Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Official <strong>Match</strong> Day <strong>Programme</strong><br />
ULSTER<br />
v OSPREYS<br />
Fri 18 Oct 2024, 7.35pm<br />
Kingspan Stadium
CONTENTS<br />
04 Kingspan<br />
Welcome<br />
11<br />
05 Mascots<br />
07 President’s<br />
11<br />
Welcome<br />
IRFU launch<br />
Portable Sensory<br />
Boxes<br />
16<br />
12<br />
Last Time Out<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> v Connacht<br />
16<br />
Ben Carson<br />
Centre Stage<br />
#evYuMr<br />
PROUD TITLE SPONSOR OF THE<br />
<strong>BKT</strong> UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP<br />
20 Referees’<br />
20<br />
46<br />
Corner<br />
29<br />
31 Half-Time<br />
34 Teams<br />
38 <strong>Ospreys</strong><br />
42<br />
46<br />
PwC U18 Schools<br />
Champions<br />
Exhibition Games<br />
Players to Watch<br />
Lights, Cameras &<br />
Friday Night Action<br />
57<br />
Alan O’Connor<br />
Interview<br />
Player Q&A<br />
Sean Reffell<br />
3
MASCOTS<br />
Name: Lewis Rennie<br />
Age: 8<br />
From: Larne<br />
I play mini rugby at Larne RFC.<br />
I am excited to run out with the team<br />
on Friday night. <strong>Ulster</strong> are my favouirite.<br />
They are the best!<br />
My favourite player is Ben Moxham, just<br />
like me, he has played for LarneRFC.<br />
KINGSPAN WELCOME<br />
Welcome back once again to Kingspan<br />
Stadium as <strong>Ulster</strong> Rugby takes on <strong>Ospreys</strong><br />
in Round 5 of the <strong>BKT</strong> United Rugby<br />
Championship. The atmosphere is electric,<br />
and after last week’s exhilarating victory,<br />
we’re set for another thrilling encounter.<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> comes into this match fresh off<br />
a thrilling 32-27 win against Connacht<br />
last weekend. The squad showed great<br />
resilience in what was a tightly contested<br />
interprovincial derby, holding off a late<br />
Connacht comeback to secure the victory.<br />
With the home crowd behind them once<br />
again, <strong>Ulster</strong> will be determined to continue<br />
their winning form.<br />
<strong>Ospreys</strong>, on the other hand, have had a<br />
mixed run in the tournament so far. After<br />
a solid win over the Stormers, they have<br />
struggled with recent defeats to Munster<br />
and the Bulls. Despite these setbacks, the<br />
Welsh side will no doubt be looking to<br />
cause an upset at Kingspan Stadium.<br />
sustainability throughout the stadium.<br />
We encourage you to use our recycling<br />
facilities, refill at our water stations, and<br />
choose reusable items, contributing to a<br />
more sustainable future.<br />
With your incredible energy and<br />
unwavering support, Kingspan Stadium<br />
continues to be a fortress for our team.<br />
Let’s create an unforgettable atmosphere<br />
that drives <strong>Ulster</strong> to another crucial win in<br />
this season’s campaign.<br />
SUFTUM!<br />
Richard Beswick<br />
Sports Sponsorship Manager<br />
Kingspan<br />
Name: Toby McMillan<br />
Age: 12<br />
From: Lisburn<br />
I will be so proud to run out with the<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> team infront of the home crowd,<br />
including my friends and family.<br />
I play rugby at school (Wallace HS)<br />
and used to play mini rugby at<br />
Lisburn RFC.<br />
My Favourite player is John Cooney.<br />
I like how he keeps calm under<br />
pressure and scores so many points.<br />
As always, we remain deeply committed<br />
to our Planet Passionate initiative,<br />
working with <strong>Ulster</strong> Rugby to champion<br />
5
President’s Welcome<br />
Hello all and welcome to Kingspan Stadium<br />
for our big <strong>BKT</strong> United Rugby Championship<br />
Round 5 match against <strong>Ospreys</strong> under the<br />
Friday Night Lights.<br />
We welcome Toby Booth’s side to Belfast and<br />
know from last season’s defeat in Swansea that<br />
the Welshmen are a tough side to take on.<br />
Our <strong>Ulster</strong>men put in a thrilling performance<br />
against the Westerners in last week’s interpro<br />
derby to take the bonus-point win.<br />
The result was the perfect tonic after two tough<br />
defeats in South Africa.<br />
It was the perfect night to recognise the<br />
achievements of our <strong>Ulster</strong> stalwarts as Andy<br />
Warwick, Alan O’Connor and Nick Timoney hit<br />
significant appearance milestones. They are all<br />
fantastic assets to the club and great servants<br />
for their efforts in the <strong>Ulster</strong> shirt.<br />
I want to congratulate all the players and staff<br />
who were involved in Ireland Women’s great<br />
achievement to finish second in their WXV1<br />
group in Canada.<br />
Two superb wins against the Black Ferns and<br />
the USA, either side of a loss against Canada,<br />
have showed how far the squad have come<br />
along in a strong calendar year.<br />
At half-time, we will be celebrating the superb<br />
U18 Schools team who won their summer<br />
interpro series, the first in seven years.<br />
The side won all four of their matches, defeating<br />
Munster, Leinster, and Connacht twice both<br />
home and away. The interprovincial series<br />
came to a fold down in Leinster, when the<br />
team defeated Leinster U18 Schools 24-29. To<br />
recognise this, the team, led by captain Nathan<br />
Noble, will present the Kevin Kelleher Cup at<br />
half-time.<br />
I’m delighted to welcome the boys and<br />
staff involved, as we celebrate this fantastic<br />
achievement.<br />
We are welcoming our <strong>Ulster</strong> representatives<br />
to cheer them before <strong>Ospreys</strong> for their great<br />
accomplishments in the green jersey, I think I<br />
speak for everyone when I say we are proud<br />
of our <strong>Ulster</strong> women for playing in the green<br />
jersey. They are great role models.<br />
We wish everybody a safe and enjoyable night<br />
as the dark and colder nights creep in.<br />
It’s on nights like this that we play our part in<br />
making Kingspan Stadium a fortress for the<br />
team.<br />
SUFTUM<br />
Laurence Rocke<br />
President, IRFU <strong>Ulster</strong> Branch<br />
7
9
IRFU launch Portable Sensory Boxes<br />
to enhance inclusive rugby experience<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> Rugby in association with the<br />
IRFU, Sport Ireland & Energia, are proud<br />
to announce a new Low Stimulus Room<br />
which will launch at tonight’s match<br />
against <strong>Ospreys</strong>.<br />
This initiative is aimed at creating a more<br />
inclusive environment for rugby spectators<br />
with sensory sensitivities, providing a vital<br />
resource for clubs and provincial teams<br />
across the country.<br />
environments often found in stadiums and<br />
clubs. The boxes are simple to use and will<br />
be available on request to all rugby Clubs in<br />
Ireland, offering a haven for those who may<br />
feel overwhelmed during matches or events.<br />
Here at <strong>Ulster</strong> Rugby, we are proud to be<br />
the first province to utilise our Portable<br />
Sensory Box, having set up a Low Stimulus<br />
Room in the stadium that will be available<br />
to use from tonight onwards.<br />
The new low-stimulus room is designed<br />
to support individuals, particularly those<br />
with sensory processing difficulties, who<br />
may find attending live sporting events<br />
overwhelming. These boxes will be available<br />
for clubs to borrow from the provinces,<br />
offering tools and equipment to support<br />
those experiencing sensory overload.<br />
This initiative marks a significant step<br />
forward in making rugby accessible to<br />
everyone, ensuring a more comfortable and<br />
enjoyable experience for all fans, regardless<br />
of their needs.<br />
A low stimulus room is a specially designed<br />
space intended to help individuals with<br />
sensory processing issues or developmental<br />
disabilities, manage sensory input in a<br />
controlled, calming environment. Each<br />
Portable Box contains noise-cancelling<br />
headphones, fidget tools, visual aids, and<br />
calming items that cater to individuals<br />
who may struggle with the loud, bustling<br />
If you would like more information, or to<br />
make a request to use the space, contact<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> Rugby’s Disability Officer, Shel Laffin<br />
on shel.laffin@ulsterrugby.com<br />
11
The rain started to pour down in Belfast and<br />
it was clear that both sides were targeting<br />
the high balls to force the opposition into<br />
knock ons.<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong>’s next try came from an inventive<br />
lineout routine, with John Cooney finding<br />
space and sprinting through a gap in the<br />
Connacht defence. The scrum-half couldn’t<br />
be caught and he went under the posts for<br />
his first try of the season. To add the cherry<br />
on top he converted his own score to make<br />
it 19-5.<br />
Connacht looked the more dangerous side<br />
directly after the interval, with an early try<br />
attempt just minutes in.<br />
Referee, Andrew Brace, had initially awarded<br />
a try for the Westerners but a TMO check<br />
would confirm that Sean O’Brien had not<br />
grounded the ball.<br />
With <strong>Ulster</strong> returned to 15 players, the home<br />
side punished Connacht in next phases.<br />
Lock, Josh Murphy, was shown a yellow card<br />
after a series of penalties and <strong>Ulster</strong> went<br />
after the corner and used their lineout maul<br />
once again for their bonus-point try, scored<br />
by David McCann, who picked and went<br />
from close range.<br />
In the back and forth contest, the pendulum<br />
then swung towards Connacht, who<br />
managed to draw level with <strong>Ulster</strong> after<br />
replacement, Dylan Tierney-Martin, went<br />
over from Connacht’s lineout maul.<br />
Ioane’s converison made the score 24-24<br />
with under twenty minutes left in the game.<br />
Last Time Out<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> edged a thrilling interpro derby,<br />
securing a bonus-point victory against<br />
Connacht in Round 4 of the <strong>BKT</strong> United<br />
Rugby Championship at Kingspan Stadium.<br />
Leading the side out were three <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
stalwarts, with prop, Andy Warwick, and lock,<br />
Alan O’Connor, making their 200th <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
appearances on the night. Nick Timoney also<br />
started on what was his 150th game.<br />
The team sported a new look, debuting the<br />
new third kit inspired by the province.<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> started off on the front foot and took<br />
a lead just two minutes into the match, with<br />
hooker, John Andrew, going over from the<br />
driving lineout maul. John Cooney added<br />
the extras from the tee for an early 7-0 lead.<br />
Connacht grew into the game and through<br />
penalties got their way into the <strong>Ulster</strong> 22. The<br />
ball was then worked wide to winger Shayne<br />
Bolton, who dived over in the left corner for<br />
the away side’s opening try of the contest.<br />
Josh Ioane missed the conversion.<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> then received a huge blow around the<br />
15 minute mark when captain Iain Henderson<br />
came off for an HIA following a head on<br />
head collision. Alan O’Connor came on for<br />
his 200th <strong>Ulster</strong> cap to replace the skipper.<br />
Pete Wilkins side showed their<br />
competitiveness with a reply, with lock, Joe<br />
Joyce, going over from close range after a<br />
lineout on the <strong>Ulster</strong> 5m line.<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> then had to contend with 14 men,<br />
after Werner Kok was shown a yellow card<br />
for tackling a player in the air.<br />
Just before the break, Connacht’s Ben<br />
Murphy pounced on a gap in <strong>Ulster</strong>’s defence<br />
and after slipping a tackle, the scrum-half<br />
notched his fourth try of the season for the<br />
away side.<br />
The converted try left it a two point game at<br />
19-17.<br />
Half-Time: ULS 19 - 17 CON<br />
With <strong>Ulster</strong> on the attack, the game took a<br />
turn when Josh Murphy was shown a straight<br />
red card for a head on, off the ball tackle on<br />
replacment hooker, James McCormick.<br />
From the resulting penalty, John Cooney,<br />
didn’t waste the opportunity to kick <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
into a narrow lead.<br />
With the game closing to an end, <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
added the breathing room needed and it<br />
was the man making his 150th appearance<br />
for his province, Nick Timoney, who muscled<br />
over the whitewash from a maul in the<br />
Connacht 22.<br />
Josh Ioane’s late penalty secured the<br />
Westerners a losing bonus point but ended<br />
the contest, with <strong>Ulster</strong> closing out their first<br />
interpro derby of the season with a win in<br />
front of noisy home support.<br />
Full-Time: ULS 32 - 27 CON<br />
Richie Murphy’s side were on the money<br />
with their set piece and scored a second try<br />
through Jude Postlethwaite after another<br />
lineout maul. The young centre, who just<br />
returned from the Emerging Ireland tour<br />
earlier in the week, picked and drove over<br />
the line for an important try.<br />
WATCH HIGHLIGHTS<br />
13
What the FX?!<br />
Tired of exchange rates hurting your bottom line?<br />
Let us help protect your profits from rate fluctuations.<br />
Enjoy great rates, seriously secure transactions, and no hidden fees.<br />
Experience fast global transfers 24/7 at ofx.com/bkturc<br />
See Wah, OFXpert since 2018<br />
© 2024 OFX Payments Ireland Limited (Company No. 642716). Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland (Firm Ref. No. C190174).<br />
15
Ben Carson, Centre Stage<br />
After making his first start in an <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
jersey and scoring against Vodacom<br />
Bulls in Pretoria, young centre, Ben<br />
Carson, looks ahead to this Friday’s<br />
Round 5 <strong>URC</strong> clash against <strong>Ospreys</strong>.<br />
Ben, how is life going at the<br />
moment with more game-time in an<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> jersey?<br />
Going great! Enjoying getting some<br />
minutes in the senior team, it’s tough<br />
work but I’m taking every day as it comes.<br />
You came on in a heated, intense<br />
interpro against Connacht and made<br />
a good impact off the bench - can<br />
you describe what you were thinking<br />
when coming on?<br />
I came on a lot earlier than expected!<br />
It was tight and intense but as soon as<br />
I got the nod I was excited to come on<br />
and try make an impact from the bench.<br />
You pulled off a kick into the backfield<br />
that really put Connacht under<br />
pressure - is that a side to your game<br />
that people should look out for?<br />
I wouldn’t be known for my kicking game<br />
but as a centre you need to be a jack of<br />
all trades. At that point of the game I<br />
saw the space and instinctively kicked<br />
into the corner. Thankfully it paid off!<br />
Now that you have had a good preseason<br />
and got game-time under<br />
your belt, do you feel you are growing<br />
in confidence as a member of the<br />
senior squad?<br />
After having a really good pre-season,<br />
I felt I developed more as a player.<br />
Getting two caps under my belt is good<br />
for my confidence and proves to myself<br />
that I can perform under pressure in big<br />
games and show what I can do.<br />
Now that you have had some time to<br />
reflect, how special was it to score<br />
your first try against the Bulls on<br />
your first start?<br />
I was delighted to score a try but we<br />
didn’t get the result we wanted so<br />
wasn’t as happy as I could have been but<br />
looking back it will be a good memory<br />
for me.<br />
As a young player, who in the squad<br />
has had a big impact on helping your<br />
game?<br />
I couldn’t put it down to one player but<br />
all the senior players in the squad are<br />
really helpful and great for the younger<br />
lads – the atmosphere inside the squad<br />
is brilliant.<br />
As someone who is making that<br />
transition from the pathway into the<br />
senior set-up, how helpful is it that<br />
the Academy / Development players<br />
now train with the senior team?<br />
I trained with the senior team for a<br />
number of years as an Academy player<br />
and it was brilliant, it gives you a taste<br />
of what professional rugby is like and<br />
the physical demands along with the<br />
skill required.<br />
For those who might not know - how<br />
important was the <strong>Ulster</strong> Academy<br />
in helping you get to where you are<br />
now?<br />
I was in the Academy for three years<br />
and it was vital for my development as<br />
a player. You get to integrate with the<br />
senior team. Our training schedule was<br />
as intense as the pro team, so it gave you<br />
a good insight into what it takes to be a<br />
professional player.<br />
And club wise, how important was club<br />
rugby for you?<br />
I played for Banbridge RFC and Ballynahinch<br />
RFC in my senior rugby career. I think<br />
playing club rugby is really important for<br />
developing your game. It also gives you<br />
important game-time when you aren’t<br />
being selected and it’s great craic to<br />
be part of those teams.<br />
What are your own targets<br />
for the upcoming months?<br />
For the next couple of<br />
months my targets would<br />
be to try and play for <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
as much as I can and that<br />
when I do play, just give<br />
it my all, as that’s all you<br />
can do.<br />
When you look<br />
around the team<br />
and see players<br />
like yourself, Jude<br />
Postlethwaite and<br />
James McNabney<br />
coming up, do you<br />
feel there is a core<br />
of <strong>Ulster</strong> players to<br />
build a team around?<br />
Jude and James are brilliant players<br />
to play alongside and hopefully with<br />
time we can all be key players in the<br />
senior squad.<br />
Finally, how much are you looking<br />
forward to taking on the <strong>Ospreys</strong>?<br />
I’m absolutely buzzing to play<br />
against <strong>Ospreys</strong> on Friday night. It’s<br />
my first start at Kingspan Stadium<br />
in front of our home fans and I hope<br />
it will be great night for everyone.<br />
I hope I can contribute towards<br />
another important win.<br />
17
19
I overcame it with support from<br />
colleagues in USRFR, from other active<br />
referees who share their reflections,<br />
to mentors, coaches and evaluators<br />
who give me direct feedback on my<br />
performance, to others who simply<br />
make the Society a great place to chat<br />
and learn from each other.<br />
Thank you for sitting down with us,<br />
Alana! And best of luck for the rest of<br />
the season.<br />
The most rewarding part is when players,<br />
coaches, and spectators thank you for<br />
facilitating the game - it really makes it<br />
worthwhile.<br />
Referees’ Corner<br />
Tonight, we welcome Andrea Piardi<br />
(FIR) and his team of officials to<br />
Kingspan Stadium for the <strong>BKT</strong> United<br />
Rugby Championship match against<br />
the <strong>Ospreys</strong>. As always, <strong>Ulster</strong> Rugby<br />
would like to remind spectators to<br />
respect the decisions of the match<br />
officials at all times.<br />
This week, we spotlight one of our<br />
development referees, Alana Kerr.<br />
Earlier this week, we sat down with<br />
Banbridge native Alana to learn about<br />
her passion for the game and how<br />
playing has helped her in those highpressure<br />
moments with the whistle.<br />
So, Alana, how did you first get into<br />
rugby?<br />
My interest in rugby came from<br />
watching my brother play for our<br />
local club, Banbridge. I played netball<br />
throughout school but couldn’t commit<br />
to travelling to the closest rugby club<br />
which had a girls’ youth setup at the<br />
time to take up rugby properly. I finally<br />
had the opportunity to start playing<br />
while I was at university in Nottingham,<br />
and I loved it.<br />
At what point did you decide to pick<br />
up the whistle?<br />
A couple of years after I started playing<br />
in Nottingham, I began thinking about<br />
getting into refereeing. I always found<br />
myself watching what the referee was<br />
doing and what they were seeing. Seeing<br />
people like Hollie Davidson refereeing<br />
matches at the highest levels is a real<br />
inspiration - she shows that it is possible.<br />
When I returned home from Nottingham<br />
last year, it felt like the perfect time<br />
to give it a blast. I reached out to the<br />
USRFR, and I haven’t looked back since!<br />
What have been the biggest<br />
challenges and rewards in your<br />
journey as a referee?<br />
Joining the USRFR (<strong>Ulster</strong> Society of<br />
Rugby Football Referees) and starting<br />
out in the middle was definitely a steep<br />
learning curve. It’s very different calling<br />
things from the sideline, or being<br />
involved as a player, compared to being<br />
the one making decisions on the pitch!<br />
Becoming confident and comfortable<br />
in the middle was a challenge, but<br />
How has your experience as a player<br />
influenced your refereeing style and<br />
approach to the game?<br />
Playing has helped my refereeing a lot -<br />
not just in communicating with players,<br />
but in gaining a good feel for the game<br />
and understanding what players are<br />
trying to do, which allows me to be<br />
aware of the tactics that they may use.<br />
I try to anticipate what players might<br />
do next, so I’m better prepared for it on<br />
the pitch.<br />
Can you share a memorable moment<br />
from your refereeing career so far?<br />
Being an Assistant Referee in the recent<br />
Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
v Leinster was a fantastic experience.<br />
It was my first time being involved in a<br />
televised game, with full communication<br />
equipment and a TMO (Television <strong>Match</strong><br />
Official) involved. It was also great to see<br />
how far the Women’s game has come<br />
and continues to grow.<br />
What advice would you give to<br />
players considering a transition into<br />
officiating?<br />
Give it a go! It keeps you involved in the<br />
game, helps you stay fit (I cover about<br />
6km in a match), and you get to meet new<br />
people through the different events the<br />
referee Society puts on. It also provides<br />
you with the opportunity to develop<br />
skills which you can use in other areas<br />
of your life.<br />
If interested in becoming a Referee, please contact:<br />
Richard Kerr<br />
Referee Development Manager<br />
richard.kerr@irfu.ie | 07493 868 388<br />
Alana’s coach and <strong>Ulster</strong>’s Referee<br />
Development Manager, Richard Kerr,<br />
told us:<br />
“Alana has been an inspiration since<br />
she took up refereeing just over a<br />
year ago. She has mentioned Hollie<br />
Davidson above, but I am proud that<br />
Alana and a small but dedicated<br />
group of female referees are the<br />
trailblazers here, on the ground, in<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong>. It’s been fantastic to see her<br />
grow in confidence and develop<br />
skills as a referee, especially during<br />
high-pressure matches. Alana is<br />
a great role model for anyone<br />
considering transitioning from<br />
playing to officiating, or who just<br />
wants to give refereeing a go, and<br />
we are all excited to see where her<br />
refereeing journey takes her.”<br />
U.S.R.F.R
ulster.rugby/buytickets<br />
23
ULSTER RUGBY MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD<br />
Hooker<br />
26/05/1993<br />
180cm<br />
104kg<br />
125<br />
-<br />
John<br />
Andrew<br />
Wing<br />
19/08/1997<br />
193cm<br />
96kg<br />
69<br />
4<br />
Rob<br />
Baloucoune<br />
Centre<br />
24/02/2002<br />
183cm<br />
98kg<br />
4<br />
-<br />
Ben<br />
Carson<br />
Scrum Half<br />
01/05/1990<br />
178cm<br />
86kg<br />
143<br />
11<br />
John<br />
Cooney<br />
Back Row<br />
28/01/2002<br />
188cm<br />
102kg<br />
5<br />
-<br />
Reuben<br />
Crothers<br />
Scrum Half<br />
17/12/2001<br />
185cm<br />
86kg<br />
73<br />
-<br />
Nathan<br />
Doak<br />
Fly Half<br />
07/06/1999<br />
183cm<br />
93kg<br />
15<br />
-<br />
Jake<br />
Flannery<br />
Hooker<br />
27/04/1990<br />
185cm<br />
106kg<br />
241<br />
40<br />
Reuben<br />
Crothers<br />
Rob<br />
Herring<br />
Centre<br />
07/09/1998<br />
188cm<br />
100kg<br />
95<br />
3<br />
James<br />
Hume<br />
Fly Half<br />
14/11/2001<br />
185cm<br />
83kg<br />
1<br />
-<br />
James<br />
Humphreys<br />
Lock<br />
28/01/2000<br />
201cm<br />
118kg<br />
30<br />
-<br />
Cormac<br />
Izuchukwu<br />
Wing<br />
17/01/1993<br />
180cm<br />
96kg<br />
4<br />
Reuben<br />
Crothers<br />
Werner<br />
Kok<br />
Full Back<br />
20/08/1998<br />
170cm<br />
78kg<br />
108<br />
1<br />
Mike<br />
Lowry<br />
Back Row<br />
13/06/2000<br />
193cm<br />
110kg<br />
51<br />
-<br />
David<br />
McCann<br />
Centre<br />
06/08/1992<br />
193cm<br />
112kg<br />
191<br />
18<br />
Stuart<br />
McCloskey<br />
Back Row<br />
28/01/2002<br />
188cm<br />
102kg<br />
5<br />
-<br />
Reuben<br />
Crothers<br />
Prop<br />
13/06/1998<br />
177cm<br />
120kg<br />
4<br />
Corrie<br />
Barrett<br />
ULSTER RUGBY MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD<br />
Hooker<br />
08/01/2002<br />
183cm<br />
107kg<br />
4<br />
-<br />
James<br />
McCormick<br />
Scrum Half<br />
24/06/1999<br />
178cm<br />
87kg<br />
1<br />
-<br />
Michael<br />
McDonald<br />
Back Row<br />
28/02/2003<br />
194cm<br />
116kg<br />
8<br />
-<br />
James<br />
McNabney<br />
Wing<br />
10/08/2000<br />
188cm<br />
90kg<br />
67<br />
-<br />
Ethan<br />
McIlroy<br />
Scrum Half<br />
03/04/2002<br />
189cm<br />
109kg<br />
-<br />
-<br />
Lorcan<br />
McLoughlin<br />
Scrum Half<br />
20/03/2001<br />
183cm<br />
86kg<br />
-<br />
-<br />
Conor<br />
McKee<br />
Utility Back<br />
08/08/1999<br />
184cm<br />
93kg<br />
72<br />
-<br />
Stewart<br />
Moore<br />
Wing<br />
09/06/2001<br />
191cm<br />
101kg<br />
32<br />
-<br />
Ben<br />
Moxham<br />
Fly Half<br />
07/06/2001<br />
172cm<br />
82kg<br />
6<br />
-<br />
Aidan<br />
Morgan<br />
Lock<br />
10/09/1992<br />
196cm<br />
115kg<br />
200<br />
-<br />
Alan<br />
O’Connor<br />
Prop<br />
30/11/1995<br />
183cm<br />
118kg<br />
119<br />
1<br />
Eric<br />
O’Sullivan<br />
Centre<br />
03/04/2002<br />
193cm<br />
106kg<br />
16<br />
-<br />
Jude<br />
Postlethwaite<br />
Prop<br />
23/09/1998<br />
184cm<br />
120kg<br />
110<br />
13<br />
Tom<br />
O’Toole<br />
Back Row<br />
08/09/1997<br />
188cm<br />
110kg<br />
49<br />
-<br />
Marcus<br />
Rea<br />
Back Row<br />
21/09/1993<br />
193cm<br />
114kg<br />
102<br />
-<br />
Matty<br />
Rea<br />
Lock<br />
21/02/1992<br />
199cm<br />
119kg<br />
156<br />
81<br />
Iain<br />
Henderson<br />
25
ULSTER RUGBY MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD<br />
Back Row<br />
04/11/1998<br />
180cm<br />
102kg<br />
12<br />
-<br />
Sean<br />
Reffell<br />
Reuben Harry<br />
Sheridan Crothers<br />
Back Row<br />
21/09/2001<br />
195cm<br />
121kg<br />
30<br />
-<br />
Prop<br />
06/01/1999<br />
183cm<br />
116.5kg<br />
19<br />
-<br />
Callum<br />
Reid<br />
Tom<br />
Stewart<br />
Hooker<br />
11/01/2001<br />
183cm<br />
105kg<br />
46<br />
2<br />
Wing<br />
24/08/2000<br />
188cm<br />
95kg<br />
12<br />
-<br />
Aaron<br />
Sexton<br />
Jacob<br />
Stockdale<br />
Wing<br />
03/04/1996<br />
191cm<br />
104kg<br />
124<br />
37<br />
Dave<br />
Shanahan<br />
Scrum Half<br />
20/06/1993<br />
175cm<br />
77kg<br />
94<br />
-<br />
Nick<br />
Timoney<br />
Back Row<br />
01/08/1995<br />
188cm<br />
112kg<br />
150<br />
3<br />
Reuben Kieran<br />
Treadwell Crothers<br />
Zac<br />
Ward<br />
Andrew<br />
Warwick<br />
Scott<br />
Wilson<br />
Lock<br />
06/11/1995<br />
198cm<br />
118kg<br />
164<br />
11<br />
Utility Back<br />
11/12/1998<br />
191cm<br />
101kg<br />
-<br />
-<br />
Prop<br />
12/03/1991<br />
178cm<br />
115kg<br />
200<br />
-<br />
Prop<br />
06/08/2002<br />
186cm<br />
125kg<br />
16<br />
-<br />
New Players<br />
Tadgh McElroy, former Ireland U20s hooker spent<br />
last season with Connacht and has also played for<br />
Saracens, Bedford Blues, Bristol Bears, London Irish<br />
and Leinster.<br />
25 year-old prop, Bryan O’Connor has signed a<br />
deal with the province, bolstering the squad’s front<br />
row options.<br />
The Cork man spent the past season with Bedford<br />
Blues and previously played for Gloucester Rugby<br />
in the English Premiership, played AIL rugby with<br />
University College Cork and been part of the<br />
Munster Rugby Sub-Academy.<br />
Tadgh<br />
McElroy<br />
Hooker<br />
16/06/1997<br />
178cm<br />
104kg<br />
-<br />
-<br />
Bryan<br />
O’Connor<br />
Prop<br />
23/10/1998<br />
188cm<br />
124kg<br />
-<br />
-<br />
27
ULSTER RUGBY ACADEMY<br />
The latest batch of young talent reinforces the<br />
province’s focus on developing prospects<br />
to progress into the senior men’s team.<br />
that players can progress and take their<br />
opportunities in the Senior side when<br />
they arise.<br />
James<br />
McKillop<br />
Jack<br />
Murphy<br />
Jonny<br />
Scott<br />
Zac<br />
Solomon<br />
This year’s academy sees the largest number<br />
of players in over five years, with 20 young<br />
players now in the ranks.<br />
The <strong>Ulster</strong> Rugby Pathway has showed<br />
In 2023/24, Academy players such as Scott<br />
Wilson, James McNabney, Zac Solomon,<br />
Joe Hopes and Lorcan McLoughlin all made<br />
their senior debuts and made an important<br />
contribution in the senior side.<br />
Back Row<br />
15/12/2004<br />
197cm<br />
112kg<br />
-<br />
Fly Half<br />
15/07/2004<br />
177cm<br />
83kg<br />
-<br />
Centre<br />
15/08/2005<br />
191cm<br />
99kg<br />
-<br />
Hooker<br />
17/06/2004<br />
177cm<br />
100kg<br />
1<br />
Sam<br />
Berman<br />
Jack<br />
Boal<br />
Jacob<br />
Boyd<br />
Tom<br />
Brigg<br />
Josh<br />
Stevens<br />
Rory<br />
Telfer<br />
Henry<br />
Walker<br />
Bryn<br />
Ward<br />
Centre<br />
Prop<br />
Prop<br />
Back Row<br />
Back Row<br />
Wing /Fullback<br />
Hooker<br />
Back Row<br />
16/01/2004<br />
01/05/2003<br />
10/07/2004<br />
26/06/2004<br />
14/12/2004<br />
29/08/2003<br />
01/01/2003<br />
17/07/2004<br />
183cm<br />
187cm<br />
186cm<br />
189cm<br />
178cm<br />
184cm<br />
187cm<br />
185cm<br />
93kg<br />
117kg<br />
114kg<br />
111kg<br />
101kg<br />
90kg<br />
105kg<br />
115kg<br />
-<br />
-<br />
-<br />
-<br />
-<br />
-<br />
-<br />
-<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> U18 Schools | PwC U18 Schools Interprovincial Champions<br />
Wilhelm<br />
De Klerk<br />
Centre<br />
16/08/2004<br />
180cm<br />
90kg<br />
Cameron<br />
Doak<br />
Prop<br />
17/12/2003<br />
190cm<br />
127kg<br />
Ethan<br />
Graham<br />
Wing /Fullback<br />
27/04/2004<br />
181cm<br />
88kg<br />
Joe<br />
Hopes<br />
Lock<br />
16/03/2004<br />
201cm<br />
115kg<br />
In August, the <strong>Ulster</strong> U18 Schools team<br />
secured their first PwC U18 Schools<br />
Interprovincial Series title in seven years.<br />
They won all four of their matches, defeating<br />
Munster, Leinster, and Connacht twice both<br />
home and away. The interprovincial series<br />
came to a fold down in Leinster, when the<br />
team defeated Leinster U18 Schools 24-29.<br />
To recognise this huge achievement, the<br />
team, led by captain Nathan Noble, will<br />
present the Kevin Kelleher Cup to <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
Branch President, Laurence Rocke, on the<br />
pitch at half-time of tonight’s game. We are<br />
delighted to host the group and we look<br />
forward to seeing more of them in the years<br />
to come.<br />
-<br />
-<br />
-<br />
1<br />
Charlie<br />
Irvine<br />
Lukas<br />
Kenny<br />
Clark<br />
Logan<br />
Ben<br />
McFarlane<br />
Lock<br />
Wing /Fullback<br />
Scrum Half<br />
Wing /Fullback<br />
28/01/2003<br />
08/09/2004<br />
11/08/2005<br />
04/10/2004<br />
203cm<br />
185cm<br />
176cm<br />
174cm<br />
117kg<br />
100kg<br />
78kg<br />
77kg<br />
1<br />
-<br />
-<br />
-<br />
29
Half-Time<br />
Exhibition Games<br />
NEVIN SPENCE MEMORIAL STAND END ABBEYAUTOLINE FAMILY STAND END<br />
Portadown Panthers<br />
Kit: Blue, Yellow & White<br />
1 Jessica McClean<br />
2 Ben Harrison<br />
3 Caleb Milligan<br />
4 Rory Casey<br />
5 Jake Cloughley<br />
6 Seth Milligan<br />
7 Oliver Casey<br />
8 Dylan McBride<br />
9<br />
10<br />
11<br />
12<br />
Ballymena Bears<br />
Kit: Black & White<br />
1 Harry Cairns<br />
2 Oisin O’Neill<br />
3 Cameron Crowe<br />
4 Troy Rogers<br />
5 Rowan Fahay<br />
6 Shane McAndless<br />
7 Andrew McDowell<br />
8 Danny McCormick<br />
9 Ciaran Drumm<br />
10 Frank Stewart<br />
11 Paul Kelly<br />
12 Margaret Stewart<br />
Donaghadee Sharkies<br />
Kit: Green & Red<br />
1 Archie Wicks<br />
2 Sam McKelvey<br />
3 Evie Edwards<br />
4 William Edwards<br />
5 Emma Brown<br />
6 Oliver Magreehan<br />
7 Riley Gedge-Duffy<br />
8 Jack Hunter<br />
9 Charlie Hunter<br />
10 Ben Grattan<br />
11<br />
12<br />
Portadown Panthers<br />
Kit: Blue, Yellow & White<br />
1 Callum Marks<br />
2 Maggie Marks<br />
3 Jordan McNulty<br />
4 Jordan McCabe<br />
5 Jordan Wilson<br />
6 Adam McCracken<br />
7 Ga Wai Phun<br />
8 Craig Malcolmson<br />
9 Reece Massey<br />
10 Billy Wilson<br />
11 Leah McBride<br />
12 Joshua Millar<br />
31
Three Malone Tornadoes Selected for MARI Tour<br />
Three Malone Tornadoes players were<br />
honoured with the opportunity to represent<br />
their club at the prestigious Mixed Ability<br />
Rugby Invitational (MARI). David McKay<br />
David Ditty and Jordan Kerr, were selected<br />
to travel to Italy on Saturday 12 October, to<br />
take on the Italian side, Chivasso Rugby.<br />
Mixed Ability Rugby is a testament to the<br />
inclusiveness of the sport, showing that<br />
anyone can take part and play alongside<br />
others under the same laws - there’s no need<br />
for separate teams for those with down<br />
syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, physical<br />
disability, or those without a disability.<br />
Over the weekend, the three players<br />
travelled to Turin to participate in the 10thever<br />
MARI tour. MARIs selects players from<br />
all over the world, inviting them to join up<br />
for a single match. Selection isn’t based on<br />
athletic ability or skill, but on those who truly<br />
embody the spirit of Mixed Ability Rugby.<br />
Training took place in Chivasso, just a bus<br />
ride away, with the team bonding quickly<br />
through songs and camaraderie on the<br />
journey. Players from Italy, Spain, England,<br />
Wales, Scotland, and Ireland came together<br />
to form a united squad. Tremendous effort<br />
was put in during training, with players and<br />
coaches alike working to learn new moves<br />
and integrate systems despite language<br />
barriers, all while playing alongside<br />
individuals with a range of abilities -<br />
showcasing what makes Mixed Ability<br />
Rugby so unique.<br />
Saturday morning began with a tour around<br />
Turin, soaking up the city’s history and even<br />
spinning on the testes of a bronze bull for<br />
good luck (as one does in Italy!). The day<br />
continued with a selection presentation,<br />
where each player proudly received their<br />
playing jersey.<br />
Although previous MARI matches have<br />
been played in prestigious venues like the<br />
Principality Stadium, Virgin Media Park, and<br />
Cardiff Arms Park, this match took place at<br />
Chivasso’s home ground - a more modest<br />
venue. However, the game itself was fastpaced,<br />
with dry, firm ground contributing<br />
to intense and fierce tackling. The MARIs<br />
scored first and led 14-5 at half-time.<br />
As the second-half unfolded, the team<br />
remained resilient. With 15 minutes to go,<br />
the MARIs scored twice more to secure<br />
the win. The final score was 33-15, with<br />
five different try-scorers and four different<br />
kickers sealing the victory. It was a brilliant<br />
display of teamwork and determination, and<br />
the players were proud to have represented<br />
their club in such a memorable win.<br />
Congratulations to the three players on their<br />
selection and success in Italy,<br />
Within <strong>Ulster</strong>, we have two male Mixed Ability<br />
teams - Malone Tornadoes and Banbridge<br />
Barbarians and 10 clubs offering tag rugby<br />
for players with disabilities.<br />
For more information on<br />
disability rugby, please contact<br />
Shel Laffin<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> Rugby Disability Officer<br />
shel.laffin@ulsterrugby.com<br />
33
1<br />
2<br />
3<br />
1<br />
2<br />
1<br />
Eric O’SULLIVAN<br />
James McCORMICK<br />
Tom O’TOOLE<br />
Gareth THOMAS<br />
Sam PARRY<br />
Ben WARREN<br />
4<br />
5<br />
4<br />
5<br />
C<br />
Alan O’CONNOR<br />
Harry SHERIDAN<br />
Will GREATBANKS<br />
Lewis JONES<br />
6<br />
8<br />
7<br />
6<br />
8<br />
7<br />
Cormac IZUCHUKWU<br />
David McCANN<br />
Marcus REA<br />
Lewis LLOYD<br />
Morgan MORRIS<br />
C<br />
Justin TIPURIC<br />
9<br />
9<br />
John COONEY<br />
Kieran HARDY<br />
10<br />
10<br />
11<br />
Aidan MORGAN<br />
11<br />
Dan EDWARDS<br />
Jacob STOCKDALE<br />
12<br />
Keelan GILES<br />
12<br />
Stuart McCLOSKEY<br />
Owen WILLIAMS<br />
Replacements<br />
13<br />
Replacements<br />
13<br />
16 Tadgh McELROY<br />
16 Ethan LEWIS<br />
17 Callum REID<br />
Ben CARSON<br />
17 Garyn PHILLIPS<br />
Evardi BOSHOFF<br />
18 Scott WILSON<br />
18 Math IOWERTH-SCOTT<br />
19 Kieran TREADWELL<br />
14<br />
19 Rhys THOMAS<br />
14<br />
20 Matty REA<br />
21 Nathan DOAK<br />
15<br />
Werner KOK<br />
20 Dan GEMINE<br />
21 Reuben MORGAN-WILLIAMS<br />
15<br />
Dan KASENDE<br />
22 James HUMPHREYS<br />
22 Tom FLORENCE<br />
23 Jude POSTLETHWAITE<br />
Mike LOWRY<br />
23 Max NAGY<br />
Jack WALSH<br />
Referee: Andrea Piardi<br />
Assistant Refs: Andrew Cole & Andrew Fogarty TMO: Matteo Liperini<br />
35
1 Billion<br />
PET bottles<br />
recycled into our<br />
manufacturing<br />
processes by 2025<br />
1bn<br />
Ambitious<br />
Target<br />
Areas<br />
Energy,<br />
Carbon,<br />
Circularity,<br />
Water<br />
4<br />
Kingspan’s Commitment<br />
to Sustainability<br />
Zero<br />
Company<br />
waste to<br />
landfill<br />
by 2030<br />
0<br />
Read our<br />
Report<br />
here<br />
Five<br />
Ocean<br />
Cleanup Projects<br />
ECOALF, Seabin,<br />
Clearbot<br />
to date<br />
5<br />
100million<br />
Litres of rainwater<br />
harvested<br />
by 2030<br />
100m<br />
One Legacy<br />
Leaving the planet<br />
in a better place<br />
through our Planet<br />
Passionate<br />
communities<br />
projects 1<br />
37
OSPREYS<br />
Head Coach Toby Booth has a reputation<br />
as a deep rugby thinker, good<br />
communicator and has prioritised<br />
developing young Welsh talent during<br />
his time at the <strong>Ospreys</strong>.<br />
Season so far:<br />
DRA 23 - 21 OSP<br />
OSP 37 - 24 STO<br />
MUN 23 - 0 OSP<br />
OSP 19 - 29 BUL<br />
PLAYERS TO WATCH<br />
Dan Edwards<br />
The 21 year old fly-half from Port Talbot has<br />
quickly become a household name, following<br />
on from making seventeen appearances for<br />
Wales U20, including the 2023 World Rugby<br />
U20 Championship.<br />
Edwards joined <strong>Ospreys</strong> in 2021, scoring a<br />
try on his senior debut against Welsh rivals,<br />
Scarlets.<br />
The young fly-half is the current leading<br />
points scorer in the league, racking up 33<br />
points for his club to date.<br />
PREVIOUS<br />
MEETINGS<br />
FEB<br />
2024<br />
OSP 19<br />
ULS 17<br />
New Arrivals:<br />
• Phil Cokanasiga<br />
• Will Greatbanks<br />
• Kieran Hardy<br />
• Steffan Thomas<br />
• Ryan Conbeer<br />
• Daniel Kasende<br />
• Evardi Boshoff<br />
OCT<br />
2022<br />
ULS 47<br />
OSP 17<br />
Morgan Morris<br />
DEC<br />
2021<br />
OSP 19<br />
ULS 13<br />
Morgan Morris was a try-scorer in Round 4.<br />
The 26-year-old’s back-row forward was a<br />
key figure for <strong>Ospreys</strong> last season as they<br />
clinched a Play-Off spot, winning multiple<br />
Player of the <strong>Match</strong> awards.<br />
His ability to win turnovers, make crucial<br />
tackles, and provide dynamic support<br />
in attack makes him a consistent gamechanger<br />
for the team.<br />
NAME POSITION DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT<br />
BEARD Adam Lock 07/01/1996 2.03m 116kg<br />
BOSHOFF Evardi Centre 06/10/1998 1.83m 92kg<br />
BOTHA Tom Prop 31/08/1990 1.78m 117kg<br />
CHAPMAN Freddie Prop 13/03/2004 1.93m 121kg<br />
COKANASIGA Phil Centre 31/07/2001 1.83m 105kg<br />
CONBEER Ryan Wing 05/02/1999 1.78m 90kg<br />
DAVIES Luke Scrum-Half 26/02/2002 1.73m 78kg<br />
DAVIES Rhys Lock 09/11/1998 1.98m 114kg<br />
DAVIES Tristan Back Row 30/09/2001 1.93m 104kg<br />
DEAVES Harri Back Row 13/06/2001 1.8m 96kg<br />
EDWARDS Dan Fly-Half 07/05/2003 1.78m 83kg<br />
EDWARDS Lewis FB 05/12/2006 1.93m 100kg<br />
EDWARDS Liam Lock 03/11/2003 1.98m 114kg<br />
ERASMUS Owen FH 13/03/2006 1.83m 84kg<br />
FENDER James Lock 03/08/2001 2.01m 115kg<br />
FLORENCE Tom Centre 19/03/2003 1.88m 95kg<br />
GILES Keelan Wing 29/01/1998 1.73m 78kg<br />
GREATBANKS Will Lock 18/01/2003 1.93m 109kg<br />
GRIFFITHS Will Lock 25/12/1998 1.93m 106kg<br />
HARDY Kieran Scrum-Half 30/11/1995 1.85m 89kg<br />
HENRY Rhys Prop 08/09/1998 1.73m 114kg<br />
HIRE Kian Prop 30/09/2004 1.85m 121kg<br />
HOPKINS Iestyn Full-Back 04/04/2002 1.75m 85kg<br />
HOUSTON Harri Wing 27/11/2003 1.78m 82kg<br />
IORWERTH-SCOTT Math Prop 05/01/2000 1.85m 125kg<br />
JONES Cameron B Prop 04/10/2002 1.93m 128kg<br />
JONES Lewis Lock 19/07/2002 2.01m 105kg<br />
KASENDE Daniel Wing 09/05/1995 1.85m 92kg<br />
LAKE Dewi Hooker 16/05/1999 1.85m 114kg<br />
LEWIS-JENKINS Cory Wing 17/11/2003 1.8m 85kg<br />
LEWIS Ethan Hooker 28/03/1994 1.8m 109kg<br />
LLOYD Lewis Hooker 20/07/2003 1.8m 92kg<br />
MORGAN Jac Back Row 21/01/2000 1.8m 105kg<br />
MORGAN Luke Wing 16/05/1992 1.75m 81kg<br />
MORGAN-WILLIAMS Reuben Scrum-Half 03/02/1998 1.8m 85kg<br />
MORRIS Morgan Back Row 28/08/1998 1.83m 110kg<br />
MORSE Morgan Back Row 18/01/2005 1.8m 104kg<br />
MOYSE Connor Wing 19/03/2003 1.88m 94kg<br />
NAGY Max Full-Back 13/06/1999 1.93m 97kg<br />
PARRY Sam Hooker 17/12/1991 1.85m 114kg<br />
PHILLIPS Garyn Prop 14/05/2001 1.83m 123kg<br />
RATTI James Lock 14/10/1997 1.95m 115kg<br />
SCULLY Luke Fly-Half 28/02/2000 1.8m 86kg<br />
SUTTON Huw Lock 17/11/1999 1.98m 122kg<br />
THOMAS Gareth Prop 02/08/1993 1.88m 116kg<br />
THOMAS Steff Prop 22/04/1997 1.85m 119kg<br />
TIPURIC Justin Back Row 06/08/1989 1.88m 100kg<br />
WALSH Jack Fly-Half 11/01/2000 1.8m 88kg<br />
WARREN Ben Prop 02/04/2000 1.85m 123kg<br />
WATKIN Owen Centre 12/10/1996 1.88m 100kg<br />
WHITLOCK Scott Scrum-Half 29/08/2004 1.75m 72kg<br />
WILLIAMS Keiran Centre 04/12/1997 1.78m 90kg<br />
WILLIAMS Owen Fly-Half 27/02/1992 1.85m 95kg<br />
39
TRAINING<br />
41
LIGHTS, CAMERAS<br />
AND FRIDAY NIGHT<br />
ACTION!<br />
Squads which have names like Lowry,<br />
Stockdale, McCloskey, Hume, Cooney,<br />
Doak, the invaluable Henderson, Herring,<br />
Timoney and McCann, for instance, has a<br />
thread of quality and commitment to the<br />
cause coursing through their veins.<br />
This season there has been an infusion of<br />
homegrown talent to surprise and, for the<br />
most part, delight home fans. Backs Ben<br />
Carson, Jude Postlethwaite and James<br />
Humphreys have been just some of those<br />
who have proved themselves capable of<br />
performing at this serious, senior level.<br />
Jake Flannery has yet to make an appearance<br />
in the matchday panel, and against Connacht<br />
when Morgan was withdrawn, a familiar<br />
pairing of John Cooney and replacement<br />
Nathan Doak saw out the match. Each is<br />
a formidable and cherished talent, but<br />
ideally each would presumably opt to start<br />
at scrum-half despite a clear goodwill<br />
between the two.<br />
Murphy and his team in the coaching box<br />
will make decisions which are in the best<br />
interests of <strong>Ulster</strong>, of course and quite<br />
properly, but players are individuals with<br />
ambitions which may not be limited to<br />
club only.<br />
At half-back, wing-three quarter, in the<br />
centre and in the front and back rows of<br />
the <strong>Ulster</strong> starting fifteen there are very real<br />
contests for primacy. It’s what any coach<br />
will want: strength in real depth.<br />
Guest Article<br />
by Rod Nawn<br />
Friday night in mid-October, the venue<br />
Kingspan Stadium, the floodlights blazing<br />
down on the latest visiting rugby gladiators<br />
to challenge the hosts.<br />
Weekends can begin again this evening as<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong>, fresh from a restorative second win<br />
in the <strong>BKT</strong> United Rugby Championship,<br />
welcome a familiar foe in the shape of the<br />
<strong>Ospreys</strong>, perhaps no longer the home of<br />
a metropolitan collection of gallacticos<br />
but still a team laden with internationals<br />
and always a major supplier to Warren<br />
Gatland’s Wales.<br />
For <strong>Ulster</strong>, the thrilling, physical defeat of<br />
Connacht last Saturday offered an inevitably<br />
gruelling welcome back from a fortnight in<br />
South Africa where the Lions and the Bulls<br />
ultimately proved more match-ready and<br />
powerful. The glow of that dramatic seasonopening<br />
win over champions Glasgow<br />
Warriors dulled slightly but Head Coach<br />
Richie Murphy gave many newcomers to<br />
the squad the chance to put their hands up<br />
for regular action.<br />
Consequently, Connacht came up against<br />
a side relishing the first Inter-Pro of the<br />
campaign and well prepared for the arrival<br />
of the men from the west who have too<br />
frequently spoiled the <strong>Ulster</strong> party in front<br />
of an expectant home crowd.<br />
The mood is generally positive, there is an<br />
energy about the side to date which is full<br />
of promise and has possibly exceeded its<br />
own early-season ambitions. After all, when<br />
referee Andrew Brace signalled the start of<br />
last week’s game, <strong>Ulster</strong> sat, unusually, at<br />
the bottom of the 16-team <strong>URC</strong> table.<br />
Two hours, and a bonus-try win, later <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
had moved into the relative high altitude<br />
of eighth. That happens, of course, in the<br />
more volatile results and movements in<br />
the table of the very early tussles of a tenmonth<br />
season. But it is not unreasonable<br />
for the <strong>Ulster</strong> faitful to harbour realistic<br />
hopes in campaigns in both league and<br />
in the complex format of the Investec<br />
Champions Cup.<br />
In the forwards Scott Wilson is almost a<br />
veteran prop at 22, his front-row partner<br />
Corrie Barrett’s rugby travels have eventually<br />
brought him back to the fold in Belfast, and<br />
Tadgh McElroy is a hooker who survived<br />
the best the Bulls could throw at him in the<br />
educative trip to South Africa last month.<br />
In the same youthful bracket, we have<br />
Harry Sheridan, Cormac Izuchukwu, James<br />
McCormick, James McNabney and others<br />
who might have anticipated less rapid<br />
immersion in recent contests.<br />
Winger Zac Ward has already starred<br />
for the Emerging Ireland tour party in<br />
South Africa as he hopes to transfer his<br />
globally renowned Sevens skills to what<br />
might be an equally glittering future in<br />
the 15-a-side game.<br />
Of course, like any close observer of the<br />
quirks of team selection, there are those<br />
waiting to see who will occupy the positions<br />
regarded as key to the competitive teams.<br />
Aidan Morgan has been the apparent first<br />
choice out-half since his arrival from New<br />
Zealand, and the omens are good.<br />
Richie Murphy is a man who understands<br />
these potential areas of sporting conflict,<br />
but it is a sign of his character that he<br />
developed hugely successful Ireland Under<br />
20 teams using fine athletes and superb<br />
rugby players who, at this first sight of the<br />
potential of professional sport, are laden<br />
with ambition.<br />
That amongst Murphy’s gifts as a coach is<br />
a superlative man-management skill will<br />
serve him and <strong>Ulster</strong> well this season as<br />
he merges the eager youngsters and the<br />
hardened and more experienced players<br />
into a genuinely combative and enterprising<br />
project for the ‘now’ and the future.<br />
The <strong>Ospreys</strong> this Friday evening know that<br />
a win would hoist them from a lowly league<br />
position and above their hosts, but though<br />
Head Coach Toby Booth has firepower,<br />
the side has registered just one win in its<br />
four outings to date. But beware, this is<br />
a team with some renewed ambition and<br />
players on the roster who have international<br />
credentials aplenty.<br />
43
Justin Tipuric is a marauding breakaway<br />
forward who has been a British and<br />
Ireland Lion three times and has collected<br />
close to a century of Wales caps in an<br />
extraordinary career.<br />
The open-side flanker, at 35, is still a<br />
fearsome competitor, a rampaging ballcarrier<br />
and possesses an acute rugby brain.<br />
With the recent Wales skipper Jac Morgan<br />
on the other side of the back-row, the<br />
visitors have a world-class duo which will<br />
dictate the breakdown if given an inch by<br />
the <strong>Ulster</strong> pack.<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> will hope Stuart McCloskey is ready<br />
to return after his latest injury, but Murphy’s<br />
choices are several in midfield, although<br />
Postlethwaite’s departure mid-game against<br />
Connacht, and Stewart Moore’s absence,<br />
will mean an all-new centre partnership.<br />
Up front the excellent Nick Timoney could<br />
be a critical factor at the breakdown and<br />
in the loose, while Alan O’Connor, John<br />
Andrew, Andrew Warwick and Tom O’Toole<br />
will have important roles out-of-touch and<br />
in the ruck and maul.<br />
Adam Beard is the current standout lock<br />
forward in the Welsh game, and with<br />
hooker Dewi Lake and props Tom Botha the<br />
<strong>Ospreys</strong> possess a robust and physically<br />
dynamic pack.<br />
Dan Edwards and scrum-half Reuben<br />
Morgan-Williams have been an inventive<br />
pairing and in Phil Cokanasiga and Owen<br />
Watkin there’s a creative mindset and a real<br />
physical midfield presence.<br />
Ryan Conbeer is one of the best finishers in<br />
the sport and he too is a robust and lethal<br />
point of attack who, when the Bulls were<br />
reduced to just twelve men at one stage<br />
last week in Swansea, dragged his side to<br />
within touching distant of an unlikely win.<br />
Only the Stormers have been downed by<br />
Booth’s team so far this season, the Dragons,<br />
Munster and the Bulls taking advantage of<br />
the <strong>Ospreys</strong>’ slow start to the year.<br />
Murphy will hope to rid his team of its<br />
reputation for conceding ill-timed and<br />
unnecessary penalties so the subject of<br />
discipline will have been broached this past<br />
week.<br />
The players have shown a healthy appetite<br />
for battle and taking a step back is not in<br />
the playbook. Just ask Werner Kok!<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> supporters will arrive for the return<br />
of a Friday night ritual in good heart and<br />
voice, and with that new and relaxed mood<br />
generated by more stable times at Ravenhill.<br />
So, the weekend starts here, and wouldn’t<br />
another win just be the cherry on the cake<br />
before the trip to Cardiff next Saturday?<br />
A WARM<br />
WELCOME TO OUR<br />
GROUP BOOKINGS<br />
MUVE Project<br />
Omagh RFC<br />
Waringstown Pres Church<br />
The Rodillian Academy<br />
Cookstown HS<br />
Regen<br />
Ballycastle HS<br />
Ballymena Academy<br />
Glastry College<br />
Markethill HS<br />
Parkhall Int. College<br />
Carrickfergus Academy<br />
Carrickfergus Grammar<br />
Dalriada<br />
45
Alan O’Connor at 200<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong>’s long-serving lock talked to us about making a milestone<br />
200th appearance for his province against Connacht, putting him<br />
into a new category of <strong>Ulster</strong> Rugby history.<br />
The Skerries native tells us about the special night and what it meant<br />
to play against his brother, David.<br />
On making his 200th appearance and leading the team out with<br />
his son...<br />
It was great, I’m very grateful. It’s been a hell of a journey over<br />
the last twelve or thirteen years here and to run out with<br />
Cillian was class, and alongside Andy Warwick and Nick<br />
Timoney.<br />
Also, it was special to be playing against my<br />
brother, David, who I had played with at <strong>Ulster</strong>. I<br />
actually made my 100th appearance in an <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
jersey playing alongside him and then playing<br />
against him on my 200th is not something I<br />
never saw coming!<br />
What were your thoughts on the match?<br />
It was a tough battle and we did well as a team, we made steps forward<br />
and to put in that performance at home is always pleasing. Connacht<br />
had been going really well too and were confident going into it.<br />
There were a few times we didn’t have our best defensive sets but<br />
when we got ahead of steam we knew we had the crowd behind us.<br />
We played with a good attitude and were fully committed.<br />
You are one of our enforcers in the side, did it please you to see<br />
the grit from younger players?<br />
Rugby is full contact and if you aren’t at the races,<br />
you will get beaten. All Irish teams are well organised<br />
and physical, so you don’t stand a chance unless<br />
you don’t meet that head on. Some of the younger<br />
backs were getting stuck in and they made it a real<br />
competition out in the wide channels. Us forwards<br />
fed off that aggression in the contact area.<br />
Our lineouts worked well at the weekend, is<br />
that down to the work going on in training?<br />
We are going hard at the set pieces in training,<br />
and we are pleased with how our attack is<br />
going. We have new systems but after four<br />
games we are making strides. To have young<br />
and enthusiastic young guys buying into it<br />
has been great.<br />
We need to work on the defensive sides of<br />
things, with our lineout defence, that’s the<br />
challenge for us.<br />
Do you believe in fate, you couldn’t write that script?<br />
It was something I had hoped for at the start of the year.<br />
I’m glad to see David get recognition at Connacht and<br />
getting a chance. For him to go well and play against him<br />
at Kingspan Stadium with our family there was definitely<br />
something you couldn’t script!<br />
The world works in funny ways.<br />
You had to come on early after Iain Henderson’s HIA,<br />
was that a shock to the system?<br />
Hendy went down a few minutes before going off and<br />
I had warmed up in case I was needed. But I was ready<br />
to come on and to play Connacht, it’s always a tough<br />
contest. It was good to get chucked into the deep<br />
end at go at it with the boys.<br />
47
John Cooney’s try came after a smart<br />
lineout routine, did you forwards get<br />
the credit?!<br />
We need to keep him grounded, I’m<br />
sure he was lapping it up!<br />
To be fair to John he was brave at the<br />
weekend, to be sharp around the ruck<br />
after a smart lineout play, he knew the<br />
space would be there with front-foot<br />
ball. To have the speed and awareness<br />
to take that was top notch. But it’s a<br />
team game!<br />
In the 200 caps, is there a certain game<br />
that stands out to you?<br />
Starting my 100th game alongside<br />
David. I never thought of that<br />
happening. We were playing in Dublin<br />
against Leinster. That would be the<br />
most meaningful.<br />
Favourite try?<br />
We played Leicester at home in the<br />
Champions Cup. It was just a pick and<br />
go, but a big night at home in front of<br />
the crowd is special.<br />
How would you like to be remembered<br />
in the future by fans?<br />
Someone that didn’t take the jersey<br />
for granted and tried to prove himself<br />
every game.<br />
Moving onto <strong>Ospreys</strong>, how big a game<br />
is that?<br />
This will be a huge game in the grand<br />
scheme of things. <strong>Ospreys</strong> are a tough<br />
nut to crack, well organised with a good<br />
set piece. We have to front up and be<br />
good in the set piece and contact zone.<br />
We have to back up that performance<br />
last weekend. We don’t want to be a<br />
team that goes up and down.<br />
Last year they ran Munster close at<br />
Thomond, beat us away so we know<br />
what they are like when they get it<br />
right. We have a new group compared<br />
to last season, but a few lads will be<br />
talking about that last game and will<br />
be aiming to put that right.<br />
49
Spot the Difference<br />
Can you spot the 5 differences?<br />
ANSWERS: Corrie Barrett becomes John Andrew, John Cooney’s hand, kicking tee, ball changes, James McCormick’s boot colour.<br />
51
Keylite Roof Windows<br />
renew sponsorship of <strong>Ulster</strong> Rugby<br />
The Cookstown based roof window<br />
manufacturer has renewed its sponsorship<br />
of <strong>Ulster</strong> Rugby for the 2024/25 season –<br />
supporting the growth of the local game<br />
across all levels.<br />
Keylite Roof Windows (Keylite) recently<br />
renewed its sponsorship deal with <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
Rugby, which will directly support the Men’s,<br />
Women’s and youth game across the province.<br />
Keylite believes that partnering with local<br />
organisations like <strong>Ulster</strong> Rugby is “crucial<br />
in giving back to the community.”<br />
Sean Coyle, Keystone Group’s Chairman,<br />
the parent company of the Keylite<br />
brand, said: “We are delighted to have<br />
renewed our partnership with <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
Rugby. Supporting local businesses is<br />
very important to us at Keylite.<br />
“It is clear how everyone at <strong>Ulster</strong> Rugby is<br />
working towards delivering a winning future<br />
for the club and we are thrilled to extend our<br />
support throughout the 2024/25 season.”<br />
Keith Shorten, Head of Commercial at <strong>Ulster</strong><br />
Rugby, added: “We are excited to extend<br />
our partnership with Keylite Roof Windows,<br />
a great local business and employer. As<br />
a returning sponsor, we look forward to<br />
celebrating this partnership, and showcasing<br />
the local company through high-profile<br />
branding on our stadium’s big screens,<br />
which will be on-display at professional and<br />
domestic fixtures throughout 2024/25.”<br />
The continued sponsorship from Keylite will<br />
include the logo displayed as an ‘official<br />
sponsor’ on the <strong>Ulster</strong> Rugby website, as<br />
well as being located on the two big screens<br />
inside the stadium.<br />
Part of the Keystone Group, Keylite Roof<br />
Windows is Europe’s fastest growing<br />
roof window manufacturer, offering a<br />
comprehensive range of roof windows,<br />
blinds, timber loft ladders, flashings, electric<br />
operation kits and accessories.<br />
53
GUESS WHO?<br />
Can you name the 4 players?<br />
Top to Bottom: Stewart Moore, Ben Moxham, Matty Rea, Aidan Morgan
PROUD TO BE OFFICIAL WATER<br />
Sean Reffell Q&A<br />
& HYDRATION PARTNER OF<br />
ULSTER RUGBY<br />
Favourite <strong>Ulster</strong> player of<br />
all time?<br />
Jonny Bell<br />
Who is your roommate on<br />
away trips?<br />
Izzy (Cormac Izuchukwu)<br />
Favourite rest/recovery<br />
day activity?<br />
Sea swim and coffee<br />
Any habits or rituals before a game?<br />
Maybe some music but no real rituals<br />
How do you unwind after a game?<br />
Relax on the sofa<br />
Favourite game day meal?<br />
Lasagne<br />
Teammate who is most likely to<br />
become a coach?<br />
Alan O’Connor<br />
Apart from rugby, what other sports<br />
do you like?<br />
Football<br />
Best advice you’ve had about<br />
playing rugby?<br />
There’s always more in you than<br />
you think<br />
Best part about being a<br />
rugby player?<br />
Doing something you love every day<br />
What’s your biggest pet hate?<br />
Slow walkers in a crowded area<br />
One thing you can’t live without?<br />
Google<br />
If you were stuck on a desert<br />
island with a teammate, who would<br />
you pick and why?<br />
Ben Carson, as he’d be good<br />
entertainment and is always keen<br />
to top up the tan.<br />
57
Try<br />
this!<br />
£50 off car insurance<br />
for Season Ticket Holders<br />
Quote <strong>Ulster</strong> Rugby 50 at the time<br />
of purchase to validate offer.<br />
Read Offer T&Cs here<br />
Insure what matters.<br />
abbeyautoline.co.uk<br />
08000 66 55 44<br />
Part of the Prestige Insurance Holdings Group. AbbeyAutoline is a trading name of Abbey<br />
Insurance Brokers Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
ONE OF IRELAND’S MOST ADVANCED EYE HOSPITALS<br />
2024/25 HOME FIXTURES<br />
H Glasgow Warriors Sat 21 Sep W 20-19 <strong>URC</strong><br />
A Emirates Lions Sat 28 Sep L 35-22 <strong>URC</strong><br />
SMILE PRO Laser<br />
Eye Surgery<br />
• Worlds most advanced procedure<br />
• 9 second laser<br />
• Unrivalled precision<br />
• Quick recovery time<br />
• Free ‘Am I Suitable’ assessment<br />
Catch every try, every pass, and<br />
every moment with perfect clarity.<br />
See the game like never before with<br />
A Vodacom Bulls Sat 5 Oct L 47-21 <strong>URC</strong><br />
H Connacht Sat 12 Oct W 32-27 <strong>URC</strong><br />
H <strong>Ospreys</strong> Fri 18 Oct 7.35pm <strong>URC</strong><br />
A Cardiff Sat 26 Oct 7.35pm <strong>URC</strong><br />
H Leinster Fri 29 Nov 7.35pm <strong>URC</strong><br />
A Stade Toulousain Sun 8 Dec 3.15pm ICC<br />
H Union Bordeaux Bègles Sat 14 Dec 3.15pm ICC<br />
H Munster Fri 20 Dec 7.35pm <strong>URC</strong><br />
A Connacht Sat 28 Dec 7.35pm <strong>URC</strong><br />
A Leicester Tigers Sat 11 Jan 8.00pm ICC<br />
H Exeter Chiefs Fri 17 Jan 8.00pm ICC<br />
H Zebre Parma Sun 26 Jan 5.30pm <strong>URC</strong><br />
H Queensland Reds Fri 7 Feb 7.35pm Friendly<br />
A Benetton Sat 15 Feb 5.15pm <strong>URC</strong><br />
H Scarlets Sat 1 Mar 5.15pm <strong>URC</strong><br />
Ready to See the Difference?<br />
Book your free consultation today and<br />
take the first step towards clearer vision!<br />
89-91 ACADEMY STREET, BELFAST BT1 2LS.<br />
Tel: 028 9032 2020<br />
Email: info@cathedraleye.com<br />
A Dragons Sat 22 Mar 5.15pm <strong>URC</strong><br />
H DHL Stormers Fri 28 Mar 7.35pm <strong>URC</strong><br />
A Leinster Sat 19 Apr 7.35pm <strong>URC</strong><br />
H HollywoodBets Sharks Sat 26 Apr 7.35pm <strong>URC</strong><br />
A Munster Fri 9 May 7.35pm <strong>URC</strong><br />
A Edinburgh Fri 16 May 7.35pm <strong>URC</strong><br />
Friendlies<br />
supported by<br />
*UK/IRE Time<br />
61
Thank You!<br />
SPIRIT OF ‘99 THE 1924<br />
HEINEKEN<br />
QUARTER BAR<br />
CLUBHOUSE<br />
BAR<br />
CLUBHOUSE<br />
KITCHEN<br />
<strong>Ulster</strong> Rugby wish to thank all of our sponsors<br />
and partners for their continued support.<br />
Main Sponsor<br />
PROMENADE 1<br />
PROMENADE 2<br />
ABBEY AUTOLINE<br />
FAMILY STAND<br />
RAVENHILL<br />
SUITE<br />
FAMILY TERRACE<br />
NEVIN SPENCE MEMORIAL TERRACE<br />
SCRUM<br />
BAR<br />
CASTORE<br />
SHOP<br />
LINEOUT<br />
BAR<br />
NEVIN SPENCE MEMORIAL STAND<br />
FAN ZONE /<br />
FOOD VILLAGE<br />
Kit Sponsor<br />
Official On-kit Sponsors<br />
EAST TERRACE<br />
BACKLINE<br />
BAR<br />
A&L GOODBODY LOUNGE<br />
Official Sponsors<br />
CORPORATE BOXES<br />
Catering<br />
The Food Village will be in operation,<br />
serving a variety of cuisines, while the<br />
Cool FM Crew will provide the soundtrack<br />
for the evening.<br />
Five indoor public bars and one outdoor<br />
bar will also be in operation, with live<br />
entertainment in the Clubhouse Bar.<br />
Castore Shop<br />
The Castore Shop will be open from gates<br />
open, until 30 minutes after full-time.<br />
Audio<br />
Audio descriptive match commentary to<br />
enhance the match experience for people<br />
affected by sight or hearing loss will be<br />
available.<br />
Earpieces can be collected from the admin<br />
building reception prior to the game, or<br />
you can book your equipment by calling<br />
on (028) 9049 3222.<br />
Kingspan Stadium is now fully cashless,<br />
with all bars and catering outlets<br />
operating via card payments only.<br />
Domestic Sponsors<br />
Official Partners<br />
Live music will be available pre & post-match in the Clubhouse Bar<br />
Respect<br />
Policy<br />
Incident hotline<br />
07790<br />
200 200<br />
We are<br />
passionate in<br />
our support<br />
We are silent<br />
during kicks<br />
at goal<br />
We respect the<br />
match officials’<br />
decisions<br />
We drink<br />
responsibly<br />
We do not tolerate<br />
abusive or discriminatory<br />
language<br />
We respect opposition<br />
players, management<br />
& supporters<br />
We are mindful<br />
of our language<br />
63
WATCH ALL<br />
GAMES LIVE,<br />
HIGHLIGHTS<br />
& ON DEMAND<br />
Enjoy the<br />
big match<br />
in style<br />
ulster.rugby/hospitality<br />
*Geographical restrictions apply<br />
65
2024/25<br />
FIXTURES<br />
SCAN &<br />
SYNC TO<br />
YOUR<br />
CALENDAR!<br />
ulster.rugby