Ulster Rugby vs Treviso

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

In the Guinness PRO12, the Ulster team are now up to fifth in the table with a game in hand. Following the excellent bonus point victories over Edinburgh and Glasgow, the team made it three bonus point wins in a row with a victory over Zebre in Italy last weekend. This good run of form must continue if the Ulster team are to secure a top four finish and a play-off spot. Last weekend also saw Tommy Bowe gain his 150th Ulster Cap – a tremendous achievement for this great Monaghan player! The Ireland team are to be congratulated on their hard fought win over France in what was an extremely physical game last weekend. Indeed, it was a good weekend for all the Ireland teams with the U20s and Women’s sides all securing wins over France. Next up is Wales and we wish all three teams well in their matches. On the domestic front, the RiverRock Towns Cup has reached the semi- final stage where Enniskillen will play Armagh 2nds and Clogher Valley will play either Carrick or Ballynahinch 2nds. The McCrea Cup is also at the semi-final stage where Cooke will play CIYMS and Malone 2nds will play Queen’s 2nds. In the Danske Bank Schools’ Cup, RBAI are through to their third final in a row after defeating Ballymena Academy in the semi-finals. In the Final, they will meet old rivals Methody who defeated BRA in the other semi-final. In the Danske Bank Medallion Shield Final, Friends' School will meet The Royal School Armagh. Congratulations to all four sides on getting through to these show piece finals. On a sadder note, Ulster Rugby was sorry to hear of the passing of Gary Wilson who was a loyal Ulster supporter and Season Ticket Holder. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time. Finally, our supporters have been really getting behind the team in recent matches, which has been a great source of inspiration for the team – let’s keep it going tonight! I hope everyone enjoys the game as well as the great facilities we have here at 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 today’s round 17 match in the Guinness PRO12 Championship. In particular, I am very pleased to welcome the Treviso team along with their officials and supporters. PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

IRFU ULSTER BRANCH 2016/17 OFFICERS John McKibbin President Graffin 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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