Ulster Rugby v Uruguay

Before the advent of professional rugby, international touring teams regularly played Ulster at Ravenhill, but it is 10 years since we last faced international opponents in Portugal, a match which resulted in a comfortable victory for the home team. No doubt this will be a much stiffer test for Ulster against a team ranked 18th in the world and who have qualified for the 2019 World Cup. We come into this game on the back of a hard fought PRO14 victory in Treviso, which saw us move up to second place in our Conference. With the injury problems we have had we are in a great position going into the break for the autumn internationals. Some of the players have had a lot of rugby already this season and deserve a rest. That gives an opportunity for more of the younger guys to impress in a competitive environment. A big thank you to all the supporters in attendance this evening for what should be an entertaining match. We also wish send our best wishes to the Ireland team for the next three weeks and in particular to all the Ulster players involved. Stephen Elliott President, IRFU Ulster Branch PRESIDENT’S WELCOME On behalf of Ulster Rugby, it is a pleasure to welcome you all to Kingspan Stadium for this evening’s friendly fixture against the Uruguay national team. We extend a particularly warm welcome to the Uruguay players, staff and officials, particularly the President of the Uruguay Rugby Union Dr. Pablo Ferrari. He is accompanied by the President of Sudamerica Rugby Sr Sebastian Pineyrua. We hope they enjoy their visit to Ulster.

IRFU ULSTER BRANCH 2018/19

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

LEADING THE FIELD

Welcome back to Kingspan Stadium, where this evening Ulster welcome Uruguay for a special fixture, the first against international opposition since Portugal visited in 2008. On behalf of Kingspan, I am delighted to have announced the renewal of our sponsorship for another four years as both Kingspan and Ulster Rugby look to continue to perform on the international stage, while promoting and nurturing the culture and heritage that is unique to our Province. As challenges against international sides have become less common in recent years, this really is an occasion to savour. As we look forward to this special international fixture, the loyal Kingspan Stadium crowd are sure to provide a warm welcome for visiting fans and stirring support for the Ulster team. We would also like to wish our Kingspan mascot competition winner, Robbie McMinn, the best of luck in leading out the Ulstermen this evening. Finally, on behalf of Kingspan, I would like to wish the Ulster Rugby squad and management team the very best of luck. To Ulster’s committed fans, enjoy the game, lead the way and help ensure that this is an evening to remember at Kingspan Stadium. Pat Freeman Kingspan Divisonal Managing Director

2

WWW.ULSTERRUGBY.COM