UR-Match-Programme-QueenslandReds

Official Match Day Programme
ULSTER
v QUEENSLAND
REDS
Fri 7 Feb 2025, 7.35pm
Kingspan Stadium

CONTENTS
05 Mascots
06 President’s
Welcome
08
12
Last Time Out
Ulster v Zebre
Reds Challenge to
Banish Ulster Blues
16 Referees’
Corner
23
26 Teams
30
36
46
Dinger Rings
the Bell on
Time at Ulster
Schools’ Cup
Quarter Finals
12
16
32
Queensland Reds
Players to Watch
36
Training Gallery
40
Corrie Barrett
Interview
43
Spot the
Difference
45
Men’s Cup Finals
Reaching Closing
Stages
46
Catching Up with
Tom Court
51 Guess Who
3

MASCOTS
Name: Callum Patterson
Age: 12
From: Lisburn
I am a huge Ulster Rugby fan and play
rugby for Wallace School Lisburn.
I love playing and watching all sports.
My Favourite Ulster Rugby player is
Jacob Stockdale.
KINGSPAN WELCOME
Welcome back to Kingspan Stadium for
an exciting Friday night of rugby action!
We’re set for a thrilling Bank of Ireland
Mid-Season Challenge as Ulster Rugby
takes on Queensland Reds.
Ulster enters this unique friendly fixture
looking to bounce back after their recent
URC defeat. The match provides a perfect
opportunity for the team to regain
momentum and integrate returning
internationals James Hume, Jacob
Stockdale, and Stuart McCloskey.
Our visitors, Queensland Reds from
Australia’s Super Rugby competition,
bring a taste of Southern Hemisphere
rugby to Belfast. Led by former Ulster
Director of Rugby Les Kiss, the Reds are
sure to provide an exciting challenge for
the home side. This match offers a rare
opportunity to witness these two teams
clash, with their last encounter dating
back to 2008.
Before the game, don’t miss the
opportunity to test your rugby skills
at the Kingspan Scrum-half Challenge,
located at the Kingspan Cabin. Show off
your speed, precision, and quick decisionmaking
in this exciting challenge designed
to push your abilities! Tonight’s winner
will walk away with a signed Ulster Rugby
2024/25 Home Shirt.
As you enjoy the match, we encourage
you to take pride in the sustainability
initiatives that are integral to Kingspan
Stadium. From recycling facilities to
water refill stations, we are committed to
ensuring this venue remains a hub of both
sporting excellence and environmental
responsibility.
Your passionate support drives Ulster
Rugby. Let’s make this international clash
a night to remember!
SUFTUM!
Richard Beswick
Global Partnerships and Sports Sponsorships Manager
Name: James Magee
Age: 9
From: Belfast
I am a massive sports fan and play
rugby for Instonians RFC Minis, as well
as playing football and cricket.
My favourite Ulster Rugby player is
Stuart McCloskey and I cannot wait to
run out with the team on Friday night.
5

President’s
Welcome
Hello everyone and welcome to Kingspan
Stadium for our Bank of Ireland Mid-Season
Challenge against Queensland Reds.
It’s a fixture we have been very excited for
since the announcement last year. It’s great
to mark the centenary year of Ravenhill with
a rare visit from an Australian touring side.
We welcome our former Director of Rugby,
Les Kiss, back to Belfast and I’m sure he will
receive a warm welcome from Ulster fans.
The Reds come with a very strong touring
team, featuring a number of Australian
internationals and the current Wallabies
captain.
This team will feature against the British
and Irish Lions this summer and they will be
hoping to impress ahead of the start of their
Super Rugby season later this month.
I’m sure everyone will join me that we were all
very disappointed in our last match against
Zebre Parma in the URC.
We didn’t play well on the night, but today’s
fixture gives the team a chance to put in
a better performance at home in front of
our supporters.
In a huge boost to Richie Murphy, we
welcome back Stuart McCloskey, Jacob
Stockdale and James Hume to the starting
XV after their injuries.
It’s particularly fantastic to see James back
in action after being out since April last year
with an ACL injury. Credit goes to James for
his patience in recovery and determination
to get back playing.
I want to echo our General Manager Bryn
Cunningham’s comments on the departure
of Jonny Bell as our Defence Coach this week.
Jonny has made a big contribution to
Ulster Rugby over the decades, both on
the field as a player and as a member of
the coaching staff.
I wish him and his family all the very best for
the future.
Congratulations to Ireland for their opening
Guinness Six Nations victory against England
last weekend. It was great to see our captain,
Iain Henderson, make a strong impact from
the bench.
Ireland will have a tough task this Sunday
against Scotland in Murrayfield – we wish
the team good luck for what will be another
thrilling match.
Friday night’s match gets us started into
a very busy weekend of Rugby across the
province.
I wish everyone all the best for matches this
week, including the Quarter-Finals of the
Danske Bank Schools’ Cup as well as the
Towns Cup and the McCrea Cup.
Let’s hope for a great game against the Reds
and hope it lives up to the excitement.
Laurence Rocke
President, IRFU Ulster Branch
7

Zebre were reduced to 14 men on 32
minutes, as open side flanker Stavile was
yellow carded for an off the ball tackle.
Ulster’s forward pack had probed at the
line and Barrett went over after a series of
pick and drives at the Zebre whitewash.
Replacement scrum-half, Nathan Doak,
added the conversion.
Zebre ten, Montemauri, then missed the
opportunity to extend the visitor’s lead as
he pushed a 65th minute penalty wide.
It wasn’t to be the best night for kickers,
as then Doak missed the chance to narrow
the gap minutes later as his penalty went
wide in the swirling wind.
The home side then set up a grandstand
finish with a second Barrett try on 75
minutes.
Powerful surges from McCann and Timoney
took Ulster close to the line, before the
replacement tight head prop wriggled
under a pile of bodies to ground the ball
over the line.
Last Time Out
Ulster had to settle for a losing bonus
point, as they fell just short to Zebre
Parma in Round 10 of the United Rugby
Championship clash at a wet and windy
Kingspan Stadium.
The match marked scrum-half John Cooney’s
150th Ulster cap as the Dublin man led the
team out in Belfast before kick-off.
SUN 26 JAN
14-15
Ulster were unlucky not to break the
deadlock on 17 minutes after kicking a
penalty to touch.
From the lineout, the forwards probed at the
line with Scott Wilson, Lorcan McLoughlin
and David McCann all being stopped close
and after an eighth drive for the line the
ball was knocked on allowing Zebre to clear
their lines.
Ulster kicked the resulting penalty to
touch and the forwards set up the driving
maul. Hooker, Tom Stewart, peeled off
the back and charged for the try line, but
was bungled into touch by his opposition
number, Luca Bigi.
Zebre nearly breached the Ulster defence
in the final minute but good work at the
break down from Stewart and Nick Timoney
won an important turnover.
The half-time whistle went and Ulster were
behind by three at the interval.
The Parma-based side got the match’s first
try seven minutes after the restart.
From a lineout, the forwards probed before
scrum half, Gonzalo Garcia, made a sniping
run before putting Bautista Stavile over in
the corner for an unconverted try.
Doak’s conversion narrowed Zebre’s lead
to a solidarity point.
Ulster had one last chance to win the match
as they kicked a penalty to touch.
The forwards set up a powerful drive
with carries from Jude Postlewaite and
McCann getting good territory, however
the visitors won a penalty to end the
match on what was a disappointing result
for Richie Murphy’s side.
Ulster nearly opened up the Italian defence
minutes later after Zac Ward launched a
counter attack from his own 22. The winger
showed all his sevens speed to go deep into
the opposition half before passing to John
Cooney, the scrum half however couldn’t
find Ward with the return pass and the
visitors were able to clear the danger.
Zebre got their second try just two
minutes later, from a quick tap penalty
on the Ulster 22.
Italian full back, Giacomo Da Re, running a
great support line to dart into space and
finish for the second score. Montemauri
converted for a 0-15 lead.
The deadlock was finally broken on 28
minutes after Zebre won a penalty from
a scrum on the Ulster 22 right in front of
the posts. Fly- half, Giovanni Montemauri,
slotting the kick.
After a period of pressure, Ulster got back in
the game on 56 minutes, with replacement
prop, Corrie Barrett, barging over from
close range.
9

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Reds Challenge
To Banish
Ulster Blues
Richie Murphy will hope that he can ‘mix
and match’ in a more serious way than Lam
last week and provide an Ulster team with
some experienced operators alongside
the promise of players like prop Corrie
Barraett and Lorcan McLoughlin, each of
whom offered a glimmer of light in the
impoverished display against Zebre.
Les Kiss, who spent a couple of years in
Belfast, was identified as a progressive,
imaginative coach whose long-term
association with the Ireland set-ups of
Declan Kidney and Joe Schmidt could
scatter a little stardust on an Ulster squad
in 2015 primed to realise its potential.
Doak was in charge until Kiss’s arrival in late
autumn after that World Cup in England
and the highly regarded Australian was
expected to add real quality to the coaching
box, given his outstanding record in both
rugby codes. Despite his undoubted hard
work with the players at Ulster HQ and his
rugby evangelism around the domestic
club scene, with the senior side treading
water yet again Les left Belfast suddenly
mid-season in 2018.
As he says, with some justification, he was in
charge for just one full season sandwiched
between two half-campaigns. Clearly, he
felt he exited with business unfinished.
Guest Article
by Rod Nawn
What better cheer can there be for
downcast Ulster fans than a visit from an
Australian side on a mini-tour of England
and Ireland?
Add to that a very familiar face leading the
trip in the form of former Ulster Director
of Rugby Les Kiss, and the scene is surely
set for a taste of mental Aussie sunshine
to escape the shadow of a disappointing
display by the hosts just a fortnight ago.
The Reds will hope for a more genuine
test in Belfast, and with home supporters
anticipating that Stuart McCloskey, James
Hume and Jacob Stockdale, internationals
all, will make their much-needed return
from long-term injury.
With Ireland his reputation soared, the
wiry winger showing why he became one
of the 13-a-side game’s best, his strength
in defence marking him out for a key role
in that element in his first coaching stints.
In League, with London Broncos, his
organisation and diligence caught the eye
of the Union code in Ireland and for seven
years under Kidney and Schmidt he had
much to do in the capture of Grand Slams
and three Six Nations titles.
After the departure of Mark Anscombe i
n 2014, Ulster negotiated Kiss’s arrival as
interim Director of Rugby, with Neil Doak
installed as Head Coach. Kiss would return
full-time to Ireland that autumn and joined
Ulster once Ireland’s 2015 World Cup
was completed.
The respective head coaches this evening
have much in common and a genuine
respect for each other, hardly surprising
as they were key cogs in the senior Ireland
coaching set-up for some time.
It will take the players, management and
supporters a very long time to forget
just what a poor performance and shock
defeat odds-on favourites Ulster had at
home against perennial United Rugby
Championship strugglers, Zebre Parma
last month.
The Six Nations programme has allowed
too much time to dwell on an historic
reverse, though the Ireland victory over
England last week in Dublin has been a
welcome distraction – and an Ulsterman
played an important part when he entered
the fray.
The Reds staple is in the renowned Super
Rugby series, where the best teams in
Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific
Islands battle fiercely for bragging rights
and some huge rewards. The Waratahs,
Crusaders, Brumbles and Hurricanes are
all distinguished, world-renowned names
in the game, and the Reds are famously
competitive.
With the Super League season just two
weeks away, Kiss believed preparatory
games with Bristol Bears last weekend,
and Ulster this, would be the ideal warmup
for his gifted touring party.
What the Reds made of Bristol coach Pat
Lam’s decision to field a strange mix of
youngsters and guests at Ashton Gate
can only be imagined, but the team took
full advantage, racking up twelve tries in a
facile if entertaining 82-21 win in the West.
Perhaps if Iain Henderson had been
available for that shocker with the Italian
visitors his very example and masterful
reading of the ebbs and flows of a rugby
game on a filthy Sunday evening things
might have been different.
Clutching at straws perhaps but the reality
is he wasn’t and a nadir in Richie Murphy’s
first full season in charge was reached.
Murphy’s disappointment was so clear in
his post-match apology to the supporters
who braved the downpour and chilling
winds at Kingspan Stadium to watch an
Ulster side for so long bereft of ideas and
apparently addicted to basic errors.
That betrays Murphy’s Law of rugby
expression, and he’ll have worked intently
on the areas which so patently went AWOL
on a night when John Cooney’s wondrous
13

contribution over 150 appearances should
have been celebrated in spades!
Against the Reds the home side this
weekend can start its journey to redemption
– and quickly. To halt the slide down the
URC table, Ulster, hopefully stiffened and
improved by the returning contingent of
injured players, has to find some tangible
return of form ahead of next week’s trip to
Treviso to take on a Benetton outfit which
is, by a street, Italy’s most competitive and
improved team in the league.
For the immediate challenge provided by
Queensland Reds there will be genuine
threats in all phases of the game. Former
Ulster prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
unfortunately picked up an injury pre-tour
so was unable to travel, but there is plenty
of other punch up front. Ryan Smyth is a
lock of real heft and mobility. Back-row
Fraser McReight is a Wallaby international
of global repute, and behind the scrum
Tate McDermott is an international scrumhalf
with an eye for a break and a prolific
try-scorer.
His partner at half-back last week was
Tom Lynagh, a 21-year-old with a famous
name and how he has lived up to his father
Michael’s deeds. Just as his brother Louis
has become an international, with Italy in
his case, Tom Lynagh has earned his place
in Joe Schmidt’s plans to lift Australia out
of the doldrums.
Typical of Schmidt, the progress is already
clear, the All Blacks beaten in the annual
Bledisloe Cup series last summer, and his
side impressive in its autumn tour of the
northern hemisphere.
Lynagh is a creative, intelligent distributor,
and his return of seven out of as many kicks
from the tee at Bristol will keep Ulster on
its disciplinary toes.
Whatever line-up Kiss sends out on Friday
evening he has a wealth of talent at his
disposal, and Bristol’s ‘shadow’ team
faced no fewer than thirteen Australian
internationals in the try-fest a week ago.
For Ulster fans any visiting side, particularly
from afar, will receive the warmest of
welcomes and hopefully there’s a crowd
to match the importance of the game to
both teams as they embark on different
but particularly important stages of their
competitive seasons.
Kiss deserves a rousing cheer for his efforts
at Ravenhill, and his successes after Ulster
at the much-lamented London Irish and
back in his native Australia are testament
to a coach of true quality and amazing
longevity.
But it’s the home team which needs the
biggest backing, and all those on show
will want to grab the chance to catch the
coach’s eye ahead of a crucial end-ofseason
run-in.

Preparing for the Game
Much like the players, referees undergo
rigorous preparation before stepping
onto the pitch and it starts before they
have even been appointed the fixture.
1. Fitness Training
Rugby referees cover an average of
6-8 kilometres per match, often at high
intensity. To maintain conditioning, they
follow structured training programmes,
incorporating endurance, sprint drills,
and agility work. Referees also complete
fitness assessments, (the dreaded
Bronco!) to ensure they can keep up
with the pace of the game.
The Game Itself
Once the whistle blows, the referee’s
role is to facilitate a fair, flowing contest.
Managing the breakdown, ensuring
scrums are properly set, and making
decisive calls are all part of the job.
Player safety is obviously top of the list
of priorities for referees at all levels.
Just like the players, referees reflect on
their performance post-match, receiving
feedback and analysing key moments
to continually improve.
Referees’ Corner
Tonight, we welcome Andrew Cole
(IRFU) and his team of officials to
Kingspan Stadium for the Club Friendly
fixture against Queensland Reds. As
always, Ulster Rugby would like to remind
spectators to respect the decisions of
the match officials at all times.
As Ulster Rugby prepares to take on the
Queensland Reds at Kingspan Stadium.
we turn our focus to the individuals
responsible for keeping the game
flowing - the referees.
Have you ever thought about becoming
a referee or what goes into preparing
to officiate?
Officiating at this level requires skill,
preparation, and a deep understanding
of the game. But what does it take to
become a rugby referee, and how do
match officials get ready for a fixture? The
Ulster Society of Rugby Football Referees
select match officials to all domestic
matches throughout the season.
Remember without a referee,
there is no game.
The Path to Becoming a Referee
For many, the journey to refereeing
begins with a love for the game. Some, like
former players, transition to officiating
to stay involved in rugby, while others
take up the whistle to contribute in a
different capacity. The pathway typically
starts with attending a New Referee
course, followed by officiating age-grade
matches before sharing an adult fixture
with a more experienced referee.
From there, referees gain experience,
receive ongoing support, and progress
through the levels, with some even going
on to the professional game.
Refereeing is not just about knowing
the laws - it’s about game management,
communication, and decision making
under pressure. The best referees
combine technical expertise with the
ability to maintain control while allowing
the match to flow.
For those interested in taking up the
whistle, Ulster Rugby and IRFU provides
an accessible entry point through their
#HaveABlast initiative.
2. Match Research
A key part of preparation is understanding
the teams involved.
Referees contact the home fixtures
secretary to confirm the details, once
they have confirmed their fixture. They
then check the competition regulations
as these vary across the various
competitions.
But the preparation doesn’t stop there.
The best referees review every game
and take development points into their
next series of matches. It is a continuous
learning process.
3. Law Review and Scenario Training
Even the USRFR’s most experienced
referees continuously refine their
knowledge of the laws. Ahead of a
match, they review law updates, discuss
interpretations with fellow officials, and
participate in scenario-based training to
sharpen their decision-making skills.
4. Pre-Match Briefing
Communication is vital. Referees will liaise
with team captains to set expectations
for the match and answer any questions
they may have. They will check studs
and collect team sheets etc.
Next time you watch a game at Kingspan
Stadium, take a moment to appreciate
the officials who make it possible. Their
journey to the pitch is one of dedication
and preparation, ensuring the integrity
of rugby remains at the highest level.
Catch more insights from the refereeing
community in upcoming editions of
Referee Corner!
If interested in becoming a Referee,
please contact:
Richard Kerr
Referee Development Manager
richard.kerr@irfu.ie
07493 868 388
U.S.R.F.R
17

ULSTER RUGBY MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
Hooker
26/05/1993
180cm
104kg
130
-
John
Andrew
Wing
19/08/1997
193cm
96kg
69
4
Rob
Baloucoune
Centre
24/02/2002
183cm
98kg
11
-
Ben
Carson
Scrum Half
01/05/1990
178cm
86kg
150
11
John
Cooney
Back Row
28/01/2002
188cm
102kg
5
-
Reuben
Crothers
Scrum Half
17/12/2001
185cm
86kg
80
-
Nathan
Doak
Fly Half
07/06/1999
183cm
93kg
17
-
Jake
Flannery
Hooker
27/04/1990
185cm
106kg
245
40
Reuben
Crothers
Rob
Herring
Centre
07/09/1998
188cm
100kg
95
3
James
Hume
Fly Half
14/11/2001
185cm
83kg
4
-
James
Humphreys
Lock
28/01/2000
201cm
118kg
37
1
Cormac
Izuchukwu
Wing
17/01/1993
180cm
96kg
13
Reuben
Crothers
Werner
Kok
Full Back
20/08/1998
170cm
78kg
116
1
Michael
Lowry
Back Row
13/06/2000
193cm
110kg
59
-
David
McCann
Back Row
28/01/2002
188cm
102kg
5
-
Reuben
Crothers
Prop
13/06/1998
177cm
120kg
8
Corrie
Barrett
Lock
21/02/1992
199cm
119kg
161
85
Iain
Henderson
Centre
06/08/1992
193cm
112kg
196
19
Stuart
McCloskey
ULSTER RUGBY MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
Hooker
08/01/2002
183cm
107kg
10
-
James
McCormick
Scrum Half
24/06/1999
178cm
87kg
1
-
Michael
McDonald
Back Row
28/02/2003
194cm
116kg
12
-
James
McNabney
Wing
10/08/2000
188cm
90kg
68
-
Ethan
McIlroy
Back Row
03/04/2002
189cm
109kg
2
-
Lorcan
McLoughlin
Scrum Half
20/03/2001
183cm
86kg
-
-
Conor
McKee
Utility Back
08/08/1999
184cm
93kg
75
-
Stewart
Moore
Wing
09/06/2001
191cm
101kg
33
-
Ben
Moxham
Fly Half
07/06/2001
172cm
82kg
11
-
Aidan
Morgan
Lock
10/09/1992
196cm
115kg
203
-
Alan
O’Connor
Prop
30/11/1995
183cm
118kg
128
1
Eric
O’Sullivan
Centre
03/04/2002
193cm
106kg
24
-
Jude
Postlethwaite
Prop
23/09/1998
184cm
120kg
115
17
Tom
O’Toole
Back Row
08/09/1997
188cm
110kg
54
-
Marcus
Rea
Prop
23/10/1998
188cm
124kg
-
-
Bryan
O’Connor
19

ULSTER RUGBY MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
Back Row
21/09/1993
193cm
114kg
106
-
Reuben Harry
Sheridan Crothers
Back Row
21/09/2001
195cm
121kg
38
-
Matty
Rea
Back Row
04/11/1998
180cm
102kg
11
-
Sean
Reffell
Tom
Stewart
Hooker
11/01/2001
183cm
105kg
49
2
Prop
06/01/1999
183cm
116.5kg
22
-
Callum
Reid
Jacob
Stockdale
Wing
03/04/1996
191cm
104kg
125
38
Dave
Shanahan
Scrum Half
20/06/1993
175cm
77kg
96
-
Nick
Timoney
Back Row
01/08/1995
188cm
112kg
158
3
ULSTER RUGBY ACADEMY
The latest batch of young talent reinforces
the province’s focus on developing
prospects to progress into the pro team.
Sam
Berman
Centre
16/01/2004
183cm
93kg
-
Cameron
Doak
Prop
17/12/2003
190cm
127kg
-
Prop
01/05/2003
187cm
117kg
-
Jack
Boal
Ethan
Graham
Wing/Fullback
27/04/2004
181cm
88kg
-
Prop
10/07/2004
186cm
114kg
-
Jacob
Boyd
Lock
16/03/2004
201cm
115kg
1
Joe
Hopes
This year’s academy sees the largest number
of players in over five years, with 20 young
players now in the ranks.
Back Row
26/06/2004
189cm
111kg
-
Tom
Brigg
Lock
28/01/2003
203cm
117kg
1
Charlie
Irvine
Wilhelm
De Klerk
Centre
16/08/2004
180cm
90kg
-
Wing/Fullback
08/09/2004
185cm
100kg
-
Lukas
Kenny
Reuben Kieran
Treadwell Crothers
Zac
Ward
Andrew
Warwick
Scott
Wilson
Lock
06/11/1995
198cm
118kg
170
11
Utility Back
11/12/1998
191cm
101kg
4
-
Prop
12/03/1991
178cm
115kg
206
-
Prop
06/08/2002
186cm
125kg
26
-
Scrum Half
11/08/2005
176cm
78kg
-
Clark
Logan
Ben
McFarlane
Wing /Fullback
04/10/2004
174cm
77kg
-
James
McKillop
Back Row
15/12/2004
197cm
112kg
-
Jack
Murphy
Fly Half
15/07/2004
177cm
83kg
5
Centre
15/08/2005
191cm
99kg
-
Jonny
Scott
WELCOME TO OUR GROUPS
Enniskillen Grammar School
Lurgan RFC P5s
Portstewart Baptist Church
Fintona Culture Group
Zac
Solomon
Josh
Stevens
Rory
Telfer
Henry
Walker
Bryn
Ward
4th Dromore BB
Solid Rock YC
Scoile Huire Buncrana
Hooker
17/06/2004
177cm
100kg
1
Back Row
14/12/2004
178cm
101kg
-
Wing /Fullback
29/08/2003
184cm
90kg
4
Hooker
01/01/2003
187cm
105kg
-
Back Row
17/07/2004
185cm
115kg
-
21

1 Billion
PET bottles
recycled into our
manufacturing
processes by 2025
1bn
Ambitious
Target
Areas
Energy,
Carbon,
Circularity,
Water
4
Dinger Rings
The Bell
Guest Article
by Rod Nawn
Kingspan’s Commitment
to Sustainability
Zero
Company
waste to
landfill
by 2030
0
Read our
Report
here
Five
Ocean
Cleanup Projects
ECOALF, Seabin,
Clearbot
to date
5
It was revealed that Jonny Bell has left his
role in the Ulster coaching team this week.
Jonny is to take a new direction in his
career, away from rugby, where he has
been a genuine Ulster and Ireland legend.
The Larne lad was a schoolboy player of
the very highest quality, a performer of
ability way beyond his tender years when
he put on a mesmeric display in Coleraine
Inst’s famous 1992 Schools’ Cup victory.
It was one of the greatest individual
performances seen at any level at Ravenhill.
During his time at Loughborough
University, Northampton cashed in on the
promise of the Irish youngster and he lit up
the English game before he was tempted
back to Ulster in 1996 as the professional
era began its stuttering journey.
Coach with Gloucester in the English
Premiership. He moved on to Glasgow
Warriors briefly as Attack Coach in 2020,
then accepting an Assistant Coach position
at a then ambitious Worcester.
But Ulster called again in 2022 and he’s
had a three-year spell as Defence Coach
under Dan McFarland and Richie Murphy.
Now the most engaging of men has rung
the ‘bell’ on his time at Ulster and a new
chapter in his distinguished career beckons.
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By now he was a fixture for Ireland at
centre and he was the fulcrum of an Ulster
backline which triumphed spectacularly
in the European Cup in 1999, a principal
architect of the defeat of Colomiers at
Lansdowne Road.
At domestic club level he was also the
organiser-in-chief, again alongside his
longtime Ulster and Ireland team-mate,
David Humphreys, as Dungannon won the
All-Ireland League title, and only a series
of injuries prevented him from collecting
more than 36 international caps in his ten
years with Ireland.
Jonny became an integral part of the Ulster
coaching set-up after retirement in 2006,
and in 2015 challenged himself as Defence
A teak-tough competitor who allied
wonderful running and passing skills to
earn comparisons with the likes of Mike
Gibson and Jeremy Guscott.
He will start a new professional life with
the best wishes of all Ulster and Irish
supporters, and with those of an army of
friends and rugby rivals who relished his
ready smile and generous nature.
‘Dinger’, don’t be a stranger!
23

1
2
3
1
2
3
Andrew WARWICK
Tom STEWART
Corrie BARRETT
Sef Fa’agase
Matt FAESSLER
Massimo DE LUTIIS
4
5
4
5
Alan O’CONNOR
C
Matthew DALTON
Ryan SMITH
Angus BLYTH
6
8
7
6
8
7
Matty REA
David McCANN
Lorcan McLOUGHLIN
Connor VEST
Harry WILSON
Fraser McREIGHT
9
9
Conor McKEE
Tate McDERMOTT
C
10
10
11
Aidan MORGAN
11
Harry
McLAUGHLIN-PHILIPS
Jacob STOCKDALE
12
Heremaia MURRAY
12
Stuart McCLOSKEY
Hunter PAISAMI
Replacements
13
Replacements
13
James McCORMICK
Eric O’SULLIVAN
Bryan O’CONNOR
Harry SHERIDAN
Tom BRIGG
David SHANAHAN
James HUMPHREYS
Whilhelm DE KLERK
Jacob BOYD
Reuben CROTHERS
Michael LOWRY
Ben CARSON
Jude POSTLETHWAITE
Stewart MOORE
John ANDREW
Nathan DOAK
Kieran TREADWELL
15
Jake FLANNERY
James HUME
14
Zac WARD
16. Josh NASSER
17. George BLAKE
18. Zane NONGGORR
19. Lukhan SALAKAIA-LOTO
20. John BRYANT
21. Louis WERCHON
22. Tom LYNAGH
23. Mason GORDON
CAPPED
WALLABIES
15
Jock CAMPBELL
Filipo DAUGUNU
14
Tim RYAN
Referee: Andew Cole
Assistant Refs: Robbie Jenkinson & Stuart Douglas
27

29

As we head into the final stages of the
Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup, we take
a look at the upcoming clashes...
QUARTER
FINALS
game. School life has been buzzing this
week with the upcoming quarter-final as
well as our 2XV drawing their semi-final
with RBAI and our 3XV reaching the final
of their cup competition. It is also great to
see our younger pupils being so enthused
by the game! It certainly feels like a big
match is on the horizon. It will be a great
social occasion with not only parents, staff
and pupils supporting but also many past
pupils in attendance. We are expecting one
of the largest crowds ever seen on our own
patch and are looking forward to a great
atmosphere.”
Ballymena Head Coach, John Nicholl added,
“We are looking forward to the challenge
away to Rainey. I know it will be a tough
contest, and Wilbur Leacock is an excellent
coach so they will be very well drilled. They
have an outstanding 10 in Owen who will be
looking to guide them round the pitch and
a few dangerous runners in the pack, so we
fully expect a tight game. Everyone in the
school is excited for the boys and now that
it’s the quarter-final, that little bit of added
pressure makes for an exciting encounter.
Our captain on Saturday is scrum-half,
James Gregg. He was the team’s captain
throughout junior school and is also deputy
head boy.”
Methody. We enjoyed the group stage in
terms of our preparation and process and
it showed us what we need to do to be
ready.” On Saturday, they will be captained
by fly-half, Frank Davis.
Royal School Armagh
v Regent House School
Wallace High School
v Royal Belfast Academical Institution
In a thrilling clash, Saturday will see a
repeat of one of last year’s semi-finals,
in which RBAI left victorious in a 33-20
thrilling encounter. Last year’s winners will
be on the road to Wallace High School and
are eager for the challenge, with captain
Blake McClean leading the pack. RBAI
Head Coach, Jamie Kirk said, “The boys
are hugely excited ahead of Saturday.
The Round of 16 fixture was an invaluable
experience, coming through such a stern
test against a strong CCB side. This has
given the boys a real focus on areas we
want to improve. Going into the quarterfinals,
the excitement is building around
the school, and we are looking forward to
the challenge at Wallace.”
Wallace High School come off the back of
a comfortable win in Enniskillen against
Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, 31-7
and are now anticipating the replay of
last year. Wallace will be led out by Jon
Rodgers, who is 1XV for a second year in
a row. Head Coach Neil Hinds said, “We
are all excited and looking forward to the
Rainey Endowed School
v Ballymena Academy
Rainey enter the quarter-finals on the back
of four bonus-point wins after beating
Bangor Grammar School 56-12 in the last
round. They now play host to Ballymena
Academy, who saw off Dalriada 22-0 in
their Round of Sixteen replay. Director
of Rugby at Rainey, Wilbur Leacock said,
“We’re excited, we have worked incredibly
hard as a group, and it is going to be an
occasion that all the boys are looking
forward to but at the end of the day it is
just another game of rugby at home.” They
will be running out behind skipper, Owen
O’Kane, who was part of our winning Ulster
U18 Schools interprovincial side.
Sullivan Upper School
v Belfast Royal Academy
Sullivan Upper School host Belfast Royal
Academy in their quarter-final pair up.
Sullivan were victorious against Banbridge
in their clash at an extremely wet and windy
Kingspan Stadium, emerging 24-3 winners.
Sullivan will be being led out by captain,
Jake Scott who was part of our Ulster U19
Schools interprovincial squad.
Belfast Royal Academy continued their
strong run in the last round, picking up
their fourth consecutive bonus-point win
against Methodist College, beating MCB
in a high-scoring thriller, 43-26. Reflecting
on the group stages and competition so
far, BRA Coach, DJ Creighton said, “Our
group stage was good, and we had a
couple of pretty convincing wins, but that
was a different beast altogether against
Royal School Armagh had a comfortable
start to their Schools’ Cup campaign last
round, racking up a 38-0 victory against
Down High School. Captained by Thomas
Dougan who was in South Africa this
Summer with the Ireland Schools squad, the
side will host Regent House this weekend.
When discussing the game, RS Armagh’s
Director of Rugby, Jonny Gillespie said
‘We are really excited to be this far into the
Schools’ Cup competition and have been
working really hard. Nick Gamble is a great
coach, and so I know he will be coming
with a really prepared team, especially at
the breakdown. Sport generally is doing
really well in the school which is creating a
great buzz, and we are looking forward to
Saturday.
Regent House Head Coach, Nick Gamble
added, “It is a fixture we rarely play at senior
level, so we know very little about their
team. We know they have been playing
to a consistently high level for a number
of years so we are under no illusion about
how tough an away quarter-final will be.
The boys have been working hard over the
last couple of weeks and are ready for the
challenge.” Regent 1XV will be led out by
skipper, Ethan Spratt.
31

QUEENSLAND REDS
NAME POSITION DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT
Alex HODGMAN Prop 16/07/1993 1.96 m 122 kg
George BLAKE Prop 11/06/2001 1.84 m 113 kg
Ulster’s ex-Director of Rugby, Les Kiss
joined the Reds in 2024, following
five seasons with London Irish.
Les was with Ulster between 2015-
2018, and previously held the title of
Assistant Coach for both Ireland and
Australia international sides.
Jeffery TOOMAGA-ALLEN Prop 19/11/1990 1.92 m 125 kg
Josh NASSER Prop 23/06/1999 1.89 m 115 kg
Massimo DE LUTIIS Prop 18/11/2003 1.88 m 126 kg
Matt GIBBON Prop 03/06/1995 1.85 m 118 kg
Sef FA'AGASE Prop 05/03/1991 1.85 m 117 kg
Trevor KING Prop 17/03/2005 1.93 m 122 kg
Zane NONGGORR Prop 30/03/2001 1.87 m 130 kg
Matt FAESSLER Hooker 21/12/1998 1.83 m 109 kg
Max CRAIG Hooker 28/08/2003 1.87 m 102 kg
Harry Wilson
A back-rower known for his energy and
work-rate, 25 year-old has been capped
22 times for Australia. After being out in
the cold for a few years at international
level, Wilson was brought back into the
fold by Joe Schmidt and quickly impressed
his new national team coach.
Wilson captained his country for the first
time in the 2024 Rugby Championship,
defeating Argentina in a 19-20 victory.
The Queensland eight is a hot favourite to
be captain for this summer’s test matches
against the British and Irish Lions.
Richie ASIATA Hooker 03/05/1996 1.80 m 120 kg
Angus BLYTH Lock 04/03/1998 2.05 m 116 kg
Connor VEST Lock 26/04/1994 1.96 m 119 kg
Josh CANHAM Lock 01/02/2001 2.02 m 119 kg
Lukhan SALAKAIA-LOTO Lock 19/09/1996 1.98 m 124 kg
Ryan SMITH Lock 30/09/1996 1.99 m 120 kg
Fraser MCREIGHT Back row 19/02/1999 1.84 m 104 kg
Harry WILSON Back row 22/11/1999 1.95 m 110 kg
Joe BRIAL Back row 07/01/2002 1.95 m 112 kg
John BRYANT Back row 20/02/2003 1.90 m 100 kg
Liam WRIGHT Back row 06/11/1997 1.93 m 105 kg
Seru URU Back row 03/01/1997 1.97 m 107 kg
Kalani THOMAS Scrum-half 18/04/2002 1.78 m 85 kg
Louis WERCHON Scrum-half 25/10/2002 1.77 m 82 kg
Tate MCDERMOTT Scrum-half 18/09/1998 1.79 m 77 kg
Fraser McReight
Capped 25 times for Australia and known
as one of the best sevens in world rugby, 25
year-old McReight, is a blindside flanker who
impresses with his tenacity and work around
the breakdown.
He is a powerful presence in the Queensland
back row and makes vital metres for his side
with his carrying.
One of Australia’s most decorated aged
representative rugby players, McReight
is seen by many as the heir apparent to
Michael Hooper, who held the seven jersey
and captaincy for many years.
McReight showcased his ability on the test
stage recently, with a superb performance
in the Wallabies stunning 37-42 Autumn
Nations Series victory against England at
Twickenham in November.
Harry MCLAUGHLIN-PHILLIPS Fly-half 13/04/2004 1.78 m 89 kg
Isaac HENRY Fly-half 08/03/1999 1.83 m 94 kg
Jude GIBBS Fly-half - - -
Mason GORDON Fly-half 09/03/2003 1.89 m 90 kg
Tom LYNAGH Fly-half 14/04/2003 1.78 m 83 kg
Dre PAKEHO Centre 20/01/2005 - -
Frankie GOLDSBROUGH Centre 13/01/2006 1.87 m 101 kg
Hunter PAISAMI Centre 10/04/1998 1.72 m 91 kg
Josh FLOOK Centre 22/09/2001 1.86 m 89 kg
Filipo DAUGUNU Winger 04/03/1995 1.78 m 98 kg
Heremaia MURRAY Winger 11/01/2000 1.88 m 94 kg
Lachie ANDERSON Winger 27/08/1997 1.88 m 97 kg
Tim RYAN Winger 29/10/2003 1.86 m 88 kg
Will MCCULLOCH Winger 05/01/2004 1.86 m 88 kg
Jock CAMPBELL Fullback 17/05/1995 1.86 m 91 kg
33

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Corrie Barrett
For 26-year-old tighthead prop, Corrie
Barrett, scoring two tries at Kingspan
Stadium for Ulster would have nothing
more than a distant dream at one point
in time.
However, as it turned out, in Ulster’s last
match, he did just that but ended up
disappointed, as the province were defeated
14-15 by Zebre Parma in the URC before the
international break.
Barrett says like the rest of the squad, he has
used the break to recover, reflect and get
ready for the business end of the season.
It’s been a season of highs and lows for
Barrett, who signed for the province
following a trial period in the summer.
A former RBAI Schools’ Cup winning player
in his youth, Barrett has had a fascinating
path into the Senior Men’s team, having
played club rugby abroad in New Zealand,
Garryowen, Bedford Blues and most
recently Doncaster Knights in the English
Championship.
This Friday night, Barrett, starts in the
front row against Queensland Reds, and
says he can’t wait to get playing against a
Southern Hemisphere side.
“I experienced a bit of that different style
of Rugby when I was down in New Zealand.
My first year there I played for Alexandra
RFC, then Dunedin Sharks before playing
with Otago RFC’s age grade sides.
It’s a different style of play out there and
will be a great opportunity for us to learn
about some of the plays they come at
us with, and equally, we can implement
our game on them. It’s a great game for
guys who maybe haven’t seen as much
gametime to get minutes.”
When asked what the main differences are
in Southern Hemisphere sides, Barrett says
that the flowing rugby is a big difference.
“I think their ability for every player to be a
ball player. Everyone is expected to be very
good at catching, passing and being able
to throw the ball about the park, with lovely
offloading. It will be an exciting game!”
A boyhood Ulster fan, Barrett’s dreams came
through when he signed for Ulster after
thinking the opportunity may have passed
for him after being part of the province’s
sub-academy in the past.
As he learns on the job, Barrett, is still very
much the person who dreamed of playing
in the jersey one day.
“I’ve been a fan growing
up and it’s always amazing
when you hear the support
to try and keep the team
going. When you’re on the
field and you hear the fans,
it does give you a big lift.
41

Spot the Difference
Can you spot the 5 differences?
The whole team were gutted with the
performance against Zebre. We aren’t happy
with what we put out there. I know the fans
weren’t happy either. We want to right some
wrongs, starting with Queensland Reds. I
want to have a positive impact and try grab
that starting jersey.”
“It’s good having competition, when you
are comfortable you don’t play your best.
You need competition and that’s there with
Tom as an Ireland international and Scottie
as a young player coming up. It pushes
you to drive yourself on. That competition
improves your game and the team as a
whole.”
Barrett feels in the short space of time he has
been with the team, he has been continuing
to learn and improve, even if there have been
setbacks along the ways.
With the team eager to get back to winning
ways, the prop says that having the likes
of Jacob Stockdale, Stuart McCloskey and
James Hume back from injury is a huge
boost for the team going forward.
“Those guys have a serious amount of
leadership behind them and are key leaders
in the squad… they are players who lead
with their actions on the pitch. It’s great to
have the three of them back and it’s good
to be playing with them.”
“I have learned so much
since I’ve came back home.
The coaches, Jimmy Duffy
and Richie Murphy have
taught me a lot. My aim is
to keep building and every
opportunity to play - I want
to make the most of it and
fight for the starting jersey.”
Barrett is enjoying life at Ulster and is
relishing the competition for the no3 jersey,
with tighthead props, Tom O’Toole, and
Scott Wilson, providing stiff competition
for the starting berth.
Answers: David’s wrist strap, John’s Ulster logo (shorts), ball, Exeter defender, sole of boot
43

Adult Men’s Cup Finals Reaching Closing Stages
The excitement is building as the club cup
competitions reach their quarter-final
stages, with some mouth-watering fixtures
this weekend. There is a fresh look to the
competitions this season thanks to some
format changes arising from a review last
year by the Competitions Management
Committee (CMC).
Competition Honorary Secretary, Alan
Egner, explains “CMC is committed
to evolving and improving the cup
competitions for the benefit of all. This
week’s fixtures promise to deliver more
thrilling rugby and showcase the depth of
talent within our clubs.’
the McCambley Cup for regional teams saw
its biggest entry for many years thanks to
an easing of its entry criteria.’
The changes have been well received by
clubs and early rounds of the competitions
have been hotly contested, for example
with Belfast Harlequins 2nd XV just pipping
Larne in a nine-try thriller in the Gordon
West Cup, and Lurgan edging past Queens
2nd XV in the Bank of Ireland Towns Cup.
Both fixtures that would not have been
possible last year.
‘Our cup competitions are a very popular
feature of the club season, with a final at
Kingspan often the pinnacle of any club
player’s career. Last year we undertook
a review of each cup with the aims of
making them more competitive, reflecting
changes in rugby demographics and
delivering an enhanced experience for
both players and clubs.’
Alan continues, ‘The changes included
Belfast clubs entering the Bank of Ireland
Town’s Cup for the first time with the McCrea
Cup becoming its subsidiary competition. In
the Gordon West Cup the inclusion of 1st XV’s
and AIL 2nd XV’s from the Provincial leagues
has helped to provide fresh challenges for the
Championship 3 sides. While the Crawford
Cup and Forster Cup remain unchanged,
The pick of the week’s matches include
Town’s Cup holders Enniskillen at Banbridge
2nd XV and Carrick at home to Monaghan
in the McCrea Cup. We wish clubs every
success and hope they enjoy their cup
rugby in the weeks ahead.
45

Catching Up with Tom Court
Ahead of Ulster’s hit-out against Super
Rugby side, Queensland Reds, we chatted
to one of Ulster’s most loved Aussies,
former prop, Tom Court, who found an
unexpected home in the province.
Some people are destined for the biggest
stage from an early age. The beauty of
rugby is that sometimes an opportunity
lands and you take it.
Now retired, Tom Court, made over 150
appearances for Ulster, was capped 32
times for Ireland on the international stage
and had the honour of being a British and
Irish Lion.
But shockingly, Court, only first started
to play rugby in 2004.
Gifted with a big build and strength at a
young age, Court was doing everything
to get a place on the Australian Olympic
team for shot putting. Before throwing
props to the floor, Court threw the shot
put, and was a champion in the sport at
University level.
He would have trials for the senior
Australian side in a bid to reach the
Olympic Games but was advised by
a friend to give rugby a go, given his
strength and power.
Safe to say, he owes his friend for the
suggestion, as he looks back on a career that
was made in Australia, but forged in Ulster.
“I gave rugby a crack back in 2004 and
the first season, it took off for me. Within
a couple of weeks I was told I hear you
can scrum and are strong, can you come
down to train with the reds. I played for
the reds in 2006. There was a rule that
if you played more than four games you
had to be given a contract but they had
a full squad and didn’t want to give me a
contract for next season!”
Then came an offer from Ulster Rugby to
come along and show his ability with the
view to staying longer.
“The Reds had brought in Eddie Jones as
the new coach in 2007 and he told me
to hang around but it would have meant
maybe eight months of not playing! I had
an Irish passport through my Grandfather
and I told an agent to find me somewhere
to play professionally.
“Literally two weeks later I was on a plane
to Belfast. I signed a two-year contract, I
got there at the end of the 2006 season
when Ulster won the Celtic League. The
first year I didn’t play much as we had
Simon Best and Bryan Young.”
Court remained patient, plugging away
in training and would get his opportunity.
“I wasn’t playing much. I was over on
my own, my fiancée was still at home
in Australia. Halfway through the year,
Ulster said we need him to play more, so
I went on loan to a club in Solihull, the
Pertemp Bees.
“Ulster then brought in the Matt Williams
and Steve Williams coaching combo. I still
didn’t play much in the second season
and had a few injuries. I actually played
with Ireland ‘A’ before I played for Ulster!
“I begged Matt Williams for a run and
asked him to give me a chance as I
didn’t have another contract lined up. He
started me and then I started for about
the next six and half years!”
When asked to sum up his time in Belfast,
Court described it as another home he got
fully settled into, despite the big weather
differences compared to the Southern
Hemisphere.
“I loved it. Compared to Australia, its
another world. There isn’t a lot of cold
and snowy weather here. Christmas feels
like Christmas in Belfast. I’m still mates
with the guys I played with at Ulster -
they will be forever. Belfast was the most
important part of my career. My wife and
I got married there, our kids were born
there, so it was a huge chunk of our lives.”
Ulster Highlight
Court has plenty of brilliant memories
playing for Ulster and Ireland over the
years, but one that really stands out in his
career is Ulster’s Heineken Cup Quarter-
Final victory over interprovincial rivals,
Munster, at Thomond Park in 2012.
The Ulstermen stunned the Red Army
after edging the tight contest by 16-22 in
a famous victory.
“That was the best feeling. You have your
Grand Slam Six Nations, your Lions tours
but the best feeling was still that game. I
remember how I felt and when I look at
the photos there’s one where you see all
the boys celebrating. I’m hunched over
and shattered after the 80th minute!
47

“That squad, especially that core of boys
like Stevie Ferris, Rory Best – everyone
was so tight. The rugby was going well
and the team all clicked.
“Leinster (who went on to win the
Heineken Cup in 2012) won everything
and had some team. I mean Cian Healy is
still going! To play second fiddle to him in
Ireland was fair enough. I wasn’t the best
at anything apart from getting injured!”
Lions Tour
After a long and gruelling season 2012/13
campaign, Court, was then called up by
the British and Irish Lions for their 2013
tour of Australia.
Initially, Court, thought that the phone
call was a prank call by his cheeky Ulster
teammates.
A follow-up call from the Irish Team
Manager, Mick Kearney, then confirmed
that it indeed wasn’t a joke and was a
request for the Ulster prop to join Warren
Gatland’s training camp.
“I was actually in Australia on holiday
in the north coast when I got the call. I
couldn’t believe it.
“I did the maths and knew I was the next
choice loosehead for Ireland. I had imposter
syndrome about where I was ranked. I
had a missed call actually and I listened
to the voicemail from Guy Richardson. I
heard the accent and thought yeah nice
one, that’s probably one of the boys from
Ulster winding me up.
“Mick Kearney called who was the Ireland
team manager then called me to say ‘they
want you get to get on a plane and head
down to the Lions’, I didn’t believe it.
My wife needed a hand with the kids after
bathtime and I’m sitting there in shock! I
told my wife and she was in shock. I said
give me a min and I’ll call you back.”
For a man that is used to big atmospheres
and going up against top opposition, his
Lions experience was one of the scariest
he had ever gone through.
“It was the most nerve-wracking
experience of my life to be
honest, walking into the room
and you see Paul O’Connell,
Alun Wyn Jones, Brian O’Driscoll
– it was a who is who of the
home nations.
I’d never been more nervous in my life!”
Court credits former teammate, Tommy
Bowe, for the phone call that gained him
the call-up.
Tommy said he heard Gatland speaking
about the injuries and Tommy said ‘well
Tom Court is on the Gold Coast in Australia
if you need him! And that’s why they gave
him a ring.
Queensland Reds Match
Court lives and works in Brisbane,
for the Univeristy of Queensland
and regularly helps out with
Queensland Reds.
The Brisbane man is looking forward to
watching Ulster Rugby’s Friday night
mid-season challenge against the Reds
at Kingspan Stadium, with it being a
unique clash between two teams closely
connected to him.
“I think it’s a great idea!
“It would have to be Les Kiss’ influence.
It’s a young group, he wants to expose
them to a new style of rugby in another
hemisphere.
There are a lot of talented young
wallabies in that team and being away
all together, against teams they don’t
know is a bit of a masterstroke. They
are on the verge of doing something
special with who they have.
“It will be interesting to see the styles of
rugby together and the reds will need
to roll their sleeves up with the Belfast
weather!”
With Ulster welcoming back James
Hume, Stuart McCloskey and Jacob
Stockdale back to the starting XV, Court
feels the team will be very pumped up
for the challenge.
“The Ulster guys coming back
from injury, they won’t want to
be losing so they will get the
boys fired up.
“It should pump the Ulster
boys up to give them a good
arm-wrestle against a few
Wallabies.”
“A few of the reds boys have been asking
me where is nice to go in Belfast and
some recommendations for a few of the
local pubs for a pint!”
807 was my number and I’m very
proud of that honour.”
49

GUESS WHO?
Can you name the 4 players?
in partnership with
Top - Bottom: Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole, Jacob Stockdale
51

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for Season Ticket Holders
Quote Ulster Rugby 50 at the time
of purchase to validate offer.
Read Offer T&Cs here
2024/25 HOME FIXTURES
H Glasgow Warriors Sat 21 Sep W 20-19 URC
A Emirates Lions Sat 28 Sep L 35-22 URC
A Vodacom Bulls Sat 5 Oct L 47-21 URC
H Connacht Sat 12 Oct W 32-27 URC
H Ospreys Fri 18 Oct W 36-12 URC
A Cardiff Sat 26 Oct L 21-19 URC
H Leinster Fri 29 Nov L 20-27 URC
A Stade Toulousain Sun 8 Dec L 61-21 ICC
H Union Bordeaux Bègles Sat 14 Dec L 19-40 ICC
H Munster Fri 20 Dec L 19-22 URC
A Connacht Sat 28 Dec W 7-17 URC
A Leicester Tigers Sat 11 Jan L 38-10 ICC
H Exeter Chiefs Fri 17 Jan W 52-24 ICC
H Zebre Parma Sun 26 Jan L 14-15 URC
H Queensland Reds Fri 7 Feb 7.35pm Friendly
A Benetton Sat 15 Feb 5.15pm URC
H Scarlets Sat 1 Mar 5.15pm URC
A Dragons Sat 22 Mar 5.15pm URC
H DHL Stormers Fri 28 Mar 7.35pm URC
A Union Bordeaux Bègles Sun 6 Apr 12.30pm ICC
Insure what matters.
A Leinster Sat 19 Apr 7.35pm URC
H HollywoodBets Sharks Sat 26 Apr 7.35pm URC
abbeyautoline.co.uk
08000 66 55 44
A Munster Fri 9 May 7.35pm URC
A Edinburgh Fri 16 May 7.35pm URC
Part of the Prestige Insurance Holdings Group. AbbeyAutoline is a trading name of Abbey
Insurance Brokers Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Friendlies
supported by
*UK/IRE Time
55

Thank You!
SPIRIT OF ‘99 THE 1924
HEINEKEN
QUARTER BAR
CLUBHOUSE
BAR
CLUBHOUSE
KITCHEN
Ulster Rugby wish to thank all of our sponsors
and partners for their continued support.
Main Sponsor
PROMENADE 1
PROMENADE 2
ABBEY AUTOLINE
FAMILY STAND
RAVENHILL
SUITE
FAMILY TERRACE
NEVIN SPENCE MEMORIAL TERRACE
SCRUM
BAR
CASTORE
SHOP
LINEOUT
BAR
NEVIN SPENCE MEMORIAL STAND
FAN ZONE /
FOOD VILLAGE
Kit Sponsor
Official On-kit Sponsors
EAST TERRACE
BACKLINE
BAR
A&L GOODBODY LOUNGE
Official Sponsors
CORPORATE BOXES
Catering
The Food Village will be in operation,
serving a variety of cuisines, while the
Cool FM Crew will provide the soundtrack
for the evening.
Five indoor public bars and one outdoor
bar will also be in operation, with live
entertainment in the Clubhouse Bar.
Castore Shop
The Castore Shop will be open from gates
open, until 30 minutes after full-time.
Audio
Audio descriptive match commentary to
enhance the match experience for people
affected by sight or hearing loss will be
available.
Earpieces can be collected from the admin
building reception prior to the game, or
you can book your equipment by calling
on (028) 9049 3222.
Kingspan Stadium is now fully cashless,
with all bars and catering outlets
operating via card payments only.
Domestic Sponsors
Official Partners
Live music will be available pre & post-match in the Clubhouse Bar
Respect
Policy
Incident hotline
07790
200 200
We are
passionate in
our support
We are silent
during kicks
at goal
We respect the
match officials’
decisions
We drink
responsibly
We do not tolerate
abusive or discriminatory
language
We respect opposition
players, management
& supporters
We are mindful
of our language
57