 Rowan McComb
9 Ruan Adams
10 Ruari Munro
11 Tom Edgar (Ards RFC)
12 Riley Loney (Ards RFC)
25

1
2
3
1
2
3
Eric O’Sullivan
Tom Stewart
Scott Wilson
Thomas Gallo
Giacomo Nicotera
Simone Ferrari
4
5
4
5
Harry Sheridan
Alan O’Connor
C
Scott Scrafton
Edoardo Iachizzi
6
8
7
6
8
7
Dave Ewers
David McCann
Reuben Crothers
Alessandro Izekor
Lorenzo Cannone
Michele Lamaro
C
9
John Cooney
Referee: Sam Grove-White
Assistants: Robbie Jenkinson
Padraic Reidy
TMO: Sean Brickwell
9
Andy Uren
10
10
Billy Burns
Tomas Albornoz
11
11
Jacob Stockdale
12
Rhyno Smith
12
Stuart McCloskey
Marco Zanon
Replacements
16 John Andrew
13
Replacements
16 Gianmarco Lucchesi
13
17 Andrew Warwick
17 Ivan Nemer
18 James French
Will Addison
18 Tiziano Pasquali
Tommaso Menoncello
19 Cormac Izuchukwu
19 Niccolò Cannone
20 Greg Jones
21 David Shanahan
15
14
20 Riccardo Favretto
21 Toa Halafihi
15
14
22 Luke Marshall
22 Alessandro Garbisi
23 Ethan McIlroy
Mike Lowry
Rob Baloucoune
23 Filippo Drago
Jacob Umaga
Leonardo Marin
27

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TRAINING
in Pictures
31

ulster.rugby/seasontickets
33

Thank-you South Wales
Ulster Rugby Supporters’ Club
Thank-you to the South Wales Ulster
Rugby Supporters’ Club who raised
€495 for the Ulster Rugby Foundation by
hosting a charity raffle at their supporter
events in Montpellier and Clermont ahead
of our recent Challenge Cup fixtures.
The donation will go directly towards
supporting grassroots rugby across the
province.
Ulster Rugby Interim CEO, Hugh
McCaughey, and Senior Men’s players,
Kieran Treadwell and Ben Moxham,
accepted the generous donation from
Simon Carey on behalf of SWURSC.
To find out more about the Ulster Rugby
Foundation, and to make a donation, visit
ulster.rugby/foundation
The SWURSC also recently held fan zones
in France, ahead of both our Montpellier
game and our clash with Clermont.
ULSTER RUGBY SUPPORTERS’ CLUB
SOUTH WALES
Follow the SWURSC at
facebook.com/swursc
The Ulster Rugby Foundation aims to help more people,
of all ages and abilities, to get involved in our sport across
the province. We believe that rugby has the power to have
a lasting and positive impact on participants and our local
community. With a mission to raise and distribute funds
in support of amateur rugby development and lifelong
participation in rugby.
35

BENETTON
The Treviso-based team have really carved out
a new name for themselves in recent times.
Not only did they beat Ulster in their preseason
clash, but a steady sting of victories
placed Benetton in second place for much of
this season’s URC compeition.
Michele Lamaro
Benetton leader and captain of the Italian
national team, Lamaro is a quality back
rower, who at the age of 25, has a vast
amount of experience under his belt. Born
in Rome, Lamaro rose quickly through
the ranks of the Italian national set-up to
make his Test debut in February 2020
against France in Paris.
Less than a year later, he was named
captain of the national team at the
age of just 23, having previously been
handed the Benetton Rugby
co-captaincy in 2021.
Lamaro has held on to both roles ever
since and in 2022 led Italy to their first
Six Nations victory in 36 games with a
win in Cardiff.
The Italian skipper is coming off the back
of an improved Italy performance in this
year’s Six Nations and got himself on the
scoreboard last weekend against Dragons.
Players to Watch
Home Ground: Stadio Monigo
Last Season: 11th
Current Position: 5th
Coach: Marco Bortolami
Tommaso Menoncello
The 2024 Guinness Six Nations Player
of the Tournament, is a player with the
world at his feet. The 21-year-old is the
hottest prospect in Italy, who became
the worthy winner of the award, and
only the second Italian winner
following Andrea Masi in 2011.
Menoncello’s speed, intelligence and
passing are all huge strengths in the
Italian’s game, as he is frequently able
to break tackles and offload well.
New Players:
Malakai Fekitoa (Munster)
Paolo Odogwu (Stade Français)
Andy Uren (Bristol)
Edoardo Iachizzi (Vannes)
Giosuè Zilocchi (London Irish)
Eli Snyman (Leicester)
Gideon Koegelenberg (Kurita Water Gush Akishima)
Mirco Spagnolo (Petrarca)
Nicolò Casilio (Colorno)
Argentina Santiago Ruiz (Argentina Pampas)
NAME POSITION DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT
Federico ZANI Prop 09/04/1989 1.79 m 120 kg
Giosué ZILOCCHI Prop 15/01/1997 1.89 m 115 kg
Ivan NEMER Prop 22/04/1998 1.78 m 117 kg
Mirco SPAGNOLO Prop 02/01/2001 1.86 m 110 kg
Nahuel TETAZ CHAPARRO Prop 06/11/1989 1.86 m 121 kg
Simone FERRARI Prop 28/03/1994 1.86 m 120 kg
Thomas GALLO Prop 30/04/1999 1.77 m 107 kg
Tiziano PASQUALI Prop 14/07/1994 1.85 m 118 kg
Bautista BERNASCONI Hooker 14/09/2001 1.75 m 114 kg
Giacomo NICOTERA Hooker 15/07/1996 1.83 m 108 kg
Gianmarco LUCCHESI Hooker 10/09/2000 1.84 m 110 kg
Siua MAILE Hooker 18/02/1997 1.81 m 111 kg
Edoardo IACHIZZI Lock 26/05/1998 1.96 m 112 kg
Eli SNYMAN Lock 25/01/1996 2.01 m 119 kg
Federico RUZZA Lock 04/08/1994 1.98 m 110 kg
Gideon KOEGELENBERG Lock 25/11/1994 2.02 m 124 kg
Marco LAZZARONI Lock 18/05/1995 1.94 m 115 kg
Niccolò CANNONE Lock 17/05/1998 1.96 m 121 kg
Riccardo FAVRETTO Lock 18/10/2001 2.00 m 108 kg
Scott SCRAFTON Lock 18/04/1993 2.00 m 120 kg
Alessandro IZEKOR Back row 05/03/2000 1.96 m 110 kg
Giovanni PETTINELLI Back row 13/03/1996 1.93 m 106 kg
Henry STOWERS Back row 03/03/1995 1.90 m 115 kg
Lorenzo CANNONE Back row 28/01/2001 1.89 m 106 kg
Manuel ZULIANI Back row 26/04/2000 1.88 m 111 kg
Michele LAMARO Back row 03/06/1998 1.88 m 103 kg
Seb NEGRI Back row 30/06/1994 1.94 m 111 kg
Toa HALAFIHI Back row 27/11/1993 1.85 m 110 kg
Alessandro GARBISI Scrum-half 11/04/2002 1.74 m 88 kg
Andy UREN Scrum-half 20/02/1996 1.78 m 93 kg
Dewaldt DUVENAGE Scrum-half 22/05/1988 1.75 m 82 kg
Nicolò CASILIO Scrum-half 12/10/1998 1.80 m 85 kg
Sam HIDALGO-CLYNE Scrum-half 04/08/1993 1.75 m 85 kg
Giacomo DA RE Fly-half 29/03/1999 1.80 m 84 kg
Jacob UMAGA Fly-half 08/07/1998 1.82 m 91 kg
Leonardo MARIN Fly-half 23/02/2002 1.88 m 88 kg
Tomás ALBORNOZ Fly-half 17/09/1997 1.77 m 82 kg
Filippo DRAGO Centre 24/12/2001 1.86 m 96 kg
Ignacio BREX Centre 26/05/1992 1.89 m 99 kg
Joaquin RIERA Centre 22/02/1994 1.82 m 90 kg
Malakai FEKITOA Centre 10/05/1992 1.87 m 100 kg
Marco ZANON Centre 03/10/1997 1.88 m 97 kg
Tommaso MENONCELLO Centre 20/08/2002 1.87 m 101 kg
Ignacio MENDY Winger 29/06/2000 1.87 m 90 kg
Marcus WATSON Winger 27/06/1991 1.78 m 88 kg
Onisi RATAVE Winger 06/06/1992 1.79 m 100 kg
Paolo ODOGWU Winger 18/02/1997 1.75 m 100 kg
Edoardo PADOVANI Fullback 15/05/1993 1.91 m 99 kg
Rhyno SMITH Fullback 11/02/1993 1.73 m 83 kg
37

GUESS WHO?!
James Hume 39

Alan O’Connor
Captain’s Catch-up
A huge game this weekend against Benetton, how much are
you looking forward to the challenge this Friday?
Buzzing to be back at Kingspan Stadium, another Friday night
game and hopefully we’ll get as good a support as we got last
week. We were pleased to get the win, but as an all-round
performance there are a few things to work on but we were
pleased in that some things we are working on are starting to
come through.
It was a tight win against Cardiff, what are your
reflections of the game?
I think in our attack we can be more connected,
we can help each other out a bit more and get
into our attacking shape a bit better. In terms
of defence, Cardiff play a wide brand of rugby
so we definitely struggled at our spacing at
times and our ruck decisions. We have a lot
to work on to stay in the moment and back
each other up a bit more.
It has been a frustrating season
for you on the injury front, it must
have felt good to get back playing
at home again?
I hadn’t played at Kingspan Stadium
since the Toulouse match so it felt like an
age and in between that I had an ankle injury
that kept me out. I also had a baby boy so that
meant I missed the South Africa trip. It’s great
to get properly involved in the group and be
back here for another big game at home.
Congratulations on the new-born, how are
father duties going?
Really well! Cillian is doing really well and my
wife also. I’m helping as much as I can but I
can’t help out with the feeding, so maybe I’ll
be more use later down the line!
On the pitch, we have had a lot of young players performing
in the team like Harry Sheridan, Cormac Izuchukwu and Scott
Wilson getting opportunities. Does that excite you for the
future at Ulster?
It’s great, these guys have been training really well at Ulster
for a past couple of years. Their hard work is coming through
in the way they are playing. They are doing really well, being
professional, working in the gym and it’s not just the work
on the pitch. Those things can carry through to their overall
performance at the end of the week. It’s a pleasure to play
alongside them.
Are you enjoying your role as a senior leader in
the side and are you enjoying guiding them?
I think they are more than capable, I don’t think
they need too much guidance during the game.
I can try and do my job well, call the lineouts
well, have a good relationship with our ten
and if I can do that well, it can help the group.
Places for the play-offs are so tight in the
league, what is the mindset in the team
going into this fixture?
Last week we looked at a few
permutations, a lot of results haven’t
gone our way last weekend but if we
beat Benetton we could leapfrog them
and then push on against Scarlets,
Leinster and Munster but we’ll back
ourselves to beat anybody on any day.
We have to take those opportunities
at home this week against a very good
Benetton team.
Do you enjoy the pressure of these big games?
Of course, these are the matches you want to be involved
in, they matter and it’s all on the line. We know how we
want to finish the season and it’s in our hands so we
have to relish that challenge. As a group we’ll take it on
and not take any backwards steps on our home patch.
Lock
10/09/1992
196cm
114kg
191
41

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45

1,000th Ulster Girl
We recently hit a very special milestone at
Ulster Rugby - the 1,000th girl to register
in the youth game here in Ulster. This
achievement marks a significant increase
in female participation within the sport.
To celebrate, we visited Katie our 1,000th
Ulster girl, at her club in Portadown and
presented her with tickets to an upcoming
Six Nations game at Kingspan Stadium.
Mollie Davies, our Women & Girls’
Development Manager, echoed this
sentiment. “We’re delighted to have hit
such a significant milestone,” she said.
“What once seemed like a hugely ambitious
target has been achieved thanks to the hard
work and dedication of everyone involved.
It’s a truly exciting time to be part of the
sport, and we can’t wait to see more girls
like Katie get involved and experience the
joy of rugby.”
This surge in participation highlights the
growing popularity of women’s rugby
in Ulster. With dedicated support and
enthusiastic young players like Katie, the
future of the sport looks bright.
Paula Stewart, Chair of the Ulster Rugby
Women & Girls’ Committee, praised
everyone involved in fostering the
women’s and girls’ game. “This milestone
is a momentous achievement,” she said.
“Congratulations to the staff, volunteers,
coaches, and parents who dedicate their
time week in and week out. But most
importantly, congratulations to all the
players who showcase our sport so well!”
ulster.rugby/matchtickets
47

49

Italian Rivals
Offer Stern
Test
Guest Article: Rod Nawn
could cement their places at the top level,
and it was he who recruited Bortolami,
Italy’s youngest-ever captain at 22, to the
coaching staff in Treviso.
This season, in league and in Europe, the scalps
of the Stormers, Perpignan, Montpellier and
Connacht are amongst those taken, and a
Challenge Cup semi-final has been achieved
already. But it is Benetton’s earnest progress
in the URC which provides the best evidence
of just what application, attention to detail,
each allied to potential and realising talent,
can achieve.
be littered with internationals. Up front,
props Mirco Spagnolo, Giosue Zilocchi and
hooker Gianmarco Luchesi played in the
successful Six Nations campaign, as did the
outstanding lock Niccolo Cannone, while
the back rowers Manuel Zuliani and Michele
Luliani are mobile in attack and stubborn,
physical defenders.
Ulster can certainly claim to have all those
elements in abundance, but this year
has been one of such inconsistency and
lack of cohesion that a Head Coach, who
did much excellent work, departed midseason.
Well-publicised matters off-thepitch
surely would have been a disruptive
distraction to which players and coaches
could not be immune.
Home supporters poured out of Kingspan
Stadium on Friday evening of last week
relieved their side had grabbed a key, lastgasp
win over Cardiff.
That relief was compounded with frustration
and concern after an Ulster performance
which only fleetingly gave glimpses of what
it is truly capable.
For interim Head Coach Richie Murphy it
was a disappointing first game in charge
in Belfast and with engaging honesty he
accepted the four points gained in the BKT
United Rugby Championship had been
claimed with more than a smattering of
good fortune.
John Cooney, whose arrival on the pitch
in the second half brought a semblance of
order, landed that late, late penalty after
a long deliberation over what was finally
adjudged a deliberate Cardiff knock-on.
This was not what the fans nor the
management and players had anticipated
against a team which has not won a game
this calendar year. But the Welsh team
proved much more adept than its results
might have signalled yet Ulster never quite
came to terms in every phase of the game.
In front of almost 14,000 willing Ulster
to indicate that the turmoil off the pitch
of recent weeks had been consigned to
the past, the occasion seemed to ‘get’ to
the players in white jerseys. Yes, it was
an important game as the targets for the
season had been reset: securing a top eight
place in the league and earning European
Champions Cup rugby next season.
The June URC play-offs for the top eight
sides could provide a lifeline for this
campaign, but initial home advantage at
that point is out of reach, and tonight’s
visitors Benetton are in fifth place just now,
five spots above their hosts this evening.
But tonight must be regarded as the
first of Ulster’s four remaining fixtures
in the URC which might be daunting but
Murphy is a coach who embraces such
challenges and has a record of relating
positively with players and his assistants
in the coaching box.
If Murphy brings Nick Timoney back into
the Ulster breakaway unit, and with Marcus
Rea and David McCann in a rich vein of
form that battle could be a vital area this
evening.
Ulster has been preparing for out-half
Bily Billy Burns’ departure for Munster by
deploying Jake Flannery and, more often,
Nathan Doak at No.10. But when Burns and
Cooney came off the bench against Cardiff
there seemed more authority and assurance
at half-back, so that position could be an
important selection poser.
It was confirmed this week that Ulster’s
quest to add an out-half to the squad is
continuing apace, and though Doak and
Flannery will certainly be part of the debate
it could be that the former might indicate
his preference and decide his long-term
future is at the base of the scrum.
The Italian team has developed so
convincingly in the last three years, a
Rainbow Cup won and progress in Europe
and in the URC steadily growing. No longer
the whipping boys of the league, Head Coach
Marco Bortolami’s charges are building on
what has been a long, sometimes muchquestioned
journey to join the sport’s elite
at club and international level.
Kieran Crowley patiently and confidently
believed that the club and the national side
This evening it is an Italian opponent
which is confident in its own style and
abilities, and uses an impressive forward
pack to allow a free-flowing backline to
pose a scoring threat. There is greater
discipline to Benetton’s overall game
strategy these days, and just as the
national side proved such a genuinely
competitive Six Nations team.
And of that Italy squad the main supplier
was Benetton, and tonight’s side will
Benetton has a rich fly-half pool, with
Leonardo Marin the Italian regular and
Englishman Jacob Umaga a fine option,
alongside No.9 Alessandro Garbisi, the
South African veteran Dewaldt Duvenage
or, perhaps, Scot Sam Hidalgo-Clyne.
Bortolami has harnessed his resources
admirably this season, and he has plenty of
attacking options, including prolific wingers
Fijian Onisi Rotave and Ignacio Meny, the
Argentinian. With Ignacio Brex and Marco
51

Zanon a regular centre partnership Ulster
will have to be as alert in the first as in the
80th minute.
Harry Sheridan has impressed in the back
five for Ulster, David McCann is clearly
destined for a bright future, while Eric
O’Sullivan has the opportunity again to
show his undoubted front row quality,
particularly as marquee signing Steven
Kitshoff has returned to South Africa for
surgery having agreed a premature end to
his contract in Belfast.
ability to develop young, native talent.
McLaughlin more than fulfilled that brief.
Humphreys is now in the hottest seat in the
IRFU, and he will be the man who eventually
decides on the permanent personnel at
the top of the coaching and Ulster Rugby
administration. Succeeding the almost
invisible but influential David Nucifora it is
Ulster’s former out-half who has been busy
visiting at the Provinces hoping that they
can all improve recruitment, their various
academies and keep raising the bar in
terms of the talent to reinforce Ireland’s
high world ranking.
There will be no special favour shown to his
own native club but Humphreys’ experience
and implausibly lengthy contact list will be
employed to help Ulster, Munster, Connacht
and the almost self-sufficient Leinster.
All Ulstermen and women will wish him
well in a daunting role and he would be the
first to welcome and encourage a return to
more successful times for the current side.
The double World Cup winner would surely
have proved his class with a longer stint in
the white jersey but injury was a contributory
factor to his early return to the Stormers.
Jacob Stockdale did show some real
intent and promises to recreate the
dazzling form of a few years back, and
if Robert Baloucoune, Ethan McIlroy,
Michael Lowry and Will Addison are
available the back three should be an
authentic attacking weapon.
Murphy said Stuart McCloskey was rested
last week and surely the Ireland centre
will return to stiffen the three-quarter line,
particularly as James Hume is ruled out.
Richie Murphy wants to stay, new interim
Chief Executive Hugh McCaughey, a real
Ulster rugby man, has helped improve the
general mood at Kingspan Stadium, and
victory tonight would help climb a few
steps up the league table.
That would be a platform for the tests to follow
at Scarlets in a fortnight, then at home to a
Leinster outfit chasing success on two fronts,
and, finally, a trip in mid-May to Thomond
Park and Graham Rowntree’s Munster.
It’s a programme which is a test of character
as well as ability, and there can be no real
question of those qualities in the team
management and squad.
If there ever really was a time it is now – to
Stand Up For The Ulster Men!
Both sides are a smooth blend of experience
and youth, and as it is only realistic that
Ulster must pursue as high a finish as
possible the squad and the starting team
itself is in a period of transition.
The Head Coach will know that the club
does not have an open cheque book, that
it is in an internal battle with Connacht and
Munster to eventually chase down Leinster
in Ireland. Over twelve years ago the then
Director of Rugby David Humphreys asked
Brian McLaughlin to reshape the province
with a limited budget and the latter’s proven
53

Enjoy the
big match
in style
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& HYDRATION PARTNER OF
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Q&A
Harry Sheridan
Favourite Ulster player of all time?
Charles Piutau
Who is your roommate on away trips?
Probably Izzy (Cormac Izuchukwu)
Favourite rest/recovery day activity?
Sea swim at Helen’s Bay
Any songs or rituals before a game?
Listen to Both of Us - by Jayda G
How do you unwind after a game?
Sleeping mostly
Least favourite drill at training?
Passing
Favourite TV show?
Jury Duty
What’s your biggest pet hate?
People who don’t wave thank you after
you flash your lights to let them out
One thing you can’t live without?
My second computer monitor
Most used app on your phone?
Spotify
If you were stuck on a desert island
with a teammate, who would you pick
and why?
Dave Ewers - I feel like he would be lethal
with a spear.
Favourite game day meal?
Spaghetti carbonara
Teammate who is most likely to become
a coach?
Alan O’Connor
Apart from rugby, what other sports do
you like?
Golf, although I’m not very good
57

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A Connacht Sat 4 Nov L 22-20 URC
H Munster Fri 10 Nov W 21-14 URC
H Emirates Lions Fri 17 Nov W 24-17 URC
A Glasgow Sat 25 Nov L 33-20 URC
H Edinburgh Sat 2 Dec L 24-27 URC
A Bath Rugby Sat 9 Dec L 37-14 ICC
H Racing 92 Sat 16 Dec W 31-15 ICC
H Connacht Fri 22 Dec W 20-19 URC
A Leinster Mon 1 Jan W 21-22 URC
H Toulouse Sat 13 Jan L 24-48 ICC
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H Cardiff Fri 19 Apr W 19-17 URC
H Benetton Fri 26 Apr 7.35pm URC
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59

Summer
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18-19 July,
9.30am-1.30pm
for Boys & Girls
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25-26 July,
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Register now:
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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.
Game of Thrones Studio Tour
Game of Thrones Studio Tour brings the
iconic Iron Throne to Kingspan Stadium,
all supporters will have their chance to get
their photo taken sitting atop the throne,
there will also be prize giveaways on the
night for all supporters.
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,
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65