Ulster Rugby vs Zebra

JONNY PETRIE CEOUPDATE

The Heineken Champions Cup is a competition that is all about momentum, so it was fantastic that we managed to come away from The Rec last week with a win.

Bath is always a very tough place to play, and that certainly proved to be the case again at the weekend. However, the team should take a huge amount of credit from how they stuck to the task and muscled a victory. Dan McFarland talks a lot about fighting for every inch, and it is clear to see how the players embody that spirit. The same also applies to our supporters. It is one of the real joys of my role here to see how many Ulster fans make the away trips, and how well they represent the club. I was pleased to be able to stop by our Fan Zone (brilliantly organised by the South Wales supporters club) the night before and on the morning of the game itself – I genuinely enjoy spending time chatting to people, and I see it also as an important part of what I do; recognising what our fans do to support the club. So, having squeaked through Round 1 with my nerves almost intact, we can look forward to what I know is going to be a special evening here at Kingspan Stadium. I think back fondly to our game

against Racing 92 last season, and how the atmosphere brought a lump to my throat (it was the first time that I had really seen the stadium show its teeth) and I hope that we can see the same again tonight. The start to the season has been a little strange with the distraction of the Rugby World Cup, but with that now out of the way, we need everyone’s full focus to be on Ulster, and for us to make sure that Clermont know, in no uncertain terms, what this Province is all about. The match will be tough – they are one of the very best in Europe – but I know you’ll see that fight from the guys out on the pitch, and I hope that this will be another great night in the history of Ulster’s European journey. Enjoy your evening, play your part, and get guldering! Jonny Petrie CEO, Ulster Rugby

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