Ulster Rugby vs Cardiff Blues

Official Digital Matchday Programme of Ulster Rugby v Cardiff Blues, Friday 27th March 2015.

OFFICIAL MATCH DAY PROGRAMME | PRICE £3.00

RUGBY VS CARDIFF BLUES Friday 27th March 2015 - Kingspan Stadium - Kick Off 19.35

Official sponsor of Ulster Rugby

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT Good evening and welcome to another exciting Friday evening at Kingspan Stadium. Ulster take on Cardiff Blues tonight in another crucial PRO12 match. With Ulster joint second in the PRO12 table and only four points behind leaders, Glasgow, it really is all to play for! We extend a warm welcome to all the Cardiff fans that have travelled here to support their team. The last time Ulster met Cardiff Blues back in September resulted in a strong away win of 9-26 for the Ulstermen. Ulster can also build on their last home success over Scarlets at the end of February which saw a final whistle 25-20 win for the Ulstermen. With the added incentive of having a home PRO12 final at Kingspan Stadium, we can look forward to another strong Ulster performance tonight! Kingspan Stadium is once again a fortress and it is where Ulster plays best thanks to the energy and support of the home fans. This season marks the 18th year of our proud association with Ulster Rugby and we remain committed to the team. At Bank of Ireland we stand together with the fans, sharing their passion and together we are all the driving force behind our Ulster Rugby team. Good Luck Ulster!

Sean Sheehan // Regional Director, NI Consumer and Small Business Bank of Ireland

Official sponsor of Ulster Rugby

IRFU ULSTER BRANCH

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

OFFICERS John Kinnear // President Bobby Stewart // Senior Vice President John McKibbin // Junior Vice President John McKibbin // Honorary Secretary Michael Boyd // Honorary Treasurer Denis Gardiner // Competitions Secretary EXECUTIVE TEAM Shane Logan // Chief Executive Chris Webster // Domestic Rugby Manager Audrey Robinson // Financial Controller Fiona Hampton // Head of Sales & Marketing

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you here to Kingspan Stadium for this Guinness PRO12 match against Cardiff Blues.

I would particularly like to welcome the officials, players and supporters who have made the trip from the Welsh capital. You are all very welcome in Belfast. It has been just under three weeks since our last Guinness PRO12 match and exactly a month since our last home game in the competition. Despite a disappointing defeat to Newport Gwent Dragons in the previous round, Ulster remain in second position. A win tonight, especially with Leinster hosting Glasgow Warriors at the RDS would be a significant boost to Ulster’s play-off hopes. It is a good time to be an Irish rugby fan. Huge congratulations must go to the Ireland players and coaching staff who won the RBS 6 Nations in such dramatic style last Saturday. It was certainly a dramatic afternoon of rugby and it was excellent to see our own Jared Payne go over for such a crucial try. Congratulations to him and to our other representatives in the side; Rory Best, Tommy Bowe and Iain Henderson. With a World Cup just a few months away it is exciting to see Ireland being so successful. A word of congratulations must also go to the Ireland Women’s team. A second RBS 6 Nations in three years is an excellent achievement and they should be hugely proud of beating Scotland so comfortably to lift the trophy.

While there has been no senior rugby at Kingspan Stadium in recent weeks, I have been fortunate to watch some fantastic schools’ rugby, here at the home of rugby in Ulster. RBAI claimed the Danske Bank Schools’ Cup after beating Wallace High School 14 points to 10 on Saint Patrick’s Day. Their performance was first-rate and they defeated a spirited Wallace side who performed admirably and made it an excellent contest. Congratulations too to RBAI’s Medallion side who claimed the Medallion Shield and to Ballymena Academy who won the Subsidiary Shield. Well done to Enniskillen Collegiate for their victory over Victoria College to lift the Girls Schools’ Cup and to Dromore High School who beat Ballyclare Secondary School to win the High Schools’ Trophy. Finally, it is great to see Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding recovered and back in the Ulster starting XV this evening. Hopefully, now that they are fit they will be able to play a full role in Ulster’s pursuit of the Guinness PRO12 title. As always thank you for you support and Stand up for the Ulstermen. Yours in Rugby, John Kinnear // President IRFU (Ulster Branch)

Kingspan Stadium, 85 Ravenhill Park, Belfast, BT6 0DG T // +44 (0)28 9049 3222 ulsterrugby.com

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ULSTER RUGBY

Chief Executive’s

Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome back to Round 18 of the Guinness PRO12 ! There’s another feast of rugby this weekend which we hope you enjoy ! Last weekend saw a feast of tries on ‘Super Saturday’ in the RBS 6 Nations which led to a dramatic finale and congratulations to Ireland on retaining their title ! Both Ulster and Cardiff Blues will want a win and another notable performance this weekend as Ulster aim to retain their top two table position and guarantee home advantage in the Play Offs. The Blues will want revenge on their loss to Ulster in Cardiff last September, to build on their most recent last minute win over Connacht and move up the table into European Champions Cup contention. Both teams will be trying to earn those priceless winning points here this evening as we’re now at the business end of the season with only 5 matches left in the league section. Only 2 points separated these sides back in September so it could be a close affair. The Scarlets v Edinburgh match tomorrow will see the continuation of the Guinness PRO12 trials of the Hawk-Eye technology system with the support of SKY Sports. These results will no doubt assist player welfare and match officiating going forward, maybe into the Rugby World Cup later this year, and we are delighted to facilitate World Rugby in this exciting new development. This weekend, it really is Guinness PRO12 business for all 12 of our clubs as they are looking at moving up the ladder to be in the top four, for a chance to compete in the Play-Offs and Final of our competition next May and also to seek European Champions Cup qualification for next season. Fans of both these teams have already bought tickets to this year’s Final here at Kingspan Stadium, Belfast on Saturday May 30th 2015 at 6.30pm. Tickets are selling extremely well with just over 1,000 left for general sale and we would encourage fans of all 12 clubs to purchase their tickets for what promises to be a fantastic rugby weekend and occasion for the Guinness PRO12 here in Belfast. After Round 17, there are only 8 points between our top 5 teams but, in fact, little separates many of the teams in the Guinness PRO12. Despite the seasonal weather there are just over 4 tries scored per match on average so lots of good entertainment and lots to play for ! I would like to pay tribute to the work of the match officials this season and wish them all the very best for these Round 18 fixtures and the rest of the season. Finally and most importantly, I would like to acknowledge the contribution of all our clubs, partners, all our broadcasters & media and you the supporters, who ensure all 12 clubs and the competition have fantastic support throughout the season. Enjoy the game and I hope everyone revels in another great rugby weekend !

PRO12RUGBY.COM

TONIGHT’S MASCOTS

MASCOTS

BEN VANCE (8) Ben is from Ballyclare and attends Fairview Primary School. He plays mini rugby at Ballyclare RFC and also enjoys football. Ben’s favourite player is Paddy Jackson because he runs the game and can tackle very well.

JACK McDOWELL (8) Jack is from Carryduff and attends St.

Joseph’s Primary School. He enjoys watching Ulster games with his family and also playing rugby and soccer. Jack’s favourite player is Ruan Pienaar because he is amazing and Craig Gilroy because he scores lots of tries.

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ULSTER RUGBY

STUART OLDING: BACK TO ACTION

Ten weeks ago Stuart Olding tore his ACL playing against Toulon at Stade Felix Mayol, this week he returns to the starting line-up following an intense rehabilitation programme and he is feeling stronger and faster than ever before…

Stadium would be class. The stadium and the fans deserve a big occasion like that.” For the past two weeks Kingspan Stadium has played host to the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup Final, the Subsidiary Shield, Medallion Final, Girls Schools’ Cup Final and High Schools Final. Having celebrated his 22nd birthday just last week Stuart remembers those days well but things have changed dramatically for him since then: “In terms of training I only started doing weights in lower sixth at SINI and then I was picked up to play Under 18s for Ulster and worked closely with Chris Shields and Matty Maguire just preparing my body for joining the Academy. At school I trained two days a week, with two days in the gym and a game on Saturday so when I started in the Academy it was not dissimilar, just a lot more intense. It was a more professional regime with different sessions being scheduled throughout the week, a lot more time was focused on strength and conditioning, weight training and nutrition. “The biggest difference in myself is body weight and muscle mass, having a much stricter gym routine over the past four years. My speed has definitely improved and psychologically I have developed a lot. At school I did no video work and now I sit down after every game to analyse my performance to see where I can improve. Enhancing your knowledge of the game is massive, so if I was to offer any of those young players a piece of advice that is what it would be. In the professional set up we are encouraged to study the video footage and pick out things that we could improve on and bring suggestions to training, so doing your homework is worth it. Also for those young players, I wouldn’t get bogged down in doing weights, your skills are more important. I wasn’t a big guy at school but my skills got me into the Academy set up, so now the season is over for many, the most important thing is to keep working on your rugby skills.”

“Following my operation nine weeks ago I spent a week in a cast and then moved into an elbow brace with restrictive movement. After five weeks that came off completely and I gradually built up movement and started passing drills, doing weights and push ups to strengthen and straighten my arm. For the past two weeks I have been back on the pitch in team training so things are going well, I am feeling good and I’m excited to be back playing again. “I have really missed being a part of the team environment, I was out for a year last season and it was horrendous watching the guys train and play together so to have another nine weeks on the side-line was frustrating. But I am back training now and everything is going well, I am feeling stronger and faster than I was before the injury so that’s positive. “Being back before I or anyone had anticipated is a massive credit to my surgeon Dr Michael Eames, GG (Gareth Robinson), the physio team, S&C staff and the coaches. I cannot thank them enough.” Sitting joint second in the Guinness PRO12 table with 53 points, Ulster have five games remaining and must keep their spot in the top two to secure a double header playoff and final at Kingspan Stadium in May. “There is huge belief amongst the squad at the minute,” says Stuart. “From next week the only remaining injured player will be Andrew (Trimble). We haven’t been in that position all season where there is only one player out with an injury. I know not having Trimby in the squad is a big deal but to have almost a full squad to pick from is great, everyone is fighting for positions so I think we are in a good place. I don’t think we have shown our full potential yet this season. We have had bursts of good play for 20 or 30 minutes but we have not been able to sustain that for the full 80 minutes; that is the goal going into the last few games of the season. “It is important to stay where we are in second or push on to first place, get a home playoff and then to play a final at Kingspan

STUART OLDING

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ULSTER RUGBY

www. ulster rugby.com

“IT IS IMPORTANT TO STAY WHERE WE ARE IN SECOND OR PUSH ON TO FIRST PLACE, GET A HOME PLAYOFF AND THEN TO PLAY A FINAL AT KINGSPAN STADIUMWOULD BE CLASS. THE STADIUM AND THE FANS DESERVE A BIG OCCASION LIKE THAT” STUART OLDING

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ULSTER RUGBY

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IT’S ALL COMING TO A HEAD

MIKE STANLEY ENJOYING LIFE IN BELFAST

After Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations win there has been plenty of speculation this week about how the international side will fare in this autumn’s Rugby World Cup.

MIKE STANLEY

Pundits, correspondents and ex-players have all written up Ireland’s chances with the semi-finals and even winning the competition now seemingly a possibility. Barring injury, Rory Best, Tommy Bowe, Jared Payne and Iain Henderson will be on the plane across the Irish Sea for the competition. Up to half a dozen other Ulster players will hope to force their way into contention over the coming weeks. However, there is another member of the Ulster squad who will be aiming to play in the Rugby World Cup. Samoa international, Mike Stanley, has three caps to date. Samoa face South Africa, Japan, Scotland and the USA in Pool B and Stanley has his fingers crossed that he will be involved: “I don’t want to jinx it!” he jokes. “It’s just a case of getting my body right and getting some game time and playing a few matches.” Getting minutes on the pitch is the aim for the 25 year-old now. Brought in as injury cover at ten, he is now competing with Paddy Jackson and Ian Humphreys for a place in the team. He says: “I think the first couple of weeks, I was just trying to get my head around the calls and getting up to speed with that. I had a lot of help from the boys with that but I had a cameo appearance here against Scarlets, then I got a half against the Dragons which was good, then played 80 minutes for the Ravens. It was great to get a hit out.

“It is good to feel part of the team. There are a few boys coming back from injury and a few coming back from international duty too. Hopefully I’ll get a few chances in the coming weeks. I just want to do my best for the boys along the way. If that means carrying pads or hitting tackle bags then so be it. I just need to keep them in top shape and to keep pressing them.” While he awaits his chance, Stanley has been enjoying life in Belfast: “My fiancé arrived from New Zealand recently so we have been seeing around a bit. We have been into town. We went to the North Coast last weekend. It is really nice up there and we will head back up there and hopefully see a bit more. “I’m really glad that I made the decision to come to Ulster. It has been a great move so far. I have really enjoyed it and the guys have been really good to me. It’s a friendly environment and I just want to make the most of it.” If he is selected at the World Cup, Samoa will have plenty of fans in Ulster.

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ULSTER RUGBY

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NICKNAME: Toots / Tootsie FAVOURITE SONG/ARTIST? Elvis / Suspicious Minds CAN YOU COOK? Yes WHAT’S YOUR SIGNATURE DISH? Spag Bol LAST BOOK YOU READ? Millionaire Junkie FAVOURITE TV SHOW? Sopranos WHOWOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO BE STUCK IN A LIFT WITH? Ulster Rugby Physio, Alan McCaldin (Top bloke, Liverpool fan, great singer and storyteller) WHO’S THE LAST PERSON YOUWOULD LIKE TO BE STUCK IN A LIFT WITH? Marshy (obviously) DO YOU HAVE A PET? Yes – Border terrier PET’S NAME? Hank 2 MINUTES DAN TUOHY WITH

IN FOCUS

YOU TEAM

BEST IN TRAINING? Ronnie (Callum Black) QUICKEST? Gilroy FUTURE MANAGER/COACH? Darren Cave – he loves his rugby far too much BEST NICKNAME? Bacon Grease (Luke Marshall) BEST DANCER? Rob Herring BEST DRESSER? Stu Olding

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ULSTER RUGBY

BELONG I NG M A K E S T H E 1 6 T H M A N

THEIR SHIRT: YOUR NAME

There are just 4 days left to renew your Ulster Rugby Season Ticket online and be automatically entered into our ‘Their Shirt: Your Name’ competition.

SEASON TICKET RENEWALS

This competition will give supporters the opportunity to have their name on the back of an official Ulster Rugby jersey, worn by the squad when Ulster meet inter-provincial rivals Munster in May at Kingspan Stadium. After the game, on the weekend of 7th-9th May, 23 lucky season ticket holders will be presented with the shirt which contains their name Simply visit www.ulsterrugby.com/16thman/ returningseasontickets to renew. If you wish to become a season ticket holder for the first time this season, tickets will be available online from Thursday 2nd April. Please visit www.ulsterrugby.com/16thman to register your interest in a 2015/16 season ticket. For full competition terms and conditions please visit www.ulsterrugby.com

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ULSTER RUGBY

OFFICIAL CLOTHING PARTNER OF ULSTER RUGBY

SCHOOLS’ RUGBY REVIEW

MEDALLION SHIELDWON BY RBAI RBAI were crowned Danske Bank Medallion Shield winners after defeating Wallace HS 5-13 in the final. RBAI started brightly and opened the scoring with a fourth minute penalty from David Lyttle. They pushed further ahead in the 24th minute when Ethan Glover powered over following a strong hand off on an opposing forward, leaving the score at 0-8. Wallace, to their credit, worked their way back into the game and were rewarded for their endeavours when left wing Conor Rankin spotted a hole in the defence and scorched through to touch down. But RBAI unleashed a superb backline move in the 40th minute that sent Kyle McComiskey racing clear to complete the scoring. RBAI WIN SCHOOLS’ CUP The Royal Belfast Academical Institution sealed a 30th outright Danske Bank Schools’ Cup win after edging out The Wallace High School 14-10 in a dramatic St. Patrick’s Day Final at Kingspan Stadium. Tries from captain Lewis McNamara and winger Jack Conlin, both converted by TJ

Morris, sealed a 34th overall win for the Belfast school. Wallace HS has now lost all five of their Schools’ Cup Final appearances, with the last three coming at the hands of today’s opposition. Wallace took the lead when a lovely floated pass by outhalf Neil Kilpatrick gave Connor Guiney space to touch down in the right corner. Inst captain Lewis McNamara dragged his team back into the game almost immediately when he powered over beside the posts. Morris added the extras to push his side 7-5 ahead at the break. Good work by scrumhalf Jonny Stewart resulted in a second try for Wallace when he pounced on a loose ball and fed number 8 Max Trouton, who dummied and ran through unopposed to touch down for a 7-10 lead. But RBAI responded in typical fashion as a solid scrum laid the platform for a well- executed starter play from their lively backs. Morris sucked in a couple of defenders and switched play back inside to Conlin, who burst through and beat the covering defenders. Morris’ conversion rubber- stamped the 14-10 success.

SCHOOL FINALS

UlsterBranch

RBAI Celebrate winning the Danske Banks Ulster Schools’ Cup Final 2015

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ULSTER RUGBY

RHINO ARE PROUD TO BE THE OFFICIAL MATCH BALL OF THE GUINNESS PRO12 2014/15 www.rhinorugby.com

SCHOOLS’ RUGBY REVIEW

SUBSIDIARY SHIELD SUCCESS FOR BALLYMENA ACADEMY Ballymena Academy finished their season off in style with a 20-10 win over Down High School in the Danske Bank Subsidiary Shield Final at Kingspan Stadium on Thursday. It was Down HS that dominated the opening exchanges but the Ballymena defence was resolute. Both sides were unsuccessful with early opportunities from the tee before Ballymena outhalf Andrew Magrath and Down HS fullback Joe Bingham swapped penalties. Magrath kicked another to push his side 6-3 ahead on the stroke of half time. Ballymena made the first breakthrough in the second half; Joe Thompson and Jonny McKewon were involved in the initial burst, before Magrath sent Angus Kernohan racing clear to score under the posts for a converted try. The result was sealed for Ballymena when captain Josh McIlroy started an finished an attack five minutes from the end, with Magrath’s conversion extending the advantage to 20-3. But there was still time for a consolation score from Bingham, who collected the ball in his own 22 and outpaced the tiring

defence to touch down for a fine individual try. His conversion reduced the gap 20-10 as the final whistle sounded. DROMORE RETAIN U16 HIGH SCHOOLS’ TROPHY Dromore HS won the Danske Bank U16 High Schools’ Trophy after a dominant display over Ballyclare Secondary saw them win the final 41-0. It took seven minutes for Dromore to open the scoring as outside centre Aaron Atkinson took advantage of good hands by his inside backs to touch down for an unconverted try. Atkinson’s midfield partner Ben Davis then broke through the Ballyclare defence to double the lead just five minutes later and there were no firther scores in the first half. Influential number 8 Ben Heath scored two in the third quarter, one of which was converted by Ben Martin to extend the advantage to 22 points. Hooker Jonathan Scott squeezed for a try in the right corner and it was beautifully converted by Martin for a 31-0 lead, before replacement Bryan McCandless scored two late tries in a superb cameo appearance. Martin converted one of McCandless’ scores to seal the 41-0 win.

SCHOOL FINALS

Top Left RBAI win Medallion Shield Top Right Dromore retain U16 High Schools’ Trophy Right Subsidiary Shield success for Ballymena Academy

UlsterBranch

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ULSTER RUGBY

SCHOOLS’ RUGBY REVIEW

UPCOMING CLUB FINALS AT KINGSPAN STADIUM Powerade Towns Cup Final Clogher Valley v Ballynahinch 2nds Mon 6th April, 2.30pm Crawford Cup Final Omagh 2nds v Ballyanhinch 3rds Tue 7th April, 2.30pm McCrea Cup Final Cooke v Queen’s University 2nds Wed 8th April, 7.00pm McCambley Cup Final Teams TBC 11th April, 2.30pm Forster Cup Final Ballymena 5ths v Randalstown 2nds 18th April, 1.00pm Gordon West Cup Final Teams TBC 18th April, 3.00pm

ENNISKILLEN COLLEGIATE WIN THEIR 6TH GIRLS SCHOOLS’ CUP TITLE Enniskillen Collegiate won the Danske Bank Girls Schools’ Cup for the third consecutive year after beating Victoria College by 14 tries to 4 in the final at Kingspan Stadium on Tuesday afternoon. Ireland Six Nations winners Nora Stapleton and Sophie Spence watched on as the County Fermanagh girls registered an impressive sixth title in nine years, but they were made to work hard by the well-drilled Belfast side. Enniskillen captain Kathryn Dane was the star of the show, touching down four times and having a hand in several other tries. The remaining Enniskillen scores came from Alice Hirst, Rebecca Pennell (2), Maeve Somerville, Claire Boles (3), Emma Shaw (2) and Sophie Coalter.

SCHOOL FINALS

UlsterBranch

Enniskillen Collegiate win their 6th Girls Schools’ Cup title

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ULSTER RUGBY

IRELAND RETAIN RBS 6 NATIONS AFTER A DAY OF HIGH DRAMA

Ireland has successfully retained the RBS 6 Nations title after a dramatic conclusion to the Championship.

In what was a spectacular afternoon of rugby, Joe Schmidt’s side finished top of the table, winning on points difference from England. It is only the second time that Ireland has retained the title, the previous being Karl Mullen’s side of 1949. With Wales having beaten Italy by 61 points to 20, Joe Schmidt’s side knew that they had to beat Scotland by 21 points to overtake Wales in the standings. Ireland raced to a 40 points to 10 victory, equaling Ireland’s biggest ever Championship win over Scotland and in doing so setting England the challenge of needing to beat France by 26 points to take the title. Jared Payne scored his first international try and it was advantage Ireland with just one game left in the 2015 RB 6 Nations.

However, they couldn’t get over the line one more time and their 55 points to 35 win wasn’t enough. Ireland were Champions. Ulster Captain, Rory Best, speaking after the Scotland game, hailed Ireland’s character at Murrayfield: “To score 40 points away from home is very special,” he said. “It was nice to sign off with our best performance of the Championship.” Rory and the rest of the Ireland team are champions once again. An extraordinary end to remarkable day. A huge congratulations to Ireland. What an incredible achievement for Irish rugby’s class of 2015 which includes Rory Best, Tommy Bowe, Jared Payne and Iain Henderson.

RBS 6 NATIONS CHAMPIONS In the third remarkable match of the day, England scored a try after only 90 seconds through Ben Youngs.

France competed throughout but when Jack Nowell went over with five minutes remaining, England had a 20 point advantage and only needed a converted try to win the Championship.

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ULSTER RUGBY

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RBS 6 NATIONS 2014-2015

POS TEAM

PL W D L

PF PA DIFF TF TA PTS

1 Ireland

5 4 0 1 119 56

63

8 3 8

2 England 3 Wales 4 France

5 4 0 1 157 100 57

18 11 8 13 8 8 9 9 4

5 4 0 1 146 93 5 2 0 3 103 101

53

RBS 6 NATIONS CHAMPIONS

2

5 Italy

5 1 0 4 5 0 0 5

62 182 -120 8 19 2

6 Scotland

73 128 -55

6 12 0

TOURNAMENT MATCH DATA IRELAND 2014-2015

TOTAL POINTS 119

PENALTY TRIES 1

TRIES SCORED 8

PENALTIES WON 21

PENALTIES CONCEDED 43

DEFENDERS BEATEN 101

RED CARDS 0

LINEOUTS WON 51

METRES GAINED 1,809

887 MOST PASSES

YELLOW CARDS 1

LINEOUTS LOST 10

TURNOVERS CONCEDED 51

MISSED TACKLES 105

MOST TACKLES 608

SCRUMS LOST 4

TOTAL OFFLOADS 21

CLEAN BREAKS 25

MOST CARRIES 704

RUCKS WON 589

RUCKS LOST 17

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ULSTER RUGBY

MICHAEL ALLEN

RICKY ANDREW

Centre/Wing 28.11.90 183cm 97kg 44 -

Fullback 02.12.89 185cm 87kg 20 -

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

RORY BEST (C)

CALLUM BLACK

TOMMY BOWE Hooker 15.08.82 180cm 110kg 166 81 ULSTER RUBGY POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

Prop 25.02.86 180cm 110kg 81 -

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

CHARLIE BUTTERWORTH

Wing 22.02.84 191cm 102kg 130 59

POSITION BORN

Back Row - 195cm 115kg 0 -

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

DARREN CAVE

ROBBIE DIACK

Centre 05.04.87 184cm 97kg 155 8 // 11A

Back Row 12.11.85 196cm 109kg 146 2 // 2A

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

DECLAN FITZPATRICK

CRAIG GILROY

Wing 11.03.91 183cm 90kg 103 6 // 2A

Prop 12.07.83 182cm 118kg 98 7 // 9A

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

MICHAEL HEANEY

IAIN HENDERSON

Scrumhalf 05.11.90 176cm 78kg 29 -

POSITION BORN

Back Row 21.02.92 200cm 115kg 43 14 // 3A

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

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ULSTER RUGBY

www. ulster rugby.com

CHRIS HENRY

WIEHAHN HERBST

Back Row 17.10.84 191cm 105kg 126 16 // 10A

POSITION BORN

Prop 05.07.88 180cm 114kg 20 -

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

SQUAD 2014/15

ROB HERRING

IAN HUMPHREYS

Hooker 27.04.90 183cm 103kg 67 1 // 2A

Outhalf 24.04.82 178cm 85kg 101 7A

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

PADDY JACKSON

CONOR JOYCE

Outhalf 05.01.92 179cm 87kg 74 9 // 1A

POSITION BORN

Back Row 05.07.93 192cm 106kg 4 -

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

RICKY LUTTON

LOUIS LUDIK

Prop 26.02.86 183cm 115kg 23 -

POSITION BORN

Fullback 10.08.86 182cm 92kg 19 -

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

LUKE MARSHALL

PAUL MARSHALL

Centre 03.11.91 181cm 96kg 62 6

POSITION BORN

Scrumhalf 26.07.85 172cm 80kg 143 3 // 2A

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

STUART McCLOSKEY

KYLE McCALL

Centre - 195cm 105kg 14 -

POSITION BORN

Hooker 02.01.92 176cm 108kg 3 -

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

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ULSTER RUGBY

NEIL McCOMB

MIKE McCOMISH

2nd Row 15.07.83 201cm 120kg 44 -

POSITION BORN

Back Row 07.12.83 190cm 106kg 46 -

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

SQUAD 2014/15

RUAIDHRI MURPHY

PETER NELSON

Fullback 05.10.92 180cm 84kg 21 -

Prop 05.07.87 187cm 115.5kg 3 -

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

STUART OLDING

JARED PAYNE

Outhalf 11.03.93 176cm 88kg 35 2

Fullback 13.10.85 186cm 97kg 57 4

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

RUAN PIENAAR

SEAN REIDY

Scrumhalf 10.03.84 187cm 90kg 91 79 (SA)

POSITION BORN

Back Row 10.05.89 180cm 100kg 7 -

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

BRONSON ROSS

CLIVE ROSS

Prop 16.09.85 183cm 118kg 15 -

Back Row 14.06.89 192cm 104kg 17 -

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

DAVE RYAN

RORY SCHOLES

Prop

POSITION BORN

Wing 24.04.93 186cm 95kg 7 -

POSITION BORN

183cm 116kg 0 -

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

27

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ULSTER RUGBY

Watchthevideo, guess the locationandyoucouldwinamini break! Can you avoid the dummymove?Watch the video on our Facebook page and see if you can guesswhereStuart Olding is going. Enter onFacebook or Twitter andyou couldwina fabulous 4* weekend break for 2 people to the correct location! Entries close on Sunday 29March at 10pm– Good Luck!

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JAMES SIMPSON

LEWIS STEVENSON

2nd Row 03.11.90 197cm 115kg 1 -

2nd Row 01.06.84 200cm 116kg

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

78 1A

SQUAD 2014/15

ANDREW TRIMBLE

DAN TUOHY

Wing 20.10.84 187cm 99kg 188 57 // 3A

POSITION BORN

2nd Row 18.06.85 197cm 115kg 121 9 // 4A

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

FRANCO VAN DER MERWE

ANDREW WARWICK

2nd Row 15.03.83 198cm 115kg 22 -

Prop 12.03.91 180cm 111kg 23 -

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

NICK WILLIAMS

ROGER WILSON

Back Row 21.09.81 191cm 106kg 176 1 // 11 A

POSITION BORN

Back Row 02.12.83 189cm 122kg 56 -

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

ULSTER RUGBY SQUAD SEASON 2014/15

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ULSTER RUGBY

ULSTER RUGBY FRIDAY 27TH MARCH 2 KICK O

15 14 13 12 11

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

CALLUM BLACK

LOUIS LUDIK

ROB HERRING

CRAIG GILROY

ULSTER RUGBY

WIEHAHN HERBST

DARREN CAVE (C)

STUART OLDING

DAN TUOHY

FRANCO VD MERWE

MICHAEL ALLEN

10

IAIN HENDERSON

PADDY JACKSON

9

CLIVE ROSS

RUAN PIENAAR

REPLACEMENTS FROM 16 17 18 19 J ANDREW A WARWICK B ROSS R DIACK 20 21 22 23

8

C HENRY P MARSHALL I HUMPHREYS R SCHOLES

NICK WILLIAMS

REFEREE ASSISTANT REFEREE’S CITING COMMISSIONER TMO TODAYS OFFICIALS

MARIUS MITREA (FIR, 38TH COMPETITION GAME) GARY CONWAY (IRFU) // OLLY HODGES (IRFU) EDDIE WIGGLESWORTH (IRFU) MARSHALL KILGORE (IRFU)

30

ULSTER RUGBY

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CARDIFF BLUES 15 - KINGSPAN STADIUM F 19.35 1

15 14 13 12 11 10

CARDIFF BLUES

SAM HOBBS

RHYS PATCHELL

2 3 4 5 6 7

MATTHEW REES (C)

ALEX CUTHBERT

ADAM JONES

CORY ALLEN

GAVIN EVANS

JARRAD HOEATA

LOU REED

LUCAS AMOROSINO

JOSH TURNBULL

GARETH ANSCOMBE

9 8

LLOYD WILLIAMS

ELLIS JENKINS

REPLACEMENTS FROM K DACEY T FILISE S ANDREWS M COOK 20 21 22 23 16 17 18 19

M VOSAWAI T KNOYLE G DAVIES T ISAACS

JOSH NAVIDI

Official sponsor of Ulster Rugby

31

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ULSTER RUGBY

CORY ALLEN

SCOTT ANDREWS

Prop 01.08.89 188cm 119kg Wales (11)

Centre 11.02.93 193cm 102kg Wales (2)

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

GARETH ANSCOMBE

MARC BREEZE

Hooker 11.02.87 180cm 109kg —

Fly Half 10.11.91 183cm 80kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

SQUAD 2014/15 MACAULEY COOK

ALEX CUTHBERT

Wing 05.04.90 198cm 103kg Wales (32)

Lock 31.12.91 193cm 112kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

KRISTIAN DACEY

GARETH DAVIES

Hooker 25.07.89 188cm 110kg —

Fly Half 02.03.84 175cm 83kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

GAVIN EVANS

TAUFA’AO FILISE

Centre 18.07.84 191cm 100kg Wales (1)

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

Prop 26.04.77 188cm 124kg Tonga (17)

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

DAN FISH

LUCAS AMOROSINO

Full Back 02.11.85 185cm 85kg Arg (40)

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

Full Back 19.12.90 185cm 86kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

32

ULSTER RUGBY

www. ulster rugby.com

DAFYDD HEWITT

SAM HOBBS

Centre 21.08.85 180cm 86kg —

Prop 13.05.88 193cm 123kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

SQUAD 2014/15

SIMON HUMBERSTONE

JARRAD HOEATA

Fly Half 31.07.87 173cm 85kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

Back Row 12.12.82 198cm 112kg N Zealand (3)

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

GETHIN JENKINS

ELLIS JENKINS

Prop 17.11.80 188cm 121kg Wales (114)

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

Back Row 29.04.93 183cm 103kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

LEWIS JONES

ADAM JONES

Scrum Half 24.11.92 173cm 73kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

Prop 08.03.81 183cm 120kg Wales (95)

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

JOSH NAVIDI

TAVIS KNOYLE

Scrum Half 02.07.90 185cm 91kg Wales (11)

Flanker 30.12.90 185cm 95kg Wales (1)

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

RHYS PATCHELL

MILES NORMANDALE

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

Fly Half 17.05.93 191cm 92kg Wales (2)

Lock 21.09.91 201cm 110kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

33

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ULSTER RUGBY

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FILO PAULO

LOU REED

Lock 10.09.87 198cm 120kg —

Lock 06.11.87 201cm 122kg Samoa (13)

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

SQUAD 2014/15

MATTHEW REES

RICHARD SMITH

Centre 08.11.87 188cm 101kg —

Hooker 09.12.80 183cm 108kg Wales (60)

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

JOAQUIN TUCULET

ADAM THOMAS

Centre 08.08.89 183cm 92kg Arg (20)

Centre 22.08.86 188cm 95kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

JOSH TURNBULL

MANOA VOSAWAI

Flanker 12.08.83 185cm 114kg Fiji (17)

Back Row 12.03.88 193cm 111kg Wales (7)

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

SAM WARBURTON

LLOYD WILLIAMS

Back Row 05.10.88 188cm 103kg Wales (54)

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

Scrum Half 30.11.89 183cm 87kg Wales (18)

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

RHYS WILLIAMS

TOMOS WILLIAMS

Hooker 16.11.90 183cm 107kg —

Scrum Half 01.01.95 180cm 78kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT INT CAPS

35

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ULSTER RUGBY

Suppliers of fresh produce to the Ulster Rugby team.

Official suppliers of fresh produce to the Ulster Rugby team.

36

ULSTER RUGBY

www. ulster rugby.com

TONIGHT’S OPPOSITION

Coach Paul John has urged his side to pick up where they left off when they resume Guinness PRO12 action this evening in Belfast against Ulster Rugby.

season with a number of Welsh internationals back in contention for selection tonight, although the fixture may come too early for legendary front rower Gethin Jenkins following a hamstring injury. There is also plenty of young Welsh talent on show with Rhys Patchell, the last action hero against Connacht, impressive number eight Josh Navidi, centre star Cory Allen and rising fly half ace Gareth Anscombe – the son of former Ulster boss Mark - among those eager to push their international claims. “The boys who didn’t play a major part for Wales in the last few weeks are itching to get rugby. We will look to give them a run out; it is great to see them back with a smile on their face and wanting to play,” added John. “Alex Cuthbert, Cory Allen and Gareth Anscombe are all back training and they all want to play a part.”

The Welsh region arrive at Kingspan Stadium on the back of successive league victories – including a last gasp win over Connacht last time out – after a season of ups and downs for the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park outfit. Attack Coach John and Defence guru Dale McIntosh are in charge of the Blues following the shock departure of Director of Rugby Mark Hammett in February, with the former New Zealand international returning home for personal reasons. And the much admired coaching duo have once again – after also taking caretaker charge at the end of last season - sparked an upturn in fortunes for Blues with successes over Edinburgh and Connacht in recent times. Tonight they are eager to make it a hat-trick and also build crucial momentum ahead of the big European Rugby Challenge Cup quarter-final derby clash with Newport Gwent Dragons on Easter weekend. “We have a big couple of weeks coming up that starts with Ulster away, which is a challenge in itself, and we need to get all the boys back playing and gelling,” said John. “The following week we have the big European quarter-final derby with Dragons, but our focus is on this Friday and Ulster. Every game is important to us. “We would have liked to have played the following week after Connacht, if we are honest, to keep momentum going. However, we tried to make last week as hard as we possibly could (with no game) and the focus this week has all been on Ulster. We are looking forward to getting back on the field.” Blues certainly have the squad to enjoy a powerful finish to the

CLUB STATS //Location Cardiff, Wales //Founded 2003 //Ground BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park //Capacity 12,000 //Last Game Connacht (H) 18-17 (W) Saturday 6th March 2015, 19:35 //Next Game Glasgow Warriors (A) Friday 10th April 2015, 19:35 //Recent Form L L L W W

STAFF // Coach Mark Hammett // Captain Matthew Rees CONTACT Cardiff Arms Park Westgate Street

Cardiff Wales Tel 029 2030 2000 Email enquiries@cardiffblues.com

TICKET OFFICE Tel 029 2030 2030

www.cardiffblues.com

BluesCardiff

cardiff_blues

TheCardiffBlues

cardiff_blues

37

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ULSTERRUGBY

ULSTER RUGBY COACHING AWARDS 2014-15 DRIVEN BY ULSTERBUS TOURS

City of Derry Ladies Coach, Rodney Balfour, has been announced as the winner of the Ulster Rugby Coach of the Year Award, driven by Ulsterbus Tours. The nominations were judged by a panel of representatives from Ulster Rugby and some independent organisations. Winners were selected in each category with an overall winner selected from the final four.

WINNERS

CATEGORY

NAME

TEAM

Adult Men

Wilbert Leacock Stephen Clarke

Instonians 1st XV

School / Youth / Minis

Fivemiletown College Ballymena Bears City of Derry Ladies

Disability

Gary Donald

COACHING AWARDS Female

Rodney Balfour

“We were very pleased with the numbers and quality of the coaches who were nominated from clubs and schools across the Province for this the inaugural Ulster Rugby Coaching Awards,” said Alistair Brown, Coach Development Manager for Ulster Rugby. “The commitment and expertise shown by these rugby coaches is reflected in

the supporting statements from players, parents, other coaches and officials who nominated all the coaches. I’d like to thank Ulsterbus Tours for supporting this initiate and helping to recognise the fantastic work that our coaches do at all levels of the game in Ulster.”

SHORTLIST

DISABILITY RUGBY COACHES

FEMALE RUGBY COACHES

Gary Donald Ballymena Bears Rachael Melville Newforge Taggers

Ian Flack Portadown Panthers Stephen Marshall Seaside Sharkies

Rodney Balfour City of Derry RFC Johnny Murray Malone RFC

Rob Watson Enniskillen RFC Sean Petierse Newry RFC

ADULT RUGBY COACHES

YOUTH/SCHOOL/ MINI RUGBY COACHES

Wilbert Leacock Instonians RFC

Andy Hughes City of Armagh RFC Derek Suffern Ballynahinch RFC

Stephen Clarke Fivemiletown CC Richard Beggs Coleraine AI

Owen Lambert Instonians RFC Matthew Glenn Wallace HS

Paul O’Kane Limavady RFC

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ULSTER RUGBY

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COACH PROFILES

RODNEY BALFOUR CITY OF DERRY LADIES COACH

GARY DONALD BALLYMENA BEARS COACH, BALLYMENA RFC “I am over the moon to have won the Ulster Rugby Disability Coach of the Year 2014/15. It is a great reflection on the Ballymena Bears, who train every

“I am delighted to have won the Ulster Rugby Coach of the Year Award and it is a real honour. I didn’t know the team were nominating me so I was shocked when I found out I had been shortlisted. I try my best but as a

other Sunday. There are so many people involved from a coaching perspective and we have 26 players. This recognition will hopefully put us on the map and help us reach 50 players! “I got involved in raising money for Wooden Spoon, who support kids with a learning disability, so that sparked the idea of establishing the Bears. I met with Justin Fitzpatrick, who had started the Sharks team in Dungannon for advice, and we got the Bears going in 2012. “Tim Craig, Disability Inclusion Officer at Ulster Rugby and Disability Sport NI have been a tremendous help in establishing and running the Bears. I have completed different certifications around disability inclusion and working with children with autism. I have also completed the Foundation coaching course with Ulster Rugby. “There is nothing better than watching the laughs of the kids involved on a Sunday. That really gives me a buzz and warms my heart, I wouldn’t swap that feeling for anything. The proudest moment for me this season was the Wooden Spoon International Tag Festival, I was involved in getting it off the ground and then on the day itself the Ballymena Bears won the Fair Play Award which was brilliant.” STEPHEN CLARKE HEAD COACH FIVEMILETOWN COLLEGE Awards will be a great benefit for the community - hopefully it will lift the interest and the participation levels of rugby within the school and also at Clogher Valley RFC. “I went to Omagh Academy and was under the tutorage of Jack Reid. He was a big influence on my playing career and now as a coach. I loved the game and the attitude of players and the culture he created so when I went into teaching it was important to me to improve on the work done by Kenny Towers in Fivemiletown College. “I have completed a Referees Course, my Level 1 Coaching and I am planning on completing Level 2. The main satisfaction that I get from coaching is seeing the kids improve their game. My proudest moment as a coach has to be the first time we got to a Danske Bank High Schools’ Trophy Final in 2009, when Chris Farrell captained the side. It was a great achievement and to play at the home of Ulster Rugby was great.” “It is a great honour to be put forward for Coach of the Year. I feel that being recognised as part of the Ulster Rugby Coaching

coach you don’t often get recognised. “I have completed several regional coaching courses and I would take advice from Ricky Huey from Ulster Rugby. I like to watch other coaches and learn from them. In terms of inspiration, there was a guy Devon Lynch that was at City of Derry. I could always see how much he enjoyed coaching and I try to emulate his style - you have to have a fun side, you can’t go out there and keep preaching at the players. “There is nothing worse than going out there and doing the same thing every week, so I try to spice things up whilst pushing the players on. I really enjoy seeing players improve, it is a credit to themselves and the club when they put in the work on the pitch and in the gym and it is a great feeling when you can see a noticeable improvement in their ability. “This is great for rugby in the North West and for women’s rugby. We are working with Gaelic clubs to encourage more ladies to get into rugby so this recognition might get more people out to play rugby and encourage others to give the sport a go.”

WILBERT LEACOCK HEAD COACH INSTONIANS RFC

“It is a great honour to even be nominated for Coach of the Year, never mind win an award. It was a great surprise; Ken Keane, Chairman of Instonians, put me

forward and I am very honoured and proud to be a finalist. We have had a couple of tough seasons but it’s a great club - we have a great rugby committee and a good coaching set up so we are back to being a rugby club where everyone is valued. “I have completed my Level 2 coaching qualification. Chris Galway took me through that with the Ulster Branch last year and I continue to keep in contact with him. The thing I enjoy most is being around the guys, we have a great group of players and we have worked really hard over the past couple of seasons. The boys want to learn and we have set up an environment where they can do that, with 32 guys who train twice a week. “I am coaching at my home club, which has come a long way over the last few years so it would be fantastic. It would be a great achievement for Instonians Rugby Club and for the players who have bought into what myself and the other coaching staff are trying to achieve.”

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ULSTER RUGBY

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