Ulster Rugby Match Day Programme Toulouse

ULSTER
Official Match Day Programme
v TOULOUSE
Sat 16 Apr 2022, 8.00pm
Kingspan Stadium

TRY. CONVERT.
In this Issue
12 12
15
30
32
34 14
35
40
46
50 30
5 President’s
Welcome
7 EPCR
Welcome
9 Virtual
Mascot
11 Heineken
Welcome
Lowry Signs
Contract Extension
14 Summer
Tag Rugby
Moore Signs
Contract Extension
18 Squad
Profiles
24 Team
Line-ups
28 Toulouse
Ones To Watch
Mixed Ability
Rugby
Last Time
Out
Girls’ Youth Cup
Winners
Baloucoune Signs
Contract Extension
Fans Can Roar
Ulster Home
Ulster Rugby
Academy
Player Interview:
Robert Baloucoune
54 Referees
Society
50
Enjoy Heineken ® Responsibly
3

hosted at Kingspan Stadium on 26 March,
where Ballymena, Coleraine & Rainey Old Boys
all claimed silverware in the U18, U16 and U14
Cups – well done to all the teams involved in a
fantastic day of Finals.
Malone Women clinched the All-Ireland Shield
a fortnight ago, after defeating Co. Cavan
in an all-Ulster final at City of Armagh RFC –
congratulations to Malone!
Last weekend, Instonians secured promotion to
the All-Ireland league after defeating Bective
Rangers in the promotion play-off. What a
fantastic achievement; I wish them the best of
luck as they compete in the AIL next season.
Welcome to the Round of 16 Second Leg of
the Heineken Champions Cup. It’s fantastic to
be back at Kingspan Stadium!
“Bienvenue” to our visitors, Toulouse – the
current Heineken Champions Cup holders.
Despite being a player down, Toulouse fought
right until the last minute of the First Leg
against Ulster last Saturday, so Dan McFarland
and his charges will know the challenge that
lies ahead tonight. However, Ulster will have
prepared well and they will be ready to take
Toulouse on in front of a full house.
In other news, Ulster’s Neve Jones, Kathryn
Dane and Brittany Hogan have all been involved
in the first three Rounds of Ireland’s TikTok
Women’s Six Nations campaign. Last Sunday,
Ireland defeated Italy and Neve Jones scored
her first international try. We’re very much
looking forward to hosting the final Round at
Kingspan Stadium, where Ireland will take on
Scotland at Kingspan Stadium on 30 April.
Lots has been happening on the domestic
front since our last Ulster home game.
Methodist College Belfast claimed the Danske
Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup for the 37th time
after defeating Campbell College on Saint
Patrick’s Day – huge congratulations to
Methody! My congratulations also go to Erne
Integrated College and Bangor Academy
who won their respective Danske Bank
Girls’ Schools’ and U16 High Schools’ Cup at
Kingspan Stadium the following week.
The Ulster Carpets Youth Cup Finals were also
Sunday 10 April saw the biggest day of the
season for girls’ rugby in Ulster, as Rainey Old
Boys hosted the Youth Finals Day. Enniskillen
RFC made it a clean sweep as they won the U18
and U16 Cups, and the U14 league. Ballymena
claimed the U16 Shield and Armagh/
Dungannon/Lurgan/Portadown won the U16
Plate. Well done to all teams who competed
and congratulations to the winners!
Four representatives each from Ulster were
involved in both the Ireland U18 Schools
Men and Ireland U18 Women’s teams as
they took part in the Six Nations Festivals
in Edinburgh and Marcoussis over the last
week. Congratulations to Sophie Barrett, Jorja
Battishill, Maebh Clenaghan, Sadhbh McGrath,
Jacob Boyd, Joe Hopes, Zac Solomon and
Josh Stevens!
Seven players from Ulster were part of
the Ireland U19 team for a double-header
against France this week. Well done to Jack
Boal, Patrick Browne, Charlie Irvine, James
McNabney, Ross Taylor, Rory Telfer and James
Wright on their inclusion.
Elsewhere in Age-Grade rugby, Ulster Carpets
Ulster 18 Clubs played Munster last weekend
in a thrilling Inter-Pro, in which Munster took
the spoils. Well done to the Ulster players for
battling hard in a fantastic game.
Enjoy the game, and let’s cheer Ulster through
to the Heineken Champions Cup Quarter-Final!
Gary Leslie
President, IRFU Ulster Branch
5

EPCR
Welcome
A warm welcome to this Heineken Champions
Cup Round of 16 match as the competition
for a coveted place in next month’s Marseille
final really begins to hot up.
The intensity and drama of the knockout
stage will increase this season with the
historic introduction of home and away legs
in the Round of 16, and aggregate scores
over the back-to-back fixtures will decide
which of the elite clubs – with an impressive
total of 28 European titles between them -
qualify for the last eight of the tournament.
The innovative format will guarantee two
compelling, high-stakes matches this month
featuring stars of the global game and we
can then look forward to traditional quarterfinals
and semi-finals culminating in the 2022
showpiece final at the Stade Vélodrome on
Saturday, 28 May.
In addition, following the conclusion of the
Heineken Champions Cup pool stage, Cardiff
Rugby, Wasps, Castres Olympique, Glasgow
Warriors, Northampton Saints and Bath
Rugby will continue their quest for silverware
this season having booked their places in the
knockout stage of the EPCR Challenge Cup.
We are delighted to be joined on the
journey to Marseille by our long-standing
title partner, Heineken, as well as by our
newest official partner, DHL, who provide
customised logistics solutions for both the
Heineken Champions Cup and the EPCR
Challenge Cup, and we would also like to
thank Tissot, the Financial Times, Gilbert
and Kappa for their continuing support.
We acknowledge the superb coverage
provided by our TV partners BT Sport,
beIN SPORTS, France Télévisions, Channel
4, Virgin Media, S4C and Sky Italia whose
output is complemented by the wide range
of linear and OTT platforms which broadcast
the Heineken Champions Cup globally.
We recognise that this season has been
particularly challenging for everyone
associated with the game, however, it is
now heartening to see fans back at venues
across Europe and we will continue to work
closely with the leagues and unions to
ensure that the high-profile matches in the
knockout stage of the tournament can be
played safely.
On behalf of all at EPCR, enjoy the match
and best wishes to you, the supporters, as
well as to your club’s players and staff for
what promises to be a riveting Round of 16.
Yours in rugby
Dominic McKay
EPCR Chairman (interim)

Welcome back to Kingspan Stadium, the home of Ulster Rugby,
where tonight the Ulster squad welcomes Toulouse for the second leg
of the Round of 16.
After a close battle in the first leg, which resulted in a 20-26 victory for Ulster,
they will look to continue this run of form and march forward into the quarter finals.
The reigning Top14 and Champions Cup winners Toulouse will put up a strong fight however.
With high stakes for two very strong sides, it promises to be an exhilarating affair.
On behalf of the entire Ulster Rugby and Kingspan community, we would like to extend
the warmest of welcomes to our visitors and we have no doubt the loyal crowd in
Kingspan Stadium will provide stirring support for the Ulster team.
Finally, on behalf of Kingspan, I would like to wish the Ulster Rugby squad
and management team the very best of luck. To Ulster’s committed fans, enjoy the game,
lead the way and help ensure that this is an evening to remember at Kingspan Stadium.
Virtual
Mascot
Name: Jack Hollywood
Age: 14 (today!)
From: Belfast
Favourite Player: Robert Baloucoune
Jack’s love for rugby started a few years ago
when he began watching Ulster, and he has
been supporting with his Dad ever since. So
far, Jack has been to about a dozen games
and has never seen Ulster lose. Let’s hope that
continues tonight!
Jack plays on the wing for his school,
Grosvenor, and enjoys playing the matches
whether they win, lose or draw.
Happy Birthday Jack, and we
hope you enjoy the game!
9

Welcome
to the Round
of 16
RUGBY.
DELIVERED.
TEAMWORK. SPEED. DELIVERY. THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE
OFFICIAL LOGISTICS PARTNER. DHL.
A very warm welcome to the Round of 16 of
the 2021/2022 Heineken Champions Cup.
After an incredibly challenging two years,
it has been truly heart-warming to see full
capacity crowds back in stadia enjoying
sport, of all codes, over the past few
months. Huge credit is due to all sporting
organisations, players, and officials for their
collective perseverance, dedication, and
desire to entertain the Irish and international
sporting publics.
I wish all remaining 16 teams in the Heineken
Champions Cup the very best of luck. We
have some mouth-watering games to look
forward to, in what promises to be a hugely
exciting two-legged Round of 16. It is
testament to the ever-increasing strength
of Irish rugby that all four Irish teams have
advanced to the business end of Europe’s
leading club rugby competition. It goes
without saying that we in HEINEKEN
Ireland will keep a particularly close eye on
the progress of the home teams. For Irish
fans, the standout tie must be the clash of
Connacht Rugby v Leinster Rugby in what
will be an epic encounter between two fine
teams. Munster Rugby face a formidable
opponent in Exeter Chiefs and similarly,
Ulster Rugby take on the might of Stade
Toulousain in what also promises to be
another very keenly contested game.
This time of year, brings with it immense
excitement and anticipation, as hopes and
dreams of making the final of the Heineken
Champions Cup final in Marseille at the
end of May become closer to realisation.
We at HEINEKEN Ireland are immensely
proud to be title sponsor of a tournament
that continues to deliver so many truly
memorable sporting occasions. I have no
doubt, more memories will be made in the
coming weeks.
Enjoy the games and as always please do
socialise responsibly.
Maarten Schuurman
Managing Director
HEINEKEN Ireland
11

BALLYGOWAN – OFFICIAL HYDRATION
PARTNER OF ULSTER RUGBY
NOW
MADE FROM
1 %
RECYCLED
PLASTIC
*
Future at Ulster for European Player of the
Year nominee, Lowry
Lightning-fast, Michael Lowry, is named as
the third Ulster player this week to pen a
3-year contract with the province.
In the midst of an outstanding season,
23-year-old Lowry has agreed an early
extension to his Senior contract with Ulster,
which will keep him at the club until at least
the summer of 2025 – alongside teammates,
Rob Baloucoune and Stewart Moore.
The Belfast-born player, who is nominated
for the 2022 European Player of the Year, has
recently racked-up points for the province
in both the Heineken Champions Cup and
United Rugby Championship through a
series of electrifying performances.
In a season in which he has repeatedly been
named among the top players across both
competitions, including for metres made
and defenders beaten, Lowry also made his
brace-scoring Ireland debut in this year’s
Guinness Six Nations versus Italy.
Head Coach, Dan McFarland, said:
“Mike has played a fundamental part in our
squad, developing over the last number of
years into a Test level 15. This progression
has not been a surprise, it comes from his
in-built determination and toughness, a
standout desire to constantly develop and
stardust that not many players possess.
“He has had a phenomenal season, and
I know Mike will be at the forefront of
whatever this group of players achieves
going forward.”
Michael Lowry added:
“I’m delighted to extend my time with Ulster.
I’m excited to see what we can achieve in the
next few seasons, and I definitely want to be
a part of something special with this group.”
1 %
IRISH
1 %
RECYCLABLE
ulster.rugby 13

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22-year-old, Stewart Moore, committed
his future to Ulster with an early extension
to his Senior contract, which secures his
services for the province until at least the
summer of 2025.
Moore, a product of the Ulster Rugby
Academy, made his first Senior Ulster
appearance against Leinster in December
2019, and was rewarded with a Development
contract in 2020, closely followed by a
Senior contract the following year.
Known for his footwork and decision making,
the versatile Ballymoney native can play
at both inside and outside centre, and also
put in a Player-of-the-Match performance at
full-back against Cardiff Rugby at Kingspan
Stadium last month.
Head Coach, Dan McFarland, said:
“It is really encouraging to have Stewart signon
with Ulster for a further three seasons. He
is a versatile player who is set to bring a lot
to the province in the years ahead.
“Stewart has a good all-round skill set and
is a lovely balanced runner who can cause
defences problems.
“I look forward to seeing Stewart develop
over the coming years.”
Stewart Moore added:
“I am pleased to be continuing my career
at my home club – and I look forward to
progressing as a player and person, and
there is no better place to do that than here
at Ulster.
“It’s very exciting to be part of such a young
squad that is constantly competing for
championships, and feared whether it’s in
the URC or Europe.”
15

#KEEPPERFORMING
Photos © Pressesports

SENIOR
SQUAD
Head Coach: Dan McFarland
Will
Addison
John
Andrew
Rob
Herring
James
Hume
Cormac
Izuchukwu
Greg
Jones
Assistant Coach: Dan Soper
Forwards Coach: Roddy Grant
Defence Coach: Jared Payne
Skills Coach: Craig Newby
Utility Back
20/08/1992
185cm
95kg
26
5
Hooker
26/05/1993
180cm
100kg
93
Hooker
27/04/1990
185cm
105kg
210
26
Centre
07/09/1998
188cm
95kg
56
3
Lock
28/01/2000
201cm
117kg
7
Back Row
13/01/1996
196cm
108kg
37
Robert
Baloucoune
Wing
19/08/1997
193cm
92kg
40
2
Angus
Curtis
Fly Half / Centre
26/03/1998
178cm
88kg
19
Billy
Burns
Fly Half
13/06/1994
183cm
87kg
69
7
Nathan
Doak
Scrum Half
17/12/2001
185cm
87kg
20
Sam
Carter
Lock
10/09/1989
201cm
116kg
38
AUS 16
Craig
Gilroy
Wing
11/03/1991
183cm
91kg
206
10
John
Cooney
Scrum Half
01/05/1990
178cm
85kg
95
11
Iain
Henderson
Lock
21/02/1992
198cm
116kg
126
68
Ross
Kane
Prop
14/10/1994
180cm
118kg
59
Ian
Madigan
Fly Half
21/03/1989
178cm
89kg
29
30
Mick
Kearney
Lock
29/03/1991
198cm
116 kg
9
Luke
Marshall
Centre
03/03/1991
180cm
99kg
147
11
Mike
Lowry
Full Back
20/08/1998
170cm
76kg
63
1
David
McCann
Back Row
13/06/2000
193cm
108kg
14
Rob
Lyttle
Wing
28/01/1997
175cm
85kg
54
Stuart
McCloskey
Centre
06/08/1992
193cm
110kg
149
6
SENIOR SQUAD
ulster.rugby
19

Prop
11/10/1989
185cm
118kg
24
56
Jack
McGrath
Prop
15/12/1992
191cm
134kg
11
Gareth
Milasinovich
Hooker
15/09/1996
183cm
112kg
1
Declan
Moore
Centre
08/08/1999
183cm
90kg
27
Stewart
Moore
Back Row
22/04/1991
188cm
102kg
53
30
Jordi
Murphy
Lock
10/09/1992
196cm
110kg
151
Alan
O’Connor
Prop
30/11/1995
185cm
117kg
80
1
Eric
O’Sullivan
Prop
23/09/1998
185cm
123kg
75
2
Tom
O’Toole
Full Back/Wing
10/08/2000
188cm
86kg
31
Ethan
McIlroy
Back Row
08/09/1997
188cm
108kg
20
Marcus
Rea
Wing/Centre
06/09/2001
191cm
97kg
17
Ben
Moxham
Prop
01/03/1991
178cm
123kg
73
10
Marty
Moore
Back Row
01/08/1995
188cm
114kg
99
2
Nick
Timoney
Lock
06/11/1995
198cm
115kg
121
4
Kieran
Treadwell
Prop
12/03/1991
178cm
116kg
151
Andrew
Warwick
Back Row
21/09/1993
193cm
110kg
71
Matthew
Rea
Hooker
04/01/1996
175cm
104Kg
16
WAL 1
Bradley
Roberts
Wing/Full Back
03/04/1996
191cm
102kg
83
35
Jacob
Stockdale
Scrum Half
20/06/1993
175cm
77kg
80
David
Shanahan
Hooker
11/01/2001
183cm
103kg
5
Tom
Stewart
Wing
24/08/200
188cm
94kg
3
Aaron
Sexton
Prop
06/01/1999
183cm
117kg
10
Callum
Reid
Back Row
10/05/1989
183cm
102kg
150
2
Sean
Reidy
Back Row
03/07/1986
193cm
119kg
12
SA 60
Duane
Vermeulen
SENIOR SQUAD
21
ulster.rugby

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23

1 Warwick
2 Herring 3 Moore
1 Neti 2 Mauyaka 3 Faumuina
C
4 O’Connor 5 Henderson
4 Ro’ Ardnold 5 Ri’ Ardnold
6 Rea 8 Vermeulen
7 Timoney
6 Elstadt 8 Tolofua
7 Jelonch
Referee: Matthew Carley
C
9 Cooney
Assistant Referees:
Andrew Jackson & Phil Watters
TMO: Ian Tempest
9 Dupont
11 McIlroy
10 Burns
11 Lebel
10 Ntamack
REPLACEMENTS
REPLACEMENTS
16 B Roberts
12 McCloskey
16 G Cramont
12 Ahki
17 E O’Sullivan
17 D Ainu’u
18 T O’Toole
18 D Aldegheri
19 K Treadwell
13 Hume
19 E Meafou
13 Nanai-Williams
20 J Murphy
20 T Flament
21 N Doak
21 A Miquel
22 L Marshall
14 Baloucoune
22 B Germain
14 Delibes
23 R Lyttle
15 Lowry
23 L Tauzin
15 Ramos
25

THE HOME
OF GREAT
MUSIC
Downtown
THE OFFICIAL
SOUNDTRACK
OF ULSTER
RUGBY
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
ulster.rugby 27

Ones to Watch
Charlie Faumuina
24/12/1986 1.84m 130kg
Part of New Zealand’s World Cup winning side in
2015, Faumuina brings a wealth of experience to the
front row.
Weighing-in at 130kg, Faumuina packs a punch and is
an imposing threat for any opposition.
Antoine Dupont
15/11/1996 1.74m 80kg
In 2021, the scrum-half was named World Rugby Men’s
Player of the Year and Rugby World‘s best player in the
world right now.
Dupont has since been named Player of the Guinness
Six Nations Tournament 2022.
Romain Ntamack
01/05/1999 1.86m 86kg
World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2019,
Ntamck is definitely one to watch. He is known for
his control of the game in attack, but his work-rate in
defence has been really impressive this season, having
successfully made 20 tackles and only missing one in the
competition so far.
NAME POSITION HEIGHT WEIGHT
Charlie FAUMUINA Prop 1.84 m 130 kg
Cyril BAILLE Prop 1.82 m 116 kg
David AINU'U Prop 1.78 m 125 kg
Dorian ALDEGHERI Prop 1.80 m 119 kg
Paul MALLEZ Prop 1.80 m 118 kg
Paulo TAFILI Prop 1.83 m 132 kg
Rodrigue NETI Prop 1.85 m 124 kg
Guillaume CRAMONT Hooker 1.83 m 100 kg
Ian BOUBILA Hooker 1.82 m 110 kg
Julien MARCHAND Hooker 1.81 m 108 kg
Péato MAUVAKA Hooker 1.84 m 124 kg
Emmanuel MEAFOU Lock 2.03 m 145 kg
Iosefa TEKORI Lock 1.98 m 130 kg
Joshua BRENNAN Lock 1.99 m 114 kg
Richie ARNOLD Lock 2.08 m 127 kg
Rory ARNOLD Lock 2.08 m 120 kg
Thibaud FLAMENT Lock 2.03 m 116 kg
Yannick YOUYOUTTE Lock 1.98 m 120 kg
Alban PLACINES Back row 1.89 m 110 kg
Anthony JELONCH Back row 1.93 m 105 kg
Antoine MIQUEL Back row 1.92 m 109 kg
François CROS Back row 1.90 m 107 kg
Paul Arnaud AUSSET Back row 1.90 m 100 kg
Rynhardt ELSTADT Back row 1.98 m 120 kg
Selevasio TOLOFUA Back row 1.86 m 116 kg
Alexi BALÈS Scrum-half 1.74 m 80 kg
Antoine DUPONT Scrum-half 1.74 m 85 kg
Baptiste GERMAIN Scrum-half 1.74 m 82 kg
Martin PAGE-RELO Scrum-half 1.73 m 71 kg
Romain NTAMACK Fly-half 1.86 m 86 kg
Zack HOLMES Fly-half 1.75 m 90 kg
Juan Cruz MALLIA Center 1.82 m 92 kg
Lucas TAUZIN Center 1.87 m 98 kg
Pierre FOUYSSAC Center 1.90 m 110 kg
Pita AHKI Center 1.89 m 97 kg
Santiago CHOCOBARES Center 1.88 m 91 kg
Sofiane GUITOUNE Center 1.86 m 97 kg
Arthur BONNEVAL Winger 1.82 m 88 kg
Dimitri DELIBES Winger 1.90 m 85 kg
Matthis LEBEL Winger 1.85 m 91 kg
Maxime MÉDARD Fullback 1.80 m 88 kg
Thomas RAMOS Fullback 1.78 m 87 kg
Tim NANAI-WILLIAMS Fullback 1.82 m 90 kg
29

Half-Time Exhibition Game
Photo: The Front Row Union
Mixed Ability Rugby
Malone Tornadoes
Coaches:
Chris Shields, Stewart Porter,
Sam McBurney, David McKay
Banbridge Barbarians
Coaches:
Clive Gardiner, Raymond Reid
Mixed ability rugby is 15-a-side contact
rugby featuring players with and without
disabilities on the same team.
The game is played under World Rugby
rules with some minor adjustments such as
uncontested scrums. It provides a friendly,
safe and fun environment for players to take
up or come back to the sport.
The third International Mixed Ability Rugby
Tournament (IMART) will be held in Cork
from 5-10 June 2022 with over 840 players of
all abilities participating. Hosted by Sunday's
Well RFC - home to home to Ireland’s first
mixed ability team - the IRFU, World Rugby
and the four Irish provinces are among
some of the organisations supporting and
endorsing this event.
The tournament will raise the aspiration
of people with and without learning and
physical disabilities, irrespective of creed,
colour, class or ability, bonding people
from all walks of life with a mutual respect,
camaraderie and understanding of each
other’s strengths and frailties.
Mixed ability rugby is also part of Irish
Rugby’s player pathway.
For more information, contact
David.McKay@IRFU.ie
Brian Rogan (C)
Johnny Park
James Cartilage
Chris Halliday
Tommy Crawford
Martin Halliday
Paddy Gruener
Ashley Mulligan
Richard Shaw
Niall Johnston
Alistair Lee
Stephen McKinty
Gary Hewitt
Jake Wood
Keith Murray
Kenny Calladine
Jamie Andrews
Gareth Murphy
Philip Rainey
Lochlann Hughes
Jacob Sullivan
Andrew Bates
Niall Rainey
Josh Halliday
Jordan Kerr
James Johnston
Connor Boyle
Ross Cockerill
Adam Frew
Matthew Graham
Philip Patton (C)
Alex Dawson
Robert Crory
Stephen Daly
Murray Gilmour
Adam McCracken
Stefan McGrath
Ryan Warmington
Caleb McBride
Andy Crory
Andy Beattie
Piers Hopkins
Alan Johnston
David Graham
Thomas Thornton
Graham McCracken
Kenny Long
Reece Finnegan
Ben Cross
John Woods
Robbie Mathers
Stephen Irvine
Anthony McGrath
LIVE STATS
Click Here
31

in white looked to be in a great position to
score, but Toulouse made the counter-ruck
to get out of immediate danger.
The first scrum of the game came just before
half-time, and the home side got the upperhand
to earn the penalty. Thomas Ramos
made the kick at goal to put them six points
ahead at the break.
did really well to hold on to the ball and dive
over Toulouse bodies for the try.
Seven minutes later, Ulster found themselves
deep inside their own 22, but Robert
Baloucoune made a fantastic read to pick
off the intercept and nobody was there to
catch him as he made his hat-trick, putting
13 points between the two sides.
Last Time Out
20 - 26
Ulster – and Robert Baloucoune- struck
for their second try four minutes into the
second half, with Stuart McCloskey making
a fantastic break to send the winger in for an
unconverted brace.
The French side looked like they replied
through Matthis Lebel, after moving the
ball quickly through the hands, but there
was a knock-on from Antoine Dupont in the
preceding ruck.
The Ulster men took the lead on 58 minutes,
after a torrent of pressure from the visitors,
pounding the Toulouse line. Andrew Warwick
It took until the 79th minute for Toulouse to
reply with a converted Romain Ntamack try,
reducing the winning margin to six points
and leaving tonight’s return leg finely poised.
Full-time score:
Toulouse 20-26 Ulster
Watch
Highlights
Ulster claimed a crucial away win over
Toulouse in the Heineken Champions Cup
Round of 16 First Leg, giving them a sixpoint
advantage before the return leg at
Kingspan Stadium.
The visitors had to contend with spending
the opening few minutes inside their half
as Toulouse had a couple of early penalties.
The French side probed Ulster’s defences
and eventually, they broke the deadlock as
second row Emmanuel Meafou stretched
out the arm to score. Thomas Ramos made
the conversion to put them 7-0 up.
Baloucoune who raced home in the corner.
John Cooney fired over the conversion to
draw level.
The hosts got their noses in front again four
minutes later through a Thomas Ramos
penalty. They had another shot just a few
minutes later but Ramos’s kick was offtarget.
After waves of Ulster pressure and two
successive penalties to the corner, the men
Toulouse were down to 14 on 10 minutes
for the remainder of the game when Juan
Cruz Mallía took out Ben Moxham in the air;
Moxham being forced off as a result of the
collision and Rob Lyttle was introduced to
the fray.
It didn’t take long for Ulster to capitalise as
they looked to put the ball out wide, with
James Hume making a lovely flick to Robert
ulster.rugby
33

Girls’ Youth Cup Winners
U18 Girls’ Cup Winners
Baloucoune Signs Early Extension
on New Long-Term Ulster Contract
Hat-trick hero from the weekend’s European
win over Toulouse, Rob Baloucoune, has
committed his future to Ulster by putting
pen to paper on a 3-year contract extension,
which will keep him with the province until
at least the summer of 2025.
His impressive performances for Ulster
also led to a call-up for Ireland and his
international debut in July 2021, in which he
scored a sensational solo try versus USA.
Head Coach, Dan McFarland, said:
U16 Girls’ Cup Winners
U16 Girls’ Shield Winners
Following a stint with the Ireland Sevens
programme, Enniskillen-born winger
Baloucoune quickly made his presence in
the Ulster Senior squad felt following his
debut in October 2018, with try-scoring
contributions against the likes of Munster,
Leicester, and Racing 92.
The 24-year-old earned a Development
contract for the 2019-20 season, before
being upgraded to a Senior contract the
following year.
A prolific try-scorer, who is equally
impressive in defence, Baloucoune has
already crossed the whitewash nine times in
this season’s United Rugby Championship
and Heineken Champions Cup campaigns,
with three added to the tally in a Star of
the Match performance in the recent HCC
Round of 16 first leg game.
“Rob is an exceptional talent, and it’s
fantastic that a player of his calibre has
committed their future to our province.
“Not only does he possess devastating pace,
with the ability to score tries from anywhere,
but he is also a superb defender, as he
showcased against Toulouse.
“I’m looking forward to what Rob will deliver
in the Ulster jersey over the coming seasons.”
Rob Baloucoune added:
“I’m delighted to have extended my contract
with Ulster for three more years. I’ve really
enjoyed the journey so far alongside a great
group of lads, and I’m excited to be part of
this team as we continue to grow together.”
U16 Girls’ Plate Winners
U14 Girls’ Cup Winners
ulster.rugby
35

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39

Fans Can Roar Ulster Home
Two rivals with a rich, textured history
have the quarter-finals of the Heineken
Champions Cup in their sights.
Ulster versus Toulouse conjures up
memories of great moments in the
recent and more distant past, the French
visitors perennial winners in domestic and
European competition while the hosts have
an enviable record against this opposition.
In thirteen meetings Ulster has the edge
over the Top 14 ‘Galacticos’ and will not,
should not, have any negative thoughts as
it hopes to grasp a home quarter-final by
adding to last weekend’s wonderful 26-20
win in the first leg of this tie.
Dan McFarland said this week that emotion
played a part in the game of rugby, that
harnessing passion to the best-laid plans
he and his staff will have worked on can
enhance performance.
Guest article:
Rod Nawn
While the new two-leg format has created
a different dynamic to the Round of 16,
the Ulster Head Coach is too bright and
realistic to believe that in rugby a side
can prepare successfully to defend a sixpoint
margin in a tie decided on aggregate
scores.
The star-laden Toulouse team was undone
by its own errors and, more specifically,
by the excellence of Ulster’s collective
application in the daunting battles up front
and in clinical attacking play which was,
of course, highlighted by the hat-trick of
touchdowns by Robert Baloucounce.
The international winger was as dominant
in defence and under the high ball as he
was in Ulster’s front-foot backline.
That just this week he, Stewart Moore
and Michael Lowry should commit their
long-term futures to the Province is a
credit to the development these talented
youngsters have made in the Ulster
structure. The quality and age profile of the
squad at Kingspan Stadium has never been
more impressive, and while McFarland is in
charge, youthful, genuine talent will always
get its chance.
For this group, the opportunity to repeat
the 2015 double over Toulouse in Europe
is one which has been grasped with relish.
In this past week the players have worked
hard on what they do so well individually
and collectively, and on the parts of the
game which need refined if the French
team, the reigning champions domestically
and in Europe, is to be overcome for the
second time in seven days.
The France match-day squad which
clinched its Six Nations Grand Slam last
month included eight Toulouse players,
the club continuing its historic role of
providing the international side with its
spine. We have all been compelled by the
half-back combination of Antoine Dupont
and Romain Ntamack, and it will hope to
be more threatening on the Belfast sward.
But Ulster had plotted a path through the
game that didn’t just identify those two
players for special attention, it responded
to the expected performance of a heavier
pack with a huge collective effort in
denying space and time to Toulouse. With
exhausting application, Ulster mainly
negated the French side’s famed expertise
with the offload and counter ruck, but the
tie is so finely balanced that concentration
and focus will be key to the outcome.
Ugo Mola is a shrewd coach and wily too,
but he has always insisted that Toulouse
remains true to its positive history, one in
which Rives, Skrela, Pelous, Lievremont,
Villepreux, Picamoles, Poitrenaud, Fickou,
Castaignade, Spanghero and Kolbe are
just some of a cascade of world-class
contributors.
That history has seen tonight’s visitors
claim a record five European Cups and
an unprecedented number of Top 14
titles. The current squad, from which the
core of France’s World Cup challenge
will come next year, is geared to winning
and to entertaining, but its forwards,
heavyweights all, know exactly what is
ulster.rugby
41

equired of them in the grittier work of
scrum, ruck and maul. Ulster has its own
serious operators in those phases, and with
Iain Henderson leading by tireless example,
Rob Herring, Nick Timoney and Duane
Vermeulen, for instance, will be convinced
that Ulster can produce a robust platform
from which the lauded backline can thrive.
integral part of match-day at Ravenhill Park.
For one of the most intriguing matches
in Ulster’s persistent quest for tangible
reward, the home team deserves, even
needs, to hear eighty sustained minutes
of high-energy, roof-raising cheers and
chants of support.
Toulouse has not come to Belfast to easily
release its grip on the most prized trophy
in European rugby, its players and staff will
be determined to avenge a defeat at home
to Ulster which hurt. There will be respect
for what the hosts this evening continue to
achieve, and there will be passion too.
For fans of an Ulster team very definitely
on the rise, their role is clear.
Stand up, sit up, shout, roar and sing Ulster
to another famous victory.
Allez!
For Toulouse, breakaway Thibaud Flament,
hooker Peate Mauvaka and prop Dorian
Aldeghiri know at first hand what a skilled
and determined forward unit they face in
this fascinating encounter.
It is a game which should fire the
imagination of the supporters in the
stadium which has witnessed so many
great rugby occasions.
The Ulster fans in full voice are a wondrous
source of encouragement to their side, but
it would be marvellous if the roars could
be more sustained, the noise as sustained
as it is authentic in the moments of delight
or danger.
We can all hark back to days of yore, and
in much less comfortable and modern
surroundings, when visiting teams were
almost intimidated into defeat so raucous
was the ‘the Roar’ which became such an
Rugby World Cup 2023
Ireland Match Breaks
Register
ulster.rugby
43

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ulster.rugby 45

Ulster Rugby
Academy
Based at Kingspan Stadium along with the
senior squad, the aim of the Ulster Rugby
Academy is to develop rugby talent to
reach their potential and perform to URC,
European and international standards.
Ben
Carson
Centre
24/02/2002
183cm
100kg
-
Reuben
Crothers
Flanker
29/01/2001
185cm
96kg
-
James
Humphreys
Fly Half
11/04/2001
185cm
80kg
-
James
McCormick
Hooker
08/01/2002
180cm
103kg
-
CADEMY ACADEMY ACADEMY
CADEMY ACADEMY ACADEMY
CADEMY ACADEMY ACADEMY
CADEMY Jude ACADEMY Conor ACADEMY
George
Postlethwaite Rankin Saunderson
CADEMY Centre
ACADEMY Full Back ACADEMY
Prop
03/04/2002 27/05/2001
11/01/2001
CADEMY 193cm ACADEMY 185cm
ACADEMY
191cm
101kg
89kg
118kg
CADEMY - ACADEMY - ACADEMY
-
CADEMY ACADEMY ACADEMY
ulster.rugby
CADEMY ACADEMY ACADEMY
Conor
McKee
Scrum Half
20/03/2001
183cm
87kg
-
Harry
Sheridan
Lock/Back Row
21/09/2001
196cm
111kg
-

DELIVERED BY
Heading into the much-anticipated knockout
stage of the Heineken Champions Cup, three
players from TOP 14 clubs have already captured
the Champions Try of the Round award.
The Round 1 accolade went to Damian Penaud of
ASM Clermont Auvergne who, despite his side’s
29-23 defeat by Ulster Rugby at Stade Marcel-
Michelin, still managed to score a brilliant try.
At the outset of the move, JJ Hanrahan cleverly
created a mis-match and then after a welltimed
pass, Penaud did the rest with a perfect
kick ahead and chase for what was a world-class
score.
In Round 3, Cameron Woki, a nominee like
Penaud for the EPCR European Player of the
Year award, scored an outstanding try during
Union Bordeaux-Bègles’ impressive 45-10 win
against the Scarlets at Stade Chaban-Delmas.
Rodolphe Pires of beIN SPORTS, who was
judging the tries, had no doubt about his
selection. “The tempo of the attack was just
right, the players’ movement was good and the
combination of passes which eventually led to
Woki touching down was superb. All in all, this
was approach play and finishing at its very best.”
In Round 4, Montpellier Hérault Rugby put
in a strong performance after some earlier
indifferent form for a 37-26 home win against
Exeter Chiefs. This time full-back Anthony
Bouthier took the honours following the public
vote and the verdict of Virgin Media’s analyst,
Alan Quinlan, with a try created by a magnificent
Gabriel N’Gandebe break.
More spectacular tries are on the cards for the
knockout stage, so don’t miss your chance to
have your say and vote for the best try!
EPCRUGBY.COM/TOTR
49

Robert Baloucoune
ulster.rugby
Wing
19/08/1997
193cm
92kg
40
Congratulations on your contract extension
– how do you feel about committing your
future with Ulster for the next three years?
I’m really looking forward to it! I’ve come
through the Ulster Rugby Academy and
there are a lot of players who I’m good friends
with here. A lot of the other boys are putting
their names forward and I’m looking forward
to the next few years to grow and hopefully
achieve silverware. It would be fantastic to
do it with mates I’ve come through with.
What does it mean for you as a player to
see others signing contracts to stay at
Ulster like Stewart Moore and Mike Lowry
this week?
It’s an exciting prospect. It benefits a lot of
players our age committing their futures in
Ulster, especially boys who are playing well.
It’s hugely encouraging to see.
You scored a hat-trick and got Star
of the Match last week in the first leg
against Toulouse – how pleased were you
with your performance and the squad’s
performance overall?
We always knew it was going to be a tough
ask going to Toulouse. Even though they
had 14 men, it was still one of the toughest
games I played in, and I think the team felt
that as well. We really showed what we can
do and to get a result in Toulouse is a really
big achievement. We’ll take that into this
week and step up our game as they’ll want to
come here to stop that. That’s what we have
been planning for this week.
How has the mood been in the squad this
week ahead of another big game?
It’s been good! It’s a quick turnaround
this week but we’ve been focusing on our
mental preparation for this game in our team
meetings and our own analysis on the game
last week. We’ve looked at what we can
improve ahead of this Saturday. We want to
go out and perform like we did last week.
Do preparations change when you
play against the same opposition the
following week?
The only thing we can change is based on
what we reviewed of last week’s game and
make improvements on that. It’s definitely a
similar plan to last week and we’ll just go out
and play to the best of our ability this week.
How much are you looking forward to
playing the second leg in front of a packed
Kingspan Stadium and how important is it
to have that support behind you?
Everyone is really excited for it. It’s going
to be great; you can tell the atmosphere
at Kingspan Stadium is going to be
unbelievable. We would expect nothing less
from the fans, especially as it’s going to be
a full house. I’m really looking forward to it.
A lot of people I know are coming to watch
the game and we really appreciate them
coming to support us. Everyone is excited
for this game and hopefully we can put out
a performance like we did last week.
In terms of your own personal ambitions,
what do you hope to achieve with Ulster
over the next few seasons?
You can tell from our performances this
year and the age of our back line that we’re
growing as a team together. The potential of
what we can achieve is huge. That’s what we
all have as an aim and the squad really buys
into that together in the roles we play and
what we want to accomplish. You can see in
every game we play that we fight for every
inch, and the players I’m playing alongside
have that vision to achieve as much as we can.
51

YOUR ACCESS TO THE HEART OF EUROPEAN
RUGBY HAS NEVER BEEN BETTER
HEINEKENCHAMPIONSCUP.COM #HeinekenChampionsCup
ulster.rugby 53

Ulster Society of Rugby Football Referees
We welcome Matthew Carley (RFU) and his
team of officials to the Kingspan Stadium for
this evenings EPCR game against Toulouse.
In tonight’s match programme, we profile
Stuart Douglas who was the man in the
middle for the recent Danske Bank Schools
Cup final between Methodist College Belfast
and Campbell College.
How did you get into refereeing?
I attended RBAI and I loved the focus it
had on rugby. I participated in a schoolboy
referee course with the intention that it
would enhance my university application.
However, as I listened to the course tutor
that day discuss high profile games he was
refereeing across Europe I was inspired to
give it a go. I started refereeing games in
my school and received support from many
teachers who were really helpful in building
my confidence and identifying areas for
development. I was refereed by David
Wilkinson in a 3rd XV schools cup final. A
few days later he came to watch me referee
a school’s game; he suggested I was a better
referee than I was a player. Maybe a bit harsh
but with hindsight very fair!
What skills are required to be a referee?
Refereeing requires a wide range of
skills. As I’ve reflected on this with my
refereeing colleagues, many of these are
transferrable to our professional careers.
Key skills required include communication,
empathy, interpersonal skills and emotional
intelligence. Personally, the most important
skill is decision making. As referees our
aim is to facilitate players to play within
the boundaries of the law. We gauge the
appropriate level of intervention to gain
the right spirit of contest and continuity.
Decision making is critical in establishing
expectations for players. Referees have
to consider a variety of different factors
when making decisions. This may include
the location on the pitch, the time in the
game, the general spirit the game has been
played in, the playing conditions, trends of
behaviour throughout the game … the list
goes on! The best referees have the capacity
to consider multiple factors and discern
when to intervene with the most appropriate
sanction to give every opportunity for the
game to flow.
What do you enjoy the most about
refereeing?
It is hard for me to articulate the joy I get
from refereeing. This has been a regular part
of my life for over ten years, and it keeps
me grounded, inspired and motivated each
week. It is a privilege to be part of such an
adept and inviting community of referees
here in Ulster. Refereeing has brought me a
close friendship group who always hold me
to account through supportive reflection. The
weekly process of preparing for, travelling to
and refereeing a game allows me to switch
off and be fully present on the pitch. I was
injured for two seasons, so I don’t take it for
granted to be back. We get to witness first
hand some great rugby and I genuinely love
being a part of it.
Advice for your previous self in your early
days starting out?
On reflection I would definitely be kinder to
an earlier version of myself. Looking back, I
was very hard on myself and really wanted to
make every decision the ‘right’ one. It is only
through experience that I realise the wealth
of having confidence in yourself, in the role
you have as a referee and the knowledge you
are applying. I would tell my former self to
focus consistently on self-reflection and have
clarity on what is learnt from each match.
Focus on the phase of play you are refereeing;
don’t attempt to gain approval from anyone
watching. Have confidence and enjoy it!
The Schools Cup Final is an eagerly
anticipated match, how did it feel to be the
man in the middle?
I’ve always loved the Schools Cup, so it was a
huge privilege to be the referee. Refereeing
has been a weekly part of my life for such
a long time and yet it’s not something my
friends and family get to share with me often.
On this occasion I was overwhelmed by the
support and goodwill I received. After my
injury there were some lonely times during
my rehab when I really missed being on the
pitch. Therefore, to be refereeing in front of
that fantastic crowd at such a prestigious
event was very significant for me. Particular
moments I will cherish are the pre-match
meeting with the officials, pausing to soak
up the atmosphere before kick off as the
crowd began to grow and getting into the
flow of such a brilliant game. I really admired
the young men giving their all on the pitch
and the game was a credit to each of them.
Having my 4 year old son visit me in the
changing room after the match and seeing
children like him be inspired by the Schools
Cup reiterates the significance of the game.
What challenges did you face in preparing
for such a high-profile game?
Just as players face challenges physically and
emotionally referees face particular challenges
before and during matches. When refereeing
on TV the biggest challenge is not to attempt
to act any differently or to over think what isn’t
there. It is helpful in managing this challenge
to remember that as referees we are always
consistent in our practice. We stick to what is
clear and obvious and follow our processes.
An additional challenge on this occasion was
that I knew my family were watching, this was
very unusual for me as they aren’t usually
as interested! Overall, any challenges faced
increased my anticipation for the game and
simply added to the excitement.
If you would like to find out further
information about refereeing, or would be
interested in becoming a referee, contact:
Richard Kerr
Referee Development Manager
richard.kerr@irfu.ie | 07493 868 388
Follow the laws
of the game
Accept the referee’s
decision
Win with humility,
lose with dignity
Remember who you
represent
Please be respectful
of players’ abilities
Respect your
opponents
Zero tolerance for
abuse / harassment
ulster.rugby 55

COVID-19
Reduce the Risk
SPIRIT OF ‘99
RAVENHILL PARK GARDENS
THE 1924
ONSLOW PARADE
TURNSTILES
PROMENADE 1
PROMENADE 2
Wear Face
Covering
when indoors
Wash Hands
Regularly
and cover coughs
and sneezes
Be Distance
Aware
and respectful of
other supporters
ABBEY AUTOLINE FAMILY STAND
EAST TERRACE
FOOD
VILLAGE
ADMIN’
BUILDING
ISOLATION
A&L GOODBODY LOUNGE / VIP BOXES
ROOM
C-19 MEDIC
Respect Policy
Stadium Facilities
TURNSTILES
We are passionate
in our support
We are silent during kicks
at goal
We respect the match
officials’ decisions
We drink
responsibly
Catering
The Food Village will be in operation,
serving a variety of cuisines, while the Cool
FM Crew will provide the soundtrack for
the evening.
All five public bars will also be in operation,
with live entertainment in the Clubhouse Bar.
Audio descriptive match commentary to
enhance the match experience for people
affected by sight or hearing loss will be
available.
Earpieces can be collected from the admin
building reception prior to the game, or
you can book your equipment by calling
Jen on (028) 9049 3222.
Kukri Store
We do not tolerate
abusive or discriminatory
language
We respect opposition
players, management
& supporters
We are mindful
of our language
INCIDENT HOTLINE
07790
200 200
The Kukri Store will be open from gates
open until 30 minutes after full-time.
OUR Club
The activity centre for our Junior Season
Ticket holders will not be in operation for
this fixture.
ulster.rugby
57

Thank You!
FIXTURES
Ulster Rugby wish to thank all of our sponsors
and partners for their continued support.
Main Sponsor
Kit Sponsor
Official Sponsors
Domestic Sponsors
Official Partners
Official On-kit Sponsors
H Glasgow Fri 24 Sep W 35-29 URC
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A Connacht Sat 23 Oct L 36-11 URC
A Leinster Sat 27 Nov W 10-20 URC
A Ospreys Sat 4 Dec L 19-13 URC
A Clermont Sat 11 Dec W 23-29 HCC
H Northampton Saints Fri 17 Dec W 27-22 HCC
A Munster Sat 8 Jan L 18-13 URC
A Northampton Saints Sun 16 Jan W 20-24 HCC
H Clermont Sat 22 Jan W 34-31 HCC
H Scarlets Fri 28 Jan W 27-15 URC
H Connacht Fri 4 Feb W 32-12 URC
A Dragons Sun 20 Feb W 0-12 URC
H Cardiff Fri 4 Mar W 48-12 URC
H Leinster Sat 12 Mar W 18-13 URC
A DHL Stormers Sat 26 Mar L 23-20 URC
A Vodacom Bulls Sat 2 Apr L 34-16 URC
A Toulouse Sat 9 Apr W 20-26 HCC
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H Munster Fri 22 Apr 7.35pm URC
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