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Official Match Day Programme
ulSteR
v
LEINSTER
Fri 17 Apr, 2026
7.45pm
Affidea Stadium
8
5
8
Tonight’s Mascots
The Ulster Rugby
Foundation
20
Squad
26
Teams
28
Half-Time
Exhibition Game
32 Leinster
Players to Watch
Juarno Augustus
Interview
36
16
36
46
54
Guest Article
Training Gallery
58
Referees’ Corner
62
Bank of Ireland
Towns Cup
54
#evYuMr
66
70
W6N - Three Ulster Players
Named to Face Italy
Zac Ward
Q&A
PROUD TITLE SPONSOR OF THE
BKT UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
66
70
2
3
MASCOTS
I am a huge fan of Ulster Rugby
and rugby means a lot to me.
I really enjoy the atmosphere on
match days and I will be proud
to represent Ulster Rugby by
cheering on the players.
One day I would love to play
for Ulster!
Favourite Ulster Player
Stuart McCloskey because
of the way he charges through
defenders.
Welcome
James M. 11
Once again, and on behalf of everyone
at Affidea UK & Ireland, I’m delighted
to welcome you to tonight’s game
between Ulster and Leinster.
This is a fixture supporters always look
forward to; two top sides, a fierce edge,
and a packed crowd ready to roar their
team on. There’s something special
about Ulster v Leinster; it’s the oldest
fixture in Irish rugby, dating back to the
first interprovincial meeting between
the sides in 1875. Since then, a proud
and passionate rivalry has grown, and
a Friday night under lights only adds
to the occasion. Your support plays a
huge part. The noise, the energy, and
the backing from the stands really do
lift the players and make this a tough
place to come.
We’re proud to support Ulster Rugby
and to be part of nights like this,
where the focus is on the team and
the supporters who follow them
everywhere.
Enjoy the game, get behind the lads,
and make it a night to remember.
Thank you for your continued support.
Barry Downes
CEO Affidea UK and Ireland
I love playing rugby and I
love Ulster Rugby. I can’t wait
to run out onto the pitch with
my heroes!
Favourite Ulster Player
Werner Kok. He’s so fast and
scores lots of tries.
caIrns T. 9
4
5
President ’s Welcome
Hello everyone, a very warm welcome
back to Affidea Stadium for tonight’s
URC league game against our provincial
rivals Leinster.
A special welcome to the Leinster players,
management and travelling supporters for
the game tonight. We know that Leinster
has been experiencing a strong winning
form recently and like us here in Ulster
have a home European Cup Semi Final.
There will be, as ever that Interprovincial
edge to tonight’s game. Let’s give them
all a warm Ulster welcome.
At our last encounter with Leinster
earlier in the season at the Aviva, we
had a strong performance, leading until
the 73rd minute. Who can forget Tom
Stewart showing James Lowe a clean
pair of heels to score in the corner. So,
let’s go one better and be leading at the
final whistle tonight.
Thanks to our coaches and the backroom
staff who have been doing an amazing
job with the players this season, getting
those injured back to full fitness and on
the pitch. For the rest of the players the
quality and improvement in performances
are clear for all to see. Let’s show are
appreciation by being loud and proud and
getting right behind the team tonight.
For those players still recovering from
injury we wish them all well and look
forward to a full recovery and seeing
them back on the pitch very soon.
Today is Ulster Rugby Foundation
Day. The Foundation runs events
and fundraising initiatives, supported
by player ambassadors, to connect
communities and develop the next
generation of players and supporters.
It uses rugby to make a positive impact
across the community by inspiring young
people, promoting inclusion, including
disability rugby, and growing the game—
especially among women and girls.
So, if you can, please buy a ticket for
great prizes in tonight’s Match Night
Raffle. That would really be appreciated
by all involved.
A big thank you to you our loyal fans for
your unwavering support and passion.
Remembering the importance of showing
respect for our opponents and officials.
On the Domestic Front - in our Adult and
Youth Club competitions, all the league
fixtures have now been completed.
Double congratulations to Enniskillen as
both its Women’s and Men’s teams will
be flying the Ulster Flag next season,
while and competing in their respective
All-Ireland League competitions.
Currently in the All-Ireland Leagues, we
wish Clogher, Dungannon and Instonians
good luck in their promotion playoffs.
This season’s adult domestic Cup finals
take place here at the stadium, tomorrow
(Sat 18 Apr). Larne take on Randalstown
in this year’s McCrea Cup final at 1pm.
While at 3.30pm the season long Bank
of Ireland Towns Cup comes to a climax
with Dromore versus Omagh. I wish all
those taking part including the players,
supporters and officials a safe and
competitive afternoon.
On behalf of our club and school
players, I would like to extend our
sincere thanks to all the volunteers
serving on the various Ulster domestic
committees. Their hard work throughout
the season—organising competitions
and coordinating fixtures—ensures a
competitive, engaging, and enjoyable
experience for everyone involved. Enjoy
your short break before you are back to
organising for next season.
Let’s give our guests a warm welcome by
making the Affidea Stadium the loudest
it has been for years and roar the team
on as we push for the play-offs!
Stand Up for the Ulster Men!
Paul Hart
President IRFU Ulster Branch
6
7
Welcome to Foundation Day 2026,
celebrating rugby, community, and
impact across Ulster.
Meet Our Foundation Ambassadors
This Foundation Day we are proud to
Ulster Rugby is proud to introduce
the 2026 Ulster Rugby Foundation
Ambassadors, a group of players who
will play a key role in championing the
work of the Foundation both on and off
the pitch.
FOUNDATION
Youth
For Cormac Izuchukwu and James
McNabney, rugby’s impact began at a
young age.
Their journeys reflect the importance of
youth engagement within the game, from
early participation to progressing through
the ranks. Through their ambassador
roles, they will help inspire young players
across the province, sharing their stories
and encouraging others to get involved.
2025/26 Raffle Round Up
So far this season, thanks to the incredible
generosity of our fans and a shared
passion for supporting grassroots rugby,
our Match Night Raffles across the
2025/26 home and away season have
raised an amazing £29,443.78!
From everyone at Ulster Rugby and the
Ulster Rugby Foundation, thank you to
every fan who has bought a raffle ticket
this season.
This achievement wouldn’t be possible
without our dedicated volunteers, who
have shown up in all conditions to sell
tickets, engage with fans, and champion
the Foundation.
This Foundation Day, we’d like to give
a special shoutout to those who have
helped make it all possible:
• Chris Henderson
• Angela Morrison
• Conor McCormick
• Joanne Ferris
• Maddie Twamley
• Rhys Anderson
• Ruth Harper
• Cormac Izuchukwu
• Harry Sheridan
• James McNabney
• Niamh Marley
• India Daley
• Christy Hill
Each ambassador brings a unique story
and connection to the Foundation’s three
key pillars:
Women & Girls
Niamh Marley, India Daley and Christy
Hill represent the continued growth and
opportunity within the women’s game.
Niamh’s journey into rugby from a GAA
background highlights the inclusivity
of the sport and the diverse pathways
into the game. Their achievements on
the pitch, their lives beyond rugby,
from careers in education to balancing
university commitments, reflect the wellrounded
role models they are for the next
generation.
Disability
Cormac Izuchukwu explains:
“I’m really proud to be involved with
the Ulster Rugby Foundation as an
ambassador this season. Rugby gave me
so much growing up, not just in terms of
the game, but the people, the support
and the opportunities, so it’s important
to give something back.
The Foundation does incredible work
across the community, especially with
young people, and if I can play even a
small part in inspiring the next generation
or helping someone get involved in
rugby, then that’s something I’m really
passionate about.”
ENTER RAFFLE
Silent Auction
The Foundation Day auction is now live, and if you don’t want to rely on luck
to bag the best Ulster Rugby memorabilia and prizes, then click the link below
and get bidding!
AUCTION
8
Harry Sheridan brings a strong
connection to the Foundation’s disability
programmes through his involvement
with Malone Tornadoes.
His active role in supporting training and
engaging with players demonstrates
the power of rugby to create inclusive
environments where everyone can belong
and thrive.
Their stories, experiences and passion
for the game will help shine a light on
the work of the Ulster Rugby Foundation
and the positive impact it continues to
make across the community.
9
Foundation Impact Across the Province
In line with its objectives, the
Foundation has allocated £20,000 to
the Club & Community Rugby Officer
(CCRO) programme. This initiative
works in partnership with Ulster
Rugby’s affiliated clubs, where local
officers engage with schools and
community groups to grow grassroots
participation. Last year, the programme
employed 32 Club Community Rugby
Officers.
In addition, £22,500 has been invested
in activities specifically designed to
support individuals with disabilities
across the province. The Foundation
has also contributed £27,500 to Ulster
Rugby’s Rugby Participation Programme,
enabling Participation Officers to deliver
outreach initiatives that introduce new
audiences to the sport.
North West
• Delivery of impactful “Be a Better Man”
community workshops promoting
respect, responsibility and the role they
play in shaping safer spaces for women
and girls.
• This event saw a great turnout
including strong representation from
the clubs youth section, highlighting
the importance of these conversations
and the willingness of young people to
be part of meaningful change
• Ballymoney grew U12 registrations via
CCRO support and Ulster Rugby Let’s
Play events.
North Central
• Ballyclare started a Women’s Tag Team
off the back of Try Time and competed
in the Women’s Winter Tag League
• Randalstown have been working with
Castletower Special Educational Needs
School to deliver a programme of Rugby
with their students
• Rainey Warriors has been established
and into their 3rd block of training
sessions with growing numbers
• Academy RFC boosted U12 numbers
through CCRO programme and Let’s
Play events.
North East
• Instonians successfully delivered a
six-week block of joint sessions with
Sarsfields GAA, strengthening crosscommunity
relations
• Successful delivery of holiday camps
and school blitz competitions
South West
• Development groundwork underway
in Donegal Town to build sustainable
rugby structures
• High-quality coaching and large-scale
blitz events delivered across the region
• 220+ girls engaged in Virginia blitz
• Continued growth in girls’ rugby,
including Omagh Academy success at
Danske Bank Finals
• Oisin McGrath Trophy blitz was a
memorable blitz ran by Enniskillen for
their former player
South Central
• Over 120 new players introduced to
rugby through TY blitz in Monaghan
• Large-scale school engagement (150+
pupils across 12 schools) through
partnership programmes
• Monaghan RFC saw U12 growth
supported by CCRO and Ulster Rugby
Let’s Play events
• Strong community relations initiatives
through tag rugby festivals, including
Good Relations Tag Rugby Festival
which brought together 6 primary
schools and Best Blitz expected to bring
together 15+ primary schools
South East
• Club growth and recognition, including
Ards’ member achieving Lifetime
Achievement Award with ANDBC
• Ongoing mental health initiatives
supporting youth members
Disability
• 5k funding - Supplied 14 clubs with
exercise equipment, training balls, and
sensory balls
• DSNI Inclusive Sport Award Bronze -
Awarded to DRO and Branch president
on 16 Feb. Which celebrates the work
done to make rugby more accessible
• Hidden Disability Sunflower Scheme -
Will be rolled out before the new season
in line with IRFU
10
11
Why it Matters
This Foundation Day, we’re shining a
light on one of the fastest-growing areas
of the game.
This season marked a major milestone for
women’s rugby in Ulster with the launch
of the first Women’s Winter Tag League,
giving players the chance to stay active,
competitive and connected right through
the winter.
When we visited Ballyclare v Dromore
Yellows in March, we saw exactly what
it’s all about. A hard-fought 7–4 contest,
played in great spirit, with plenty of
camaraderie and craic both on and off
the pitch.
Alex Dalzell, coach of Ballyclare,
reflected on why she got involved in
Women’s Tag Rugby and the importance
of having a women’s tag team within
the club:
“The team highlights local women, builds
confidence and fitness in a way that suits
them, and inspires girls to see that rugby
is for them too.”
“I played rugby for years before moving
into coaching. I’ve always been passionate
about growing the women’s game,
and after having daughters I wanted to
help create a clear pathway for girls to
progress to senior rugby.”
Rachel Porter, captain of Dromore
Yellows, encouraged more women to
get involved:
“I’d encourage any woman - no
matter her age, fitness level, or
sports background - to give it
a go. Tag rugby is fun, friendly,
and incredibly welcoming, and
you quickly build skills and
confidence. Plus, the friendships,
fitness, and sense of belonging
you gain make it absolutely
worth taking that first step.
The hardest part is showing up;
the best part is everything that
comes after.”
Women and girls’ remain
underrepresented in rugby, yet
they represent the fastest-growing
demographic in the sport today. The
Ulster Rugby Foundation is committed to
addressing this imbalance by supporting
inclusive and welcoming pathways that
encourage more females to take part.
By increasing visibility, opportunity and
access, the Foundation aims to support
initiatives that help more women and
girls experience the lifelong benefits of
being involved in rugby.
Rachel reminded us of just how
important this actually is:
“It feels fantastic to still be playing sport
as an adult. After becoming a mum, I
never thought team sport would fit back
into my life, but tag rugby has completely
proved me wrong. It’s my mid week
escape - once I step on the pitch, every
worry disappears, and I’m reminded just
how much joy being active brings.”
Bring a Pound
to the Ground
We encourage everyone attending to
“Bring a Pound to the Ground” and help
make this year’s Foundation Day
the biggest one yet.
Thank you for supporting
Foundation Day 2026.
Your support helps us grow the
game and make a real difference
across every corner of the
province.
We’re delighted to have
BL Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Ltd
and ORTO Pizzabar as valued sponsors.
12
13
14
15
Summer Camps
Ulster Rugby’s Summer Camps are back, with residential camps for
boys and girls.
Looking to improve your rugby skills
and have a great time this summer? The
Ulster Rugby Summer Camps are back
at Campbell College!
the game and to learn about the core
values of rugby union such as teamwork,
commitment, communication, integrity,
and respect.
Ulster Rugby is offering a broad and
holistic rugby package allowing young
players to experience a few days in the
life of an elite level rugby player, with
boys spending 3 nights at Campbell
College in June and July, and girls in
August. Players have the opportunity to
further develop their understanding of
The content of the camp has been
developed to reflect contemporary
methods of coaching and playing and
as such, players should expect to
partake in a structured rugby
development programme and learn to
play the Ulster way.
Through top-class coaching, delivered
by Ulster Rugby staff in a professional,
safe and fun environment, players will
develop their core rugby skills and learn
to execute them.
The programme will contain elements
of game analysis, nutrition education,
positional clinics, recovery and
recuperation and several other
workshops, including those
delivered by people currently
involved in the game on topics
such as refereeing and
employment opportunities in
sport beyond rugby.
All players will receive an Ulster
Rugby memento and a match
ticket to a selected Ulster Rugby
game at Affidea Stadium.
BOOK
16
17
18
19
Lock
21/02/1992
199cm
118kg
175
85
Iain
HENDERSON
Hooker
26/05/1993
180cm
101kg
136
-
John
ANDREW
Back Row
09/12/1997
184cm
128kg
13
-
Juarno
AUGUSTUS
Wing
19/08/1997
192cm
106kg
78
8
Rob
BALOUCOUNE
Centre
24/02/2002
184cm
100kg
19
-
Ben
CARSON
Prop
12/06/2000
175cm
115kg
16
-
Sam
CREAN
Lock
16/11/1998
197cm
118kg
23
-
Matthew
DALTON
Scrum Half
17/12/2001
185cm
83kg
105
1
Nathan
DOAK
Fly Half
07/06/1999
184cm
91kg
35
-
Jake
FLANNERY
Hooker
21/04/1990
184cm
96kg
269
40
Rob
HERRING
Lock
16/04/2004
201cm
115kg
10
-
Joe
HOPES
Centre
07/09/1998
187cm
97kg
116
3
James
HUME
Fly Half
04/11/2001
187cm
97kg
7
-
James
HUMPHREYS
Lock
28/01/2003
203cm
118kg
10
-
Charlie
IRVINE
Lock
28/01/2000
201cm
118kg
50
4
Cormac
IZUCHUKWU
ULSTER RUGBY MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
Prop
04/10/2000
190.5cm
127kg
13
AUS 50
Angus
BELL
Wing
17/01/1993
179cm
96kg
31
-
Werner
KOK
Universal Back
20/08/1998
170cm
77kg
131
1
Michael
LOWRY
Back Row
13/06/2000
191cm
110kg
86
-
David
McCANN
Centre
06/08/1992
193cm
112kg
214
28
Stuart
McCLOSKEY
Hooker
08/01/2002
182cm
107kg
15
-
James
McCORMICK
Prop
26/08/2002
192cm
124kg
1
-
Rory
McGUIRE
Fullback/Wing
10/08/2000
188cm
89kg
73
-
Ethan
McILROY
Scrum Half
20/03/2001
183cm
86kg
18
-
Conor
McKEE
Back Row
03/04/2002
190cm
110kg
3
-
Lorcan
McLOUGHLIN
Back Row
28/02/2003
195cm
118kg
20
-
James
McNABNEY
Universal Back
08/08/1999
183cm
91kg
86
-
Stewart
MOORE
Wing
09/06/2001
192cm
108kg
40
-
Ben
MOXHAM
Fly Half
15/07/2004
175cm
84kg
30
-
Jack
MURPHY
Prop
23/10/1998
188cm
126kg
4
-
Bryan
O’CONNOR
Prop
30/11/1995
185cm
119kg
134
1
Eric
O’SULLIVAN
Prop
23/09/1998
182cm
106kg
138
21
Tom
O’TOOLE
ULSTER RUGBY MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
21
20
ULSTER RUGBY MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
Jude
POSTLETHWAITE
Centre
03/04/2002
193cm
105kg
43
-
David
SHANAHAN
Scrum Half
20/06/1993
172cm
77kg
103
-
Marcus
REA
Back Row
08/09/1997
189cm
111kg
58
-
Harry
SHERIDAN
Lock / Back Row
21/09/2001
195cm
121kg
57
-
Sean
REFFELL
Back Row
04/11/1998
180 cm
128kg
15
-
Tom
STEWART
Hooker
11/01/2001
184cm
121kg
71
5
Callum
REID
Prop
16/01/1999
183cm
121kg
34
-
Jacob
STOCKDALE
Wing
03/04/1996
191cm
110kg
147
42
ENJOY
15% OFF!
SAM MDF MOULDINGS
Use code ULSTERRUGBY15 at
checkout for your discount.
shop.sammouldings.co.uk
Nick
TIMONEY
Back Row
01/08/1995
188cm
111kg
180
10
Zac
WARD
Wing
11/12/1993
191cm
104kg
25
-
Scott
WILSON
Prop
06/08/2002
188cm
100kg
53
-
PROUD PRINCIPAL PARTNER
22
shop.sammouldings.co.uk
23
24
25
1
2
3
1
2
3
Angus BELL
Tom STEWART
Tom O’TOOLE
Jerry CAHIR
Rónan KELLEHER
Thomas CLARKSON
4
5
4
5
Iain HENDERSON
C
Cormac IZUCHUKWU
Brian DEENY
James RYAN
C
6
8
7
6
8
7
David McCANN
Juarno AUGUSTUS
Sean REFFELL
Alex SOROKA
James CULHANE
Scott PENNY
9
9
Nathan DOAK
Luke McGRATH
10
10
11
Jack MURPHY
11
Sam PRENDERGAST
Zac WARD
12
Jimmy O’BRIEN
12
Stuart McCLOSKEY
Robbie HENSHAW
Replacements
13
Replacements
13
16 James McCORMICK
17 Sam CREAN
James HUME
16 Gus McCARTHY
17 Ed BYRNE
Garry RINGROSE
18 Scott WILSON
19 Harry SHERIDAN
14
18 Rabah SLIMANI
19 Conor O’TIGHEARNAIGH
14
20 Bryn WARD
15
20 Max DEEGAN
15
21 Conor McKEE
Werner KOK
21 Will CONNORS
Joshua KENNY
22 Jake FLANNERY
Jacob STOCKDALE
22 Fintan GUNNE
Hugo KEENAN
23 Jude POSTLETHWAITE
23 Ciarán FRAWLEY
26
Referee: Ben Whitehouse
Referee: Assistant Andrew Refs: Brace, Padraic Assistance Reidy Referees: & Max Andrew Weston Cole & TMO: Tomás O’Sullivan, Keith David TMO: Olly Hodges
27
Half-Time
EXHIBITION Game
NEVIN SPENCE MEMORIAL STAND END ABBEYAUTOLINE FAMILY STAND END
Dungannon
Kit: Blue/White
1 Jacob Burrows
2 Archie Weir
3 Elijah Cuddy
4 Callum McMinn
5 Oliver Whitehead
6 Jacob Hassan
7 Joshua Sloan
8 Jamie Agnew
9 Archie Mills
10 Ollie Webb
11 Isaac Robinson
12 Ben Richardson
Armagh
Kit: Red/Black
1 Ben Robinson
2 Daithi Cahill
3 Drew Spence
4 Harry Donaldson
5 Harry McCall
6 Harry Parke
7 Jake Kelly
8 Jonah McCarragher
9 Josh Oates
10 Lewis Hill
11 Oisin McCloskey
12 Oscar Hyde
Ballyclare
Kit: Red/Navy/Yellow
1 Zach Cully
2 Daniel Stewart
3 Daniel McConnaghie
4 Luke Montgomery
5 Munashe Muchamiri
6 George Horner
7 Jensen Coid
8 Zayn Gordon
9 Thomas Bell
10 Kieran Rainey
11 Charlie Blair
12 William Higgins
Coleraine
Kit: Blue/White
1 Korrin Booth
2 Rio Armour
3 Eva McBride
4 Annie Jardine
5 Cruz Hanson
6 J P McCreanor
7 Ethan Boylan
8 Noah Crawley
9 Beau McKeague
10 Jack McGoldrick
11 Lincoln Sloan
12 Jack Hutchinson
28
29
30
31
32
LEINSTER
The reigning URC champions have
their top Irish internationals back
and are starting to put in some
dominant performances, following two
convincing Investec Champions Cup
home victories against Edinburgh Rugby
and Sale Sharks.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Joshua Kenny
Currently leading the URC’s try scoring charts
with 9 tries, winger Joshua (JJ) Kenny has
been a breakthrough player for Leo Cullen’s
team this season.
The young winger is rapid, with deft hands
and a great strike rate with his finishing talent.
With James Lowe out injured, the winger has
taken his opportunity and is competing with
All-Black Reiko Ioane and Ireland international
star Tommy O’Brien for position on Leinster’s
attacking flanks.
PREVIOUS
MEETINGS
Dec
2025
LEI 25
ULS 20
Like Ulster, Leinster also have an
upcoming European Semi-Final to
consider, as they face French side, RC
Toulon, in a few weeks time for a spot
in the Champions Cup Final.
Apr
2025
LEI 41
ULS 17
Nov
2024
Hugo Keenan
ULS 20
LEI 27
The Ireland star and British & Irish Lions
tourist is making up for lost time after an
injury hit campaign in 2025/26. A hand
injury in training before the 2026 Guinness
Six Nations cost the dynamic full-back
an appearance during the Triple Crown
winning campaign, however he has since
returned to fitness and has produced some
classy performances for Leinster.
Keenan is a strong operator in the backfield,
with a good ability in the aerial contest to
win possession for his team. His relentless
energy and line breaking ability will be
threats for any side.
NAME POSITION DOB WEIGHT (KG) HEIGHT (m)
Jimmy O'Brien Centre 27/11/1996 89.8 1.83
Robbie Henshaw Centre 12/06/1993 94.8 1.85
Garry Ringrose Centre 26/01/1995 91.6 1.85
Jamie Osborne Centre 16/11/2001 93.9 1.93
Hugh Cooney Centre 26/06/2003 84.8 1.78
Jack Deegan Centre 18/06/2006 103.9 1.88
Connor Fahy Centre 22/01/2005 100.7 1.85
Scott Penny Flanker 22/09/1999 99.8 1.83
Josh van der Flier Flanker 25/04/1993 104.8 1.83
Caelan Doris Flanker 02/04/1998 105.7 1.93
Will Connors Flanker 04/04/1996 101.6 1.93
Alex Soroka Flanker 19/02/2001 99.8 1.96
James Culhane Flanker 22/10/2002 108.9 1.93
Liam Molony Flanker 09/11/2003 101.6 1.83
Josh Ericson Flanker - - -
Harry Byrne Fly-Half 22/04/1999 89.8 1.88
Ciaran Frawley Fly-Half 04/12/1997 91.6 1.88
Charlie Tector Fly-Half 28/03/2002 94.8 1.88
Sam Prendergast Fly-Half 12/02/2003 90.7 1.93
Caspar Gabriel Fly-Half 18/10/2005 93 1.91
Hugo Keenan Fullback 18/06/1996 90.7 1.85
Henry McErlean Fullback 13/02/2003 86.6 1.83
John McKee Hooker 15/02/2000 103 1.83
Ronan Kelleher Hooker 24/01/1998 108 1.85
Bobby Sheehan Hooker 23/06/2000 110.7 1.96
Dan Sheehan Hooker 17/09/1998 109.8 1.91
Gus McCarthy Hooker 23/07/2003 106.6 1.78
Stephen Smyth Hooker 01/08/2004 113.9 1.85
Lee Fitzpatrick Hooker 25/01/2007 108.9 1.88
Ryan Baird Lock 26/07/1999 103.9 1.98
RG Snyman Lock 29/01/1995 116.6 2.06
Brian Deeny Lock 02/03/2000 111.6 2.01
James Ryan Lock 24/07/1996 106.6 2.01
Joe McCarthy Lock 26/03/2001 111.6 1.98
Conor O'Tighearnaigh Lock 02/04/2003 117.9 2.01
Alan Spicer Lock 04/03/2005 137.9 2.08
Billy Corrigan Lock 25/06/2005 112.9 1.98
Mahon Ronan Lock 04/10/2005 119.7 1.96
Jack Conan No. 8 29/07/1992 108 1.93
Max Deegan No. 8 01/10/1996 108 1.91
Diarmuid Mangan No. 8 06/03/2003 108.9 1.98
Tadhg Furlong Prop 14/11/1992 118.8 1.83
Andrew Porter Prop 16/01/1996 124.7 1.83
Rabah Slimani Prop 18/10/1989 123.4 1.78
Tom Clarkson Prop 22/02/2000 112.9 1.83
Jack Boyle Prop 10/03/2002 105.7 1.85
Paddy McCarthy Prop 28/05/2003 109.8 1.83
Alex Usanov Prop 10/07/2005 109.8 1.83
Andrew Sparrow Prop 15/11/2004 - -
Alex Mullan Prop 13/05/2005 120.7 1.91
Niall Smyth Prop 09/07/2005 117.9 1.91
Jerry Cahir Prop 26/08/2000 116 -
Luke McGrath Scrum-Half 03/02/1993 83 1.75
Cormac Foley Scrum-Half 24/10/1999 89.8 1.8
Jamison Gibson-Park Scrum-Half 23/02/1992 83 1.75
Fintan Gunne Scrum-Half 28/07/2003 84.8 1.75
Oliver Coffey Scrum-Half 13/09/2004 83.9 1.83
Tommy O'Brien Wing 28/05/1998 91.6 1.83
James Lowe Wing 08/07/1992 100.7 1.88
Jordan Larmour Wing 10/06/1997 88.9 1.78
Rieko Ioane Wing 18/03/1997 125.6 1.85
Andrew Osborne Wing 16/08/2003 93 1.88
Hugo McLaughlin Wing 26/05/2004 89.8 1.8
Ruben Moloney Wing 16/01/2004 91.6 1.88
Joshua Kenny Wing 03/08/2003 - -
Paidi Farrell Wing 03/03/2005 82.6 1.75
Ciaran Mangan Wing 17/05/2005 91.6 1.88
Tadhg Brophy 18/09/2004 74.8 1.7
Todd Lawlor 21/10/2005 90.7 1.8 33
34
35
JUARNO AUGUSTUS
Trokkie, how are you feeling as we
approach the very busy end to the
season?
I feel good, things have gone well for
us - we are in a semi-final in Europe and
have three home games to look forward
to, starting off with a big one against
Leinster of course! I think it’s all in our
hands with how our season can turn out
so we are all excited for what is ahead.
We have had some tough weather
conditions recently, what has that been
like to play in?
It’s tough but you make it as tough as
you make it. It’s the same for both teams
and it comes down to which team can
manage or soak it up the best. I don’t
mind playing in those conditions- it can
suit my game to keep things tight, carry
well and keep tackling.
When you joined us last summer, if
somebody said you would be in this
position now, would you have been
happy with that?
Yes! When I signed, I didn’t expect
anything less than we have done now
because of the quality of the players we
have, good coaches who I hadn’t worked
with before but now I know what they
are also capable of. Even seeing players
stand out for Ireland in the international
scene recently, they brought it back
with them so hopefully we can achieve
something special.
This will be your first time playing
Leinster at home, how big is that for
you?
It’s quite big! With where we are in
the table and it being an interpro
derby, I just want to help the team.
The rivalry between the clubs is big
and I want to feel what it feels like.
I had a taste against Connacht and
unfortunately, we lost on the night,
so hopefully this week can be good.
We are after a big result.
We have a home European Semi-Final
to look forward to against Exeter
Chiefs, you have experience of facing
them with Northampton Saints, so how
tough will that challenge be?
They have a good squad, signed a few
international players since I left the
PREM, so they look like they are doing
well. If we play our game well and put it
on them, we can win.
36
How important are the fans on nights
like this?
It’s unreal how they support us, they
come out in numbers, and it gives you
a great feeling knowing you have that
support in behind you. I would love to
return the favour to them.
37
You have plenty of experience of big
knockout rugby, even as recently as last
season with the Investec Champions
Cup Semi-Final, how important will
those experiences be?
Hopefully I can help the boys, if it means
giving them confidence and making
things easier. You can feel tense and
nervous, but somebody told me years
back that you have been playing rugby
for so long, it’s just another game.
More is on the line but it’s another
match, you must manage the occasion.
If I’m honest the weather doesn’t bother
me too much, if I like a place it doesn’t
matter. I lived in England for four years
and it was very similar! We are moving
house soon here, but I’m enjoying life at
Ulster!
Back Row
09/12/1997
184cm
128kg
13
You are an important member of the
Ulster team, are you a big talker on
the field?
Some situations I will say things but not
for the sake of saying it. You have leaders
in the group who know what to say at
the right time. I leave it to them, but I do
speak when I feel it’s the right time to
motivate guys around me.
You were out injured for three months
after an ankle injury against Connacht,
how did you use that time in recovery?
It was mostly rehab and working hard
with the physios to get back on the
field. I came back a bit leaner; it plays
a difference to the way I play as I can
move around a bit more.
Is the best version of Trokkie a lean one
or heavier one?
I think for me on the leaner side, because
then I can do more, I can tackle more,
carry more and run more. We’ll see over
the coming weeks!
You recently became a father for the
first time, how have the past few weeks
been for you?
It’s been unreal! Something very new,
I have a different responsibility and an
extra human to look after. I don’t know
how to even explain it – it’s the best.
It gives me extra motivation knowing I
have him at home!
You have played with a lot of talented
players in your career, one of those
being Henry Pollock at Northampton,
this season you have been rotating
with Bryn Ward, how impressed have
you been with him when training and
working alongside him?
Bryn is a good player! He is going to get
better too, I think Henry Pollock has a
lot of flashy moments, but the two are
very different players. Bryn does a lot
of the hard yards, tough carries and
tackles. The more he does it the better
he will get! He is one for the future and
the present!
How confident are you in the team as
we approach Leinster?
Since the day I stepped into the
environment, there has been a confident
feeling. Not to jinx it but I believe we
can go far and we are on the right track.
We have to take it game by game, if we
play, recover well and keep showing up,
we can take it further.
38
Are you and your family feeling settled
here and enjoying things, despite the
recent weather?
39
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45
we strangely call the domestic challenge
of the URC’s four-nation composition,
the essential passion and rawness of an
Irish Inter-Pro remain.
And these days the power in the land is
Leinster, and history is littered with great
battles between these two Provinces.
It is since tonight’s visitors got the
operation in place to capitalise on a rich
youth and school base, developed its
links with clubs and harnessed access to
Leinster’s vast rugby numbers, that the
standards set by Munster two decades
ago were matched and surpassed.
Magners League and URC titles: the
most decorated side in Ireland of the
professional era.
With that CV the Affidea crowd this
weekend knows what a ‘scalp’ Ulster
could take with a win to secure its current
third-place standing and distance itself
from the opposition. Cullen heads a
structure which offers him many playing
options, replacing international with
other internationals in most positions.
More than a rugby team is contracted
centrally to Ireland which says two
obvious things: the salary burden is
principally borne by the IRFU; and the
quality of any side wearing the famous
blue shirt is of high quality.
LEINSTER
HURDLE TO
ULSTER RISING
Ulster, though, is not a club which fosters
any inferiority complex, and though
recent years have been sometimes
fractious, often disappointing the last
eighteen months have seen Head Coach
Richie Murphy shape a squad with talent
given its head but the basic principles
of defensive character and resilience
are emphasised each and every day.
Guest Article
By Rod Nawn
46
Tonight at Affidea Stadium Ulster and
Leinster meet again, but this time in
the equally important United Rugby
Championship, the end-of-season
play-offs their shared target.
Leinster, of course, is once more chasing
glory in the elite Champions Cup,
swatting aside Sale Sharks last weekend,
just as Ulster did to the mighty, if
under-strength, La Rochelle in the
Challenge Cup.
In May, the focus will return to matters
European, with Ulster fans’ appetite
at last been sated with another home
match as Exeter arrives in Belfast for
a semi-final which will surely see the
stadium filled to capacity.
Leinster will be in their Champions
Cup semi-final with Toulon and next
month, not now, each set of players
and coaches will attempt to make the
Bilbao Finals weekend. But that is, truly,
for another day.
This Friday two fabled Irish Inter-
Provincial rivals come face-to-face yet
again, the most storied fixture for a
century which almost always decided
pre-eminence. It was not an accident
that, for decades, the last Inter-Pro
before the Five Nations Championship
– as it was – effectively an Inter-Pro
decider and effectively an unofficial
Ireland trial.
The arrival, and ultimate acceptance
of professional rugby, changed many
things at every level. Yet through all
the different, more consequential
competitions internationally and what
Its financial clout complements its
playing resources and excellent
coaching systems have allied to
nurture and maintain local talent and
allow the club to attract the world’s
best coaches and players. This evening
players like Rieko Ioane, Rabah Slimani
and RG Snyman will be available to Leo
Cullen who has overseen success after
success since 2015.
Michael Cheika and Joe Schmidt are
just two stand-out predecessors as
Head Coach, and Felipe Contepomi, Isa
Nacewa, Jordie Barrett, Rocky Elsom
and Brad Thorn are just a few signings
from the southern hemisphere who
have been part of the growth of a rugby
behemoth.
Four times champions of Europe,
countless Celtic, Pro 12, Pro 14,
Given some of the faltering
performances and results in the early
part of the season Leinster, now fully
stocked, threatens on both URC and
European fronts. Ulster has been a
side which has entertained and used
to winning. The occasional ‘blip’ – in
Cardiff and at home to Connacht –
has seen almost instant rehabilitation,
47
particularly at home.
Murphy and his coaches have made his
side much more formidable, athletic
and well-organised in the main, while
the improvement in the forwards’
setpiece is striking. Physically the pack
has genuine weight and heft, and the
work in the scrum and breakdown is
matched by excellent carries from, for
instance, Juarno Augustus, Bryn Ward,
skipper Iain Henderson and the worldclass
prop, Angus Bell.
run-in has just four games remaining,
for Cullen and Murphy the objective a
top four finish and a guarantee of home
advantage at the end of next month.
Then there’s the little matter of Europe
for each Head Coach, and in a fortnight
Leinster will contest its Champions Cup
‘semi,’ Ulster it’s potential passport to
the Challenge Cup Final.
Leinster, with Hugo Keenan, Robbie
Henshaw, and a raft of internationals
back to fitness, will field a team of
familiar and decorated names, but will
Murphy perhaps give some players
he relies on heavily a much-needed
break? McCloskey played every minute
of the La Rochelle victory, as did
captain Henderson whose influence
was everywhere. His decision-making,
his example as the game narrowed,
and his guidance as his side kept the
foot on the accelerator was just what
was needed and will be critical in the
matches to come.
There’s a trip to Munster next week
before Exeter comes calling in European
action, and then the high-flying DHL
Stormers at Affidea Stadium, followed
swiftly by the current BKT-URC tabletoppers,
Glasgow Warriors.
Could Stockdale be allowed to miss
next week’s trip to Limerick so his very
singular abilities are ready for a tough
close to the regular season. Add in
potential play-offs and European Finals
all players need to be as refreshed
as possible.
Jude Postlethwaite’s timely return to
fitness, Stockdale’s high-end versatility,
and the proven gifts of James Hume,
Kok and Jake Flannery, Bens Moxham
and Carson might mean different names
but the same positive and defiant Ulster
of recent vintage.
But it is Leinster, it is an Inter-Pro but
with vital league points at stake. Ulster’s
league finish is distinctly demanding, but
a win over Leinster would surely secure
a play-off spot and home advantage in
two more fixtures in the league could
help guarantee yet another big game
in Belfast, a veritable feat for fans after
the relative famine before the turn of
the year.
Mid-April and Ulster too often has been
in ‘if only’ mode, this year the immediate
future is full of possibilities, the potential
tangible rewards for success too
tempting upon which to dwell.
The players deserve immense credit,
so far, and are more than capable of
realising the objectives Murphy, Mark
Sexton, Jimmy Duffy, Willie Faloon will
have targetedfor 2025/26.
Tighten the seat belts, Alex Ferguson
had a memorable phrase for such a
decisive, risk-and-reward phase of the
sporting year, so fill the Affidea with a
partisan voice and prepare for Ulster
campaigns of genuine ambition.
Impatience is rightly giving way to
realistic optimism, embrace it and
show it!
Behind a pack which has literally grown
in regard Ulster’s backline is a try-scoring
machine, but one which attacks with
greater certainty and understanding
than in previous campaigns. Stuart
McCloskey at centre is arguably the
best in his position in Europe just now,
definitely Ireland’s best, and Jacob
Stockdale, in whatever role selected,
Zac Ward and Werner Kok are lethal
finishers and ferocious in the tackle.
48
Both teams this Friday night will have
been very carefully selected, and perhaps
neither will be at ‘full strength.’ The URC
49
50
51
Try Time
Guinness Women’s Six Nations
trophy will be on display inside
the fan zone tent
Try Time rugby is a non-contact
programme delivered at clubs / schools
to allow regular, informal rugby activity
for players who want to play, have fun
and enjoy all the health and fitness
benefits that come with being active.
Try Time rugby is targeted at new and
existing players (male & female)
who would like all the benefits of a
mid-week, social rugby experience,
without the formality of a coach-led,
training session.
What does it look like?
Try Time rugby can be played in either tag
or touch rugby format. It can be played as
4 v 4 or up to a maximum of 12 v 12.
It would be recommended that where
numbers exceed 10 v 10, the group be
split into smaller playing groups – to
maximise each player’s time with the ball.
Try time can be played either for fun or
by keeping score.
Types of Social Rugby:
Tag Rugby, Touch Rugby, Walking Rugby
and T1 Rugby.
Why take part in the
programme?
The adult participation surveys of 2020
revealed that there is significant demand
for a local, regular game for players,
as part of their weekly activity habits.
This programme of activity increases
the offer to new and existing members
and pupils to join and play rugby and
get more value for money for their
annual subs.
What do you need?
Access to pitch space and lighting
(if required)
An allocated ‘Activator’ to promote
participation, set up the pitches and
monitor participant attendance.
What is an Activator?
An Activator is an appointed
volunteer, who will;
Take responsibility for the internal
promotion of Try Time rugby and commit to
attending each Try Time session, to set up
the playing area in advance.
What is provided?
Practical resources to guide ‘the game’
Promotion of programme by Ulster Rugby
Support from a member of Ulster Rugby
development staff, to get the programme up
and running.
Ulster Rugby game cards.
52
Any club or school wishing to take part can contact their local
Rugby Participation Officer or email us at trytime@ulsterrugby.com
for further details on how to get involved.
53
TRAINING
GALLERY
54
55
NAME THE
PLAYERS
Can you name
the four players?
Answers: (top to bottom) David Shanahan, Eric O’Sullivan, Matthew Dalton, Iain Henderson
56
57
Law Quiz
Here is a quick law quiz to test your knowledge!
1. Red team are attacking near the try line. Red 7 is held up
over the try line. How does the referee restart the game?
2. Blue 10 takes a penalty kick at the posts. The ball hits an
upright and bounces back into the field of play. White 15
catches the ball and calls “mark”. What should the referee
do?
3. U19 match. Green 9 throws the ball into the scrum which
wheels beyond 45 degrees. What should the referee do?
4. Can a try be scored by placing the ball against the base of
the post protector?
5. How long must a player stay off the pitch for when receiving
a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) in a professional rugby
match?
6. What options does the captain who wins the toss have?
7. Red 10 takes a try line drop out and it goes directly into
touch. What options do the opponents have?
8. Ulster 14 dives to score a try. He hits the corner flag post in
the act of scoring. Is the try allowed?
Referees’Corner
We welcome Andrew Brace (IRFU) and
his team of officials to Affidea Stadium
for this evening’s round 15 clash of the
BKT United Rugby Championship
against Leinster. As always, Ulster Rugby
encourages all supporters to respect
the decisions of the match officials
throughout the game.
Recent match programmes have featured
some of the Ulster Society of Rugby
Football Referees members and outlined
the unique role that they play in facilitating
games of rugby both on and off the field.
Answers
1. Try line drop out (Law 12.12 a)
2. Award the mark (Law 17.2)
3. Reset the scrum with same team throw
in (Law 19.3 c U19 variation)
4. No. This law was removed a few years
ago. The ball must touch the try line or
the in goal area (Law 8.2)
5. Must be ready to return to play after 12
Could you be a Referee?
If you are interested in taking up the
whistle, or indeed just want to find
out more, please contact:
Richard Kerr
Referee Development Manager
07493 868 388 | richard.kerr@irfu.ie
mins, but cannot return before that (Law
3.27)
6. Chooses to either kick off or choose an
end (Law 6.3)
7. Drop out retaken, a scrum on the 5 metre
line, a lineout on the 5 metre line or a
quick throw (Law 12.13 d I – iv).
8. Yes (Law 21.15)
58
59
Spot t he
Difference
Can you spot the 5 differences?
60
Answers: (L-R) Sam Crean’s Ulster badge flips, tape missing on Connacht defender, Tom O’Toole’s hair changes, Tom’s shoe lace, Conor McKee’s arm is missing
61
Bank of Ireland Towns Cup Final
The 2026 Towns Cup final takes place
at Affidea Stadium this Saturday
afternoon (3.30pm, kick-off), with
Dromore and Omagh the two rugby
clubs going for glory.
For Omagh, the final represents a
memorable end to their first season
back in the Ulster Junior Ranks, with the
knowledge that they are one win away
from silverware.
Omagh overcame Enniskillen by four
points in a keenly contested semi-final,
a score of 20-16 swaying in their favour,
after overcoming treacherous conditions
and stubborn opposition at Thomas
Mellon Playing Fields earlier this month.
For Omagh, there’s poignancy too, as their
success in this year’s competition marks
their first Towns’ Cup final appearance in
over two decades. Omagh last were on
this stage 24 years ago, when they etched
a place in history, via a 32-26 win over
Ballynahinch II.
Dromore might hope to draw inspiration
from Omagh’s 2002 achievements: they
have reached this final in two of the last
four seasons yet, on both occasions, have
been pipped to the post on final day.
Four years ago, in 2022, Ballyclare edged
out Dromore in a thrilling contest, befitting
of a final’s occasion, as Dromore were
left rueing a five-point deficit, Ballyclare
edging home via a 32-27 victory.
More recently, only last year in fact,
Dromore suffered another near-miss in
the final. This time the margin of defeat
was 10 points but the pain was all too
familiar, as Ballynahinch II denied Dromore
the Towns’ Cup final, as the 2022 runnersup
inflicted the agony of a near-miss
onto Dromore.
12 months on and after another stellar run
deep through this competition, will it be
third time lucky for Dromore?
If that is to be the case, Dromore will have
to remedy the result they most recently
suffered against Omagh opposition, at
the start of March, when Omagh racked
up a half-century of points to race to an
emphatic win in Ulster Championship
1. Whether that has any psychological
impacts, on either sets of players, remains
to be seen.
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Three Ulster players named
in Ireland team to face Italy
Fiona Tuite, Brittany Hogan and
Sadhbh McGrath have been named
in Scott Bemand’s matchday squad
for Ireland’s Guinness Women’s
Six Nations clash against Italy at
Dexcom Stadium on Saturday (Kickoff
5.40pm).
Head Coach Scott Bemand has
named the Ireland Match Day Squad
for Saturday’s Guinness Women’s Six
Nations clash against Italy. The squad
includes Ulster’s Fiona Tuite, Brittany
Hogan & Sadhbh McGrath.
Following last weekend’s
Championship opener in London,
Ireland return home for their first
Six Nations outing in Galway,
with the new Clan Stand now
sold out as ticket sales pass the
8,000 mark.
Erin King leads the side into the Round
2 encounter with Italy, as Leinster
winger Robyn O’Connor is named in
Bemand’s starting team for her debut
appearance in green.
O’Connor is joined in the Ireland back
three by Stacey Flood at full-back and
Béibhinn Parsons on the right wing,
with Nancy McGillivray partnering
Aoife Dalton in midfield.
There is an unchanged half-back
pairing for Ireland as Emily Lane and
Dannah O’Brien link up once again.
In the pack, Ellena Perry, Cliodhna
Moloney-MacDonald and Linda
Djougang are selected in the front
row, with Ruth Campbell coming into
the side to join Fiona Tuite in Ireland’s
engine room, while the back row of
Brittany Hogan, captain King and
Aoife Wafer remaining unchanged.
Bemand has experienced options
on the bench to call upon as Neve
Jones, Niamh O’Dowd, Sadhbh
McGrath, Dorothy Wall and the fit
again Sam Monaghan providing the
forward replacements, while backs
Katie Whelan, Eve Higgins and Anna
McGann complete Ireland’s Match
Day 23.
Saturday’s match is live on BBC
iPlayer and Virgin Media One, with
radio commentary available on RTÉ
Radio 1.
66
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69
ZAC WARD
Favourite Ulster kit this season?
The black one
How do you wind down?
I go for a walk and get a coffee
Favourite position?
Left Wing
Favourite training session?
Thursday - Captain’s Run
What was your first club?
Ballynahinch RFC
Rugby idol?
Rene Ranger (New Zealand
wing/centre)
Best thing about being
a pro player?
Getting to do your
childhood hobby as
your job!
Favorite away ground?
Stade de France.
I played there with the
Irish 7s
Have you a pre-game
ritual?
I have ice-cream the
night before.
I’ve worn the same
under-shorts for years!
Who is your BFF in the squad?
Ethan McIlroy.
I call him Wee Eef / Skinny /
Leonard
Favorite moment in an
Ulster Jersey?
Playing games with my wee
bro’, Bryn
Movie/TV recommendation?
I like Suits
Goal for this season?
Winning silverware!
Zac’s BKT-URC Stats
for this season
Points Scored
30
Carries
103
Metres Gained
794
Clean Breaks
23
Defenders Beaten
44
70
71
SPIRIT OF ‘99 THE 1924
HEINEKEN
QUARTER BAR
CLUBHOUSE
BAR
CLUBHOUSE
KITCHEN
ONSLOW PARADE
TURNSTILES
T hank You!
Ulster Rugby wish to thank all of our sponsors
and partners for their continued support.
PROMENADE 1
PROMENADE 2
ABBEY AUTOLINE
FAMILY STAND
RAVENHILL
SUITE
FAMILY TERRACE
NEVIN SPENCE MEMORIAL TERRACE
THE 9
COUNTIES
SCRUM
BAR
CASTORE
SHOP
LINEOUT
BAR
NEVIN SPENCE MEMORIAL STAND
FAN ZONE /
FOOD VILLAGE
ADMIN’ BUILDING
Main Sponsor
Kit Sponsor
Official On-kit Sponsors
EAST TERRACE
BACKLINE
BAR
A&L GOODBODY LOUNGE
MOUNT MERRION AVE
CORPORATE BOXES
TURNSTILES
Official Sponsors
This Friday our Fan Zone comes to life
under our giant stretch tent. Fans can look
forward to:
• Two bars with seating and tables
• A variety of food trucks
• Live music from Cool FM
All public bars within the stadium will open
at 5.45pm, with live entertainment in the
Clubhouse Bar from both before and after
the match.
The Guinness Women’s Six Nations Trophy
will be on display in the stretch tent
pre-match.
Castore Shop
Make sure to visit the Castore Shop in the
Fan Zone, where you can browse the latest
training and travel wear, along with all three
2025/26 Ulster Rugby playing kits.
Enjoy the build-up to kick-off with
• Orto Pizza truck
• Tayto giveaways
• Finnebrogue food van
Please note: The food village,
Castore shop, and public bars only
accept contactless payments.
Domestic Sponsors
Official Partners
Live music will be available pre & post-match in the Clubhouse Bar
Respect
Policy
72
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
73
74
75
76