Ulster Rugby vs Zebre

The Ireland team and management are to be congratulated on a tremendous performance in beating New Zealand in Chicago three weeks ago. In particular, my congratulations go to Rory Best, Jared Payne and Andrew Trimble who played that day. Ireland followed this up with another good performance, beating Canada with a team that included Paddy Jackson, Luke Marshall and Craig Gilroy. Unfortunately, last weekend, Ireland came off second best against New Zealand in what was an extremely physical match, but again a good performance from Ireland. I am sure everyone in Ulster will wish the Ireland team well in their final Guinness Series game against Australia tomorrow. As for Ulster, it has not been the best of months with the team slipping from 1st to 5th place in the Guinness PRO12 Championship following defeats by Munster and Edinburgh. Whilst injuries and Ireland call- ups have been significant factors, the recent defeat in Edinburgh was particularly disappointing. Hopefully the Autumn break will have allowed the team to regroup and get back to form tonight. On the domestic rugby front, Ballynahinch and Dungannon are to be congratulated on getting through to the First Trust Senior Cup final on 15th December at Kingspan Stadium. Clogher Valley are also to be congratulated on getting through to the All Ireland Junior Cup Semi- finals following a hard fought win over fellow Ulster team Portadown. I would also encourage all Ulster Rugby fans to get involved with our Christmas Present Appeal, which is a joint initiative with our charity partner, Include Youth. This charity supports 500 young people from disadvantaged communities throughout Northern Ireland and looks to help them move into training or employment. Fans are encouraged to donate a present to make sure the young people that Include Youth work with, who often live in children's homes or residential care, receive a special gift this Christmas. Donations of Christmas presents can be made at reception in the main administration building during the upcoming week. Further details of the scheme are included later in this match day programme. Ulster Rugby, in conjunction with Slim’s Kitchen and Include Youth, have also launched the first ever Ulster Rugby Charity Recipe Book. This book will make a great Christmas present and fans are encouraged to buy a copy for just £5, with all proceeds going to our charity partner. Finally, I hope everyone enjoys the game tonight as well as the facilities in Kingspan Stadium and remember - Stand Up For The Ulstermen! John McKibbin President IRFU (Ulster Branch) It gives me great pleasure as President of the IRFU Ulster Branch to welcome everyone to Kingspan Stadium for this evening’s Round 9 match in the Guinness PRO12 League. In particular I am pleased to welcome the Zebre team along with their coaches, Directors and supporters. PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

IRFU ULSTER BRANCH 2016/17 OFFICERS John McKibbin President Graf n Parke Senior Vice President Stephen Elliott Junior Vice President Denis Gardiner Honorary Secretary Michael Boyd Honorary Treasurer Greg Irwin Competitions Secretary EXECUTIVE TEAM Shane Logan Chief Executive Chris Webster Domestic Rugby Manager Audrey Robinson Financial Controller Fiona Hampton Head of Sales & Marketing Les Kiss Director of Rugby

Kingspan Stadium, 134 Mount Merrion Avenue Belfast, BT6 0FT T +44 (0)28 9049 3222 ulsterrugby.com

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