Ulster Rugby vs Connacht & Munster

PRESIDENT'S WELCOME

With three tough inter-pro challenges sandwiched in between four European Cup fixtures, each of the Province’s squads will be tested to the max as coaches manage their resources during a demanding block of 13 games in as many weeks. While PRO14 points are hugely important, this period also provides opportunities for the greater playing squad to stake a claim for game time. On the domestic rugby scene, we are approaching the business end of the SONI Ulster Rugby Premiership and, at the time of writing, Rainey Old Boys are in pole position to claim their first ever Ulster senior league title, while in Division 2, City of Armagh are currently leading the way. The final two rounds on the weekends of 21 and 28 December are set up to provide a thrilling conclusion to the competition. On Tuesday 7 January, we will be hosting the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup Final here at Kingspan Stadium, as City of Armagh 2nd XV and Enniskillen will be battling it out for the silverware. I wish both teams the best of luck and I look forward to what is always a great occasion and celebration of junior rugby. To the travelling Connacht and Munster Officers, management team and playing squads – I hope you have an enjoyable, but not successful, visit to Belfast. To the Ulster supporters – you have been incredible at home and away so far this season, so I have no doubt that will continue and you will generate an incredible atmosphere at both of these games. I hope you have had an enjoyable Christmas and I would like to wish you a happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year. Here’s to a successful 2020… SUFTUM! Gary Leslie President, IRFU Ulster Branch The festive inter-pros are a hugely exciting time of year for Irish rugby supporters and I have no doubt we’ll have two great games in store at Kingspan Stadium over the two weekends.

IRFU ULSTER BRANCH 2019/20 OFFICERS Gary Leslie President Philip Gregg Senior Vice President Denis Gardiner Junior Vice President & Honorary Secretary Michael Boyd Honorary Treasurer Greg Irwin Competitions Secretary Jonny Petrie Chief Executive Officer

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

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