Ulster Rugby v Connacht

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME On behalf of Ulster Rugby, I would like to welcome you all to Kingspan Stadium for this evening’s PRO14 match against Connacht. A particularly warm welcome to President Mossy Moran and his fellow officers and supporters from Connacht. There is always an added edge to Inter-provincial matches and we look forward to a competitive and entertaining game.

IRFU ULSTER BRANCH 2018/19 OFFICERS Stephen Elliott President Gary Leslie Senior Vice President Philip Gregg Junior Vice President Denis Gardiner Honorary Secretary Michael Boyd Honorary Treasurer Greg Irwin Competitions Secretary EXECUTIVE TEAM Chris Webster Head of Rugby Development Audrey Robinson Head of Finance & Operations Fiona Hampton Head of Sales & Marketing Bryn Cunningham Operations Director

We hope that all those attending from the West will enjoy our hospitality and their stay in Belfast. Since our last home game we have been to South Africa, bringing back seven points from a win and an exciting draw. Given the injuries and pre-match illness which the squad suffered before the second match against the Cheetahs, that was a satisfactory outcome. We also played Munster in Thomond Park suffering a heavy defeat having again sustained injuries to key players. With some of our experienced players returning, we hope for an improved result this evening. The trip to South Africa was quite an experience for all who travelled. Due to financial constraints and the fact that the PRO14 league has a contract with Qatar Airways, the journey was somewhat indirect and an endurance test for all concerned. Having visited both Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein it is clear that South Africa is a country with many problems and there is a huge contrast between conditions in different parts of the same city. However, the home teams were extremely hospitable and we were well looked after. It is a shame that the crowds were so small in two very impressive stadiums. The tour provided a great opportunity for the players to bond and for the new players and those coming through the Academy ranks to get to know each other. Having mixed with them and watched them interact, it was obvious that they are a contented squad prepared to work hard to do what is necessary to advance themselves and Ulster Rugby. The same applies to the coaches and the other support staff.

A special mention must go to Richard Finlay, who worked tirelessly to keep the supporters at home up to date with what was happening. It was especially pleasing to see the squad becoming involved with the local community, interacting with disadvantaged children from the townships in conjunction with the Mosamaria charity which helps orphans of HIV victims in Bloemfontein. Back home, the Inter-provincial Series for the Women, U18 Girls and Age Grade teams came to a close with limited success. The U19 team was unfortunate to lose the deciding match against Leinster in the closing minutes. The A team started their campaign with two losses but they have won the last two matches with encouraging performances from promising young players. We wish them well as the competition continues. The domestic season is now in full swing with the Senior Cup having reached the semi-final stage and two rounds having been played in the Junior Cup. The All Ireland League got underway for the women and for the lower league teams last week. Congratulations to those who got off to a flying start and best wishes to all those involved in a full programme of fixtures this weekend. As always, we thank our sponsors and fans for their continued support and hope that everyone enjoys the match and the atmosphere at Kingspan Stadium back under Friday night lights. SUFTUM! Stephen Elliott President, IRFU Ulster Branch

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

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