BKT-URC Ulster Rugby Match Day Programme - v Leinster

ULSTER
Offical Match Day Programme
v LEINSTER
Fri 30 Sep 2022, 7.35pm
Kingspan Stadium

In this Issue
THE ULTIMATE
URC EXPERIENCE
JOIN FOR FREE
7
10
14
18
22
Our Official
Mascots
150th Appearance
for Luke Marshall
Player Q&A:
John Cooney
2022/23 Men’s
Senior Squad
Last Time
Out
26 Team
Announcements
30
Ones to Watch
Leinster
10
Personalised team
experience
Exclusive offers
& competitions
Premium opinion
articles & analysis
Match highlights &
exclusive video content
33 Half-Time
Exhibition Games
36
A Contest to Warm
the Coldest Night
42
44
Player Interview:
Jacob Stockdale
Ulster Rugby
Academy
22
46
Referees’ Society
Update
48
Instonians make
their return to AIL
30
48
3

President’s
Welcome
URC URCOFFICIAL URCOFFICIAL URC
Welcome to Kingspan Stadium for our
third game of the BKT United Rugby
Championship 2022/23 which, as an
Interpro against one of our closest rivals, is
set to be a stand-out game.
Fresh-off the back of a feisty battle against
Dwayne Peel’s men at Parc y Scarlets, which
saw the province come away with the full five
points, the Ulster men are back in action at
home again under the Friday night lights.
Supporters across the province have likely
only just about recovered from a 12-try match
last weekend, which saw Player of the Match
John Cooney alone rack-up 30 points, in a
breathless game in Wales.
Now we turn our attention to one of the most
anticipated games of any season. The stakes
are high as we look to make it three wins in
a row, and back-up our home and away wins
against Leo Cullen’s Leinster from last season.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to
President of the Leinster Branch, Debbie
Carty, who together with her fellow officers
will be joining us tonight – and I also hope
the Leinster fans who have travelled have an
enjoyable time in Belfast.
I would also like to wish the ten players
selected for the Emerging Ireland tour,
including David McCann who received a
late call-up last Sunday, all the best for their
remaining two matches in Bloemfontein.
On the domestic front, it’s also been an
extremely busy opening month to the season
as club and schools’ rugby got fully under way
across the province. Tomorrow will also mark
the beginning of the Men’s All Ireland League
season, with 12 of our clubs in action. Among
them will be Instonians, who make their
return to the AIL after securing promotion
last season, beating Bective Rangers in April’s
play-off final. My best wishes go out to all of
our clubs across the province competing in
the Men’s and Women’s AIL this season.
The Danske Bank Schools’ U16 Cup has also
returned after last season’s introduction. The
competition was created to provide a good
level of competitive rugby for the group of
players who had previously missed out on the
Medallion Shield due to COVID-19. The Ulster
Schools’ Committee also wanted to help
players transition into Senior rugby by keeping
them together for a period of time. Both the
Cup and Shield have already produced some
great opening games, with the second round
of the Group Stage taking place throughout
this week.
With today marking the closing date for
Season Tickets for this season, I would like
to take this opportunity to thank all of those
who continue to support us year after year.
Without your backing as Season Ticket
Holders, we wouldn’t be the proud club we
are today. I hope that you, along with your
family and friends, enjoy many happy times
at Kingspan Stadium in the months ahead, as
together we create lasting memories.
Tonight is set to be a memorable one in itself
with some of the most impressive talents in
Irish Rugby right now going head-to-head.
Good luck to Dan McFarland and his men.
We have confidence that you can once again
deliver a victory for our province.
Philip Gregg
President, IRFU Ulster Branch
5

Mascots
Name: Jethro Lucas
Age: 8
From: Richhill
Favourite Player: John Cooney
I’m excited to get onto the pitch,
meet Sparky and hear the roar of the
crowd.
I play rugby at City or Armagh RFC.
My other hobbies include
Paddleboarding, Football and B.B.
Name: Elliot Graham
Age: 11
From: Markethill
Favourite Player: Mike Lowry
I became as Season Ticket holder
last year, and have been enjoying
going to the games with my dad.
I play rugby at City of Armagh RFC
and at school.
I’m excited to see the whole team
up close!
7

9

Luke Marshall
150 Appearances
“I am really proud to achieve
150 appearances for the club.
I have always dreamed of playing for my
home province and I am happy to be
able to share the achievement with
my family who have helped me
to get here.”
11

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Player
Q&A
Favourite try you’ve scored for
Ulster?
Munster at home 2020
Favourite moment of career so
far?
My 100th cap for Ulster
Any habits or rituals before a
game?
Eat copious amounts of coco pops
the night before the game
Least favourite drill at training?
Contact
Best player you have played with?
Brian O’Driscoll
Favourite stadium to visit?
BT Murrayfield
Apart from rugby, what other
sports do you like?
Everything. Football was my first
love.
One thing you can’t live without?
My mother
Most used emoji?
Favourite TV
show/ Film
Interstellar /
The Truman
show
If you had to
stuck on an
island with a
teammate, who
would you pick
and why?
Andrew
Warwick. He has
good skills for the
wilderness.
He’s also got a
big gut so that
would be useful if I
decided to eat him.
Most used app on your phone?
Instagram
John Cooney
ulster.rugby 15

Utility Back
20/08/1992
185cm
93kg
26
5
Will
Addison
Hooker
26/05/1993
180cm
103kg
96
John
Andrew
Wing
19/08/1997
193cm
93kg
47
2
Rob
Baloucoune
Lock
27/07/1995
205cm
120kg
Frank
Bradshaw-Ryan
Fly Half
13/06/1994
183cm
87kg
76
7
Billy
Burns
Lock
10/09/1989
201cm
116kg
41
AUS 16
Sam
Carter
Scrum Half
01/05/1990
178cm
86kg
102
11
John
Cooney
Fly Half / Centre
26/03/1998
178cm
92kg
21
Angus
Curtis
Scrum Half
17/12/2001
185cm
85kg
25
Nathan
Doak
Fly Half
07/06/1999
183cm
91kg
Jake
Flannery
Wing
11/03/1991
183cm
90kg
207
10
Craig
Gilroy
Lock
21/02/1992
199cm
116kg
132
68
Iain
Henderson
C
Hooker
27/04/1990
185cm
105kg
217
26
Rob
Herring
Centre
07/09/1998
188cm
98kg
62
3
James
Hume
Lock
28/01/2000
201cm
117kg
8
Cormac
Izuchukwu
Back Row
13/01/1996
196cm
106kg
37
Greg
Jones
Full Back
20/08/1998
170cm
76kg
68
1
Mike
Lowry
Wing
28/01/1997
175cm
85kg
57
Rob
Lyttle
Fly Half
21/03/1989
179cm
89kg
32
30
Ian
Madigan
Centre
03/03/1991
180cm
95kg
149
11
Luke
Marshall
Back Row
13/06/2000
193cm
108kg
15
David
McCann
Centre
06/08/1992
193cm
111kg
160
6
Stuart
McCloskey
Scrum Half
24/06/1999
178cm
95kg
Michael
McDonald
Full Back/Wing
10/08/2000
188cm
89kg
37
Ethan
McIlroy
MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
17
ulster.rugby

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19

Prop
15/12/1992
191cm
130kg
16
Gareth
Milasinovich
Hooker
15/09/1996
183cm
112kg
2
Declan
Moore
Prop
01/03/1991
178cm
123kg
77
10
Marty
Moore
Centre
08/08/1999
184cm
91kg
33
Stewart
Moore
Wing/Centre
09/09/1991
191cm
100kg
19
Ben
Moxham
Back Row
22/04/1991
188cm
106kg
56
30
Jordi
Murphy
Full Back
15/07/1999
181cm
90kg
Shea
O’Brien
Lock
10/09/1992
196cm
110kg
159
Alan
O’Connor
Prop
30/11/1995
185cm
117kg
88
1
Eric
O’Sullivan
Prop
23/09/1998
184cm
121kg
80
3
Tom
O’Toole
Centre
03/04/2002
193cm
93kg
Jude
Postlethwaite
Back Row
08/09/1997
188cm
109kg
27
Marcus
Rea
Back Row
21/09/1993
193cm
114kg
78
Matty
Rea
Back Row
04/11/1998
180cm
99kg
1
Sean
Reffell
Prop
06/01/1999
183cm
116kg
11
Callum
Reid
Wing
24/08/2000
188cm
92kg
5
Aaron
Sexton
Scrum Half
20/06/1993
175cm
78kg
82
Dave
Shanahan
Hooker
11/01/2001
183cm
103kg
6
Tom
Stewart
Wing/Full Back
03/04/1996
191cm
102kg
85
35
Jacob
Stockdale
Back Row
01/08/1995
188cm
113kg
106
2
Nick
Timoney
Prop
19/11/1990
192cm
128kg
1
NZ 1
Jeffery
Toomanga-Allen
Lock
06/11/1995
198cm
115kg
127
8
Kieran
Treadwell
Back Row
03/07/1986
193cm
118kg
17
SA 60
Duane
Vermeulen
Prop
12/03/1991
178cm
117kg
158
Andrew
Warwick
MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
21
ulster.rugby

Last Time Out
39 - 55
Two from two in the BKT United Rugby
Championship, and a win on the road as
Ulster claim a 39-55 bonus point win over
the Scarlets in Llanelli last Saturday.
On a beautiful afternoon in Llanelli, Ulster
started strongly, looking electric in their
new alternate kit. After just three minutes
and good continuity from the Ulstermen,
Marcus Rea was held up over the line. With
Stuart McCloskey prominent in attack, it
didn’t take long for the visitors to cross the
line again. Captain Alan O’Connor barging
over for the opening try four minutes
later. Cooney opened his account with a
successful conversion.
Ulster continued to dominate possession and
territory in the opening quarter, doing well
to keep the ball in hand. An offside penalty
allowed Billy Burns to kick to the corner. The
forwards were unable to keep the ball under
control in the maul but they did maintain
possession, allowing them to build pressure
through a number of phases, before Marty
Moore muscled his way over for the second
try on 17 minutes. Cooney was once again
successful with the conversion.
Almost immediately, the Scarlets responded
with two quick tries of their own. Quick
hands allowed Welsh international, and
Scarlets captain, Jonathan Davis to identify
a mismatch in defence and get the home
team on the scoreboard. Shortly after, the
Scarlets went coast to coast, with some
fantastic offloads, leading to Ryan Conbeer
crossing on the left wing. Sam Costelow
was successful with his second conversion
attempt and followed it shortly after with a
penalty to take the lead on 25 minutes.
Scarlets had their tails up, but Ulster
picked up their efforts in defence. After
an impressive 50-22 kick from Nicolas
and a penalty kicked to the corner, the
home team had gained good territory.
After a several tackles on the line, Marcus
Rea popped up with a signature turnover.
From the resultant clearance kick, Aaron
Sexton took a heavy tumble competing
for possession. Fly half, Sam Costelow
was found to have taken Sexton out
dangerously by the officials and was
shown a yellow card. Unfortunately, Sexton
was forced from the field, replaced by the
experienced Craig Gilroy.
Ulster put the man advantage to good use.
Some super running lines, with Timoney
running a decoy, allowed Lowry to spot a
gap and sprint clear. Cooney ran a perfect
support line and crossed for Ulster’s third
try and his third successful conversion. The
Scarlets could have clawed back the deficit
after kicking into the corner, but a poor
line out and a turnover from Timoney gave
Ulster territory and possession once again.
With clock heading into the red, Ulster
opted to play off a midfield scrum. It proved
the right call as once again the backline ran
some beautiful lines, giving Lowry space to
run clear again. He was stopped just short
of the line, but Marcus Rea was alert to a
gap at the edge of the breakdown, slipping
over for the bonus point try. Cooney
converted to bring the half to a close.
Half-Time: Scarlets 15 Ulster 28
Straight out of the blocks in the second half,
Dwayne Peel’s Scarlets team were alert, as Vaea
Fifita picked off Burns’ routine pass, sprinting in
for an early second half try. Costelow, back on
the pitch, was successful with the conversion to
make it a one score game.
Fifita was involved again straight away, but
this time as he caught Mike Lowry with
a high tackle. John Cooney slotted the
penalty reducing the damage of the early
try. Not satisfied, Ulster were on the charge
again. After a good maul, Stockdale looked
impressive with a couple of carries, and
despite some loose ball, Ulster maintained
possession, eventually allowing Billy Burns
to score try number five. Cooney with
conversion number five to give Ulster a 38-
22 lead after fifty minutes.
On 54 minutes, the Scarlets made sure they
were going to still be part of the contest,
claiming a bonus point try of their own as
Dafydd Hughes bundled over off the back
of a rolling maul. Costelow converted.
The back-and-forth nature of the game
was to continue as Burns kicked an Ulster
penalty right into the corner allowing the
pack to set up a maul. With Rob Herring
coming up just inches short, Cooney
was able to sneak over for the sixth try,
confirmed by the TMO. And of course, he
added the extras once again to bring the
score to 45-29 with a quarter of the match
still remaining.
The Scarlets once again turned to their
maul to keep the game alive, as they huffed
and puffed their way over for their fifth try,
Hughes dotting down again. Rhys Patchell
converted before kicking a penalty to bring
the game back to a one score game.
With ten minutes remaining, Ulster
managed the next few moments well,
kicking for territory and competing well.
This led to a penalty, but for the first time
in seven attempts, Cooney pulled the effort
left of the uprights.
Scarlets’ try scorer Fifita was shown
the sides second yellow card of the day
after deliberately knocking on a positive
attacking chance for Ulster. Cooney made
no mistake with this penalty attempt,
giving Ulster the required breathing space
on the scoreboard with five remaining.
Not fully satisfied, Tom O’Toole showed
his strength to finish a good run from
Gilroy, for the seventh try! BKT Player of
the Match John Cooney kicked his seventh
conversion just before the end of what was
an incredible contest featuring twelve tries
and 94 points!
Full-Time: Scarlets 39 Ulster 55.
23

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RUGBY
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25

1
2
3
1
2
3
4
Andrew Warwick
5
Rob Herring
C
Tom O’Toole
4
Andrew Porter
5
Dan Sheehan
Michael Ala’alatoa
6
Alan O’Connor
8
7
Kieran Treadwell
6
Ross Molony
8
7
Jason Jenkins
11
Jacob Stockdale
Matty Rea
Nick Timoney
John Cooney
9
Marcus Rea
10
OFFICIALS
Referee: Andrew Brace
AR 1: Eoghan Cross
AR 2: Andrew Cole
TMO: Brian McNeice
11
Dave Kearney
Ryan Baird
Jack Conan
Luke McGrath
Josh van der Flier
9
10
Replacements
16 John Andrew
Billy Burns
12
Replacements
16 Rónan Kelleher
Ross Byrne
12
17 Eric O’Sullivan
18 Marty Moore
19 Sam Carter
20 Greg Jones
Stuart McCloskey
13
17 Ed Byrne
18 Vakhtang Abdaladze
19 James Ryan
20 Will Connors
Robbie Henshaw
C
13
21 David Shanahan
22 Angus Curtis
23 Ben Moxham
15
Luke Marshall
14
21 Nick McCarthy
22 Johnny Sexton
23 Charlie Ngatai
15
Garry Ringrose
14
Aaron Sexton
Jordan Larmour
ulster.rugby
Mike Lowry
Jimmy O’Brien
27

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29

Jimmy O’Brien
Ones to Watch
27/11/1996 1.83 89 kg
Dan Sheehan
O’Brien was impressive kicking from his left boot
during last weekend’s clash with Benetton, gaining
a lot of ground whilst putting the opposition under
pressure.
A player that really came into his own last season,
O’Brien will be remembered for scoring four tries
away to Bath, in the Heineken Champions Cup
last January.
17/09/1998 1.91 m 110 kg
Last week’s Player of the Match, Sheehan scored a
whopping four tries, three of which he touched-down
in the first 30 minutes of the game.
Not only did he score tries, but his work-rate was
incredible, picking-up scraps from Benetton kicks and
covering a lot of ground in the process.
Andrew Porter
16/01/1996 1.85 m 114 kg
Unlike most modern props, Porter can play both tighthead
and loose-head, and is a genuine option on both
sides of the scrum at international level.
With 46 international caps to his name, Porter featured
healivy in Ireland’s historic test series win over New
Zealand back in July.
NAME POSITION DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT
Vakh Abdaladze Prop 06/02/1996 1.85m 120kg
Michael Ala’alatoa Prop 28/08/1991 1.91m 125kg
Ryan Baird Lock 26/07/1999 1.98m 113kg
Ed Byrne Prop 09/09/1993 1.8m 115kg
Ross Byrne Fly Half 08/04/1995 1.91m 91kg
Jack Conan No.8 29/07/1992 1.93m 110kg
Will Connors Back Row 04/04/1996 1.96m 100kg
Robbie Henshaw Centre 12/06/1993 1.91m 99kg
Dave Kearney Wing / Full Back 19/06/1989 1.8m 90kg
Jason Jenkins Lock 02/12/1995 2.03m 124kg
Ronan Kelleher Hooker 24/01/1998 1.83m 110kg
Jordan Larmour Wing 10/06/1997 1.78m 88kg
Nick McCarthy Scrum Half 25/03/1995 1.8m 84kg
Luke McGrath Scrum Half 03/02/1993 1.75m 82kg
Ross Molony Lock 11/05/1994 1.98m 115kg
Charlie Ngatai Centre / Full Back 17/08/1990 1.88m 101kg
Jimmy O’Brien Centre 27/11/1996 1.83m 89kg
Andrew Porter Prop 16/01/1996 1.85m 114kg
Garry Ringrose Centre 26/01/1995 1.88m 95kg
Rames Ryan Lock 24/07/1996 2.01m 115kg
Johnny Sexton Fly Half 11/07/1985 1.88m 90kg
Dan Sheehan Hooker 17/09/1998 1.91m 110kg
Josh Van Der Flier Back Row 25/04/1993 1.88m 103kg
ulster.rugby 31

Half-Time | Exhibition Games
Malone RFC U14s
1 Rachel Kelly
5 Mollie Hewitt
9 Emily Donald
2 Scarlett Crockard 6 Tara Raetchus
10 Rachael Kelly
3 Molly Foreman
7 Emma Morrison
11 Katie Allen
4 Dakota Foster
8 Abbey Heron
12 Anna Brown
Coaches: Gary Hewitt, David Kelly, Emily Millar
Virginia RFC U14s
1 Elinor van Lill
5 Saoirse Collins
9 Lexi Fannin
2 Matilda Clarke
6 Jessica Morgan
10 Aisling Caffrey
3 Keefa O’Reilly
7 Isabelle Martin
11 Eunice Adesanya
4 Casey Johnston
8 Ruth O’Dwyer
12 Myah Vance
Memorial End
Coaches: Schalk van Lill, Chris Clarke, Nora Carroll
Omagh RFC U16s
1 Debbie Rea
5 Chrystal Mullen
9 Lucy Hawkes
2 Aimee Devlin
6 Megan Campion
10 Jill Waugh
3 Louise Cuthbertson 7 Nancy Sterrit
11 Poppy McCaffrey
4 Julie-Ann Hemphill 8 Lexie Sterrit
12 Lucy McCaul
Coaches: Arlene McLaughlin, Colin McCaffrey, Dawn Cuthbertson
Ophir RFC U16s
1 Lara McWilliams
5 Aoife O’Hare
9 Ella Castray
2 Molly Kirkpatrick
6 Abigail McCann
10 Lara Jameson
3 Ruby Smith
7 Rebecca Weir
11 Amandine Chesney
4 Niamh Keenan
8 Aimee Green
12
Coaches: Marianne Breen, Ryan Kavanagh, Michelle Fiddis
33
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35

Guest article:
Rod Nawn
A Contest to Warm
the Coldest Night!
September takes its leave as the autumn
chill and wind have made their entrance,
so the pilgrimage to Kingspan Stadium
tonight will require appropriate clothing
to counter the changeable elements.
Before the game, a warming refreshment
might help take the edge off what will be a
long and hopefully exciting season of rugby
for an Ulster side which has already excited
its own faithful fans and those who’ve
passed this optimistic way before only to be
ultimately disappointed.
Proudly atop the URC table after just two
rounds of matches, Connacht thrillingly
dismissed at home in the tournament
opener, then Scarlets eventually outclassed
in a high-scoring tie in Llanelli last week
which lifted the spirits of that loyal
contingent which travelled to South Wales
to cheer their favourites and those who
listened or watched from afar.
There’s nothing much to dislike, is there?
Ulster on the front foot, confidence palpably
growing and efficiency on the pitch rapidly
developing after a disrupted pre-season.
Dan McFarland will be pleased at the
team’s increasingly impressive ability to
calmly navigate itself out of threatening
situations and launch try-scoring attacks
from close and long range, the clinical
finishes so overtly the result of excellent
awareness and intelligence.
But the Head Coach, seeking excellence
and improvement always, will have
carefully studied whatever frailties might be
exploited by future opponents: although a
tally of twelve tries scored, all of them the
consequence of fleetness of thought and
technique is more than encouraging.
But the six tries conceded in two outings
will be forensically examined by McFarland
and Defence Coach Jonny Bell who’ll have
felt each opposition touchdown like a
punch to the solar plexus. Well, perhaps
even those perfectionists do allow
themselves some leeway when it comes
to risk and reward rugby!
As we have often believed with real
conviction that Ulster is well placed now
to kick on and offer the usual brand of
entertaining rugby on a consistently winning
basis there is surely – in the playing and
management squad and supporters – real
expectation this year.
Last year’s tantalising, frustrating ‘near
miss’ in the URC, that last minute semi-final
defeat to the Stormers in South Africa, will
have hurt, and even lingered, as the players
begin another campaign. At the moment it
is certainly not proving a negative memory,
more likely a positive incentive to press
home advantages when won, to focus fully
on every moment of the 80-plus minutes
played each week.
And if ever an opponent deserved undivided
attention and preparation, it is the side
which arrives in Belfast this evening, like
Ulster, having bonus-point wins in its two
games to date.
Leinster has set the benchmark in the
game in Ireland for the best part of a
decade, and it’s rather strange that Leo
Cullen’s squad lines out under the lights at
Kingspan Stadium not currently garlanded
with victory wreaths in the URC nor in the
Champions Cup.
If we accept that there was a summer of
hurt and stern reflection on Ulster’s endof-season
reverses to the Stormers and
to Toulouse in Europe, then Leinster’s
formidable character and confidence
must have been bruised by the URC semifinal
defeat at the RDS fortress and the
loss to Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle in the
European decider.
Head Coach Cullen and Stuart Lancaster –
who’ll leave the club next Spring for Racing
92 – have fashioned a rugby juggernaut
in the last seven years. Their success has
not just been evident at the eye-catching
level but in ensuring the production line of
high-quality, well-coached youngsters has
continued to fuel a club with remarkable
resources and depth.
It is facile to read too much into just two
outings but Leinster opened this season with
an unconvincing win at Zebre, then followed
it up with a routine thumping of Benetton in
Dublin last weekend. Significantly, perhaps,
the team at the RDS saw several changes
ulster.rugby
37

to the previous weekend and Ulster will
have taken note that the Henshaw-Ringrose
midfield was restored, and that Andrew
Porter and four-try hooker Dan Sheehan
returned to the starting fifteen.
Doris, Connors and van der Flier all featured
against Benetton, and as more quality
bleeds into the starting team it would be
no surprise if one Jonathan Sexton took
his place at No.10, nor if Jamison Gibson-
Park was installed at scrum half, while
Tadhg Furlong is available to strengthen an
impressive front row.
Ulster will not be at all intimidated by the
reputation the opposition has earned over
so long, the side will work hard on refining
its own obvious qualities shown against
Connacht and then the Scarlets last week.
McFarland has assembled the best squad of
his tenure, overseen the return from longterm
absences to energetic, innovative
action of Robert Baloucoune, Jacob
Stockdale and of centre Luke Marshall,
already demonstrating the high-class game
which Ireland acknowledged.
The composition of the Ulster backline will
be one of the most interesting and diverting
debates when James Hume, Michael Lowry,
Will Addison, Ethan McIlroy, Baloucoune,
Stockdale, Marshall, Aaron Sexton, Stuart
McCloskey and Stewart Moore are all
healthy and available!
Tonight, both clubs have contributed ten
players to the Emerging Ireland party now
in South Africa, but it’s fair to say that given
the numbers at its disposal Leinster might not
feel it is overly disadvantaged. Its contingent
is mainly from its own development system,
talented players all but none yet starters in
the fabled blue jersey.
Today, though, the immediate focus is on
what promises to be an intriguing earlyseason
top-of-the-table clash. That Ulster
beat the perennial league champions home
and away last season is testament to the
scale of the progress made under McFarland’s
tutelage, but though it will have scattered any
remnants of inferiority, it won’t have a real
influence on the result.
For home supporters, the emphatic
performance of John Cooney at Parc y
Scarlets last week, the consistent excellence
of Stuart McCloskey and Marshall at centre,
and Billy Burns’ imaginative displays at outhalf
will justify a belief that another win could
consolidate leadership of the URC before the
trip to South Africa in a couple of weeks.
The return of the redoubtable Rob Herring
to the front row of a forward pack no longer
seen as physically vulnerable is a real boost,
and Marcus and Matty Rea, Nick Timoney and
Jordi Murphy, plus newcomer Sean Reffell,
offer energetic, ball-handling backrowers.
Skipper Iain Henderson will return soon, but
this game has come perhaps a week or so too
early when his long-terms fitness for Ulster
and Ireland is so critical. Alan O’Connor, Sam
Carter and Kieran Treadwell are no mean
alternatives in the engine room.
McFarland knows that his counterpart Cullen
will be determined that his Leinster line-up is as
robustly competitive as always against Ulster,
and his bench might well appear to be one of
his most important weapons this evening.
These are two outstanding sides, their targets
for this season and the future well charted,
and for those with a certain depth of memory
will remember that these contests were as
important in the 70s and 80s and they are
now in the professional era.
There should be some high-calibre rugby at
Kingspan Stadium tonight, certainly some of
Ireland’s most gifted players are involved. The
fans should gorge on the prospect set before
them this weekend, and for the Ulster faithful a
win over Leinster is always particularly relished.
McFarland will see the game in the context
of a demanding fixture list, but he too will
share the home crowd’s delight should a
fluent Ulster prevail.
It’s a night to savour, a fixture wreathed in
history but a game very much about today!
ulster.rugby
39

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ulster.rugby 41

The 26-year-old is back in an Ulster shirt, after injury kept him on
the sidelines last season, and it hasn’t taken long for him to remind
supporters of what they were missing. We caught-up with the Ulster born
and bred winger to find out how he’s enjoying being back, and what it’ll
mean to be in front of a home crowd against our closest rival.
How much are you loving being back playing?
It’s brilliant, and it’s definitely given me a new
appreciation for how lucky I am to get to play
rugby. With COVID-19, it was a bit of an insight
– but we still were able to play, there were
just no fans. But when you do a full year on
the sidelines, just having to watch, it really
makes you realise. I feel very lucky to be
able to get back from injury full-stop, and
it’s not giving me any bother now, which
I am very grateful for.
pitch, I’m sure. It was a good for me to get back into it that way.
Connacht was a different game, as it was a bit more physical. I
had a good couple of learnings to take away from that night at
Kingspan Stadium. At the weekend against Scarlets, it was an
absolute lung-buster! I think everyone was feeling it. I looked at
Aaron [Sexton] at one point, and I think there were actual
tears in his eyes, and we were only ten minutes in
[laughs]. That made me feel a wee bit better!
What are you expecting from Leinster this
weekend?
It’s obviously a huge challenge for us as
a team, and for me individually as well.
This week has been
a short
turnaround
for
us.
Did last season make
you think differently
about your career?
You’re literally one
injury away from not
being on the pitch, and
that’s something I didn’t
appreciate much before –
but it’s something I definitely
do now. It’s nice to be back on the pitch
with the guys. It’s making me a bit sentimental now! I’m
really enjoying this season so far.
In terms of your first match back, how did you feel
physically and psychologically?
It was a pretty big shock to the system. The Exeter preseason
game was a nice way to do it. I was going full
tongs, but not many of the other boys were out on the
At
the
start of
the week,
the focus is recovery
from our game against Scarlets. Going into the game, I
want to be as physically ready as I can be. We’ll also be
making an effort to focus on the detail. It’s going to be
a big challenge, and I’m looking forward to it, especially
as it’ll be in front of our supporters at home.
Wing/Full Back
03/04/1996
191cm
102kg
85
35
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Academy
Ulster Rugby
Ben
Carson
Centre
24/02/2002
183cm
101kg
-
Ruben
Crothers
Back Row
28/01/2002
189cm
98kg
-
Joe
Hopes
Second Row
16/03/2004
197cm
100kg
-
James
Humphreys
Out-Half
14/11/2001
185cm
81kg
-
James
McCormick
Hooker
08/01/2002
181cm
110kg
-
Conor
McKee
Scrum-Half
20/03/2001
182cm
85kg
-
Lorcan
McLaughlin
Back-Row
03/04/2002
189cm
105kg
-
James
McNabney
Back Row
28/02/2003
193cm
113kg
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194cm
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29/08/2003
183cm
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The Ulster
Society of
Rugby
Football
Referees
We welcome Andrew Brace (IRFU) and his
team of officials to Kingspan Stadium this
evening for this BKT URC Round 3 match v
Leinster.
As the domestic season begins its busy
schedule, many of our local referees across
the province have swung back into action
over recent weeks. On Saturday and Sunday
mornings and afternoons, if you look
carefully enough you will see glimpses of
the new ‘chartreuse green’ shirts voluntarily
driving the motorways and backroads, all for
many different personal reasons but all in the
name of our great sport.
Many will wonder what inspires or indeed
encourages people to slip on the crested
journey, blow the whistle and manage a team
of 30 people who want to play our wonderful
sport. The best way to answer that question
was to put one of our local referees under
the spotlight and pose many of the questions
that flash across people’s minds when they
see the ‘person in the middle’
Away from his hectic schedule on and off the
field, it was great to catch up with Eamonn
Whelan, one of the USRFR’s busiest and
most diligent referees and get an insight into
what urged him to pull on the shirt and what
life is like behind the whistle.
Eamonn was very fortunate to play at
one of the oldest open rugby clubs in the
world, Blackheath RFC, where he had the
opportunity to play and mix with some
excellent players. Unfortunately, a career
ending injury provided an opportunity for
Eamonn to focus on the “next best seat in
the house” out in the middle, and it only took
one trial match to hook him on refereeing.
“I was inspired by Nigel Owens, who will
always be my favourite and I was lucky
enough to work with him as 5th official at
an Ulster game. A true gentleman, whose
unique personality contributed to every
game he refereed. He can sing too!”
Like all of our referees across the province,
Eamonn is a volunteer and has to juggle work
and family life, which we must say he does
amazing well. Away from the pitch he is an
engineer for a Swedish manufacturing firm
building mining and construction equipment;
“Work is a full-on role, but refereeing a match
on a Saturday or a Sunday is a great way
to ‘switch off’ and leave the working week
behind.”
As well as work, Eamonn supports his wife
who competes in Archery at International
level, his daughter who plays Rugby Union
with Banbridge RFC and his son who plays
Rugby League with Belfast Eagles.
Staying fit and active is very important for
referees and between fixtures Eamonn spends
time in the gym pushing out the weights to
help maintain joint strength and also uses the
cross-trainer, the stationary bike and helps
train youth girls at Banbridge RFC, which
keeps his cardio muscle in good shape.
Turning our attentions back to Eamonn’s role
on the field we wanted to understand how
he prepares for a game and keeps himself
sharp in relation to his decision making.
Insightfully, Eamonn divides his week up and
will spend some time reflecting on his last
game and assess what could be improved,
what laws need to be familiarised and
preparing for USRFR meetings, where he
gives his free time to head up the Operations
Committee. Eamonn believes that each
fixture, whether it be an U14 game or a 1st XV
game, provides an opportunity to improve
and develop.
“On the day of a game it is
important to get a proper
breakfast and get to the
ground early.”
Prior to the game starting, Eamonn will
also spend some time watching the team’s
warming up to get a feel for their capabilities
and then do some running drills to get
warmed up. The key thing is to be relaxed
and be in ‘the zone’ when kick-off time
arrives. During the game, Eamonn likes to
keep things flowing and is a big lover of
playing advantage which he believes allows
the game ‘to breathe’
It’s clear from how Eamonn talks about
his preparation before a match that his
dedication and passion for the game rubs off
on the many players he interacts with each
season. When asked about what he enjoys
most about his role, Eamonn likes seeing two
teams congratulating each other at the end
of a tough, fast game and knowing that he
was part of facilitating an event that players,
coaches and spectators enjoyed.
Eamonn has had many highs and lows
throughout his years as a referee and his
most memorable moment was when he had
the opportunity to take charge of the Ulster
Women’s Cup Final at Kingspan Stadium.
“I was lucky enough to referee Ballynahinch
and Malone in that first final. it was a great
occasion that helped drive the growth of the
Women and Girl’s game in Ulster.”
Importantly, Eamonn is an excellent
advocate and mentor for encouraging those
who would like to get more involved in
rugby through refereeing. He believes that
everyone involved in the game should at
least give it a go, take the plunge and you
will be surprised just how much you enjoy it.
“At first it may appear intimidating, but the
game needs you, the players genuinely
support you and the experience is
fantastic.”
If anyone is interested in refereeing,
or you wish to take your refereeing
a step further and join the USRFR,
please contact
Richard Kerr
Referee Development Manager
richard.kerr@irfu.ie | 07493 868 388
ulster.rugby
49

Former Ulster prop Boyd also believes
returning to All-Ireland level will benefit the
club's recruitment of top talent.
"It has been our aim to return to AIL rugby to
be able to offer the players new challenges
and open up the door to those players that
want to play All-Ireland rugby.
"In the past we have missed out on players
coming to the club because of this and it is
pleasing to see players returning and also
new school-leavers joining too."
Following Saturday's visit of Tullamore,
Instonians travel to face Skerries, with upcoming
journeys to Ballina and Sunday's Well.
Boyd said, "We expect each game to be tough
and present different types of challenges.
The players prepare for each session and
game one at a time whilst focusing on what
is in front of them, rather than the league as
a whole.
"The management and coaching set up
will facilitate this for them. Our first 3 away
games will be on artificial surfaces and so we
will look forward to that. We have trained on
these artificial pitches, and they suit our style
of play."
Having spent several years away from this
level, Instonians seem determined to make
their mark and carry forward their good form
from the opening weeks of the Premiership.
"Our aims for the season are to do the best
we can individually and collectively. We
have built a strong squad over the last few
seasons and would hope to be competitive
in every game.
"The players have set their goals individually
and as a team and will take each game as it
comes. The players have high expectations
and if we continue to work hard towards our
goals, we will have a good season."
Instonians to make their return to the All-Ireland League
After an absence of 8 years, the Belfast
club are back in the AIL as they begin life in
Division 2C by hosting Tullamore.
Instonians lost their place in the AIL in 2014
and went on to reach the Round Robin series
qualifiers on three occasions – 2015, 2018
and 2019.
It was back in April of this year they were able
to make the vital step forward of securing
their promotion.
First, they wrapped up the Kukri Ulster
Rugby Championship Division 1 title with a
final-fixture decider against Clogher Valley,
before eventually beating Bective Rangers in
April's promotion play-off final.
Ahead of their return to AIL action, they've
made an impressive start to the season in
the Ulster Rugby Premiership Division 2. An
opening-day trip to Bangor saw Instonians
secure a remarkable 63-12 victory, before
losing to Rainey OB.
However, they recovered from this defeat,
winning consecutive away games against
Omagh and Dungannon.
Director of Rugby Clem Boyd said, "Recent
performances have been pleasing in allowing
us to assess players for the first AIL game.
We have used 28 players in the 4 games and
from this will be able to field our strongest
team based on performances to date.
"We also still have 8 senior players to add
into this mix who have not been available
through injury or availability and will become
available over the coming weeks.
"Our attacking intent has been strong and if
we can reduce individual errors will be able
to keep pressure on opposition.
"Our game against Dungannon on the
weekend showed good improvement from
recent weeks and set piece was much better
after our learnings and positional changes
from Rainey a few weeks before."
WATCH Jacob Stockdale on his return from injury
ulster.rugby
51

RAVENHILL PARK GARDENS
ABBEY AUTOLINE FAMILY STAND
Catering
SPIRIT OF ‘99
PROMENADE 1
EAST TERRACE
A&L GOODBODY LOUNGE / VIP BOXES
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.
Kukri Store
The Kukri Store will be open from gates
open until 30 minutes after full-time.
THE 1924
PROMENADE 2
Audio
ONSLOW PARADE
TURNSTILES
FOOD
VILLAGE
TURNSTILES
Audio descriptive match commentary to
enhance the match experience for people
affected by sight or hearing loss will be
available.
Earpieces can be collected from the admin
building reception prior to the game, or
you can book your equipment by calling on
(028) 9049 3222.
Kingspan Stadium is now fully cashless,
with all bars and catering outlets
operating via card payments only.
Live music will be available pre & post-match in the Clubhouse Bar
ADMIN’
BUILDING
2022/23 FIXTURES
H Connacht Fri 17 Sep W 36-10 URC
A Scarlets Sat 24 Sep W 39-55 URC
H Leinster Fri 30 Sep 7.35pm URC
H Ospreys Sat 8 Oct 7.35pm URC
A Emirates Lions Sat 15 Oct 1.00pm URC
A Cell C Sharks Sat 22 Oct 5.15pm URC
A Munster Sat 29 Oct 5.15pm URC
H Zebre Parma Fri 25 Nov 7.35pm URC
A Leinster Sat 3 Dec 7.35pm URC
A Sale Sharks 9-11 Dec TBC HCC
H La Rochelle 16-18 Dec TBC HCC
A Connacht Fri 23 Dec 7.35pm URC
H Munster Sun 1 Jan 5.15pm URC
A Benetton Sat 7 Jan 1.00pm URC
A La Rochelle 13-15 Jan TBC HCC
H Sale Sharks 20-22 Jan TBC HCC
H DHL Stormers Fri 27 Jan 7.35pm URC
A Glasgow Warriors Fri 17 Feb 7.35pm URC
A Cardiff Sat 4 Mar 7.35pm URC
H Vodacom Bulls Sat 25 Mar 7.35pm URC
H Dragons Fri 14 Apr 7.35pm URC
H Edinburgh Fri 21 Apr 7.35pm URC
*UK/IRE Time
Respect
Policy
Incident hotline
07790
200 200
We are
passionate in
our support
We are silent
during kicks
at goal
We respect the
match officials’
decisions
We drink
responsibly
We do not tolerate
abusive or discriminatory
language
We respect opposition
players, management
& supporters
We are mindful
of our language
53

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