Ulster Rugby vs Ospreys

What’s next in store for you? I am off to the Western Force in the New Year to take up a senior coaching position with them. It’s a good opportunity to get involved with a Super Rugby franchise in my home country, so I’m really excited about it. Prior to coming to Ulster and working for Toshiba in Japan, both successful organisations, I used to be a coach trouble-shooter who would go in JOE BARAKAT HEADING FOR HOME

supporters here who look after you whether you win or lose, but obviously really like winning! So being in such a unique environment were people know you and what we do keeps people going and keeps them enthusiastic, is something I am really going to miss. Coaching and being part of a squad where I am dealing with 10+ international rugby players, where as a coach you are challenged because you want to improve those players even more, and you are in a fantastic

to schools and clubs and help to rebuild them and that’s something I am really used to and really enjoy doing. I have missed getting my hands dirty and I am looking forward to going and helping the

environment which is high

performance, is such an honour. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Being here for a home and away Toulouse game in the European Cup is also a highlight. As a

JOE BARAKAT

Western Force to turn their fortunes around. Was family a main driver in your decision? I have been away from home for seven years now and I have missed a lot at home. My family are very supportive, I have a great couple of girls who understand and really enjoy what I do, but I am very far away from them and one of them is getting married in November, starting a new family. My youngest will then be the only one left at home and keeping her close to her mum is really important to me. I want to be a bigger part of their lives, which I haven’t been for a period of time, so I am really looking forward to that. What have been your favourite moments at Ulster? Just being at Ulster has been a huge highlight - people don’t realise the impact that this team has on this Province. It is just immense, when we win, Belfast is vibrant and when we lose everyone stays indoors for a little while. But I say that tongue-in-cheek because there are fantastic

defence coach knowing that Toulouse couldn’t cross our line here at home, was probably my greatest feeling ever. Then beating them away the following week when they are the epitome of rugby in the world was just fantastic. What have you enjoyed most about living in Ulster? This place has been great. The beaches were not my favourite but we have had some sunny days recently and I have loved the golf. Both myself and my wife said that while we were in golf paradise we would play as much as we could and I have reduced my handicap to around 18, which is great, and our relationship with Royal Belfast has been magnificent. Not just for me but also for the players who need that down time to get out and escape and hit a few golf balls in beautiful surroundings. The Belfast Baps at St. George’s Market are fantastic! Also this community and this city in general is a hidden gem, I will definitely come back and visit!

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