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Ulster Rugby Foundation Day Fixture Match Programme

Ulster Rugby Foundation Day Fixture Match Programme

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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



40

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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.

FIND TICKETS

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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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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



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