Ulster Rugby vs Edinburgh

LEADING THE FIELD

Welcome to Kingspan Stadium, the home of Ulster Rugby, as we look forward to the return of PRO12 rugby action this Friday evening with the visit of Edinburgh Rugby. I am delighted to welcome you as Ulster Rugby take to the field for the first time in three weeks. With the Six Nations in full flow, tonight’s game offers a fantastic opportunity to see the depth of talent in Ulster Rugby. Meanwhile, the Edinburgh squad and travelling supporters will bring a Scottish passion to the game and I hope you will join me in extending a very warm welcome to our guests. On behalf of Kingspan, I would like to wish the squad and management of Ulster Rugby every success this evening. To you the fans, enjoy the game, lead the way and help ensure this is another Kingspan Stadium evening to remember.

Pat Freeman Divisional Managing Director

CONTENTS

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME GUINNESS PRO12 WELCOME

3 4 7 8

TONIGHT’S MASCOTS

SEAN REIDY

JOHN ANDREW Q&A INCLUDE YOUTH ULSTER A UPDATE

13 21

22 24 28 29

ULSTER SQUAD PROFILES

ULSTER TEAM

DOUBLE SIDED POSTER

EDINBURGH TEAM 33 EDINBURGH SQUAD PROFILES 34 DAVE SHANAHAN 38 DANSKE BANK SCHOOLS' CUP 41 INCLUDE YOUTH 42 ROD NAWN GUEST ARTICLE 46 CENTRA HALF TIME RUGBY 49 URSC CLUB NEWS 51 OUR CLUB NEWS 52 ULSTER RUGBY VALUES 55 STADIUM INFORMATION 57 MATCH PREVIEW 58 FIXTURES 59

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PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

In the Guinness PRO12, the Ulster team are currently in 6th place but with a game in hand. Recent performances in the league have been mixed and it will be important that the team get back to form in order to ensure that we make the play-offs. A good performance in tonight’s game against Edinburgh will be crucial in order to kick start the second half of the season for the Ulster team. Tonight also sees the long awaited Ulster debut of Springbok Marcell Coetzee. Marcell has been getting over a serious knee injury and I am sure the Ulster supporters will make him feel very welcome when he takes to the pitch. Ulster did not have the best of runs in this season’s European Champions Cup and regrettably failed to make the quarter-final stages. Whilst injuries have had a major bearing on Ulster's performance in Europe, it is essential that the Ulster team start performing well in Europe again, particularly in the away games. The Ulster A team, sponsored by CD Group are to be congratulated on their recent performances which have seen them qualify for the B&I Cup quarter-finals for the first time in five seasons. In the quarter-final, they will face the Munster A team in Cork on 12th March and we wish them well for this game. On the domestic front, the Danske Bank Schools’ Cup has now reached the quarter-final stage which will see Campbell College play Royal Belfast Academical Institution; Friends' School play Belfast Royal Academy; Royal School Armagh play Methodist College Belfast and Wallace High School play Ballymena Academy. Good luck to all these teams. Finally, I hope everyone enjoys the game tonight as well as the facilities at Kingspan Stadium and remember - “Stand Up For The Ulster Men”. 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 tonight’s round 14 match in the Guinness PRO12 Championship. In particular, I am very pleased to welcome the Edinburgh team along with their officials and supporters. 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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Managing Director, PRO12 Rugby Welcome

With 13 rounds played in the Guinness PRO12 it feels like we’ve hardly had time to draw breath since the season began given all of the excitement and drama that our clubs have provided. For many of you this is your first taste of Guinness PRO12 action since last month and since then our clubs have been busy setting records in European action which is a great endorsement of the world-class talent that exists in our tournament. In the Champions Cup our clubs scored 131 tries, which was the most scored compared to the other leagues and the most scored by clubs from our Championship since 2005/06 – a stat made all the more impressive because 11 years ago we had two more teams c ompeting in the tournament. In Munster Rugby, Leinster Rugby and Glasgow Warriors we have three quarter-finalists – the most since the Champions Cup reformat – while I have to congratulate Gregor Townsend and his players for making history in reaching the knock-out stages for the first time. Ospreys Rugby, Cardi‹ Blues and Edinburgh Rugby have followed suit by reaching the Challenge Cup quarter-finals and to see half our clubs involved in the latter stages of Europe is a great credit to the levels of competition they face in the Guinness PRO12. Another milestone was also reached last Friday night when Edinburgh Rugby welcomed Munster to Myreside as they begin a trial run at the ground. The atmosphere was cracking and although Edinburgh missed out on victory right at the end, I’m sure they will o‹er home and away fans a very unique venue to watch rugby. The rugby is of course the reason why our supporters choose to attend games every weekend. Now that we’ve passed the halfway point of the season it’s clear that try-scoring and positive play have been a big theme in the Guinness PRO12. Our clubs have produced 386 tries already which has us on course for a record-setting campaign. What’s also really encouraging is the record low number of points scored from penalties which shows that our coaches and players are more interested in tries than pointing to the posts. We’ve also seen a rise in broadcast viewers and attendances so never forget that your support is invaluable. Behind the scenes at all our clubs and within our own team at PRO12 Rugby we are all working hard to make sure you enjoy a great day out every time you come to a game. The competition to claim the Championship title ramping up with intensity every week but you still have time to guarantee your place at the Guinness PRO12 Final at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on May 27. It promises to be an unmissable event and prices start at just €30. Ticket sales have been incredibly strong so far and you can avoid missing out by logging onto www.ticketmaster.ie to get yours. Enjoy the game, Martin Anayi

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TONIGHT’S MASCOTS

MASCOTS

ADAM TRUESDALE (10) Adam is from Castlewellan and attends Drumadonnell Primary School. He plays mini rugby at Banbridge RFC and also enjoys watching rugby, reading about rugby, farming and playing football. Adam’s favourite player is Andrew Trimble because he is skilful, has great footwork and one day he hopes to be as good as him.

JOSH THOMPSON (10) Josh is from Lisburn and attends Inchmarlo. He plays rugby at school, mini rugby at Instonians RFC and also enjoys cricket. His favourite player is Andrew Trimble, because he is a lean, mean, try scoring machine. When Josh grows up he would like to play professional rugby or cricket.

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SEAN REIDY CELEBRATING 50 CAPS

Against Edinburgh you will achieve 50 caps for Ulster, an exciting time? Yeah, it’s come up pretty quick, after my first season here I didn’t think I would hit 50 caps so it’s good to get there. You seem to be really settled here? Yeah, I’m settled now, my wife and I have just bought a house, so we’re ready for our next three, three and a half years here, we’ve really made Belfast our home.

We know it’s not the weather, but what’s the best thing about Ulster? The best thing, as I’ve mentioned, is the people I’ve met here, everyone is so friendly. Even in the team everyone has the same goals, the same ambitions and everyone’s driving each other on. Afer a disappointing run of games, what are you guys doing to move forward? We’re looking at our mental toughness to close out games, there’s been a few opportunities in the last ten to fifteen minutes of games where we haven’t quite stepped up and got the win. So we’re looking to push ourselves hard, working on erasing those errors and really trying to be clinical in the right areas. This game against Edinburgh is a big one? Yeah defiantly, we didn’t perform very well over there and everyone here knows it. Edinburgh’s been our focus for a while, so we’re putting all our effort into that and hopefully put on a good display and get a victory here for our supporters. With the international guys away, is it more of a challenge? To be honest not really, obviously the international guys are away for the Six Nations but we’ll probably get a few back. There’s a lot of young guys who are really stepping up especially in training and in meetings, everyone’s throwing their hand up to play, it gives guys an opportunity and we’ve got good depth in our squad, so guys will put their hands up and I’m sure they’ll step up and perform. What do the next 50 caps have in store for Sean Reidy? I’m not too sure really, hopefully I’ll clock them up pretty quickly again, it’ll be a massive honour to get to 100, but first things first, I’m going to try and get number 50 out of the way and try my best against Edinburgh and then take it game by game.

SEAN REIDY

What would you say is your favourite memory to date?

It’s more about the people I’ve met and friends I’ve made along the way, obviously with rugby a lot of friends come and go but there’s been a lot of good people that I’ve met here in Belfast, who I will continue to know for a long time. What has been your biggest challenge? Probably just adjusting to the lifestyle over here and being away from home, it’s always tough being away from your friends and family and your support base back home, but then again it’s been fairly easy as well in the sense that there’s a lot of foreigners out here and everyone here makes you feel really welcome and settled.

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THE BEST THING, AS I’VE MENTIONED, IS THE PEOPLE I’VE MET HERE, EVERYONE IS SO FRIENDLY. EVEN IN THE TEAM EVERYONE HAS THE SAME GOALS, THE SAME AMBITIONS AND EVERYONE’S DRIVING EACH OTHER ON.

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JOHN ANDREW Q&A

NICK NAME? J.A. FAVOURITE SUBJECT AT SCHOOL? Geography IF YOU COULD BE A PROFESSIONAL IN ANOTHER SPORT, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Football, lots of money MOST EXCITING THING YOU HAVE DONE? I’m not a very exciting person FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION? Lindos, Rhodes – for the sun and food MOST EXPENSIVE ITEM YOU HAVE BOUGHT? A watch or holidays HOW DO YOU RELAX ON YOUR DOWN TIME? Walk the dog, go out to eat, watch movies FAVOURITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME? Lion King IF A FILM WAS MADE ABOUT YOUR LIFE, WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY YOU? Tom Hanks (my favourite actor)

IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHICH PLAYER WOULD YOU LEAST LIKE TO BE STRANDED WITH? Andy Warwick, he’d probably beat me up! DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? A dog called Bubba – he’s a mix between a Pug and a Beagle (Puggle) he’s a nightmare WHAT ARE YOUR LEAST AND MOST FAVOURITE TRAINING ELEMENTS? Least – Tempo runs Most – conditioning games WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PLAYING FOR ULSTER? It's a team that I have supported growing up and now I get to play for them IF YOU COULD INVITE ANY FAMOUS PERSON ROUND FOR TEA WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU MAKE THEM? Morgan Freeman – to listen to him talk, I would make whatever he wants IF YOU WEREN’T A PROFESSIONAL RUGBY PLAYER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING AS A PROFESSION? Spaceman

PLAYER Q&A

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ANDREW FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER @JANDREW02

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DANSKE BANK ULSTER SCHOOLS’ CUP ROUND-UP We now know the pairings for the last eight teams in the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup, following the completion of the Round 4 games on Saturday past.

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BELOW IS A ROUND-UP OF LAST WEEKEND’S ROUND 4 GAMES... DALRIADA SCHOOL BALLYMENA ACADEMY

SCHOOLS' CUP UPDATE

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CAMPBELL COLLEGE SULLIVAN UPPER FRIENDS' SCHOOL GROSVENOR GS ENNISKILLEN ROYAL GS ROYAL SCHOOL ARMAGH

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SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE IN CARE...

NAME: TANYA AGE: 23 LIVES: BELFAST INCLUDE YOUTH PROJECT: BELFAST TRUST’S EMPLOYABILITY SERVICE & AIMING HIGHER "I had been in the care system from when I was young and never through I would have a job, car, be independent or able to fend for myself. I am currently a health care support worker and have plans to become a paediatric nurse. I now realise I can achieve anything by just believing in myself." #CAREDAY

#CareDay - 17 TH FEB

I had been in the care system from when I was young and six years ago became involved with the Belfast Trust’s Employability Service, delivered by Include Youth in partnership with Start360.

In October 2012, I applied for a position as a nursing auxiliary however I didn’t have GCSE maths and had failed my numeracy test, so I didn’t get shortlisted for an interview. It knocked my confidence but I knew I had lots of work to do in order to get a job and complete my Essential Skills Level 2 in numeracy. I secured a work placement as a care assistant in a nursing home two days a week, which turned into paid employment, and got weekly support from a business mentor through Include Youth’s Aiming Higher project in partnership with Business in the Community. All of this support meant in November 2013, when the Belfast Trust was recruiting for auxiliary nurses again, I was ready. I had a successful interview and was put on the waiting list. In June 2014 I was offered the job and started three months later. From when I was young I had always thought I wouldn’t have a job, my own car, be independent or able to fend for myself. Now I am a band 3 health care support worker in the Allen Ward,

working with young children and I love my job. If I hadn’t taken part in Aiming Higher and had help gaining my maths or applying for jobs from the Employability Service, I wouldn’t have half the confidence I have today. I wouldn’t be able to speak to people without being embarrassed. Three years ago I spoke publicly for the first time at a packed room at Stormont and ever since I’ve been busy sharing my care story. I’ve been on radio, spoke at conferences, given evidence to the NI Assembly, am a young decision-maker for the Big Lottery Fund in NI and sit on the Belfast Trust’s employability steering group on behalf of young people in care. I also have my own car, am doing a university access course at college and have plans to become a paediatric nurse. I now realise I can achieve anything I want to by just believing in myself. I don’t like any sport and only ever did PE at school. But I reckon to be an Ulster Rugby player you have to exercise a lot, train lots, live a healthy life and do lots of stuff like that.

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ULSTER A SET FOR MUNSTER SHOWDOWN IN BRITISH & IRISH CUP QUARTER-FINAL

ULSTER A

Having qualified as one of the best runners-up, Ulster A, sponsored by CD Group, have been drawn away to Inter-Provincial rivals Munster A in the quarter-finals of the British & Irish Cup.

Ulster A won four of their six pool games, but defeat away to Jersey Reds in the final pool game meant that Jersey topped the group, leaving Ulster facing an away quarter-final.

to take on whatever lies ahead: “It’s the first time in five years that we’ve qualified for the knockout stages so we can take something from that. We can also take a lot from the fact that we have developed a really good culture amongst these young guys. In the last game against Jersey the average age of our team was just 21. Not only did they give a performance that they could be proud of in terms of what they did for the jersey but they’ve also learned what it takes to compete at this level. That’s something that is going to stand to them and hopefully we can take that into the quarter-finals. “By having to blood some of the younger guys in the earlier stages we’ve built some depth to the squad. We’ve given guys good experience, experience that will stand to them. We’ll hopefully get a few more senior guys filtered into the squad too because we’ve always said in this competition it’s important to have that blend of experience and youth to give the types of performances that will win games. “I don’t hold any fear going into the knockout stages. With the type of culture we’ve developed here, with how much pride the boys have in their performance and with the experience they’ve gained from the games so far I’d be very confident against any of the other teams in the competition.”

BRITISH AND IRISH CUP QUARTER-FINALS

Ulster A last qualified for the British & Irish Cup knockout stages in 2012, when they were defeated at home by Munster A 20-9, with the Munster men going on to win that year's competition. Coach Kieran Campbell is understandably looking forward to the next phase of the competition and feels his team are well placed MUNSTER A V ULSTER A LONDON IRISH V YORKSHIRE CARNEGIE JERSEY REDS V CORNISH PIRATES EALING TRAILFINDERS V SCARLETS PREMIERSHIP SELECT All games to be played weekend of 10-12 March 2017.

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IT’S THE FIRST TIME IN FIVE YEARS THAT WE’VE QUALIFIED FOR THE KNOCKOUT STAGES SO WE CAN TAKE SOMETHING FROM THAT.

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MARK BEST

JOHN ANDREW

RODNEY AH YOU

Centre 01.04.94 182cm 94kg

Hooker 26.05.93 181cm 101kg 20 — Prop 25.02.86 180cm 116kg 119 — Centre 05.04.87 184cm 95kg 190 11 No. 8 12.11.85 195cm 110kg 184 2

Prop 27.10.88

187cm 129kg 12 3

— —

TOMMY BOWE

CALLUM BLACK

RORY BEST

Wing 22.02.84 190cm 100kg 147 69

Hooker 15.08.82

178cm 106kg

195 102

DARREN CAVE

PETER BROWNE 2nd Row 25.10.87 201cm 116kg

AARON CARINS

Scrum half 07.10.92 183cm 85kg 1 —

28 —

MARCELL COETZEE

JOHN DONNAN 2nd Row 16.02.93 197cm 115kg

ROBBIE DIACK

Flanker 08.05.91 191cm 112kg — SA 28

— —

ULSTER SQUAD 2016/17 24 LORCAN DOW Back Row 27.01.95 190cm 108kg 1 — Wing 11.03.91 183cm 90kg 141 9 Prop 07.05.88 180cm 120kg 45 — CHRIS HENRY Back Row 17.10.84 191cm 105kg 158 24

IAIN HENDERSON 2nd Row 21.02.92 199cm 117kg

CRAIG GILROY

70 30

ROB HERRING

WIEHAHN HERBST

Hooker 27.04.90 185cm 102kg 111 1

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CONOR JOYCE

PADDY JACKSON

BRETT HERRON

Back Row 05.07.93

Out half 05.01.92 180cm 87kg 118 21

Fly half 13.11.95 184cm 92kg 7 —

192cm 106kg 6 —

ANGUS LLOYD

LOUIS LUDIK Full back 10.08.86 182cm 92kg 52 —

ROSS KANE

Scrum half 02.10.92 175cm 80kg 1 — Prop 01.02.92 177cm 111kg 35 — Centre 03.03.91 181cm 97kg 8 — Back Row 07.04.90 193cm 108kg 2 —

Prop 14.10.94 180.5cm 116kg

ULSTER SQUAD 2016/17

11 —

LUKE MARSHALL

RICKY LUTTON

ROB LYTTLE

Centre 03.03.91 181cm 97kg 95 9 Centre 06.08.92 193cm 113kg 54 1

Prop 26.02.86 182cm 114kg 53 —

STUART McCLOSKEY

KYLE McCALL

PAUL MARSHALL

Scrum half 26.07.85 172cm 80kg 187 3

JONNY MURPHY

STEPHEN MULHOLLAND

JOHNNY McPHILLIPS

Hooker 02.06.92

Out half 13.04.97 179cm 80kg

178cm 106kg 1 —

— —

STUART OLDING

ALAN O’CONNOR 2nd Row 10.09.92 197cm 114kg

PETER NELSON Full back 05.10.92 180cm 88kg

Centre 11.03.93 178cm 93kg 54 4

31 —

31 —

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Should’ve gone to Specsavers

Official partner of the Guinness PRO12 referees

©2015 Specsavers. All rights reserved.

JARED PAYNE Full back 13.10.85 186cm 97kg

RUAN PIENAAR

CHARLES PIUTAU

Scrum half 10.03.84 187cm 90kg 132 SA 88

Utility back 31.10.91 183cm 102kg 14 NZ 16

73 19

MATTHEW REA 2nd Row 21.09.93 193cm 110kg

SEAN REIDY

CLIVE ROSS

Back Row 05.10.89

Back Row 14.06.89 193cm 105kg

ULSTER SQUAD 2016/17

182cm 105kg 49 1

— —

47 —

DAVE SHANAHAN

JOHNNY SIMPSON

JACOB STOCKDALE

Scrum half 20.06.93 174cm 90kg

Prop 19.08.90 184cm 110kg 4 — Wing 20.10.84 185cm 97kg 212 69 Back Row 21.09.81 190cm 106kg 217 1

Wing 04.03.96 195cm 96kg

12 —

14 —

ANDREW TRIMBLE

FRANCO VAN DER MERWE 2nd Row 15.03.83 198cm 117kg 69 SA 1

KIERAN TREADWELL 2nd Row 11.06.95 198cm 121kg

11 —

ANDY WARWICK

ROGER WILSON

Keep up to date with the latest player pro les, career stats and player news at www.ulsterrugby.com . PLAYER STATS

Prop 12.03.91 179cm 110kg 64 —

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15

1

ANDREW WARWICK

LOUIS LUDIK

14

2

JOHN ANDREW

JACOB STOCKDALE

13

3

DARREN CAVE

RICKY LUTTON

12

4

KIERAN TREADWELL

STUART OLDING

ULSTER RUBGY

11

5

CHARLES PIUTAU

ALAN O'CONNOR

6

10

ROBBIE DIACK

PETER NELSON

7

9

CHRIS HENRY (C)

PAUL MARSHALL

REPLACEMENTS 16 17 18 19 J MURPHY C BLACK W HERBST P BROWNE

20 21 22 23

S REIDY D SHANAHAN S McCLOSKEY T BOWE

8

MARCEL COETZEE

TODAY’S OFFICIALS

REFEREE NIGEL OWENS WRU, 145TH COMPETITION GAME ASSISTANT REFEREE’S WAYNE DAVIES WRU | DERMOT THOMAS IRFU CITING COMMISSIONER EDDIE WALSH IRFU TMO PAUL ADAMS WRU

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15

1

JACK COSGROVE

BLAIR KINGHORN

14

2

DAMIEN HOYLAND

NEIL COCHRANE (C)

EDINBURGH RUGBY

13

3

CHRIS DEAN

MURRAY McCALLUM

12

4

PHIL BURLEIGH

FRASER McKENZIE

11

5

BEN TOOLIS

TOM BROWN

6

10

JASON TOVEY

VILIAME MATA

7

9

JOHN HARDIE

SEAN KENNEDY

REPLACEMENTS 16 17 18 19 S MCINALLY D APPIAH N BEAVON L CARMICHAEL

20 21 22 23

V FIHAKI S HIDALGO-CLYNE M ALLEN R SCHOLES

8

MAGNUS BRADBURY

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FELIPE ARREGUI

DERRICK APPIAH

MIKE ALLEN

Prop 09.06.94 188cm 112kg

Prop 19.07.94 185cm 118kg

Wing 28.11.90 183cm 96kg

MAGNUS BRADBURY

NICK BEAVON

SIMON BERGHAN

Back row 23/08/1995 193cm 110kg

Prop 21.03.87 183cm 124kg

Prop 07.12.90 1.93cm 128kg

TOM BROWN

GLENN BRYCE

ANTON BRESLER

Wing 31/03/1990 180cm 84kg

Full back 07/06/1991 188cm 80kg

Lock 16.02.88 198cm 112kg

PHIL BURLEIGH

KEVIN BRYCE

LEWIS CARMICHAEL

Centre 22/10/1986 180cm 93kg

Prop 07/09/1988 185cm 124kg

Lock 02/05/1995 196cm 100kg

JACK COSGROVE

CHRIS DEAN

NEIL COCHRANE

EDINBURGH RUGBY 2016/17

Prop 30/07/1994 185cm 111kg

Centre 15/03/1994 188cm 98kg

Hooker 04/01/1984 178cm 104kg

ALLAN DELL

ALASDAIR DICKINSON

CORNELL DU PREEZ

Prop 16/03/1992 185cm 108kg

Prop 11/09/1983 185cm 111kg

Back row 23/03/1991 193cm 109kg

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VILIAMI FIHAKI

ROSS FORD

NATHAN FOWLES

Hooker 23/04/1984 185cm 110kg

Scrum half 08/04/1993 178cm 90kg

Back row 17/01/1987 191cm 11kg

GRANT GILCHRIST

JOHN HARDIE

WILL HELU

Lock 09/08/1990 201cm 120kg

Wing 19/04/1986 183cm 99kg

Back row 27/07/1988 183cm 103kg

EDINBURGH RUGBY 2016/17

SAM HIDALGO-CLYNE

DAMIEN HOYLAND

SEAN KENNEDY

Scrum half 24/04/1991 173cm 80kg

Scrum half 04/08/1993 175cm 86kg

Wing 11/01/1994 178cm 89kg

NASI MANU

BILL MATA

BLAIR KINGHORN

No. 8 15/08/1988 191cm 119kg

Full back 18/01/1997 193cm 100kg

Lock 22/10/1991 196cm 106kg

MURRAY McCALLUM

STUART McINALLY

FRASER McKENZIE

Prop 16/03/1996 188cm 116kg

Hooker 09/08/1990 1.91cm 105kg

Lock 28/03/1988 198cm 115kg

ALEX NORTHAM

SOLOMONI RASOLEA

WILLEM NEL

Prop 30/04/1986 180cm 120kg

Wing 04/03/1993 183cm 89kg

Centre 29/04/1991 188cm 111kg

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RORY SCHOLES

RORY SUTHERLAND

JAMIE RITCHIE

Wing 23/04/1993 185cm 95kg

Prop 24/08/1992 183cm 118kg

Back row 16/08/1996 193cm 105kg

SASA TOFILAU

JASON TOVEY

BEN TOOLIS

Lock 31/03/1992 201cm 115kg

Centre 09/05/1994 185cm 103kg

Fly half 28/04/1989 180cm 85kg

EDINBURGH RUGBY 2016/17

GEORGE TURNER

HAMISH WATSON

DUNCAN WEIR

Back row 15/10/1991 185cm 101kg

Fly half 10/05/1991 175cm 94kg

Hooker 08/10/1992 180cm 105kg

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DAVE SHANAHAN STEPPING UP An exciting few weeks for you, getting to fill the boots of Ruan Pienaar? Yeah, well I don’t think I could ever fill his boots, but it was great getting my first European start, I tried to take it in my stride and not think about it too much. The result didn’t go the way we wanted, but it was a great learning experience for me, so overall I’m happy. What prepared you for that game? Did you get any advice off the more experienced players? It was good, the guys were really helpful, but I think the best thing they did for me was not try to get in my face and talk to me too much, which would have made me nervous. They let me do my own thing, I’m obviously there for a reason so they let me take my role in the team and that was the best thing for me. Obviously playing with Jacko (Paddy Jackson) outside is really easy as he’s a world class outhalf, so he was a really good help to me. What would you say you have learnt in the past couple of months based on those massive opportunities? I feel that as long as I’ve been with the senior team, I’ve always had the skills and ability to pass and kick, and I believe my running game has always been there, but it’s just about getting more match experience and knowing that when I have to step into a big game that I can perform and do it better on a big stage. For my first three caps, when I went out I was so anxious and nervous, I was worried that I wasn’t showing exactly what I could do. What I’ve been trying to do now is relax more and take more of a back seat and play like I know I can and have faith in my skills. What are your ambitions for the rest of the season? A personal goal for me is to get as much game time as possible, whether that is starting or off the bench. As a team, the goal is to go on, put in some really strong performances and compete in the PRO12. For now, I’m just happy to help the team as much as possible. What is the mood like in the camp at the minute?

The main thing is not to panic too much, we’ve had four losses on the bounce now and a few losses before that as well, I think we need to make sure we don’t get too bogged down by it, we know we’re a good team, we have great players and I think we take confidence from that. The past couple of weeks off will help refresh the mind and body and when we face Edinburgh we’ll be able to put our best foot forward and hopefully go on a good run for the rest of the season.

DAVE SHANAHAN

We fell short at Murrayfield, so it’s a big opportunity to prove ourselves this weekend? Yes, we definitely owe them one after last time, I don’t think it was a great performance by us over there, but now all the boys are looking forward to it and looking forward to getting out and playing. The international guys are away now; does that give young guys like yourself the opportunity to step up? Yeah of course, we were talking about that the other day, obviously with all the Irish boys away at camp, it’s times like this where you feel you are a bigger part of the group. When big personalities like Jacko and Rory are there you feel like they are the bigger more important guys of the group, but now, when they're gone you feel more responsibility and feel you can help out a bit more, you feel less of a squad member and more a part of the team.

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A PERSONAL GOAL FOR ME IS TO GET AS MUCH GAME TIME AS POSSIBLE, WHETHER THAT IS STARTING OR OFF THE BENCH.

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SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE IN CARE

NAME: HAYLEY SHANNON AGE: 19 LIVES: NEWTOWNARDS INCLUDE YOUTH PROJECT: GIVE & TAKE: CORE

#CareDay - 17 TH FEB

"Ive always wanted to help people and i'd like to work with children and eventually become a social worker. I think the experiences I had growing up will mean I can help other young people going through similar stu ." #CAREDAY

I have lived in and out of lots of different children’s homes from I was 13 years old. I got expelled from school in second year, so had to go to an alternative education provider (AEP) to do my Essential Skills.

I enjoyed the AEP because the teachers gave me help and the classes were smaller than school, so I could learn better. When I was 17 I did short courses at college aimed at building my confidence and self-esteem, but gave up when I found out I was pregnant. Now I have my own flat with my son and I really like having a home of my own. My social worker referred me to Give & Take: Core in March 2016 because she knew I could gain more qualifications, get help with childcare and support to find work in the future. Since I’ve been on Give & Take I’ve gained Essential Skills Level 2 in Maths and ICT and I’m studying for my Level 2 in English. I have also learnt about diversity, employability and things like cooking, art and music. I’ve also done first aid qualifications

and I take part in different fitness sessions once a week. I’d like to work with children and eventually become a social worker. I think the experiences I had growing up will mean I can help other young people going through similar stuff. I’ve always wanted to help people, so I am looking forward to doing my work tasters and getting experience in this type of career. I go swimming with my son and I’m getting a gym membership organised, so I can go more often. I’ve never watched a rugby match but I’ve played tag rugby before and was in my primary school team. I was the only girl in the team and we won a few tournaments, it was good. I loved it. Even though all the Ulster players are massive with big shoulders and necks, I could definitely beat them at tag rugby.

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NAME: RICO AGE: 21 LIVES: NORTH BELFAST INCLUDE YOUTH PROJECT: BELFAST TRUST’S EMPLOYABILITY SERVICE & AIMING HIGHER "I recognised that something needed to change because I was hurting everyone around me. I started to believe in myself and Include Youth believed in me, thats what made the di erence. Things have been changing in my life for the better and im really proud." #CAREDAY

#CareDay - 17 TH FEB

I went into care when I was 16 and was placed with a foster family. I found foster care really difficult; so I stayed in my bedroom a lot and just found everything really overwhelming.

I started a college course in plumbing and even though I enjoyed it, I didn’t finish it. Then I moved into supported accommodation and was unemployed for about three years. I got kicked out of school when I was in forth year. I missed a year of school and when I returned and was taught separately from the main classes. I left school with three GCSEs but was definitely capable of getting more qualifications; I think I’m smart enough. I had been experimenting with legal highs around the time and ended up in some trouble. I slept on the street, was in and out of hospital, was in B&B's and on one occasion was remanded into the juvenile justice centre. That whole time was really rough for me and on my family. Before I went on Aiming Higher I was in the house and depressed. I had a difficult family situation, my social life was terrible and I didn’t go out much. Aiming Higher is a partnership project between Include Youth and Business in the Community and they match young care leavers with a business mentor for weekly sessions. We did workplace tours, learned about different jobs and how to apply for them and we did fun activities like bowling and crazy golf too. We had a bit of craic and it gave me more confidence and made me feel happier. My mentor was really pushing me, but it was for my benefit. I could tell he really wanted to help me because he took time over me when I was applying for a job. I now work for the food and beverage team at the

Odyssey and I love it. I sign up for as many shifts as possible. Getting up, getting ready, putting my uniform on and going to work has really helped my mental health too. Earning money is better than relying on benefits and I’m saving up for driving lessons because I want to buy a car, any car. I still get support through Include Youth and they’re helping me get my Essential Skills ICT qualification. They’ve also lined up volunteer work for me at a farm, where I will help during lambing season and in return they teach me how to ride horses. It’s going to be class. Without Include Youth’s help I would still be stuck in a rut. I recognised that something needed to change because I was hurting everyone around me, and I’m proud that things have. The last few years have been mentally draining; but things have been changing in my life for the better. I have a daughter, I’ve a better relationship with my family and things are looking up. I started to believe in myself and Include Youth believed in me, that’s what made the difference. From when I was young I always boxed, I was good at it but got injured when I went into care. I’d love to get back into it. At school I played football, Gaelic, hurling and cross-country running but I’d love to try rugby. It’s always been something I would like to do. I’ve never been to a rugby game, but I would like to go. Perhaps see Ulster play Leinster or something. I watch most Ireland games when they’re on TV but I’m more of an All Blacks fan (secretly).

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2016/17 LEISUREWEAR RANGE Available now In store and online •

For rugby fans the months of February and March are the weeks of sporting nirvana – the Six Nations in full flow, while the chase for the Guinness PRO12 continues apace. WHEN NEW START BRINGS CHEER!

The sides at the top of the table, not unnaturally, are shorn of many key players while the international season garners so much attention, and logic would suggest that those such as Munster, Ospreys, Leinster and Glasgow – occupying the coveted Top Four places currently - might lose ground as the league reaches a critical phase. But such is the depth of talent in club squads now that there is capable – often international- class - cover in most positions. But in this age of ‘tiny margins’ some sides do lose key figures, though in truth the teams struggling in the PRO12 often feel the absence of their stars more keenly in times of stress. Ulster might not want to be in that category, but its fall from grace in the Championship has been dramatic, from top-of-the-heap in the early autumn to the fringe of mid-table mediocrity, in sixth. Eight points adrift of fourth-placed Glasgow, and seven behind the in-form Scarlets in fifth. It would be facile and unrealistic to think that anything but a great challenge faces the players and management over the next two months, and in the ten matches remaining in pursuit of a Top Four semi-final spot in May. But there is genuine reason to believe that Les Kiss and his coaching team will send out a side this evening which will not be burdened with too much expectation, and actually may feel that the next block of matches can provide a route back to PRO12 contention. Edinburgh Rugby arrived in Belfast still smarting from a 10-9 defeat by Munster in horrible conditions at its new Myreside home last weekend, and Acting Head Coach Duncan Hodge – who succeeded Alan Solomons in the autumn – has overseen a decided lift in squad confidence in recent weeks. A run to the quarter- finals of the European Challenge Cup has meant there is still much to play for this season, and the hope is that the club’s PRO12 fortunes will improve. Certainly there is the quality in the pool to suggest that languishing in tenth place, and finding itself very much in the shadow of Glasgow, does not reflect the true potential of a club which contributed handsomely to Scotland’s impressive

upset of Irish Six Nations’ hopes last weekend. Flanker Hamish Watson was in his element at Murrayfield, while prop Alan Dell stood up well to his first Championship test, and how Hodge would love to have them available at Kingspan Stadium this evening. But he still has a formidable panel from which to select, and with lock Ben Toolis and back-rowers John Hardie and Cornell du Preez stiffening a competitive pack Ulster’s ‘eight’ will be physically challenged, and must look to secure quick possession and stretch its counterpart. Behind the scrum, Jason Tovey is a gifted out-half with a reliable kicking game, and centre Phil Burleigh and Tom Brown are positive, try-scoring three- quarters and scrum-half Sam Hidalgo-Clyne may get his chance, the Scottish international pivot gradually returning to full fitness and form. And there is the possibility too that two former Ulster favourites, Michael Allen and Rory Scholes, could be given the opportunity to shine in front of fans very familiar with their pacey, robust styles. From Ulster’s perspective there is nothing to fear but so much to gain. Kiss will hope that perhaps Joe Schmidt will allow some of his charges not needed in green this weekend to get some competitive action, but there won’t be any worries if that doesn’t happen. The coaches remain determinedly confident in the players readily available, and with names like Cave, Ludik and Piutau ready to pose the attacking threat, and van der Merwe, Treadwell, O’Connor, Herbst, Reidy and Henry on hand there’s mobility, power and intelligence in the pack. It’s tempting to muse over the possible debut of South African Marcell Coetzee, so unfortunate to suffer a serious injury at home after signing on for Kingspan duty, but it’s surely far too early to expect an instant turnaround because of the possible appearance of new blood, high-energy though it might be! After a welcome break the players will be refreshed, certainly, but will have been worked

ROD NAWN

hard on and off the training pitches in the last week. The blights of so many Ulster

performances recently have been of an alarmingly basic nature: slipping tackles, poor handling at critical moments and questionable decision-

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ARTICLE BY ROD NAWN FREELANCE JOURNALIST AND SPORTS ENTHUSIAST @RODNAWN1

making. Often each or all of those failings can be put down, in part, to low confidence levels, and that restoring self-belief will have been high on the agenda within the squad. The players and management have been admirably forthright in accepting that the many sources of criticism this season have sometimes been - basic in fact. That the players work hard to improve already fulsome skillsets is undeniable, and glimpses of what all supporters crave have been frequently evident. Consistency of personal and collective performance has been an issue, but some of the complaints have been ‘cheap shots’ and often dubiously personal: the price we pay, perhaps, for the all-too-easy access to social media. But that is not something confined to Ulster, though when a side is battling to find composure and form criticisms can be less than informed, and they can be fuelled too by today’s fashion for the instant, the eye-catching, the boarding of bandwagons. When former players – most notably perhaps Stephen Ferris – go public with their frustrations they are offering constructive advice and also mirroring, sensibly, the fans’ irritation. But they want Ulster to do well, like the supporters, and just as the team can only win together so too must the Ulster rugby community unite, not tamely, with passion and purpose. One hesitates to use a phrase like ‘New Start’, but in rugby terms for Ulster this evening could be exactly that. Over the next month there are five games in the Guinness PRO12 from which a demanding but realistic points return can be realised. A win over Edinburgh this evening could do wonders for confidence for everyone before Glasgow come to Kingspan next week, and to complete a ‘double’ over the Warriors would get the juices flowing; on the last Sunday of this month there’s a trip to Zebre which will be tricky but potentially rewarding, with the other Italian side Treviso due in Belfast the following Friday evening. Then, on Saturday evening, 11 March, Zebre make their second trip to the Province to play the game called off at the eleventh hour pre- Christmas due to freezing ground conditions. It’s professional rugby, and every side is that,

but the neutral observer might look at the list of games, survey the talent at Ulster’s disposal, and feel that each of those five games is immensely winnable, and there is ample potential for a clutch of try-scoring bonus points. A sizeable points haul would definitely hoist the hopes of the fans and the side up the table, and the start-of-the-season aspiration for a tilt at the title in the knockout stages in the last two weekends in May revived. A pipe-dream? Not in the modern game of rugby. Ulster has a sporting mountain to scale, but there is a determination to equip properly, to get to grips with the challenge and to reach the summit – or the Top Four at least! It’s going to be fascinating, it will have moments of familiar frustration, but players, coaches and those marvellous supporters can, together, make the assault viable. We’ve had our moans, we’ve had our disappointments – particularly in Europe – but tonight could be like the start of a new season, a reduced, forensically-defined one. Let’s enjoy it.

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HALF TIME RUGBY

Welcome and good luck to the Centra Half Time mini rugby teams from...

FAMILY END

CENTRA HALF TIME RUGBY

CLUB COLOURS DROMORE RFC

CIVIL SERVICE RFC

CLUB COLOURS Green and Red

Blue and Black

TEAM

COACHES

TEAM

COACHES

Reuben Harper Jacob Marshall Thomas Wilson Conor Murphy Thomas Williamson Adam Magowan Samuel Dillon Alexander McKinley George Anderson Adam Galbraith Timothy Hampton Dylan Camlin

Phil Marshall Jason Murphy Barry Galbraith

Jude Anderson Charlie Brown

Jonny Dunlop Michael Gibbs Steven Hutchinson

Daniel Camlin Jacob Dowie Alexander Dunlop (c) Josh Gibson Josh Hutchinson Christopher Massey Ross Millar Will Sheridan

Andrew Skilling James Walker

MEMORIAL END

TEAM CLUB COLOURS COLERAINE RFC Blue, Black and White Zack McCartney Josh Bryant Zion Kerr Kenzie Napier Joshua Bennett Gabriel Stubbs-Carton Max Steen Jacob Lennox Matthew Lennox James Burns Luke Bell James Bell

TEAM CLUB COLOURS ARMAGH RFC Red and Black Lloyd Quinn Josh Broomfield Sammy Hamilton Seth Lockhart Darragh Lennon Mathew Monaghan Jack Wilson Thomas Taylor Darcy Rice Conor McVeigh Ronan McGrane Ryan Reynolds

COACHES

COACHES

Simon Boorman Paul Forbes Jonny McCartney

Evan Armstrong Andrew Wakenshaw Colin Morrison Mark Herron

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The next URSC Meet the Players Night will be on Monday 20th February at 7.30pm. The players you can meet, ask questions of, have selfies taken with & get autographs from are: » Darren Cave » Andrew Warwick » Louis Ludik » Ruan Pienaar This is a not to be missed opportunity to meet Ruan whilst he is still here! MEET THE PLAYERS NIGHT

URSC MEMBERSHIP 2016/17

1147 HAVE JOINED URSC THIS SEASON... DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND! URSC Membership for the 2016/17 season is STILL OPEN through the URSC shop via PayPal. To renew or join up for the first time and thus maximise your benefits for the season, go to membership.ursc.co If you have any problems or questions, please contact membership@ursc.co.uk The winner was Charles Piutau. A draw of all those who voted for Charles was made, and Nigel McMahon was the name drawn out of the hat. Nigel wins, appropriately enough, a unique “Piutau 11” Ulster Rugby cap signed by Charles. URSC PLAYER OF THE MONTH FOR NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER

SUPPORTERS CLUB NEWS

URSC MEET THE REF NIGHT

50 members had a great night on 23rd January when they heard from PRO12 Ref, David Wilkinson about his life as a professional referee. The laws (especially the recent controversial high tackle rulings), big match decisions, game preparation and management...and the never ending scrutiny of referee performance from the refereeing authorities, let alone the media and fans. It was a most enjoyable and insightful night. Very many thanks to Wilko! BUS TO MUNSTER Ulster play Munster on Easter Saturday – 15th April at 3pm. URSC will run a bus to the match if there is sufficient demand. Register your interest at the URSC Information Point this evening.

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THE NEW HOME FOR TEAM SPORTS #WeAreRhino WWW.RHINO.DIRECT

GET 15%OFF * WITHYOUR FIRST ORDER - PLUS FREE P&P ENTER PROMO CODE PRO12 *Offer ends 31st January 2017. Terms & conditions apply. See website for details.

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WELCOME TO OUR Club

HOW TO GET INVOLVED? All Junior Season Ticket Holders are automatically enrolled into OUR Club, so all you have to do is watch out for the various competitions which will be running on a match night and start winning points. For each activity you participate in, such as emailing a match night selfie or completing a word search you will be awarded points which are collated throughout the season. The top points scorers will be rewarded with exclusive Ulster Rugby prizes. For more information please email

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WIN A TOUR OF ULSTER RUGBY FOR YOUR CLASS! Win a tour of The Nevin Spence Centre and Kingspan Stadium for you and your classmates. Simply tell us in no more than 100 words why your class would like to attend? To enter, simply collect an a form from the OUR Club section of the Ulster Rugby website. Closing date for entries is Saturday 18th February. T&Cs Apply - please ask your teacher for permission before entering. entry form from OUR Quarter on match nights or download

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