Ulster Rugby vs Leinster

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 Leinster.

achievement of Joe Schmidt’s team in winning the Championship last month. We will see players from that team going head to head against each other this evening as they seek to lift more silverware before the end of the season. It promises to be a fantastic rugby match and with the game being shown by our broadcast partners Sky Sports and BBC Northern Ireland, it will be a top-class showcase for Irish Rugby. Congratulations to all the teams who have competed in the club finals at Kingspan Stadium over the past month and particularly the winners: Ballynahinch 2nd XV, Omagh 2nd XV, Queen’s University 2nd XV, Malone 5th XV, Limavady 1st XV and Ballymena 5th XV. Finally, well done to those who took part in the Ireland U19s Girls Sevens Screening Event at Dungannon RFC a couple of weeks ago. Hopefully we will see some of them go on to represent Ireland Women in years to come. As always thank you for your support and Stand up for the Ulstermen. Yours in Rugby, John Kinnear // President IRFU (Ulster Branch)

I would particularly like to welcome the President of the Leinster Branch, John Glackin and the officials, players and supporters who have made the trip North. You are all very welcome in Belfast. The Guinness PRO12 season is heading towards an exciting finale and it is great that three Irish provinces are still in the running for a play-off spot. While Leinster are in the unfamiliar position of 5th in the league, we know that as long as they still have a chance they will be going all-out to secure a top four place. Last week they were unfortunate to come out on the wrong side of a ferocious battle with Toulon in the semi-final of the European Rugby Champions Cup. 100 minutes of rugby will have had its toll but they will be coming here knowing nothing but a win will do. However, Ulster, off the back of an excellent performance against Connacht, know that victory this evening will guarantee them a play off spot. With 6 Nations winners such as Rory Best, Tommy Bowe, Jared Payne and Iain Henderson back in the team, Neil Doak’s side have the experience and quality to get the win. The RBS 6 Nations trophy has been touring the province this week. That has served as a reminder of the

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

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