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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


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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


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waste to<br />

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Five<br />

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ECOALF, Seabin,<br />

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5<br />

100million<br />

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One Legacy<br />

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Passionate<br />

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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 />

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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


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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 />

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H Munster Fri 20 Dec 7.35pm <strong>URC</strong><br />

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A Leicester Tigers Sat 11 Jan 8.00pm ICC<br />

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61


Thank You!<br />

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<strong>Ulster</strong> Rugby wish to thank all of our sponsors<br />

and partners for their continued support.<br />

Main Sponsor<br />

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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


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65


2024/25<br />

FIXTURES<br />

SCAN &<br />

SYNC TO<br />

YOUR<br />

CALENDAR!<br />

ulster.rugby

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