Ulster Rugby v Leinster Rugby

OFFICIAL MATCH DAY PROGRAMME £3

V LEINSTER RUGBY SATURDAY 27TH APRIL 2019 KINGSPAN STADIUM, BELFAST KICK OFF 5.15PM

FREE SPACE TO INCLUDE: • VISUAL CREATIVE • GUINNESS PRO14 TITLE TYPE AND FIXTURE • DATE & LOCATION

Welcome back to Kingspan Stadium, the home of Ulster Rugby, where the Ulster squad welcome Leinster for the final round of the Guinness PRO14 regular season. The Ulstermen lie second in Conference B behind this evening’s opponents Leinster and are now guaranteed a quarter-final berth in the competition, which is a huge achievement for the club. Today’s encounter sees a repeat of the dramatic Champions Cup quarter- final where Ulster were denied victory despite a heroic effort against this much-fancied Leinster side. The visitors, as ever, will provide a stern test for the Ulstermen in what is sure to be a fascinating spectacle. With conference placing already confirmed for both teams, this fixture will serve as a valuable opportunity for the rising stars on both sides to stake their claim for a place in the upcoming knock-out games. As ever, I encourage the Kingspan Stadium faithful to give the Leinster squad and travelling supporters a very warm welcome. Finally, on behalf of Kingspan, I would like to wish the Ulster Rugby squad and management team the very best this evening as they continue to give their all. To Ulster’s committed fans, enjoy the game, lead the way and help ensure that this is an evening to remember at Kingspan Stadium.

IN THIS ISSUE...

8

TODAY'S MASCOTS

2 3 5 8 11

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME GUINNESS PRO14 WELCOME INTERVIEW: ALAN O'CONNOR MALONE TORNADOES Q&A: JACOB STOCKDALE INTERVIEW: NICK TIMONEY

13 14 16

STATISTICAL PREVIEW

13

ACADEMY SQUAD

19 21

UNION CUP

ULSTER SQUAD PROFILES

24 28 29

ULSTER TEAM LEINSTER TEAM

LEINSTER SQUAD PROFILES 30 STAFF PROFILE: PAUL WHITTEN 35 ULSTER CARPETS CLUB OF THE MONTH 39

40

GUEST ARTICLE: ROD NAWN 40 CHAMPIONS CUP FAN GALLERY 45 URSC UPDATE 47 GIVE IT A TRY – SUMMER 2019 49 SUBWAY HALF TIME TEAMS 51 STADIUM INFORMATION 53 2018/19 COMPETITION STANDINGS 54 FIXTURES 55 SPONSORS AND PARTNERS 56

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TODAY’S MASCOTS

BEN EWART (10) FROM COMBER Ben attends Academy Primary School in Saintfield and loves playing football, cricket and participating in park-runs. He is very excited to run out onto the pitch in front of a full crowd. His favourite player is Jacob Stockdale as he won Player of the Tournament in the 6 Nations and he is fast, just like Ben. When Ben grows up he would like to be a Primary School teacher.

ROSIE LUCAS (8) FROM RICHHILL Rosie attends Hardy Memorial Primary School. She loves sports, reading and the RAF. Her favourite player is Jacob Stockdale as he proves you can be good even when really young. When Rosie grows up she would like to be an RAF Red Arrows Pilot.

UNMISSABLE MOMENTS 2019/20 Season Tickets

On Sale Now!

UlsterRugby.com /SeasonTickets

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We have played three games since our bonus point victory here over the Southern Kings. We had a great day out in the Aviva Stadium in the quarter-final of the Heineken Champions Cup when, after a magnificent performance by the team, we suffered a narrow defeat to this evening’s visitors. I would like to thank all the supporters who travelled to cheer the team on and created a tremendous atmosphere in the stadium. The loss was hard to take at the time but congratulations to Leinster who have gone on to beat Toulouse in the semi-final. We wish them well as they seek to retain the Cup and we will all be supporting them as they take on Saracens in Newcastle. After the Leinster match we resumed the PRO14 campaign in Glasgow where, after a good start, we suffered defeat. We then travelled to Edinburgh where the boys dominated the game and achieved the bonus point win. With a little help from our Munster friends in Treviso, that secured second place in the conference and gives us a home quarter-final against Connacht next weekend. To have done that with a game to spare is testament to the effort which the players and coaches have put in so far this season. Although both teams may have more significant matches in the coming weeks, this evening’s game is still important. Inter- provincial derbies are always hard fought affairs and this evening will be no different. We have suffered recent defeats to the other provinces and would like to turn the tide, starting today with a home win. Recent weeks have seen many club finals played both at Kingspan Stadium and at other venues throughout the Province. Congratulations to all of the winners and commiserations to the losers. Special mention to Enniskillen who won the River Rock Towns Cup here on Easter Monday for the first time since 1937 with victory over Ballyclare. Also, well done to City of Armagh on putting up a battling performance when losing to a strong Garryowen team in the Bateman Cup final last Saturday. The league matches in the AIL have been completed and the playoffs have begun. Many congratulations to Ballynahinch on winning automatic promotion to Division 1A. It is important that Ulster has teams playing in the top division. Best wishes to Malone, Queen's University and Rainey as they continue in their efforts to secure promotion. The support the team has had this season has been tremendous and I thank you all for that. I hope that everyone enjoys this evening and I look forward to seeing you all back here next week. Stephen Elliott President, IRFU Ulster Branch league match against our provincial neighbours Leinster. A particularly warm welcome to President Lorcan Balfe, his wife Deirdre and the other Leinster officials, staff and supporters. We trust that you will enjoy our hospitality on your short trip to Belfast. PRESIDENT’S WELCOME On behalf of Ulster Rugby, I welcome everyone to Kingspan Stadium for this evening’s Guinness PRO14

IRFU ULSTER BRANCH 2018/19 OFFICERS Stephen Elliott President Gary Leslie Senior Vice President Philip Gregg Junior Vice President Denis Gardiner Honorary Secretary Michael Boyd Honorary Treasurer Greg Irwin Competitions Secretary EXECUTIVE TEAM Jonny Petrie Chief Executive Officer Dan McFarland Head Coach Bryn Cunningham Operations Director Chris Webster Head of Rugby Development Audrey Robinson Head of Finance & Operations Fiona Hampton Head of Sales & Marketing

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

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What better way to prepare for the Guinness PRO14 Final Series than with a slate full of derby games as we approach the last seven games of the regular season. It’s been an eventful season once again for the Guinness PRO14 and we enter Round 21 with five teams set for the knock- out stages, but only three of them have secured their seedings. In Conference A, two of our former champions Munster and GlasgowWarriors are duelling for the top spot and in Conference B three teams are still capable of claiming the last Final Series berth. There’s also five teams in the running to appear in the Champions Cup Play-Off game so there’s still so much to play for across the Championship. History could also be made today if Benetton Rugby can overcome Zebre in their derby game to become the first-ever Italian side to qualify for our knock-out stages. Success for Benetton would also mean that they become the first Italian team to qualify for the Champions Cup on merit. It’s only a couple of years since full meritocracy was put in place and the impetus it has created is providing positive results already. For the second season in a row, Judgement Day takes place in Round 21 and there is so much on the line at the Principality Stadium. Scarlets are not out of the title race yet and if they can pick up a bonus-point win over Dragons, then they’ll have a chance of leapfrogging Edinburgh and Benetton should those sides fail to win. Wayne Pivac’s men will also want to be in the running for the Champions Cup Play-Off which takes us to our second game in Cardiff. Cardiff Blues and Ospreys are in a straight shoot-out for the Champions Cup Play-Off berth from Conference A and with just a point between them it’s simply a case of winner takes all. In fact, the winner will also earn the right to host the Play-Off game, too. I would also like to acknowledge the much-discussed call from the TMO and Match Official team in Cardiff Blues’ last game away to Connacht. As a tournament organiser we are determined to put in processes and facilities to assist our Match Officials in getting these big decisions right and anything less than that isn’t good enough for our teams and their fans. We have already instigated a review which may well culminate in upgrades and improvements to be made. It should be noted that over the course of the last nine months the Championship has sanctioned investment of an additional £1million per year on our elite match officiating services compared to the previous year. This investment has been made on the basis of a five-year plan developed by our Elite Referee Manager, Greg Garner in August 2018, who joined from the RFU. It has allowed Greg to invest more in our analysis of referee performances as well as a continuous professional development programme aimed at ensuring that our match officials team are attaining a level of excellence in every game. I must say that we have a superb team of match officials both on the elite panel and the encouragingly the development programme who are working diligently with Greg daily to improve all the time. We thank them and the referees managers in each of our Unions for buying into the changes being implemented. We know we must do more and that challenge excites all of us as we strive to be the best rugby championship in the world. In Bloemfontein, our South African sides play their final derby of the campaign. It is fair to say that there are high hopes for both the Toyota Cheetahs and the Isuzu Southern Kings for next season after a tough second year in the Guinness PRO14. However, a showreel of their attacking play would make for a mouth-watering watch and we’ll be looking forward to more of that flair in 2019/20. Congratulations to Leinster for reaching their fifth Champions Cup Final last weekend. Leo Cullen has done a terrific job with the Province, so good in fact he brings his squad to Belfast to face Ulster with a home Semi-Final already locked up, while their hosts will welcome Connacht in a week’s time for their Quarter-Final clash. I’m delighted that the day finishes up with simultaneous kick-offs in Glasgow and Limerick with both GlasgowWarriors and Munster chasing the home Semi-Final place from Conference A. Warriors take on Edinburgh, themselves need to win for their hopes of reaching the Final Series or the European Play-Off, while Munster set themselves upon a dangerous Connacht side eager to retain their momentum ahead of the knock-out stages. Finally, I would like to thank each and every one of you who has attended our games this season and shown your commitment to your clubs. Our attendances have held strong again this year thanks to the quality of rugby on offer and some of you may be lucky enough to see the regular-season try record broken for the third year in a row – just 27 tries are needed today to break last year’s tally of 861. To the teams signing off on their campaigns today, I wish them a very healthy and rewarding break, while it is best of luck to the teams who remain in the hunt. Remember, no matter who you support the season doesn’t end until May 25 when the Guinness PRO14 trophy is lifted into the Glasgow sky at Celtic Park. Guarantee your place by going direct to bit.ly/glasgow2019 to get your tickets. Enjoy the game, Martin Anayi Chief Executive Officer

It begins here

Proud sponsor of Ulster Rugby.

“IT’S GREAT TO GIVE SOMETHING BACK TO THE PROVINCE” Dublin-born Alan O’Connor may have spent his formative years in the sub-academy of today’s opponents Leinster but, with six seasons and 85 caps now under his belt at Kingspan Stadium, there can be no doubt the second row forward has the blood of an “Any Leinster team brings a good pack, a good set-piece, and are really good around the pick-and-go area,” he warns. “They can hold the ball for ages – we saw that against us [in the quarter-final], when they held the ball for eight straight minutes.” ALAN O'CON

Ulsterman coursing through his veins. In advance of today’s showdown with his native Province, O’Connor speaks with passion and pride about individual and collective achievements this season – and stresses how desperately Ulster want to win this evening’s match-up, despite already having booked a Guinness PRO14 play-off spot. “I don’t think you can ever call an inter-pro a dead rubber,” he insists. “Leinster are going well of course, but they’ve lost a couple of games as well recently, so it’ll be a big momentum swing if we can get this win and then build for the Connacht game.” “We’ve played them up here a good few times at the end of the season and we’ve always enjoyed those games; so obviously with the year we’ve had, and having played them already a couple of times, we’ll be looking to get one back on them.” It’s evident O’Connor is seeking payback after last month’s narrowest of defeats in the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final at the Aviva Stadium – but is wary of the threat last year’s double-winners will bring.

“Then again two weekends ago, I was watching them against Glasgow and they held the ball for 40-plus phases – although Glasgow held them out. So we’re expecting a pretty monumental challenge and Jared [Payne, Defence Coach] will have us primed for in and around the tight areas.” The lock is convinced, however, that the never-say-die spirit displayed by Ulster this year will stand them in good stead: “When the chips are down with this team we just seem to bounce back. I think it’s shown with the amount of times we’ve come back late in games – even at 80 minutes plus we’ve delivered when we’ve needed to. Edinburgh was a game where we needed to deliver, and we got the job done.” O’Connor has amassed 22 appearances this term, with 10 as captain – a responsibility the 26-year-old is relishing amongst a squad that he feels is continually improving. “Being captain is a challenge in itself,” he admits. “But when you’re around guys who are willing to work hard, go flat-out and put the hammer to the wall, it makes your job a lot easier – when you have guys like Hendy [Iain Henderson], Jordi [Murphy],

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OR

and all the other guys who have all the experience, it makes everything easier.” “The whole environment is very positive with a lot of young guys coming in, and all the new signings we’ve had have been class like Marty [Moore], Billy [Burns], and Will [Addison]. Everybody has contributed, and with Marcell [Coetzee] playing every week now, it’s unbelievable for us because he’s such a good carrier and he gets over the gain-line so well. “I think a lot of big players have stood up and that’s why it’s going so well.” As the interview draws to a close, O’Connor looks further afield to the sudden-death play-off against Connacht that awaits the team in a week’s time. “It’s been a long time coming,” he concedes. “Obviously the Leinster game comes first, but this whole season has gone really well and to get to two quarter-finals when at the start of the year people were writing us off, it’s great to be able to give something back to the Province and everyone who supports us.”

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The GUINNESS word and associated logos are trade marks © Guinness & Co.2015.

TORNADOES BLAZING A TRAIL FOR MIXED ABILITY RUGBY

At the beginning of this season, the Malone Tornadoes became the first Mixed Ability Rugby team in Ulster.

This proved to be a phenomenally successful event both from a participation and learning perspective and ultimately, with over 80 players taking part, it has reinforced that the decision to develop Mixed Ability Rugby, not only in Ulster, but throughout Ireland has been extremely positive and there is a genuine willingness for it to progress in the future. The Malone Tornadoes will continue to train throughout the season and will have two structured training games before rounding off their first season in a blaze of glory by playing Sundays Well Rebels prior to the Chris Henry Testimonial event, to be held at the end of May at Malone RFC. This will, no doubt, showcase the excellent work that all the coaching team, players and facilitators have put in since starting out in October with a vision to make the game of rugby union accessible and fully inclusive to all. For more information contact: Tim Craig (07739 075578 / tj.craig@ntlworld.com)

As part of a pilot project supported by Ulster Rugby and the IRFU, the Malone Tornadoes offer adults with a disability the opportunity to play 15-a-side rugby supported by experienced rugby players (facilitators). These facilitators guide players with a disability to fulfil their role within the game. Thanks to the dedicated team of volunteers, and with support received from Belfast City Council’s small development grant programme ‘Everybody Active 2020’, the Malone Tornadoes have evolved into a squad of 25 players and facilitators. Training takes place on Monday evenings from 7-8pm at Malone RFC’s Gibson Park grounds and the sessions have been supported by many of the Ulster Rugby professional squad. On 10th March, they were invited to De La Salle Palmerston along with Sundays Well Rebels to take part in the first ever joint training session for Mixed Ability Rugby teams to be held on the island of Ireland. The day started with a gentle warm-up, leading in to some skills development, then several short games of touch rugby followed by a structured game between the Tornadoes and Sundays Well Rebels.

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Q&A J A C O B S T O C K D A L E Favourite rugby memory? First Ulster Rugby game at home - it was against the Dragons Favourite place to eat in Belfast? Boojum TV programme you can’t miss? Last Chance U First music album you ever bought? The Gorrilaz Last movie you watched? A bad day for the cut (Northern Irish Film) Who is your sporting hero and why? Roger Federer - he just oozes class! Favourite thing about playing for Ulster? Running out in front of a packed Kingspan Stadium If you could swap places with a celebrity for a day, who would it be and why? Ryan Reynolds – he’s my favourite actor If you could have dinner with anyone (dead or alive), who would it be and why? Johnny Cash - I love his music and his life story is intriguing Favourite post- match meal? Big dirty kebab Goal for this season? To win silverware The key to success is… Knowing what your weaknesses are

BROWN SAUCE / RED SAUCE SUN / SNOW SING / DANCE NIGHT OWL / EARLY BIRD COFFEE / TEA FORWARDS / BACKS FACEBOOK / TWITTER SNAPCHAT / INSTAGRAM HORROR MOVIE / COMEDY DINE IN / DELIVERY

QUICKFIRE

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NICK TIMONEY:

While qualification for the Guinness PRO14 play-off may already be guaranteed thanks to Ulster’s bonus-point victory at Edinburgh three weeks ago, just try telling back-row forward Nick Timoney that there will be nothing at stake when the team runs out against Leinster this evening. “THEY BEAT US HERE LAST YE OBVIOUSLY WE DON’T LIKE, A TO GET THEM BACK FOR THAT

“For Leinster it’s tough going into this season having won everything last year, so everyone’s targeting their games against them. But I think we’ve had a pretty clear upward curve this year as well and we’re catching up to those top teams in Europe. We showed that with a performance that could have very easily put us into a semi-final in Europe, so that gap’s definitely closing, but I think they’re still the team to beat.” “In the last year or two some of the bigger games got away from us and it was a let- down whereas this year it seems like we’re rising to the big occasions. We’re bringing our base level up to that. Those huge games are what you play for and I think it’s pretty exciting that we’re getting on the right side of a lot of those results. There have been one or two that didn’t go our way – the quarter-final being the obvious example – but on the whole we’re definitely going in the right direction.” Timoney attributes much of this improvement to strength in depth at Kingspan Stadium – in particular in the back row where he plies his trade, where competition for game-time has helped him progress in terms of performance.

“They beat us here last year, which obviously we don’t like, and we need to get them back for that,” he begins. “We lost to them earlier in the year twice, in the Champions Cup quarter-final and in the PRO14 game away, so it’s not meaningless by any stretch of the imagination. It’s always a big game against them, especially at home.” “It’s an interesting one towards the end of the season when one game will be worth everything and then in the next one there’s not necessarily any league positions up for grabs, but in terms of the way we’re preparing it’s obviously an important game for us. It’s not our last home game of the season, thankfully, but to put in a good performance and get a good win over them will be important for us.” It’s obvious listening to Timoney that he believes the clash will be an opportunity for Ulster to show just how far they have progressed this term – and there is no better side to prove it against than the reigning PRO14 champions and runaway 2018-19 Conference B leaders. “Leinster have been the standard-bearer for the past year and obviously we came so close to beating them in the Aviva,” he explains. “That was devastating for all of us, so it’s important for us as a team to prove that we’re getting to that level and we can beat teams like these.”

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R, WHICH D WE NEED

“To start and play a full game for me in the quarter-final was a big one,” he admits. “In that game there were eight back rows, four on each team, and seven of the eight were all internationals, so to be competing with those sorts of people is pretty good.” “We have a lot of good back rows, so I know if I’m not playing well for a game or two then I won’t be playing. I think it’s probably the same for all of us, and it’s exciting because Marcell [Coetzee], Jordi [Murphy] and Sean [Reidy] have all been involved in huge international games and are world-class players, so it’s a good environment to be in.” “For me it’s a case of trying to get better at everything. In some games I’ve attacked very well and in others I’ve defended very well, so it’s a question of putting in a complete performance. A lot of the skillset I have to some degree, but putting in a complete performance in every game is an important one. I have always prided myself on not having any major glaringly obvious things I can’t do because I think as a back row you have to be able to do a bit of everything.” With 24 appearances to his name this season – and the prospect of at least two more – last year’s Abbey Insurance Academy Player of the Year is well on course to becoming the fourth back-row forward on Ulster books with full international honours – and there is no better stage to prove it on than in the throes of a fierce inter-provincial battle.

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ULSTER V LEINSTER STATISTICAL PREVIEW

First plays second in Conference B as Ulster (B2) face Leinster (B1) with both teams already assured of home fixtures in the Guinness PRO14 Final Series. The game will be Leinster’s final hit-out ahead of the Heineken Champions Cup Final on 11th May with Ulster already set to take on Connacht in a Final Series Quarter-Final on Saturday 4th May. WHAT’S AT STAKE?

CURRENT STANDINGS 2 1

LAST TIME

40 7

05.01.19 RDS ARENA

HEAD TO HEAD

ULSTER RUGBY PRO14 FORM GUIDE

LEINSTER PRO14 FORM GUIDE

36 7 27 2

36 27

PLAYED

WIN

DRAW LOST

WIN

DRAW LOST

WINS

7 2

LOSSES

LAST 3 MATCHES

LAST 3 MATCHES

DRAWS

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

ULSTER SCORERS

LEINSTER SCORERS

DATE VENUE

U L

Adam McBurney T Johnny McPhillips C

Sean Cronin 2T Conor O'Brien T Andrew Porter T Jamison Gibson-Park T Penalty Try T Ciaran Frawley 4C Jordan Larmour 2T Barry Daly T Fergus McFadden 2T Johnny Sexton TC Ross Byrne 3C

05.01.19 RDS Arena

7 40

Jacob Stockdale T John Cooney C

06.01.18 RDS Arena

7 38

Sean Reidy T Christian Leali'ifano C P

Luke McGrath 2T Jordan Larmour T Cathal Marsh C Ross Byrne C 2P

28.10.17 Kingspan Stadium 10 25

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» » Ulster’s only defeat in the last seven rounds of the Guinness PRO14 was 7-30 at Glasgow in Round 19. » » The Ulstermen have lost only once in Belfast in any tournament since February 2018, that was 15-22 to Connacht in Round 6 of the PRO14. » » Leinster are winless in the last three rounds of the Guinness PRO14 but have not gone four matches without a victory since 2014/15. » » Leinster’s only defeat to a fellow Irish province in any competition this season was 17-26 to Munster in Limerick on 29th December. » » Leinster’s only loss in their last seven meetings with Ulster in all tournaments was 13-17 at Kingspan Stadium in May 2017. DID YOU KNOW?

CHAMPIONSHIP LEADERS

TRY SCORER

DEFENDERS BEATEN

1

1

RABS MAXWANE (CHEETAHS)

14

JOHNNY McNICHOLL (SCARLETS) 67

ROB HERRING

7

STUART MCCLOSKEY

45

SEAN CRONIN

6

CONOR O’BRIEN

30

POINTS SCORER

OFFLOADS

1

1

JACK CARTY (CONNACHT)

149

TOM FARRELL (CONNACHT)

30

STUART McCLOSKEY

21

ROSS BYRNE

90

ADAM BYRNE / JAMES LOWE

12

JOHN COONEY

89

CARRIES

TACKLES

1

1

BILL MATA (EDINBURGH)

274

OLLY CRACKNELL (OSPREYS)

262

STUART McCLOSKEY

211

NICK TIMONEY

237

CAELAN DORIS

154

MAX DEEGAN

191

METRES GAINED

TURNOVERS WON

1

1

DAN EVANS (OSPREYS)

1196

OLLY ROBINSON (CARDIFF BLUES) 25

STUART McCLOSKEY

845

MARCELL COETZEE

20

MAX DEEGAN / SCOTT FARDY

9

DAVE KEARNEY

605

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Year 2 Back Three 19.08.97 193cm 89kg Ballymena

STEWART MOORE MARCUS REA JAMES HUME AZUR ALLISON Year 1 Centre 08.08.99 183cm 91kg Malone Year 3 Back Row 08.09.97 189cm 105cm Ballymena Year 2 Centre 07.09.98 184cm 95kg Banbridge Year 1 Back Row 19.04.99 192cm 99kg Ballymena

Year 3 Hooker 10.02.95

AARON HALL MATTHEW DALTON JACK REGAN Year 3 Back Row 26.06.98 193cm 98kg Ballynahinch Year 2 Flanker 16.11.98 197cm 112kg Malone Year 2 2nd Row 09.05.97

Year 2 Scrum Half 12.09.99 174cm 85kg Malone GRAHAM CURTIS ERIC O’SULLIVAN IWAN HUGHES Year 2 Prop 30.11.95 186cm 115kg Banbridge Year 1 Back Three 06.04.99 173cm 77kg Ballynahinch

DAVID McCANN ZACK McCALL JOE DUNLEAVY MATTHEW AGNEW Year 1 Back Row 13.06.00 190cm 94kg Banbridge 180cm 100kg Ballynahinch Year 2 Flanker         22.12.98 190cm 101kg Malone Year 1 Back Row 20.11.98 180cm 95kg Malone

ROBERT BALOUCOUNE MICHAEL LOWRY BRUCE HOUSTON Year 2 Fly Half 20.08.98 170cm 81kg Banbridge Year 1 Fly Half 16.08.99 192cm 92kg Ballymena

197cm 112kg Ballynahinch

ABBEY INSURANCE ULSTER RUGBY ACADEMY SQUAD 2018/19

Year 1 Wing 02.03.99 181cm 94kg Queen's

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

ANGUS KERNOHAN

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DUBLIN SET TO HOST UNION CUP

The 2019 Union Cup, Europe’s biggest LGBT+ inclusive rugby tournament, will be held 8-9th June, at Dublin’s DCU with an expected 45 teams from 15 countries to participate. Union Cup Dublin will also host a dedicated women’s tournament for the first time, alongside the men’s.

Nigel Owens, MBE, current world record holder for most test matches refereed, will be officiating the final in June. Host team, Emerald Warriors, and tournament supporters, the IRFU, are inviting everyone in Ireland, not just the rugby community, to #TryWithPride to enjoy the family-friendly festival, as international teams battle it out on the pitch. Union Cup Chairman, Richie Fagan, said: “We are passionately promoting diversity and inclusion in sport. We believe that rugby is a game for all. There’s never been a more exciting time in Ireland to host an inclusive, high-level rugby tournament, with a dash of glitter. We are excited to showcase pride in rugby, as Ireland has never seen before.” David Keane, Irish Rugby, Participation Rugby Operations Manager added: “Rugby prides itself on being an inclusive sport and we are delighted to assist the Emerald Warriors in hosting the Union Cup. We will support the tournament across all of our digital platforms while assisting with the delivery of a great weekend of rugby.

We believe this is an opportunity for everyone in Irish rugby to celebrate diversity and inclusion and underline rugby’s commitment to a sport for all.” WHY IS UNION CUP IMPORTANT? » » 17% of LGBT+ are members of a sports club or team* » » 55% of LGBT men, 56% of LGBT women are not active enough to maintain good health (compared to 33% / 45% of general population)* » » 84% of gay men, 82% of gay women reported experiencing homophobic insults while participating in sports* *Sport, physical activity and LGBT report 2016 - Sport England Tickets available from www.unioncupdublin.ie priced at €10 for Adults and €5 for Children (under 2 go free), with all profits going to Belong To LGBT youth services.

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WILL ADDISON Utility Back 20.08.1992 186cm 94kg 11 Ireland 3

Hooker 26.05.1993

Hooker 15.08.1982 180cm 106kg 219 Ireland 117

BILLY BURNS Outhalf

RORY BEST

13.06.1994 185cm 85kg 22 —

JOHN ANDREW

181cm 104kg 55 —

DARREN CAVE Centre

Utility Back 03.02.1994 183cm 90kg 4 —

JOHN COONEY Scrumhalf 01.05.1990 178cm 87kg 43 Ireland 8

Back Row 08.05.1991 192cm 114kg 26 S Africa 28

05.04.1987 183cm 96kg 226 Ireland 11

DAVID BUSBY

MARCELL COETZEE

ULSTER SQUAD 2018/19

ANGUS CURTIS Centre 26.03.1998 178cm 90kg 7 —

IAIN HENDERSON Second Row 21.02.1992

Prop 05.07.1988 180cm 117kg 78 —

CRAIG GILROY Wing

11.03.1991 183cm 91kg 168 Ireland 10

199cm 117kg 103 Ireland 44

WIEHAHN HERBST

ROB HERRING Hooker

ROSS KANE Prop

Back Row 13.01.1996

Utility Back 08.10.1986 182cm 90kg 91 —

LOUIS LUDIK

GREG JONES

27.04.1990 185cm 102kg 164 Ireland 7

14.10.1994 179cm 116kg 36 —

196cm 106kg 11 —

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ROB LYTTLE Wing

Centre 03.03.1991 181cm 97kg 122 Ireland 11

Hooker 05.09.1996

KYLE McCALL Prop

28.01.1997 174cm 83kg 22 —

02.01.1992 176cm 108kg 52 —

182cm 102kg 12 —

LUKE MARSHALL

ADAM McBURNEY

ULSTER SQUAD 2018/19

Outhalf 13.03.1997 179cm 85kg 23 —

Prop 01.03.1991 178cm 119kg 20 Ireland 10

Centre 06.08.1992

Second Row 19.06.1995

MARTY MOORE

194cm 108kg 106 Ireland 3

191cm 103kg 1 —

JOHNNY McPHILLIPS

STUART McCLOSKEY

CALEB MONTGOMERY

Back Row 22.04.1991 188cm 105kg 16 Ireland 27

IAN NAGLE Lock

Full Back 05.10.1992 180cm 87kg 59 —

ALAN O’CONNOR Second Row 10.09.1992

17.10.1988 201cm 114kg 10 —

JORDI MURPHY

PETER NELSON

197cm 114kg 85 —

Back Row 21.09.1993 193cm 114kg 26 —

TOM O'TOOLE Prop

JACK OWENS Wing

Prop 05.10.1993 183cm 118kg 1 —

MATTY REA

23.09.1998 185cm 113kg 20 —

04.10.1995 188cm 94kg 1 —

TOMMY O’HAGAN

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Back Row 10.05.1989

Back Row 14.06.1989

Scrumhalf 20.06.1993 174cm 90kg 41 —

Scrumhalf 20.02.1998 174cm 77kg 11 —

CLIVE ROSS

SEAN REIDY

182cm 103kg 102 Ireland 2

192cm 110kg 70 —

JONNY STEWART

DAVE SHANAHAN

ULSTER SQUAD 2018/19

Utility Back 03.04.1996 191cm 103kg 54 Ireland 19

Second Row 21.11.1995

Second Row 06.11.1995

NICK TIMONEY Back Row 01.08.1995 190cm 113kg 47 —

201cm 115kg

198cm 118kg 70 Ireland 3

ALEX THOMPSON

JACOB STOCKDALE

KIERAN TREADWELL

— —

Keep up to date with the latest player profiles, career stats and squad news at ulsterrugby.com

Prop 12.03.1991

179cm 112kg 118 —

ANDREW WARWICK

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15

1

MICHAEL LOWRY

ANDREW WARWICK

14

2

DAVID BUSBY

JOHN ANDREW

13

3

ROSS KANE

DARREN CAVE (C)

12

4

IAN NAGLE

PETER NELSON

ULSTER RUBGY

11

5

ALAN O’CONNOR

ANGUS KERNOHAN

6

10

MATTHEW REA

JOHNNY MCPHILLIPS

7

9

CLIVE ROSS

DAVID SHANAHAN

REPLACEMENTS 16 17 18 19 A MCBURNEY T O’HAGAN T O’TOOLE N TIMONEY

20 21 22 23

MARCUS REA J STEWART

8

J OWENS R LYTTLE

SEAN REIDY

*TEAMS NOT CONFIRMED AT TIME OF PRINT

TODAY’S OFFICIALS

REFEREE GEORGE CLANCY IRFU ASSISTANT REFEREES JOY NEVILLE IRFU | EDDIE HOGAN-O’CONNELL IRFU TMO LEO COLGAN IRFU

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15

1

JIMMY O’BRIEN

JACK MCGRATH

2

14

FERGUS MCFADDEN

BRYAN BYRNE

LEINSTER RUGBY

13

3

MICHAEL BENT

JOE TOMANE

12

4

OISÍN DOWLING

NOEL REID

11

5

DAVE KEARNEY

JOSH MURPHY

10

6

ROSS BYRNE (C)

MAX DEEGAN

9

7

WILL CONNORS

NICK MCCARTHY

REPLACEMENTS 16 17 18 19 R KELLEHER P DOOLEY V ABDALADZE R BAIRD

20 21 22 23

S PENNY P PATTERSON C FRAWLEY B DALY

8

CAELAN DORIS

*TEAMS NOT CONFIRMED AT TIME OF PRINT

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Prop 06.02.96 185 116kg —

Prop 05.04.86 185cm 118kg Ireland 4

ADAM BYRNE Fullback 10.04.94

Hooker 09.09.93

BRYAN BYRNE

MICHAEL BENT

193cm 100kg Ireland 1

178cm 103kg —

VAKH ABDALADZE

ED BYRNE Prop

ROSS BYRNE Flyhalf

JACK CONAN No. 8 29.07.92

WILL CONNORS Back Row 04.04.96

09.09.93 180cm 111kg —

08.04.95 191cm 91kg Ireland 2

193cm 110kg Ireland 14

193cm 101kg —

SEAN CRONIN Hooker 06.05.86

BARRY DALY Wing

MAX DEEGAN No. 8 01.10.96

Prop 04.08.94 185cm 116kg —

19.09.92 191cm 96kg —

PETER DOOLEY

180cm 100kg Ireland 68

193cm 109kg —

LEINSTER RUGBY SQUAD 2018/19

JACK DUNNE Lock

Flanker 02.04.98

SCOTT FARDY Flanker 05.07.84 198cm 111kg

Prop 14.11.92 185cm 125kg Ireland 33

21.11.98 201cm 110kg —

CAELAN DORIS

193cm 105kg —

TADHG FURLONG

Australia 39

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Scrum half 23.02.92 175cm 80kg —

CIAN HEALY Prop

Centre 12.06.93 191cm 103kg Ireland 37

Wing 19.06.89 180cm 90kg Ireland 17

07.10.87 185cm 115 Ireland 88

DAVE KEARNEY

ROBBIE HENSHAW

LEINSTER RUGBY SQUAD 2018/19

JAMISON GIBSON-PARK

Lock 29.03.91

Fullback 06.03.86 188cm 95kg Ireland 90

Wing 18.06.96 185cm 90kg —

Wing 10.06.97 178cm 90kg Ireland 13

ROB KEARNEY

HUGO KEENAN

MICK KEARNEY

196cm 115kg —

JORDAN LARMOUR

Flanker 23.05.94 191cm 105kg Ireland 11

JAMES LOWE Wing 08.07.92 188cm 105kg —

Scrumhalf 25.03.95 180cm 84kg —

Wing 17.06.86 180cm 93kg Ireland 34

DAN LEAVY

NICK McCARTHY

FERGUS McFADDEN

Prop 11.10.89 185cm 118kg Ireland 54

Scrumhalf 03.02.93 175cm 81kg Ireland 10

Lock 11.05.94 198cm 111kg —

Centre 29.11.97 180cm 85kg —

GAVIN MULLIN

ROSS MOLONY

JACK McGRATH

LUKE McGRATH

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Flanker 17.02.95

Centre 06.02.96

Centre 27.11.96 183cm 89kg —

SEAN O'BRIEN Back Row 14.02.87

JOSH MURPHY

JIMMY O'BRIEN

196cm 105kg —

191cm 103kg —

188cm 108kg Ireland 56

CONOR O'BRIEN

LEINSTER RUGBY SQUAD 2018/19

Scrumhalf 24.02.98 175cm 80kg —

Prop 16.01.96 183cm 120kg Ireland 14

Flyhalf 22.05.90 185cm 91kg Ireland 1

Centre 21.01.94 188cm 94kg Ireland 1

NOEL REID

ANDREW PORTER

HUGH O'SULLIVAN

RORY O'LOUGHLIN

Back Row 13.11.90 191cm 110kg Ireland 21

JAMES RYAN Lock

Flyhalf 11.07.85 188cm 91kg Ireland 83

Centre 26.01,95 185cm 94kg Ireland 20

24.07.96 203cm 108kg Ireland 17

RHYS RUDDOCK

JOHNNY SEXTON

GARRY RINGROSE

DEVIN TONER Lock 29.06.86 208cm 124kg Ireland 64

JAMES TRACY Hooker 02.04.91

Flanker 25.04.93 185cm 104kg Ireland 17

JOE TOMANE Wing 11.02.90

185cm 109kg Ireland 6

191cm 115kg Australia 17

JOSH VAN DER FLIER

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CONTACT US FOR A QUOTATION THE BEST CLUBS WEAR MACRON WHY DON’T YOU?

www.macron.com

STAFF PROFILE

NAME: PAUL WHITTEN ROLE: RUGBY OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Describe your role within Ulster Rugby? I am the main point of contact for clubs and schools in relation to the management of all domestic competitions and management of administrative support for domestic rugby. I, along with the domestic administrative team, work closely with all clubs, schools, development staff, USRFR and Ulster Branch committees to ensure the smooth running of domestic competitions and administration. This ranges from player registration, teamsheets, collection and interpretation of data on the domestic game, competition regulations, safeguarding and many more behind-the-scenes activities. Describe your career / employment history? I qualified as a PE teacher and later went on to complete a Diploma in Marketing and an MSc in Sport, Exercise & Leisure. With the development of leisure centres I held various management roles in Olympia and Ormeau Park Leisure Centres. I moved to what was then Lisburn Borough Council as the first Sports Development Officer in NI, where I spent eight years. I had a short spell working for Sport NI on the Lottery elite funding programme before moving to a UK sport charity, Youth Sport Trust, as National Development Manager, where I spent 12 years - affording me the opportunity to travel to Sri Lanka, Jordan and the Netherlands. Before moving to Ulster Rugby I had spells working for Disability Sport NI and Newry & Mourne Council. Favourite thing about your job? Whilst most of my role is in non-glamorous areas, I really enjoy the opportunity to support our development staff in their roles, club volunteers as the lifeblood of our game, and the volunteers that serve on the various Branch committees. What do you enjoy most about working for Ulster Rugby? Without a doubt, the people. My colleagues are dedicated to developing rugby at all levels and this shows in their enthusiasm and willingness to go the ‘extra mile’ as part of a dedicated team. Meeting and supporting the array of club volunteers also makes

the job worthwhile - our clubs could not operate without them. What is your biggest achievement to date? In my current role, it would be putting in place the processes for the statistical information provided to assist in development decisions at all levels of the domestic game. I would also say my involvement in the running of domestic finals is also special, as for the majority of those involved they see it as playing on the ‘hallowed turf’ of Kingspan Stadium. In my previous employment, it has to be the personal development of young people through sport, in particular via residential workshops and links with other countries. What is the most challenging aspect of your role? The changing nature of society has led to changes in how and when individuals want to engage with the game as players and volunteers at all levels. The provision of statistical information to support the development decision making process is key. That, and dealing with the issues that inevitably come up from time to time, can sometimes prove challenging. However, in the majority of cases, successful outcomes are found. What are your plans/goals for the upcoming season? To continue to provide support to development staff and Branch Committees to enable them to make development decisions and measure outcomes. Also, to endeavor to continue improving services to hard pressed club volunteers to make their tasks easier. Who is your favourite Ulster player? As all my playing days were spent behind the scrum, it has to be John Cooney. He had large shoes to fill, and has shown a professionalism and positive approach, making him a favourite with supporters.

To get in touch with Paul, email paul.whitten@ulsterrugby.com

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Stadium Tours from £5.50

Book an all-access tour of Kingspan Stadium • Get a fully guided tour of the home of Ulster Rugby and see the working environment of a professional sports team • Take a look around the world class gym and training facilities • Sit in the Ulster Rugby team changing rooms and immerse yourself in a Virtual Reality team-talk from Rory Best* • Walk in the footsteps of legends down the famous players tunnel • Test your rugby skills with the interactive challenges in The Nevin Spence Centre

UlsterRugby.com/Tours

* Subject to availability

ULSTER CARPETS CLUB OF THE MONTH CRAIGAVON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Craigavon Senior High School are the latest winners of the Ulster Carpets Youth Club of the Month award, in recognition as the 'Best High School of the Season'.

Trophy at Kingspan Stadium in March, and the Craigavon boys recorded a comprehensive 55-5 win. The rugby programme at Craigavon Senior High School is flourishing, and the school's U15 team competed in the Danske Bank Medallion Shield for the first time. For winning the Ulster Carpets monthly award, Craigavon Senior High School received a bag of rugby balls and 30 tickets to an Ulster Rugby game at Kingspan Stadium.

The school's U16 team enjoyed a superb undefeated season which saw them win both the Pollock Cup and the Danske Bank High Schools' Trophy; the first time the school has won both trophies in a season. Under the guidance of Mr Campbell and Mr Nevin, the team collected the Pollock Cup prior to Christmas with a 37-19 victory over Ballyclare Secondary School. The same two schools then went on to meet in the final of the Danske Bank High Schools'

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R O D N A W N

Who’d have thought it; Ulster assured of Guinness PRO14 play-off rugby with a game to spare?! EYES FOCUSED ON THE PRIZE

against Racing 92, Leicester and against the talented Scarlets in Champions Cup and in the PRO14. This evening, after a balmy Easter weekend, it’s the last fixture of the ‘regular’ PRO14 campaign, a game which most of the cognoscenti felt would decide Ulster’s play- off fate. And against Leinster, unequivocally the team which dominates the league and European competition by its marvellous individual talents and by the wondrous strength and depth of its resources. Leo Cullen’s masterful guidance of the club he served with such distinction does not always get the credit it deserves. His lieutenant Stuart Lancaster has rightly received kudos for the expertise he has brought to Ireland’s greatest club side but Cullen, who as a player made the most of his attributes when there were lock forwards and flankers with more obvious gifts, took on surely the most demanding Head Coach role in Europe and has hugely prospered. He followed names like Cheika and Schmidt in the top job, and has plainly matched their achievements by harnessing and nurturing an apparently endless crop of top-class players. It is always an occasion in rugby when Ulster and Leinster lock horns, and if this evening’s stakes will not be as high as might have been anticipated the players, management and supporters of those in white and in blue will be willing displays from their favourites which copper-fastens the high hopes in Dublin and here in Ulster for a silverware-chasing finale to a long, intriguing and often exciting season.

Only just over a month ago the most fervent supporter was absorbed by the team’s battle for a ‘Top Three’ play-off spot, a little fearful even of the form of Benetton and Edinburgh in the league run-in. Of most immediate concern then was the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final date with today’s visitors, Europe’s best, Leinster. Ulster fans went in their numbers to the Aviva at the end of March, hoping to create one of the season’s big upsets. From that day forward, following a display which convinced the doubters, Dan McFarland’s charges have been impressively focused. Defeat in that 21-18 thriller in Dublin was overwhelmed by the positive performance on the pitch, one where individuals and the side realised potential and persuaded the rugby community that consistency, an ability to battle in every second and to sustain confidence in each other whatever the odds, were characteristics Ulster could claim as their own. McFarland’s impact as Head Coach since his late summer arrival has been felt for some time within Kingspan Stadium, but he and his coaching team have chased away some ghosts of failures past in a year when European success returned in spades. If there were ‘ups and downs’ in the PRO14 – some of which too closely resembled the roller- coasters of too many recent years - there has always been a belief that Ulster is in good hands. On and off the pitch there is a sense of purpose and direction, and if there have been dismal days in Thomond and at The Showgrounds, there have been great nights

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Both coaches will use this contest to prepare in real match conditions for what lies ahead, and for Ulster that is plainly next Saturday’s PRO14 quarter-final with Connacht, and another inter- pro rivalry renewed and with much on the line. A wonderful win in Edinburgh, combined with Benetton’s sudden decline after its impressive year, meant the runner-up spot in Conference B of a still clumsy league format was secured a fortnight ago. The reward a home play-off tie, the first for a while! After Leinster’s classy dismissal of Toulouse last weekend in the Champions Cup ‘semi’, Cullen will undoubtedly dig deep into his squad tonight, but the standards he sets won’t be lower for a team which will still be sprinkled with familiar international names. McFarland too has intimated that he’ll have the opportunity to offer game time to some of the promising and ambitious products in the Academy and beyond. Some know what it’s like to play at the very top club level, and this will be a chance to lay down a ‘marker’ for what can confidently be predicted to be a trophy-hunting future for Ulster. By the final whistle it may well be that 50 and more players have pulled on the white jersey since last August. McFarland has also recruited well for next terms as well, so fans will want to see locally-produced talent put up their hands up against what will be a ferociously committed Leinster. Next Saturday evening at Kingspan Stadium clearly is the ‘biggie’, and hopefully the indomitable Rory Best and the force of nature that is Darren Cave will take leave of this arena with a victory in front of another raucous but always passionate home support. But, hey, tonight we must show Leinster – again! – what Ulster is truly about. Enjoy the game.

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REFEREE RECUITMENT

Refereeing is a great way to be involved in rugby. There are opportunities for everyone, whether you want to referee minis at your local club or progress to the international stage. Each time you step onto the pitch you’ll be ensuring the players enjoy their match day experience. As a referee you will:

• Discover a new angle of the game

• Take part in regular workshops and meetings to aid development

• Keep fit

• Meet new people

• Recieve Ulster Rugby tickets and have the right to buy International tickets There has never been a better time to become a referee!

For more information contact: richard.kerr@irfu.ie or call 07493 868 388

CHAMPIONS CUP QUARTER-FINAL FAN GALLERY When Ulster and Leinster last met, in the Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final at the Aviva Stadium last month, the Ulster supporters travelled en masse to Dublin, where they played their part in a truly memorable occasion.

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ULSTER RUGBY SUPPORTERS CLUB (URSC) NEWS

JOIN THE URSC TODAY! 1076 ALREADY HAVE.

URSC BBQ

The URSC BBQ will be held on Saturday 11th May at Banbridge Rugby Club from 2-5pm, followed by the Leinster v Saracens Heineken Champions Cup Final live on the clubhouse TV. Tickets are £12 for adults and £6 for under 11s - available from the URSC shop on www.ursc.co • Bouncy castles for children

Membership costs £12 for adults, £6 for juniors and £30 for a family. Members get a membership card, badge, car sticker and draw string gym bag... and lots of other benefits! You will find full details on how to join at membership.ursc.co

WIN JOHN COONEY'S SHIRT!

Today is your final opportunity to win the number 9 shirt worn by John Cooney against Glasgow at home last season. This unique Alzheimer's Society logo shirt has been signed by John and is being balloted in supports of the Alzheimer's Society. in addition, Bank of Ireland will match every £1 raised by URSC in this venture. Tickets are £1 each or 6 for £5, available at the URSC information point at tonight's game.

• Catering by ‘Simply Irresistible’ • Ballot for signed rugby prizes

URSC PLAYER OF THE SEASON

Voting for the prestigious URSC player of the Season award ends tomorrow (Sunday 28th April) at noon. URSC members can vote by sending the name of the player and their own name to standup@ursc.co.uk. John Cooney won it last year - who will win it this year?

URSC AGM

The URSC AGM will be held in the A&L Goodbody Lounge at Kingspan Stadium on Tuesday 28th May, 7.30pm. We hope to have a member of the Ulster Rugby coaching staff address members. As usual we are looking for new faces (with new ideas) for the URSC Committee... don't be shy, put your name forward - you might even enjoy it!

MEET THE PLAYERS EVENT

Finally, many thanks to Rory Best, Jordi Murphy & Angus Kernohan for their participation at the Season Ticket holder / URSC Meet the Players event earlier this month. An audience of 250 were enthralled by the players' views and thoughts, and were also grateful for their patience in signing autographs and posing for selfies. Big thanks too to Cool FM’s Pete Snodden for compering the event.

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