BKT-URC_Match-Programme-Ulster-v-Connacht

Official Match Day Programme
ULSTER
v CONNACHT
Sat 12 Oct 2024, 8pm
Kingspan Stadium

CONTENTS
04 Kingspan
Welcome
08
05 Mascots
07 President’s
Welcome
08
Getting to Know
Jimmy Duffy
14
Last Time Out
Ulster v Bulls
18 Provincial
Kit Launched
22 Referees’
Corner
31 Half-Time
18
Exhibition Games
#evYuMr
PROUD TITLE SPONSOR OF THE
BKT UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
48
57
34 Teams
38 Connacht
Players to Watch
42
A Warm Inter-Pro
Welcome Home
46
Andrew Warwick
Interview
48
57
Ireland Women’s
Historic Win
Player Q&A
John Andrew
3

MASCOTS
Name: Edward Herron
Age: 11
From: Belfast
I played mini rugby at Belfast Harlequins,
and now play at my school (MCB).
I cannot wait to run out onto the pitch
on Saturday, it has always been a dream
of mine.
My favourite player is David McCann.
I want to be like him as he never gives up
and is always very positive.
KINGSPAN WELCOME
We are delighted to welcome you back
to Kingspan Stadium as Ulster Rugby
faces Connacht in Round 4 of the BKT
United Rugby Championship. With two
proud provinces going head-to-head,
tonight’s game promises to be another
classic interprovincial clash in the fierce
rivalry between Ulster and Connacht.
Richie Murphy’s Ulstermen will be eager
to put their recent South African tour
behind them, having endured two tough
losses against the Emirates Lions and
Vodacom Bulls. Despite the results, the
tour provided valuable experience for
several young talents making their first
starts in an Ulster jersey. Now, with the
home crowd behind them and memories
of their dramatic season-opening win
against the reigning champions, Glasgow
Warriors, Ulster will be determined to get
back on track tonight.
Connacht, come into this match with
momentum, having secured a nail-biting
24-23 win over Scarlets last week thanks
to a late penalty. They’ll be looking to
build on that victory and continue their
strong start to the season. This provincial
battle is sure to be intense, with both sides
eager to assert their dominance early in
the campaign.
With your unwavering support, Kingspan
Stadium remains one of the most
formidable venues for visiting teams. Let’s
get behind the team tonight and create
an atmosphere that drives Ulster forward
as they seek to regain momentum and set
the tone for the season ahead.
As always, we are committed to our Planet
Passionate philosophy, working alongside
Ulster Rugby to enhance our sustainability
efforts. We encourage all fans to make use
of our recycling facilities, water stations,
and to opt for reusable items, helping
us make a lasting positive impact on the
environment.
With the stands filling up and excitement
in the air, let’s unite and show our support
for Ulster in what promises to be an
unforgettable night of rugby.
SUFTUM!
Richard Beswick
Sports Sponsorship Manager
Kingspan
Name: Cohen Bennett
Age: 12
From: Seaforde
I love coming to Kingspan Stadium to
watch Ulster, so I am very excited to
run out with the team this Saturday.
I play mini rugby at Ballynahinch RFC.
My Favourite player is Rob
Baloucoune, as he plays on the
wing like I do.
5

v
v
v
v
EVERYONE’S
GAME
President’s Welcome
R O U N D 4 | O C T 1 1 1 3
Hi everyone and welcome along to Kingspan
Stadium as we take on our interprovincial
rivals, Connacht, in Round 4 of the BKT United
Rugby Championship.
These derbies are always a tight affair and are
extremely intense, so we need to make it a
special atmosphere and get behind the boys.
We saw against Glasgow Warriors how the
crowd can have a huge effect in helping get
the team over the line.
It’s great to be back home after our last two
fixtures in South Africa, I had the pleasure of
being with the squad and staff on the trip and
there were plenty of positives despite the defeats
against Emirates Lions and Vodacom Bulls.
In Johannesburg, at Emirates Airline Park we
saw first tries in an Ulster jersey for Corrie
Barrett and Werner Kok, and in Pretoria against
the Bulls we had three first starts for Ben
Carson, James McCormick and Charlie Irvine,
with Tadgh McElroy and James Humphreys
also making their debuts from the bench.
Our young players will have gained a lot from
the two experiences and will use it for their
development going forward as we look to build
on a strong core of young talent.
Away from the men’s game, I want to
congratulate Ireland Women on their historic
victory against the Black Ferns in Vancouver
in Round 1 of the WXV1 tournament.
A superb achievement for a side who are
growing every year, following on from the
national team’s victory over Australia at
Kingspan Stadium last month.
Ulster’s Brittany Hogan and Fiona Tuite both
started and we are very proud of what they
have achieved on the international stage.
The result will give the squad a lot of belief
that they are a top side and can beat anybody.
I recently had the privilege of being at Stormont
for the launch of the Ulster Rugby Foundation.
It was a superb morning that heard stories from
people whose lives have been made better
through the love of our great sport.
The foundation hopes to continue to raise
funds and reinvest back into the rugby
community at grassroots level to improve
the game across the province.
I hope everyone coming to the match has a great
experience and we can put in a performance
to be proud of at home.
Laurence Rocke
President, IRFU Ulster Branch
v
v
v
v
7

Getting to Know Jimmy Duffy
After two seasons with the Western Force
in Australia, Jimmy Duffy returned closer
to home this summer.
Having previously worked alongside Richie
Murphy with the Ireland U20s, Jimmy will
play an integral role in developing Ulster’s
forwards as part of the new coaching setup.
The pair enjoyed success in the Irish
U20s 2022 Six Nations Grand Slam win,
when Jimmy was Assistant Coach, before
he made the move to Perth for the 2022/23
season.
Involved for many years prior to his move to
Australia with Connacht Rugby, across the
grassroots and professional game, Jimmy
enjoyed success as Assistant Coach with
his native province, including when the side
lifted silverware in the PRO12 back in 2016.
Describe yourself as a coach in three words?
You’ll have to ask the players for what they
think. I would aspire to be collaborative,
honest and hard-working.
Your first memories of rugby?
Watching the Five Nations with my dad in
the 1980s.
How did you get into coaching?
I was forced to retire at 21-years-old, under
medical advice, and was advised by a man
called Mick Grealish who had coached my
father to give it a shot a couple of years
after I retired. Haven’t looked back since.
What is the best/worst thing about being
a coach?
Best: Playing a small part in players realising
their goals of playing professionally.
Worst: Not being on the field.
Greatest achievement to date?
Seeing players play international rugby who
I’ve worked with.
Person most important to you in your rugby
career?
My wife and son. I could not and would not
have been able to have done it without their
support.
Name your favourite ever player in the
sport and why?
Abdel Benazzi - French back row and lock.
An incredible player who played all positions
from 4-8 internationally.
How do you wind down in your down time?
I’m an art fan, so visiting galleries and I enjoy
painting abstracts if I have time.
How was your experience of coaching in
Australia?
Unbelievable, experience culturally and
professionally.
Did you take anything away from the
different style of rugby there?
It was great to see the different styles
and players in the Southern Hemisphere.
Just working with different coaches in a
different environment gives you a broader
perspective.
What would your favourite cheat meal
consist of?
Pizza.
Favourite music/ artist?
Guns N’ Roses / Gerhard Richter & Jean
Michel Basquiat
9

11

Milestones
Three Ulster players will
achieve impressive milestones
this weekend.
Alan O’Connor is set to make
his 200th appearance
off the bench.
Andrew Warwick will also hit
the 200 mark.
Nick Timoney celebrates 150
games for the province.
13

The Bulls’ joy at scrum-time was
compounded when Ulster tighthead prop,
Corrie Barrett, was shown a yellow card after
a scrum penalty.
The Bulls grabbed a third from their
powerful maul, with springbok hooker Johan
Grobbelaar, finishing off the maul from a 5m
lineout. Chamberlain’s conversion added the
extra two.
Ulster pushed for a score before half-time
with a good period of possession, however
the move in the red zone was halted for a
knock forward.
Half-time: BUL 21 - 7 ULS
The home side got off to the perfect start for
their home supporters after Canan Moodie
raced into space for his first try of the match.
The Bulls continued to use their maul weapon
effectively, and used another penalty to kick
into the Ulster corner.
In a switched up lineout routine, their
number eight, Cameron Hanekom, drove
the maul over the whitewash for their fifth
of the contest.
Ulster then scored a third in quick succession,
with Dave Shanahan combing with Mike
Lowry on the left wing. Lowry then drew the
defender in and timed a perfect pass inside
to the oncoming Stewart Moore, who ran a
good support line and finished well.
The two tries were reward for the effort put
in by Ulster in the second period.
The Bulls got the last say of the match
however, with springbok flanker, Elrigh
Louw, going over from close range a couple
of minutes before the final whistle.
Full-time: BUL 47 - 21 ULS
Last Time Out
Ulster’s South Africa tour ended with a hardfought
defeat against the Bulls at Loftus
Versfeld Stadium in Round 3 of the BKT
United Rugby Championship.
Ulster made nine changes to the side that
lost out to Emirates Lions last weekend in
Johannesburg, with a number of milestones
for young players.
James McCormick, Charlie Irvine and Ben
Carson all made their first competitive
starts for the province, with Tadgh McElroy
and James Humphreys named on the bench
hoping to make their maiden appearances
in a white jersey.
The home side got off to a quick start, winning
an early scrum penalty that gave them the
chance to kick into Ulster’s 22.
From that territory, the Bulls played quickly
from another scrum and returning springbok
winger, Kurt-Lee Ardense, darted through a
gap to dive for the line, stretching to finish.
Boeta Chamberlain converted the score.
Stockdale pulling off a superb chip and chase
after Aidan Morgan’s cross field kick found
the big winger out on the left touchline.
Nathan Doak converted to level the conetest
early on.
The away side then received a punch to gut,
with the experienced springbok full-back,
Willie Le Roux, showing his quality, delivering
a pinpoint cross-field kick to the right winger,
Sebastian De Klerk, who then found David
Kriel on the support line. Kriel had an easy
finish for the Bulls second try. Chamberlain’s
conversion took the scoreline to 14-7.
The Bulls’ captain, Ruan Nortje, then
pounced on a loose ulster pass to burst
into the Ulster 22, before fly-half, Boeta
Chamberlain, dropped his shoulder and
raced through a gap for their sixth try.
Despite the gulf in the scoreline, Ulster
showed good grit to stay battling in the fight.
Young centre, Ben Carson, notched his
first try in an Ulster jersey, finding space
and slipping tackles to score well in the
right corner, on what was his first start for
the province.
Fly-half, James Humphreys, making his
debut for his province, converted the score
with an excellent conversion from the right
hand side.
WATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Ulster then responded quickly with Jacob
15

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17

Provincial Kit Lauched
Ulster Rugby reveals inaugural
provincial playing kit
Inspired by the nine counties Ulster Rugby
represents, the new Castore Ulster Rugby
third kit is now on-sale.
Since the first ever interprovincial
game in 1875, Ulster Rugby has proudly
represented its province, on and off the
playing field. Almost 150 years later,
the club purposefully continues to be
representative of each of its 51 clubs, and
everyone across the nine counties.
On the launch, Ulster Rugby CEO, Hugh
McCaughey, said:
“We are proud to reveal the club’s
first provincial-focussed kit design
today, emphasising the links with
our grassroots clubs, with players
nurtured and developed through
the province’s player pathway into
the highest levels of the game.
“The clashes against our fellow
provinces are always a date for
the diary, with Saturday’s game no
different, so it’s fitting the squad will
now have a visual representation of
their pride in representing Ulster in
Interpro games this season.
“As we continue to celebrate the
centenary of our home ground, and
the proud tradition of going head
to head with the other provinces,
my thanks go to Castore and our
on-kit partners for their continued
support.”
Together with Castore, the precision
performance sportswear brand that
signed a multi-year kit deal earlier this
year, Ulster Rugby has designed a kit
that has consistent links back to the
province’s heritage.
This includes an outline map of Ulster on
the sleeves and side panels of the jersey,
with provincial saffron colour of the on-kit
logos providing a striking contrast against
the black canvas. The provincial shield is
also proudly featured on the jersey hip to
represent Ulster Rugby’s connection to
its domestic clubs.
The new kit will be worn for the first timeon
Saturday, when Ulster take on Connacht
at Kingspan Stadium in the opening
interprovincial derby of the season.
The Senior Men’s provincial kit is
now available to purchase online at
ulsterrugbyshop.com, via the Castore shop
at Kingspan Stadium and at independent
retailers throughout the province.
SHOP
19

21

in the competitive environment of the
Energia AIL” says Referee Development
Manager, Richard Kerr who has been
managing and supporting Chris on his
refereeing journey.
When asked how he has adapted to
higher-level games, Chris emphasises
preparation and clarity. For important
fixtures, Chris focuses on staying fit
and injury-free to ensure fairness to the
players. His attention to detail includes
preparing his journey to the ground,
reviewing competition regulations, and
planning how to manage critical aspects
of the game, such as scrums, lineouts,
and the breakdown. He highlights how
his communication has become more
precise, especially in using the advantage
law to manage the game’s tempo.
On behalf of our President, Ken Spence
and all the members in the Ulster
Society of Rugby Football Referees we
congratulate Chris on his elevation to
the IRFU National Panel, we are very
proud of his achievements. And we
all wish him well on his many seasons
ahead serving the All-Ireland League
and other matches here in Ulster and
hopefully beyond!
Could you be the next USRFR referee?
If you are interested in taking up the
whistle, or just want to find out more
about refereeing, please reach out to
our Referee Development Manager,
Richard Kerr (details below).
Referees’ Corner
“The best referees,” Chris
says, “enjoy what they do,
have a great rapport with
players and coaches, and most
importantly, uphold the core
values of the game.”
Tonight, we welcome Andrew Brace
(IRFU) and his team of officials to
Kingspan Stadium for the BKT United
Rugby Championship Inter-provincial
game against Connacht. As always,
Ulster Rugby would like to remind
spectators to respect the decisions of
the match officials at all times.
In this Referee’s Corner, we spotlight
one of our senior referees, Chris Elliott,
pitcured above - middle) who has
recently been elevated to the IRFU
National Referee Panel.
Chris is affiliated to Grosvenor RFC and
has been refereeing for seven years,
which included a three-year stint with
the Gloucestershire and District Society
while completing his PGCE in England.
On returning to Ulster, he quickly
progressed and earned a place on the
National Panel at the end of last season.
Chris’s journey reflects his dedication
to refereeing, juggling multiple games
during weekends to hone his skills. In
his early days, he would officiate at
Campbell College in the mornings and
then volunteer for women’s matches
on Sunday afternoons, using each
game to fine-tune his positioning and
decision-making.
Among Chris’s many highlights, two
stand out. The first was refereeing
the Gloucester Cup final at Kingsholm
Stadium in front of thousands of
passionate fans. The second, and most
memorable for him, was the Junior
Cup semi-final between Dromore and
Ballyclare at Barban Hill last year. In
an intense, thrilling contest, the game
finished 26-26 at full-time and went
into extra time. Dromore emerged
victorious, 43-33, in front of an electric
crowd, a testament to the spirit of rugby.
“Chris is an excellent example of a
young person who was prepared to
give refereeing a go. He started out in
age-grade rugby when he was working
at Campbell College. He displayed
obvious potential early on and despite
several setbacks along the way, he
persevered and took ownership of
his own development. I was delighted
when he was promoted onto the IRFU
National Panel at the end of last season
and wish him well as he finds his way
If interested in becoming a Referee, please contact:
Richard Kerr
Referee Development Manager
richard.kerr@irfu.ie | 07493 868 388
U.S.R.F.R

ulster.rugby/buytickets 25

ULSTER RUGBY MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
Hooker
26/05/1993
180cm
104kg
124
-
John
Andrew
Wing
19/08/1997
193cm
96kg
69
4
Rob
Baloucoune
Centre
24/02/2002
183cm
98kg
3
-
Ben
Carson
Scrum Half
01/05/1990
178cm
86kg
142
11
John
Cooney
Back Row
28/01/2002
188cm
102kg
5
-
Reuben
Crothers
Scrum Half
17/12/2001
185cm
86kg
72
-
Nathan
Doak
Fly Half
07/06/1999
183cm
93kg
15
-
Jake
Flannery
Hooker
27/04/1990
185cm
106kg
241
40
Reuben
Crothers
Rob
Herring
Centre
07/09/1998
188cm
100kg
95
3
James
Hume
Fly Half
14/11/2001
185cm
83kg
1
-
James
Humphreys
Lock
28/01/2000
201cm
118kg
30
-
Cormac
Izuchukwu
Wing
17/01/1993
180cm
96kg
3
Reuben
Crothers
Werner
Kok
Full Back
20/08/1998
170cm
78kg
107
1
Mike
Lowry
Back Row
13/06/2000
193cm
110kg
50
-
David
McCann
Centre
06/08/1992
193cm
112kg
191
18
Stuart
McCloskey
Back Row
28/01/2002
188cm
102kg
5
-
Reuben
Crothers
Prop
13/06/1998
177cm
120kg
3
Corrie
Barrett
ULSTER RUGBY MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
Hooker
08/01/2002
183cm
107kg
3
-
James
McCormick
Scrum Half
24/06/1999
178cm
87kg
1
-
Michael
McDonald
Back Row
28/02/2003
194cm
116kg
8
-
James
McNabney
Wing
10/08/2000
188cm
90kg
66
-
Ethan
McIlroy
Scrum Half
03/04/2002
189cm
109kg
-
-
Lorcan
McLoughlin
Scrum Half
20/03/2001
183cm
86kg
-
-
Conor
McKee
Utility Back
08/08/1999
184cm
93kg
71
-
Stewart
Moore
Wing
09/06/2001
191cm
101kg
32
-
Ben
Moxham
Fly Half
07/06/2001
172cm
82kg
5
-
Aidan
Morgan
Lock
10/09/1992
196cm
115kg
199
-
Alan
O’Connor
Prop
30/11/1995
183cm
118kg
119
1
Eric
O’Sullivan
Centre
03/04/2002
193cm
106kg
15
-
Jude
Postlethwaite
Prop
23/09/1998
184cm
120kg
109
13
Tom
O’Toole
Back Row
08/09/1997
188cm
110kg
48
-
Marcus
Rea
Back Row
21/09/1993
193cm
114kg
102
-
Matty
Rea
Lock
21/02/1992
199cm
119kg
155
81
Iain
Henderson
27

ULSTER RUGBY MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
Utility Back
11/12/1998
191cm
101kg
-
-
Zac
Ward
Prop
06/01/1999
183cm
116.5kg
18
-
Callum
Reid
Back Row
04/11/1998
180cm
102kg
11
-
Sean
Reffell
Wing
24/08/2000
188cm
95kg
12
-
Aaron
Sexton
Scrum Half
20/06/1993
175cm
77kg
94
-
Dave
Shanahan
Back Row
21/09/2001
195cm
121kg
30
-
Reuben
Crothers
Harry
Sheridan
Hooker
11/01/2001
183cm
105kg
46
2
Tom
Stewart
Wing
03/04/1996
191cm
104kg
123
37
Jacob
Stockdale
Back Row
01/08/1995
188cm
112kg
149
3
Nick
Timoney
Lock
06/11/1995
198cm
118kg
163
11
Reuben
Crothers
Kieran
Treadwell
Prop
12/03/1991
178cm
115kg
199
-
Andrew
Warwick
Prop
01/05/2003
187cm
117kg
-
Jack
Boal
Prop
10/07/2004
186cm
114kg
-
Jacob
Boyd
Back Row
26/06/2004
189cm
111kg
-
Tom
Brigg
Centre
16/01/2004
183cm
93kg
-
Sam
Berman
Prop
06/08/2002
186cm
125kg
16
-
Scott
Wilson
Prop
17/12/2003
190cm
127kg
-
Cameron
Doak
Wing /Fullback
27/04/2004
181cm
88kg
-
Ethan
Graham
Lock
16/03/2004
201cm
115kg
1
Joe
Hopes
Lock
28/01/2003
203cm
117kg
1
Charlie
Irvine
Wing /Fullback
08/09/2004
185cm
100kg
-
Lukas
Kenny
Hooker
17/06/2004
177cm
100kg
1
Zac
Solomon
Hooker
01/01/2003
187cm
105kg
-
Henry
Walker
Wing /Fullback
04/10/2004
174cm
77kg
-
Ben
McFarlane
Back Row
14/12/2004
178cm
101kg
-
Josh
Stevens
Wing /Fullback
29/08/2003
184cm
90kg
-
Rory
Telfer
Centre
16/08/2004
180cm
90kg
-
Wilhelm
De Klerk
Scrum Half
11/08/2005
176cm
78kg
-
Clark
Logan
Back Row
15/12/2004
197cm
112kg
-
James
McKillop
Fly Half
15/07/2004
177cm
83kg
-
Jack
Murphy
Centre
15/08/2005
191cm
99kg
-
Jonny
Scott
Back Row
17/07/2004
185cm
115kg
-
Bryn
Ward
ULSTER RUGBY ACADEMY
29

Half-Time
Exhibition Games
NEVIN SPENCE MEMORIAL STAND END ABBEYAUTOLINE FAMILY STAND END
Coleraine
Kit: Blue, White & Black
1 JP McCreanor
2 Scott Marshall
3 Connor Swinson
4 Flynn Espie
5 Freddie Nutt
6 Peadar McNicholl
7 Ben McCracken
8 Harry Grocott
9 Lewis Pollock
10 Michael Bucklee
11 Elijah Collins
12 Oliver Simpson
Cavan
Kit: Red & Navy
1 Archie Furlong
2 Cathal Smith
3 Danny Murdock
4 Faolán Flanagan
5 Iarlaith Hyland
6 Jack Poyntz
7 Jamie Mulvany
8 Oscar Brady
9 Peter Duignan
10 Ruadhán Gray
11 Shea Reilly
12 Sol Kelly
Portadown
Kit: Royal Blue
1 Mickey Hannath
2 Robbie Thompson
3 Jack McComisky
4 Micah Ramsey
5 Alistair Leitch
6 Sam McBurney
7 Nicholas Ngcobo
8 Thomas Naismith
9 Joshua Lindsay
10 Jack Somerville
11 Isaac Rainey
12 Joel Madill
Limavady
Kit: Red & Black
1 James Dickson
2 Sam Wallace
3 Ronan Mailey
4 Alfie Baird
5 Michael Jones
6 James Niven
7 Eli Roddy
8 Harrison McKendry
9 Sean Bradley
10 Jacob Lochrie
11 Arthur Lewis
12 Rory Hegarty
31

33

1
2
3
1
2
1
Andrew WARWICK
John ANDREW
Tom O’TOOLE
Denis BUCKLEY
Dave HEFFERNAN
Finlay BEALHAM
4
5
4
5
C
Iain HENDERSON
Kieran TREADWELL
Joe JOYCE
Josh MURPHY
6
8
7
6
8
7
C
David McCANN
Nick TIMONEY
Sean REFFELL
Cian PRENDERGAST
Paul BOYLE
Sean O’BRIEN
9
9
John COONEY
Ben MURPHY
10
10
11
Aidan MORGAN
11
Josh IOANE
Jacob STOCKDALE
12
Shayne BOLTON
12
Jude POSTLETHWAITE
Bundee AKI
Replacements
13
Replacements
13
16 James McCORMICK
16 Dylan TIERNEY-MARTIN
17 Callum REID
Stewart MOORE
17 Peter DOOLEY
Piers O’CONOR
18 Corrie BARRETT
18 Temi LASISI
19 Alan O’CONNOR
14
19 Oisín DOWLING
14
20 Marcus REA
21 Nathan DOAK
15
Werner KOK
20 David O’CONNOR
21 Caolin BLADE
15
Mack HANSEN
22 Ben CARSON
22 Cathal FORDE
23 Mike LOWRY
Ethan McILROY
23 Conor OLIVER
Santiago CORDERO
Referee: Andrew Brace
Assistant Refs: Andrew Cole & Robbie Jenkinson TMO: Olly Hodges
35

1 Billion
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37

CONNACHT
NAME POSITION DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT
Bundee AKI Centre 07/04/1990 1.78m 105kg
Jack AUNGIER Prop 20/11/1998 1.88m 121kg
Finlay BEALHAM Prop 09/10/1991 1.88m 118kg
Caolin BLADE Scrum-half 29/04/1994 1.7m 80kg
Pete Wilkins is in his second season
as Connacht’s Head Coach and was
previously invited to join the Ireland
coaching team for their tour of New
Zealand back in the summer of 2022.
Connacht have made a strong start to
the season:
MUN 35 - 33 CON
CON 36 - 30 SHA
SCA 23 - 24 CON
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ben Murphy
Son of Ulster Head Coach Richie Murphy, Ben
signed for Connacht in the summer, making
the move from Leinster where he came
through the Academy system.
Instantly making an impact, Murphy scored
two tries on his debut against Munster at
Thomond Park and another last weekend
away to Scarlets.
A sharp player, Murphy is a real threat,
bringing high-speed ball at the breakdown
and he is exceptional at exploiting any gaps
in the defensive line.
New Arrivals:
• Josh Ioane (Chiefs)
• Temi Lasisi (Leinster)
• Adam McBurney (Edinburgh)
• Ben Murphy (Leinster)
• Josh Murphy (12 month sabbatical)
• David O’Connor (Ealing Trailfinders)
• Piers O’Conor (Bristol Bears)
Shayne BOLTON Full-back/Wing 29/06/2000 1.88m 104kg
Paul BOYLE Back row 14/01/1997 1.9m 112kg
Denis BUCKLEY Prop 09/08/1990 1.75m 108kg
Jack CARTY Fly half 31/08/1992 1.83m 88kg
Santiago CORDERO Full-back/Wing 06/12/1993 1.75m 83kg
Eoin DE BUITLEAR Hooker 11/09/2001 1.75m 100kg
Matthew DEVINE Scrum-half 19/02/2002 1.8m 83kg
Peter DOOLEY Prop 04/08/1994 1.85m 118kg
Oisin DOWLING Lock 23/06/1997 1.98m 112kg
Jordan DUGGAN Prop 07/01/1998 1.88m 115kg
Cathal FORDE Centre 11/04/2001 1.88m 100kg
Hugh GAVIN Centre 10/01/2004 1.9m 104kg
JJ HANRAHAN Fly half 27/07/1992 1.8m 93kg
Mack HANSEN Full-back/Wing 27/03/1998 1.88m 92kg
David HAWKSHAW Centre 03/07/1999 1.78m 89kg
Dave HEFFERNAN Hooker 31/01/1991 1.88m 110kg
Shamus HURLEY-LANGTON Back row 22/04/2000 1.85m 109kg
Sam ILLO Prop 16/02/2001 1.85m 121kg
Josh IOANE Fly half 11/07/1995 1.75m 85kg
Sean JANSEN Back row 10/05/1999 1.9m 119kg
Shane JENNINGS Full-back/Wing 14/01/2001 1.93m 97kg
Joe JOYCE Lock 07/02/1994 1.95m 118kg
Temi LASISI Prop 09/05/2001 1.83m 125kg
PREVIOUS
MEETINGS
JAN
2024
ULS 20
CON 19
NOV
2023
CON 22
ULS 20
MAY
2023
ULS 10
CON 15
Adam McBURNEY Hooker 05/09/1996 1.83m 103kg
Oisin McCORMACK Back row 21/02/2001 1.85m 102kg
Chay MULLINS Full-back/Wing 23/01/2002 1.9m 95kg
Ben MURPHY Scrum-half 23/04/2001 1.73m 80kg
Bundee Aki
Josh MURPHY Lock 17/02/1995 1.98m 108kg
Bundee Aki has been with Connacht for over
a decade now, and has very much played a
key part in the team’s success since joining.
The thirty-four year old from Auckland, New
Zealand has clocked up 139 appearances for
his club, and 57 on the international stage
for Ireland.
Aki was selected for The British & Irish Lions
tour of South Africa in 2021 and made six
appearances, including four starts.
Darragh MURRAY Lock 07/04/2001 2.03m 120kg
Neill MURRAY Lock 13/10/1999 1.98m 114kg
Sean O'BRIEN Back row 31/07/2000 1.9m 106kg
David O'CONNOR Lock 19/05/1995 1.93m 110kg
Piers O'CONOR Centre 28/08/1995 1.85m 102kg
Conor OLIVER Back row 21/09/1995 1.83m 102kg
John PORCH Full-back/Wing 04/03/1994 1.85m 85kg
Cian PRENDERGAST Back row 23/02/2000 1.93m 115kg
Byron RALSTON Centre 03/05/2000 1.83m 94kg
Colm REILLY Scrum-half 09/08/1999 1.75m 78kg
Andrew SMITH Wing 21/07/2000 1.83m 91kg
Dylan TIERNEY-MARTIN Hooker 20/06/1999 1.83m 102kg
39

TRAINING
41

Warm Inter-Pro
Welcome Home
for Ulster
That skipper Iain Henderson is back
from injury and clearly eager to bring his
leadership skills and unmatched rugby
intelligence to bear on the group is great
news for his coach and for supporters who
appreciate the Irish lock more keenly when
he is absent. Henderson is the rudder the
side will need to steer it through what we
should honestly expect to be a season of
varied fortunes.
Of course, when the whistle blows to renew
Inter-Provincial hostilities this Saturday
night the focus will, quite properly, switch
to two sides with similar ambitions and with
proven, shrewd coaching teams.
Winning games, of course, will be the
ambition at each and every outing. But two
defeats at the hands of the Lions and the
Bulls yielded many positives for Murphy.
A try bonus point was the most obvious
reward against the Lions but there were
encouraging signs of cohesion up front and
of imaginative couplings at half-back and
in midfield.
Guest Article
by Rod Nawn
The injury suffered by Stuart McCloskey
on his first appearance of the season was
something no Ulster supporter wanted to
see, the Ireland centre being such a fulcrum
of all that is sure-footed in the backline.
There will be a warm welcome back from
the demanding trip to South Africa this
evening as Ulster returns to BKT United
Rugby Championship action at home.
The Kingspan Stadium crowd will certainly
throw a loud, comforting embrace around
its team and the opposition from Connacht,
flying high in the table, will generate some
heat of its own once the game begins.
Head Coach Richie Murphy took his squad
to altitude in the southern hemisphere with
a clear intention to give some younger
players their chance, and to allow some
new partnerships to develop in the forward
and attacking units. Buoyed by a dramatic
opening day win over URC champions
Glasgow Warriors, there was always a sense
of realism about the challenges from the
Lions and the Springbok-laden Bulls.
For Murphy, the time in South Africa was
always less about winning games and
very much more about giving the group
which travelled to unfamiliar climes the
opportunity to bond, train and play against
formidable opposition early in a season of
change and development for Ulster.
The Head Coach is certainly giving his
roster of younger players serious game
time, and prop Corrie Barrett, lock Charlie
Irvine, hookers James McCormick and
Tadgh McElroy, breakaway forward James
McNabney and out-half James Humphreys,
for instance, may not have expected their
early opportunities to stake an immediate
and longer-term claim for starting places.
With Emerging Ireland’s tour of South
Africa calling up front-rower Scott
Wilson, winger Zac Ward, centre Jude
Postlethwaite, fly-half Jack Murphy, and
versatile forwards Harry Sheridan and
Cormac Izuchukwu, it is important that
as the league campaign resumes on
European terrain, Ulster’s broader squad
has senior experience on which to draw
in the exhausting months to come.
In the 47-21 loss to the Bulls, reinforced by
its returning Rugby Championship-winning
Springboks, there was rotation aplenty but
again there were indications that the Ulster
of today and tomorrow will be an attractive
attacking force. Jacob Stockdale’s try – his
‘party piece’ kick-and-gather – was a timely
reminder of his pedigree, and Humphreys’
composure and passing from fly-half added
to the belief that in key positions the team
has real depth.
Back home, and with Postlethwaite
released early from the Emerging Ireland
tour to provide options at centre against
Connacht, Ulster will have an even larger
panel from which to select. Injury prevented
international hookers Rob Herring and Tom
Stewart to start yet this campaign, and
others still to begin their season include
Ireland wing Robert Baloucoune and backrower
Reuben Crothers.
Werner Kok, a fan favourite with his allaction
style and flailing locks, adds to
the three-quarter line choices, and Aidan
Morgan’s confident displays at out-half since
arriving from New Zealand demonstrate
the solid recruitment at either end of the
age spectrum.
That process of recruitment isn’t confined to
what might appear to be the senior group.
The Academy has been refreshed and
strengthened and the overall age profile of
the entire playing staff insists that the future
is being safeguarded just as the present is
being secured.
Murphy and Pete Wilkins have solid,
impressive coaching backgrounds and
each has played an important role in the
Ireland international set-up. Wilkins is in his
third full season in charge in Galway and
has shown too that he is nurturing some
youthful players and is unafraid to include
them alongside some remarkably familiar
and experienced names.
His captain is Cian Prendergast, for whom
high hopes are held at international level
and his recovery from a head injury picked
up in the thrilling 24-23 win at Scarlets last
weekend would be a huge fillip for the side.
Josh Ioane began the URC season at outhalf
against Munster in narrow defeat
and against the Sharks at home in an
impressive five-try 36-30 win. He’s gone
through his return from HIA protocols and
is ready to return, potentially relegating
Jack Carty. The scrum-half battle will be
intriguing as Ulster may well hope John
Cooney or Nathan Doak will start against
a youngster at the base of the rival scrum;
Ben Murphy, yet another talented son of
the Ulster Head Coach.
As in all contests the battle up front will
define the course of the game and Ulster’s
front row will draw on the redoubtable
propping pool of Andy Warwick, Eric
O’Sullivan, Tom O’Toole and Barrett, with a
43

possible start at hooker for Herring, Stewart
or John Andrew.
Connacht have the tried and tested Denis
Buckley and Finlay Bealham at prop, and
Dave Heffernan has been the first-choice
hooker in a ‘gnarly’ front three.
Joe Joyce is fit to take a spot in the visitors’
second row to resume his partnership with
Niall Murray, though Ulster might claim
an early edge there with Henderson, Alan
O’Connor, the youthful Irvine and Kieran
Treadwell available for the engine room.
Josh Murphy, Conor Oliver and Prendergast
have been a fast-moving breakaway unit
and Ulster’s back row has still to be settled
though Nick Timoney and a fit-again Sean
Refell could be joined by David McCann
or McNabney.
Stewart Moore and Morgan have been
constants so far, at centre and out-half
respectively, and along with Mike Lowry,
Jacob Stockdale and Ethan McIlroy will
be straining at the leash to help claim an
important win over Connacht and a boost
to Inter-Pro hopes.
The Western Province have Santiago
Cordero at full-back, while Ireland’s Mack
Hansen is back and scoring on the wing,
Cathal Forde’s capacity with ball-in-hand
and with the boot in midfield with the newly
installed Irish citizen Bundee Aki.
How the home crowd would have relished
another instalment of McCloskey versus Aki,
but that fierce rugby rivalry will be resumed
later in the season.
But it is behind the scrum where the
supporters of either side will look for the
firepower each undeniably possesses.
Connacht have scored thirteen tries in their
three outings and two wins; Ulster managing
eleven tries including four in downing the
Warriors and four again against the Lions.
So, we await a game with Connacht in
winning and scoring form, while Ulster
returns from altitude and long flights to
surroundings it will welcome. Richie Murphy
will have consulted his coaching assistants
and will have a clear idea of exactly how he
wants the team to play.
He will want further evidence of side’s
identity and of its character, all on show
against the Warriors, Lions and Bulls in
resilient, non-stop displays.
The win his players conjured up on opening
night against champions Glasgow set that
tone. A similar tune tonight, with a valuable
win, would certainly please all the fans who
feel this Ulster team is now in steady and
caring hands.
It is going to be a fascinating game and a
storied season… don’t miss any of it!
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45

Andrew Warwick at 200
Ulster’s dependable prop reaches a new milestone for his province
against Connacht and we sat down with the Ballymena man to
discuss reaching 200 appearances in an Ulster jersey.
So Andy, here we are at 200 – how does that feel?
Obviously, I feel very proud to reach that, I never expected to get
to 200. If you said to me back in 2013, when I was sat on the bench
for three or four games and didn’t get on – to get to 200 games
is a big achievement.
What has changed for you as
a player between making your
first cap to your 200th?
Hard question! I’m definitely not as nervous as I was
the first time! Even sitting in those games where
I didn’t get on, the nerves were unbelievable.
To finally get off the bench was great, that was
about a year later! February 2013 I sat on the
bench for a few games and then March 2014 I
made my debut against Cardiff. I still get some
nerves before a game but not like then.
What do you remember about your debut
against Cardiff?
My first touch of the ball I got absolutely nailed
by Filo Paulo! I got lined up and bounced across
the 3G at Cardiff so it was some introduction to
professional rugby.
Best moments?
Getting off the bench and making that debut, even though
we lost, it was a great achievement to get there after
the hard work. One of the European games, probably
Toulouse away in the two legged play-off. I know we didn’t
get through but we won over there and I actually got one
of the tries. There aren’t many!
I remember a game away against Connacht after Covid and it
was a great win. Any of the big interpro derbies or European
games. It’s always a proud moment to pull on the Ulster
shirt, I didn’t think I would get anywhere near 200.
Will you have family/ friends in the stands watching?
Yes, I’ll have my mum and my dad, they don’t miss a home
game. My wife will also be there too, my sisters might
come up as well but I’ll not be changing my preparation
much. It’s a really important game for us at this stage of
the season and we definitely want to win.
For me, I’ll look back at these moments after my career
rather than in the moment. I’ll treat it for the game and
hopefully I’ll look back fondly.
You did score against Connacht in this fixture last year so you have
a bit of history with this game!
Well I wouldn’t be putting any money on me scoring! If I can pop up
for a try it would be great but as long as we get the win I’ll be happy.
In those 200, who would you say has been your toughest opponent?
In my first full season, I remember going up against Toulon and
Carl Hayman. I had only played half a year of professional
rugby and coming up against somebody like him
it was a tough day out. But I learned a lot from
experiences like that. It’s like when you go
up against those South African scrums, you
learn something every time and it’s a great
challenge.
Are you enjoying more of a senior role in the
team with a number of young props coming
through?
I’m a man of very little words but I enjoy
talking through scrum clips with the
younger fellas. There is a lot of talent
coming through when you look at
our Academy and young senior props.
Whenever I was their ages, I was playing
for Ballymena second XV, and you only
get better with experience and that will
come.
In some of the scrum sessions the young
guys look really good and scrummaging is all about
experience.
Do you see coaching as something you could get into?
I’ve done some work with Ballymena Academy school and a
bit at the club (Ballymena). I’m not too sure about being a
professional coach, but I do enjoy coaching young players.
Is there a teammate or friend who comes to mind when
you think of your time at Ulster who has been important
to you?
Luke Marshall - I have been with him the whole way through
school, for a lot of my 200 appearances Lukey was there.
I also played with John Andrew from school and Alan
O’Connor is another hitting 200 caps, so I wonder how
many of those we have played together!
I remember when I got called in to play for the Ulster A
team many years back that Al thought I was a 33-yearold
veteran, which was funny! It’s interesting how
things change.
47

Fiona Tuite on Ireland’s
historic New Zealand victory
After Ireland’s WXV1 Round 1 victory over
the reigning world champions, New Zealand,
Fiona Tuite, talked to us about what that
result does for the women’s team as the
squad continue to build an impressive team.
Fiona, has the New Zealand win sunk in?
The result has sunk in, when you are playing
a tournament you move on pretty quickly to
the next one. It was surreal, I think when we go
home and reflect on the whole tournament
that I’ll really feel it then. The response from
home was phenomenal, all the messages,
the support just made us realise just how
much it meant to people back home. It was
extremely special to be part of such a key
win, a historic win.
It felt composed and was great to get the
win out there. The fact it meant so much
to us and others around the world was
absolutely class.
What does this do for belief in the team?
A win like that definitely grows our belief, it’s
a huge year for us with under a year until the
World Cup and we are growing something
really special and the work we are putting
in you can see the results. It’s growing a
big support for us outside, but the belief is
growing inside and there is a lot of work still
to do. The more wins and performances we
can put in we will grow as a team.
And the squad went whale watching after
the Black Ferns win?
Yes! We went whale watching which was so
cool! You don’t really see anything like that
at home and it grounded us to be out with
nature, spending time with each other and
it gave us a bit of time to let that win sink in
and spend some time outside of rugby too.
Class to see humpbacks and seven orcas
which was incredible! I couldn’t believe that
we had seen so many, so it was special.
To be able to share that with friends and
teammates is special. They are important days.
How does it feel to share these experiences
with your fellow Ulster star, Brittany Hogan?
Brittany is one of my best friends, she’s a
friend, a teammate, she’s really in my circle so
to share that win with her was amazing. She
was amazing and one of the players of the
match. To do something like that is special.
As two Ulsterwomen we have played together
for years, training in the rain at newforge and
Kingspan Stasdium and to put a performance
like that is amazing. She’s a leader and I’m
so proud of her. We always are sure to get
a picture before the game, whether a funny
one or serious one just to mark that we are
coming along together. Hopefully a lot more
to come in both green and red and white
jerseys!
Playing the USA
The USA are a phenomenal team so we are
getting to play against the top teams. It’s
an amazing experience and we are looking
forward to it.
49

Spot the Difference
Can you spot the 5 differences?
ANSWERS: Glasgow Number, Referee’s jersey, Nick Timoney’s badge, Nick Timoney’s sock, Cormac Izuchukwu’s head
51

Maebh Clenaghan shines in Cooke debut
as they triumph over Tullow RFC
Cooke secured a convincing 36-12 victory
over Tullow in their Energia All Ireland
League clash, with Maebh Clenaghan
making a memorable first appearance in
senior rugby.
The match, which took place at Shaws
Bridge, saw Cooke dominate from the
outset, securing the bonus point before
half-time thanks to four tries. Ulster players
Cara O’Kane and Stacey Sloan contributed
to the scoreboard, showcasing their talent
and experience.
Ultimately, Cooke’s superior performance
and clinical finishing proved to be the
difference.
Maebh Clenaghan’s debut for Cooke was a
highlight of the match, and her contribution
to the team’s success was invaluable. As the
season progresses, Cooke will be hoping
for more standout performances from their
young players, as they aim to establish
themselves as a force in the Energia All
Ireland League.
For Tullow, it was a first trip away in the AIL,
and they faced a tough challenge against a
Cooke side looking to bounce back from a
disappointing defeat in their opening round.
The match between Cooke and Tullow was
a closely contested affair, with both sides
displaying their skills and determination.
53

GUESS WHO?
Can you name the 4 players?
Top to Bottom: Rob Herring, James Hume, John Cooney, Nick Timoney

PROUD TO BE OFFICIAL WATER
John Andrew Q&A
& HYDRATION PARTNER OF
ULSTER RUGBY
Favourite Ulster player of
all time?
Jonny Bell
Who is your roommate on
away trips?
Kieran Treadwell
Favourite rest/recovery
day activity?
Sea swimming
Any habits or rituals before a
game?
Napping
How do you unwind after
a game?
I watch Westerns
Favourite game day meal?
Pancakes
Teammate who is most likely to
become a coach?
Alan O’Connor
Apart from rugby, what other
sports do you like?
Golf
Best advice you’ve had about
playing rugby?
You only think you’re tired...
Best part about being a rugby
player?
Fun in and around the changing
rooms each day
What’s your biggest pet hate?
Stuart McCloskey’s moaning!
One thing you can’t live without?
Family
If you were stuck on a desert
island with a teammate, who
would you pick and why?
Nick Timoney - he’s a barrel of
laughs...
57

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