Stand Up Magazine - Issue 39 - Ulster Rugby Supporters' Club

www.ursc.co

On his “welcome” from Sam Arnold (Munster)? We play a physical sport mate, and he was competing hard, competing for his side, and he just caught me a little bit high. I spoke to him after the game and he’s a super nice young man, he was really remorseful and I knew there was no malice in his intent. He just plays hard and physical but he was disappointed and sad about what had happened. I understand how he was feeling, but you know, we play this game for enjoyment, and win, lose or draw, you try to take something from each game. With Sam, I feel that he’s someone I’ve

now connected with, not through the circumstances we would have wanted, but I just see someone who enjoys his footy, loves the game and competes for his team. That’s what you want to see in any young player, and to see him so down was upsetting for me, but I’m glad he reached out to me after the match, and we got to chat. On his stint at Ulster warming up for the Brumbies back home: It’s been more than a warm-up and hopefully brought me back up to speed. It’s going to be difficult leaving, having had this experience which has been fantastic for my rugby and for my

confidence, and I’ll be heading back with a heavy heart, but hopefully it will help me keep improving and help the Brumbies reach their goals On a return to Ulster if it was possible in future? If everything’s right, and things fell into place for a move, Ulster is the place I would look at first. Obviously the friends I’ve made here and the supporters here are really special to me now, and whether the opportunity arises or not, Ulster is somewhere I will be keeping a close eye on.

And finally, coming to our headline, in the week before his final match in Coventry, URSC organised a week of competitions for URSC members to win one of 5 super prizes, all autographed by the man himself. There was one prize each day, Monday to Friday, and all we asked was for members to email standup@ursc.co.uk each day, putting Christian 1, 2, 3, 4,or 5 (according to the day), in the Subject line, to be entered into a FREE draw to win that day’s prize. We were inundated with over 1500 emails from members over the week, (and some from non-members too, tsk,tsk) which just goes to show the level of popularity Christian within the Ulster Rugby Community.

AND THE WINNERS WERE:

ON Tuesday, an Australia t-shirt signed by Christian. Won by: Wendy Smith. Wendy received her prize from Lynn at the Meet the Players event in February.

On Wednesday, a Stan Dupp cartoon signed by Christian. WON BY: Ian Cowell.

On Monday, an Australian cap signed by Christian. Won by: Sandy McCord.

On Friday, a Brumbies shirt signed by Christian. WON BY: Niall McSperrin. Poor Nial had to settle for receiving Friday’s prize of a Brumbies shirt at the Kings match from somebody called Marcell Coetzee.

On Thursday, an Australian pre match warm up shirt signed by Christian. WON BY: Simon Kidd.

Christian we wish you all the very best in your life and career as you return to Australia, but most of all we thank you for your contribution to Ulster Rugby in your months here, and wish you a long and healthy life.

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