Ulster Rugby vs Bordeaux Begles

CONTENTS

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

3 4 7 9

EPCR WELCOME

KINGSPAN WELCOME TODAY’S MACOTS A MESSAGE FROM ANDREW TRIMBLE JONNY SIMPSON Q&A COMMERCIAL UPDATE

10 15

16 SONI COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS 19 CHRIS McNICHOLL 22 ULSTER SQUAD PROFILES 24 ULSTER TEAM 28 DOUBLE SIDED POSTER 29 BORDEAUX BÉGLES TEAM 33 BORDEAUX BÉGLES SQUAD PROFILES 34 VOLUNTEER PROFILE 39 KIERAN TREADWELL 40 TWITTER 46 ROD NAWN GUEST ARTICLE 46 CENTRA HALF TIME RUGBY 49 URSC CLUB NEWS 51 OUR CLUB NEWS 53 ULSTER RUGBY VALUES 55 STADIUM INFORMATION 57 MATCH PREVIEW 58 FIXTURES 59 THANK YOU 60

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PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

IRFU ULSTER BRANCH 2016/17 OFFICERS John McKibbin President Graffin 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

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

Following the defeat in Exeter last Sunday, Ulster’s chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the European Champions Cup have all but gone for this season, as have those of Bordeaux-Bégles. I know that the defeat in Exeter was disappointing for our supporters, particularly the large numbers that travelled to support the team and certainly made themselves heard during the game. That said, it will be important for the Ulster team to bounce back and produce a performance today to build confidence going into the business end of the PRO12 Championship. In the Guinness PRO12 League, the Ulster team had a good win over Connacht before Christmas but then unfortunately lost away to both Leinster and the Scarlets, the latter under controversial circumstances. The team has now dropped to sixth in the league but have a game in hand. Whilst injuries and player availability have not helped the Ulster cause, performances, particularly those away from home, need to improve if the team is to secure a top four finish and a play-off place. The Ulster A team are to be congratulated on their recent performances which should now see them qualify for the quarter-finals of the B&I Cup. Following on from the two victories over the Cardiff Blues Premiership Select team before Christmas, the A team secured an excellent bonus point win over London Scottish at Kingspan Stadium last weekend. They are currently top of their B&I Cup group going into this weekend’s final group game away to Jersey Reds and we wish them well for this match. On the domestic front, the Danske Bank Schools’ Cup and Medallion Shield competitions are now well underway. All ties are on schedule and our thanks go to the Schools’ Committee for their commitment and hard work in ensuring that the competitions are well organised and managed. Thanks also go to Danske Bank for their continued support of Schools’ rugby in Ulster which is very much appreciated. Finally, I hope everyone enjoys the game today as well as the facilities at Kingspan Stadium and remember - “Stand Up For The Ulstermen.” John McKibbin President IRFU (Ulster Branch) Champions Cup. In particular, I am very pleased to welcome the Bordeaux-Bégles team along with their officials and supporters. It gives me great pleasure as President of the IRFU Ulster Branch to welcome everyone to Kingspan Stadium for today’s Round 6 pool game in the European

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

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WELCOME MESSAGE FROM EPCR

As the pool stage draws to an exciting conclusion, we can reflect on some compelling action on the road to BT Murrayfield so far in the European Rugby Champions Cup. We have seen thrilling displays from clubs representing all three domestic leagues and with the standards of rugby high, the terrain has been unforgiving for the slightest dip in quality. Aggregate attendances in the tournament’s history are expected to pass 18 million later on this season and the action they are watching on the field remains intense. Through the shop window of our matches, it is among the responsibilities of EPCR as tournament organisers to uphold the values of rugby that we all hold so dear including a commitment to fair play and an independent and fair disciplinary system. As we go through this transitional period regarding new directives on rugby’s laws, it is important for players, coaches, administrators and supporters to maintain respect for those processes, not only during this round of matches but for the remainder of the season. Our quarter-final line-up will be complete after this round of matches, when 20 teams will be officially reduced to just eight. By following epcrugby.com and official social media channels of this tournament and the European Rugby Challenge Cup, you will have the quickest access not only to the match schedules but also videos and competitions through which you can win some fantastic rugby prizes. One of those is EPCR’s Try of the Round vote from the Champions Cup, with the shortlisted scores from Round 6 announced on Monday. Through the official site, you can also secure your place in Edinburgh for European club rugby’s finals weekend on 12 and 13 May, which is set to be a sensational occasion no matter who qualifies for the showpiece matches in the Scottish capital. In the meantime, enjoy some more outstanding rugby this weekend..

EPCR WELCOME

Simon Halliday EPCR Chairman

15 COnversiOns

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54 tOtal POints

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LEADING THE FIELD

Welcome to Kingspan Stadium, the home of Ulster Rugby, as we look forward to more European Rugby Champions Cup action with the return visit of Bordeaux-Bégles. I am delighted to welcome you to Kingspan Stadium for this exciting Champions Cup clash against tough French opposition. The Ulster team will be looking to get back to winning ways after a run of difficult away games and I hope you will join me in standing up for the Ulstermen and showing your support. The travelling fans and Bordeaux Bégles squad deserve a traditionally warm welcome in recognition of the sense of occasion they add to these European clashes. On behalf of Kingspan, I would like to wish the Ulster Rugby squad and management team every success this afternoon. To you the fans, enjoy the game, lead the way and help ensure this is another Kingspan Stadium afternoon to remember.

Pat Freeman Divisional Managing Director

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TODAY’S MASCOTS

MASCOTS

THOMAS KEELEY-HENDERSON (11) Thomas is from Lurgan and attends St. Catherine’s College. He enjoys rugby (but is out injured at the minute) and also gaelic and badminton. Thomas’ favourite player is Rory Best, because he is an awesome hooker and an inspiration. When he grows up, Thomas would like to be an actor.

OLIVER WOODSIDE (10) Oliver is from Ballynure and attends Fairview Primary School. He plays mini rugby at school and at Ballyclare RFC. Oliver also enjoys motocross and football. Oliver’s favourite players are Andrew Trimble and Craig Gilroy because they have quick feet and are fast runners.

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A MESSAGE FROM ANDREW TRIMBLE To say it was a disappointing result on Sunday is an understatement, but as a group we’re staying positive and remaining focused on turning a corner this weekend.

CAPTAIN’S UPDATE

Defensively we weren’t quite where we would have liked to have been. It was pleasing to put together some really good phase play and stretch them for long periods in the game, but we leaked tries and you can’t expect to win big games away from home when you do that. At this point, we’ve no choice but to move on and keep pushing forward. We need to turn the corner quickly and get back on track so that we can get into a playoff position in the PRO12. This week we will continue to build on some of the good work we did during the game, but improve in terms of being more clinical, as well as bolster our defensive display. This week against Bordeaux, is absolutely about proving ourselves, it’s about reminding ourselves

of how we can play and what we are all about. It’s about having fun, playing for each other and for the fans and finishing Europe on a high. Marcell, Ruan, Stu, Pistol Pete and a couple of the injured props are all due to come back into the squad soon. They will bring something fresh, just when we need it most, and contribute to getting us back to where we need to be and attacking the PRO12 to finish in the best possible position. The next block of games during the Six Nations will be crucial but I have no doubt that we can string together a series of wins to re-ignite our season.

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“THIS WEEK AGAINST BORDEAUX, IS ABSOLUTELY ABOUT PROVING OURSELVES, IT’S ABOUT REMINDING OURSELVES OF HOW WE CAN PLAY AND WHAT WE ARE ALL ABOUT.”

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JONNY SIMPSON Q&A

NICK NAME? Moe FAVOURITE SUBJECT AT SCHOOL? Technology and Design

IF YOU COULD BE A PROFESSIONAL IN ANOTHER SPORT, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Golf, paid a lot of money to hit a wee white ball MOST EXCITING THING YOU HAVE DONE? Ventured on holiday with the rugby boys FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION? America, bigger is better! MOST EXPENSIVE ITEM YOU HAVE BOUGHT? Trip to South Africa HOW DO YOU RELAX ON YOUR DOWN TIME? Watch TV or movies or go for coffee with friends FAVOURITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME? Dumb and Dumber IF A FILM WAS MADE ABOUT YOUR LIFE, WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY YOU? Tom Hanks, he is my favourite actor IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHICH PLAYER WOULD YOU LEAST LIKE TO BE STRANDED WITH? Jonathan Murphy because he asks too many questions DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? Unfortunately not, I want to get a dog though WHAT ARE YOUR LEAST AND MOST FAVOURITE TRAINING ELEMENTS? LEAST: Contact conditioning MOST: Conditioning games WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PLAYING FOR ULSTER? As I grew up supporting Ulster, it is a huge honour to be involved in the set up IF YOU WEREN’T A PROFESSIONAL RUGBY PLAYER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING AS A PROFESSION? Involved in the flooring trade IF YOU COULD INVITE ANY FAMOUS PERSON ROUND FOR TEA WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU MAKE THEM? Steve McQueen and we’d have chicken wings

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT JONNY FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER @MOE_1234

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COMMERCIAL UPDATE

SEASON TICKETS The 16/17 season delivered another year of growth as the Ulster faithful has reached 10,562, including 590 Junior season tickets. Reputed to be one of the best stadiums for atmosphere across Europe, it is little surprise that season ticket holders stated their key reasons for purchase are loyalty to the team, match night experience and exclusive Season Ticket holder benefits. We have implemented some of the improvements asked for in our Season Ticket holder survey such as live music on match nights and additional bars, which we have through the new Red Bus Bar and the Prosecco Bar, both of which are proving popular with fans. Our aim is to continue to deliver exclusive benefits and a unique match night experience. We have hosted successful events such as ‘Meet the Players’ evenings and ‘The Heineken Rugby Club’. We hope to bring even more of this next season. ATTENDANCES

Stadium fixture of 40,527). We are conscious of the fact that tournament scheduling has handed us some testing kick off times, and we will continue to state our preference for Friday night games. The early Saturday kick off times give us an opportunity to welcome new audiences to the stadium. The Clermont match saw an increase in young families attending and also allowed those with longer travel times to attend - the result of this was a rocking atmosphere which lasted until well after final whistle. The passion, sportsmanship and Irish hospitality demonstrated to the Clermont fans, that I then saw replicated as we travelled to Clermont a week later, encapsulates what lies at the heart of our club and the fans should be very proud of this. PROFESSIONAL GAME SPONSORSHIP Sponsorship properties are again fully sold out for the fourth consecutive year, with many of our main sponsors such as Kingspan, Kukri Sports, Bank of Ireland, BT and Go Power secured in long-term deals. This time of year is always a really busy period for myself and the commercial team as we are currently renegotiating a significant amount of other sponsorship and partner contracts for the start of the 17/18 season. Our portfolio is really healthy and with interest from the marketplace we are in a strong position that we can look to attract the best partners for

COMMERCIAL UPDATE The unwavering loyalty of the fans resonates not just through Ulster but across the PRO12 venues as week in, week out, we see Ulster fans filling the terraces and stands, home and away. With an average attendance of 15,941 this

season, we sit just behind Leinster who top the PRO12 attendance table (Leinster include Aviva

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the long term stability of Ulster Rugby. We seek partners that share the same long-term objectives that we can deliver together on, that will become an integral part of the make up at Ulster, and that our fans can identify with and support.  GRASSROOTS SPONSORSHIP This is a vital part of the income stream that allows us to continue to invest into the grassroots game and we are lucky to work with a range of partners who see the value in aligning with these sponsorship properties. 2017 will see Danske Bank enter their 12th year of sponsorship of the Ulster Schools’ Cup, with commitment for a further three years. Some of our partners are providing some great incentives such as Ulster Carpets with the ‘Club of the Month’ initiative that actively rewards youth rugby clubs who deliver examples of best practice both on and off the field, and the ‘Community Champions Award’ sponsored by SONI, which looks to recognise volunteers and provide multiple winners with a bursary for their club.  KINGSPAN STADIUM With a fantastic stadium that can deliver across a range of events we are definitely open for business and indeed this is one of our fastest growing new revenue streams. With the facilities and experience to host major events here, we have been successful in winning the right to have

the PRO12 Final in 2015, Barbarians v Fiji in 2016, and we look forward to hosting the prestigious Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2017, an event that really will put us on the world map. Day-to-day we are open for ‘Ulster Rugby Visitor Experience’ tours which take in The Nevin Spence Centre and a behind-the-scenes stadium tour. Our H3 Lounge is open for conferencing and we have seen our revenues through conferencing double since last year. Commercially, we need to grow these revenues outside of Ulster Rugby match days and our strategy is to ensure we have at least one major external event here each year and to increase conference income, visitor numbers and hospitality outside of match days. FUTURE DIRECTION In the ever changing landscape of professional rugby, the commercial reality is that we need sustainable growth to ensure that we can compete at the top table of European rugby. We will seek to achieve this through delivering value for money for our partners and sponsors, delivering an exceptional experience for our fans, and capitalising on new revenue streams. This will hopefully ensure that we can provide the financial platform for the professional team to compete on field and for the domestic game to flourish. As always, thank you for your support. Fiona Hampton Head of Sales & Marketing

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SONI COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS AWARD

Want to WIN £1,000 bursary for your club and tickets to join the Ulster Rugby team at their annual end of season Awards Dinner?

What is the SONI Community Champions Award? The Community Champions Award is now in its second year, brought to you by SONI, title sponsors of the Ulster Rugby Premiership, along with Ulster Rugby. The Award recognises the efforts of volunteers who contribute to the smooth running of grassroots rugby throughout the Province. This year there will be two categories, meaning two lucky winners will walk away with a £1,000 bursary for their club, as well as tickets to the Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony this Summer. The Community Champions award is open to all affiliated club volunteers, aged 16 and over who have been volunteering with the club for at least six months. There are two categories: • Adult (anyone who volunteers within adult rugby including both men and women’s adult rugby and adult disability rugby) • Youth and Mini (anyone who volunteers within youth and mini rugby including youth disability teams) Eight semi-finalists will be shortlisted and will feature in PR and publicity in the News Letter’s Total Rugby supplement and on Ulster Rugby’s website and social media. Four finalists will be invited along to a reception at Ulster Rugby in March. All four finalists will then attend the Ulster Rugby Awards where the winners will be officially rewarded with their award and club bursary. Who can submit a nomination? Anyone with a link to the club – members, volunteers, players, parents of mini and youth players. You can even nominate yourself!

How do you make a nomination?

SONI COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS AWARD

Submit an online application at www.ulsterrugby.com/communitychampions

Please read the awards criteria and nomination rules before making a nomination. Who should be nominated? We want to hear about people who go above and beyond the call of duty for the love of the game and their club, the people with passion, the people who make a difference and the people who are the heart and soul of their club. When do nominations have to be submitted? The closing date for nominations is Friday 10th The panel will then meet to shortlist the finalists. Eight semi-finalists will be announced through Ulster Rugby and local media at the end of February and our four finalists will then be invited along to attend a reception at Ulster Rugby in March. Our four finalists (two per category) will be invited to attend the End of Season Ulster Rugby Awards where winners will be rewarded on stage. Nomination Rules/Terms and Conditions 1 Nominations must be received by Friday 10th February 2017 at midnight. 2 The panel’s decision is final. Due to the anticipated level of nominations it will not be possible to provide feedback on individual nominations. 3 Volunteers should have been with the club for at least six months by the date of submission. 4 The awards are open to all affiliated club volunteers, aged 16 and over. 5 Nominees must be willing to partake in publicity including photography and interviews which may be published in local papers, online and on SONI and Ulster Rugby’s social media platforms. February 2017 at midnight. What happens after that?

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P R O U D T O S P O N S O R

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*Terms & Conditions apply: One entry per person, per programme. You must be 16 years or over to enter. You must enter a valid email address to receive your prize and by entering your information you are agreeing to receiving promotions from Ulster Rugby and our sponsors. Ulster Rugby reserve the right to remove this competition at any point without prior notice.

FINAL STAGES, BELFAST

TUESDAY 22 ND AUGUST

KINGSPAN STADIUM, BELFAST 5 TH v 8 TH SEED TBC 2:00PM SEMI FINAL TBC 5:00PM SEMI FINAL TBC 7:45PM

QUEENS SPORT MALONE, BELFAST 10 TH v 11 TH SEED TBC 12:00PM 9 TH v 12 TH SEED TBC 2:30PM 6 TH v 7 TH SEED TBC 5:00PM

POOL STAGES, DUBLIN

WEDNESDAY 9 TH AUGUST

UCD BOWL, DUBLIN ENGLAND v SPAIN 2:00PM USA v ITALY 4:30PM IRELAND v AUSTRALIA 7:00PM

BILLINGS PARK UCD, DUBLIN NEW ZEALAND v WALES 2:45PM CANADA v HONG KONG 5:15PM

SATURDAY 26 TH AUGUST KINGSPAN STADIUM, BELFAST RANK 5 v RANK 6 2:00PM RANK 3 v RANK 4 5:00PM FINAL 7:45PM SATURDAY 26 TH AUGUST QUEENS SPORT MALONE, BELFAST RANK 11 v RANK 12 12:00PM RANK 9 v RANK 10 2:30PM RANK 7 v RANK 8 5:00PM

FRANCE v JAPAN 7:45PM

SUNDAY 13 TH AUGUST

BILLINGS PARK UCD, DUBLIN

UCD BOWL, DUBLIN USA v SPAIN 2:45PM IRELAND v JAPAN 5:15PM FRANCE v AUSTRALIA 7:45PM

NEW ZEALAND v HONG KONG 12:00PM ENGLAND

v ITALY 2:30PM

CANADA v WALES 5:00PM

THURSDAY 17 TH AUGUST

BILLINGS PARK UCD, DUBLIN CANADA v NEW ZEALAND 12:00PM ENGLAND

UCD BOWL, DUBLIN ITALY v SPAIN 2:45PM WALES v HONG KONG 5:15PM FRANCE v IRELAND 7:45PM

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOWAT TICKETMASTER.CO.UK / WRWC2017

v USA 2:30PM AUSTRALIA v JAPAN 5:00PM

GET TO KNOW: CHRIS McNICHOLL TEAM PHYSIO

HOW DID YOU GET INTO PHYSIOTHERAPY?

camp, which was about a half hour flight from Rio and that is where all the GB athletes would come to prepare for their events. We had a full training centre for swimming, athletics, rugby etc - everything was set up from scratch. The British Olympic Association spent millions developing this training base, where the athletes would train and only drop into Rio for their event two or three days before, avoiding all the hype and allowing them to remain focussed, which I have no doubt contributed to their success. I would be having my breakfast with Adam Peaty and then two days later watch him smash a world record, it was an incredible atmosphere to be in. Highlights from Rio was definitely working with the men’s rugby 7s team, who won a silver and also the women’s 7s team - who were incredible athletes. Other highlights were spending time with all the GB sprinters, working with the modern pentathlon squad and Belfast’s Patrick Huston an archer - those guys were great. WHAT WAS YOUR MOTIVATION TO JOIN ULSTER? Having spent the last 9 years with SINI, the sports I had been working with had quite a small number of athletes and thankfully not many injuries occurred. So I actually just wanted to get my hands on more injuries. My expertise and my role here is the management of injuries and the rehab of injuries so to be working within a full contact sport with a large squad like Ulster was a motivation. Another motivation was that I had worked with a number of the players before in the Sports Institute and I had always really admired them and I got a sense that I wanted to come here and challenge myself and be a part of the team environment. DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE WITHIN THE MEDICAL TEAM? My main role at Ulster Rugby is the rehabilitation of players after injury up until they can join the Strength and Conditioning staff (S&C) on the pitch. I also assist Gareth Robinson with the treatment of injured players and provide matchday and pitchside cover for the games. I have been really impressed with the collaboration between the Medical, Science and S&C teams

I have two older sisters who are physios so the profession runs in the family. I have always had an interest in Science, and Biology, and have always enjoyed sport, however I was fairly average at it. I think I have ended up in sports physio because I am fulfilling my sporting ambitions through supporting the athletes and teams I work with rather than competing myself! I was always into Medicine and love sport- so sports physio was a natural pathway for me. I completed my undergraduate degree here at the University of Ulster in 1996 and then subsequently completed a Masters in Sports Physiotherapy at Cardiff University. After graduating I spent a year working in Birmingham before I came home to work in the NHS for five years - initially in the Royal and then Down/Lisburn Trust. At that point I would say I had almost had two careers - the 9-5 working in Hospital Outpatients and then working evenings and weekends as a Sports Physio. After this I set up and ran a Private practice with my wife in Magherafelt where we serviced a lot of local Club Soccer, GAA and Rugby teams. My move into working in Elite Sport came when I took a post in 2007 at the Sports Institute Northern Ireland - where I worked fulltime up until joining Ulster Rugby this Summer. TELL US ABOUT YOUR OLYMPIC INVOLVEMENT? During my time with SINI at Jordanstown I led the Physiotherapy delivery in several different programmes but Athletics, Boxing, Judo and Cycling would have been the main sports that I looked after. Over the years I spent a lot of time working with Paddy Barnes, Michael Conlon through their Olympic campaigns and also spent a lot of time with Martin Irvine who became World track cycling champion. Those guys have all come so far in their careers, turning professional etc. so it was nice to see them develop and finish their Olympic campaigns before moving on. Most recently, I was selected for Team GB as one of the physios in the medical team. I spent a month in Rio, which was an incredible experience but it was hard work. My role was at the holding

CHRIS McNICHOLL

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at Ulster. The analysis of individual training loads and how this informs subsequent training design is a real strength at Ulster. My role is to strengthen the bridge between acute injury treatment and enabling players to successfully return to training - hopefully offering themselves quicker for selection and with less risk of injury recurrence. When I started Louis Ludik, Tommy Bowe and Chris Henry were recovering from surgery, senior players who had significant injuries, and that was something I was getting stuck into right away with the goal of getting those players back fit for Ulster. These players are crucial to our success, so I was designing their rehab programmes, seeing what they had done before, and looking at what had worked and where I could add value. My style is probably much more fluid than most; I like to spend a lot of time with the athlete during rehab- rather than giving them something to go away and do on their own, I like to be with them and progress/regress as it is needed. I like to push the boundaries and in the long term that stimulates the player, so they aren’t getting bored during their rehab. The skill in my role is in deciding what is the appropriate loading and exercise strategy to enhance the healing to compliment the treatments being delivered. WHAT HAS BEEN A HIGHLIGHT SO FAR? I have to say the thrill and privilege of running out on a match night has been a real highlight for me. Being a part of the team on the pitch and the responsibility you have to help them perform is a huge thrill. WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE SO FAR? Some of the riddles posed by Kyle, our masseur, have kept me awake at night. No, all joking aside, the truth is the last few weeks have been very difficult with the significant number of injuries we have picked up and I put myself under pressure asking why. I am always asking myself the question - is there anything we could have done to prevent this? And now that they have occurred, the pressure is on to get those players back not only as quick as we can but also in a state at which they can perform. A TYPICAL TRAINING DAY FOR YOU… Early in the week it’s about the acute assessment of injuries that have been picked up during the weekend game. Then because I am working with the long-term injured, I will schedule my

day and week around individuals and monitoring their rehab programmes. I will deliver hands on treatment and supervise the rehab of those that are currently out injured, before training we will work with the squad to deliver soft tissue treatment and strapping and also attend any hospital appointments which the guys may have pre or post-surgery, so that we can ask questions and make sure everything is moving in the right direction. A TYPICAL GAME DAY… I will usually book in several players before the game for ongoing rehab for those with long- term injuries. Then about 2-3 hours before the game, we will move from our main physio base to the physio room in the home changing room. Players will start to arrive and every player has their own routine - some will want to see Gareth (Robinson), some Kyle and some me. Charles, for example likes to come in and get his back and hips loosened up about an hour and a half before a game. There is a large amount of strapping that happens, so it’s about getting all of those things done in a timely fashion that is important. Making sure the players have exactly what they need before they take to the pitch. BEST PATIENT AND WORST PATIENT? Paul Marshall. Whilst GG usually looks after his injuries, I do still have to listen to him in the Physio room and that can be interesting!!!

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MARK BEST

JOHN ANDREW

RODNEY AH YOU

Centre 01.04.94 182cm 94kg

Hooker 26.05.93 181cm 101kg

Prop 27.10.88

187cm 129kg 12 3

— —

21 —

TOMMY BOWE

CALLUM BLACK

RORY BEST

Wing 22.02.84 190cm 100kg 145 67

Prop 25.02.86 180cm 116kg 118 — Centre 05.04.87 184cm 95kg 189 11 No. 8 12.11.85 195cm 110kg 183 2

Hooker 15.08.82

178cm 106kg

194 100

DARREN CAVE

PETER BROWNE 2nd Row 25.10.87 201cm 116kg

AARON CARINS

Scrum half 07.10.92 183cm 85kg 1 —

27 —

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 140 9 Prop 07.05.88 180cm 120kg 45 — CHRIS HENRY Back Row 17.10.84 191cm 105kg 157 24

IAIN HENDERSON 2nd Row 21.02.92 199cm 117kg

CRAIG GILROY

70 28

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 117 19

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 96 9 Centre 06.08.92 193cm 113kg 53 1

Prop 26.02.86 182cm 114kg 52 —

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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JARED PAYNE Full back 13.10.85 186cm 97kg

RUAN PIENAAR

CHARLES PIUTAU

Scrum half 10.03.84 187cm 90kg 132 SA 88

Back Row 14.06.89 193cm 105kg 46 — Utility back 31.10.91 183cm 102kg 13 NZ 16

73 19

MATTHEW REA 2nd Row 21.09.93 193cm 110kg

SEAN REIDY

CLIVE ROSS

Back Row 05.10.89

ULSTER SQUAD 2016/17

182cm 105kg 48 1

— —

DAVE SHANAHAN

JOHNNY SIMPSON

JACOB STOCKDALE

Scrum half 20.06.93 174cm 90kg

Prop 19.08.90 184cm 110kg 3 — Wing 20.10.84 185cm 97kg 211 69 Back Row 21.09.81 190cm 106kg 216 1

Wing 04.03.96 195cm 96kg

10 —

14 —

ANDREW TRIMBLE

FRANCO VAN DER MERWE 2nd Row 15.03.83 198cm 117kg 68 SA 1

KIERAN TREADWELL 2nd Row 11.06.95 198cm 121kg

10 —

ANDY WARWICK

ROGER WILSON

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

Prop 12.03.91 179cm 110kg 62 —

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15

1

ANDREW WARWICK

CHARLES PIUTAU

14

2

RORY BEST

TOMMY BOWE

13

3

JONNY SIMPSON

DARREN CAVE

12

4

ROBBIE DIACK

STUART McCLOSKEY

ULSTER RUBGY

11

5

FRANCO VAN DER MERWE

ANDREW TRIMBLE (C)

6

10

IAIN HENDERSON

PADDY JACKSON

7

9

CHRIS HENRY

DAVID SHANAHAN

REPLACEMENTS 16 17 18 19 J ANDREW C BLACK R LUTTON K TREADWELL

20 21 22 23

C ROSS P MARSHALL

8

B HERRON G GILROY

SEAN REIDY

TEAM NOT CONFIRMED AT TIME OF PRINT

15

1

GEOFFREY CROS

STEVEN KITSHOFF

14

2

NANS DUCUING

CLEMENT MAYNADIER

BORDEAUX BÉGLES

13

3

JEAN-BAPTISTE DUBIÉ

MARC CLERC

12

4

TOM PALMER

JOE WAKACEGU

11

5

BLAIR CONNOR

BEREND BOTHA

6

10

LOUIS-BENOÎT MADAULE

IAN MADIGAN

7

9

BAPTISTE SERIN

LOANN GOUJON

REPLACEMENTS 16 17 18 19 C MAYNADIER J-B POUX S KITSHOFF L-B MADAULE

20 21 22 23

J EDWARDS Y LESGOURGUES S HICKEY B CONNOR

8

MARCO TAULEIGNE

TODAY’S OFFICIALS REFEREE MATTHEW CARLEY ENG ASSISTANT REFEREE’S LUKE PEARCE ENG | GARETH COPSEY ENG CITING COMMISSIONER RICHARD MCGHEE ENG TMO GEOFF WARREN ENG TEAM NOT CONFIRMED AT TIME OF PRINT

9

JOHAN ALIOUAT

JULIEN AUDY

ADAM ASHLEY-COOPER

Lock 22.10.93

Scrum half 21.11.84 171cm 74kg

Wing 27.03.81 185cm 98kg

197cm 106kg

BENAT AUZQUI

OLE AVEI

LIONEL BEAUXIS

Hooker 01.08.83 180cm 105kg

Hooker 13.06.83 181cm 114kg

Outside half 24.10.85 180cm 86kg

BEREND BOTHA

LUKE BRAID

GAUTHIER BRUTE DE REMUR

Back row 11.03.88 196cm 127kg

Hooker 18.02.95 180cm 105kg

Flanker 05.10.88 185cm 103kg

JEAN-MARCELLIN BUTTIN

CYRIL CAZEAUX

RONAN CHAMBORD

Hooker 11.04.94

Fullback 16.21.91 192cm 90kg

Lock 10.02.95

BORDEAUX BEGLES

177cm 104kg

197cm 108kg

MARC CLERC

XEROM CIVIL

HUGH CHALMERS

Prop 02.04.94 182cm 120kg

Back row 28.11.84 192cm 107kg

Prop 09.06.87 181cm 117kg

BLAIR CONNOR

VADIM COBILAS

GEOFFREY CROS

Wing 29.09.88 183cm 82kg

Prop 30.07.83 180cm 118kg

Fullback 08.03.97 185cm 80kg

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DARLY DOMVO

JEAN-BAPTISTE DUBIÉ

GAUTHIER DOUBRERE

Full back 03.04.92 179cm 80kg

Scrum half 24.12.95 176cm 76kg

Centre 16.07.89 181cm 85kg

JOE EDWARDS

NANS DUCUING

LOANN GOUJON

Back row 21.09.93 188cm 109kg

Back row 23.04.89 192cm 113kg

Fullback 06.11.91 184cm 90kg

BORDEAUX BÉGLES

SIMON HICKEY

LUKE JONES

STEVEN KITSHOFF

Outside half 12.01.94 176cm 83kg

Prop 10.02.92 183cm 120kg

Lock 02.04.91 197cm 116kg

TRISTAN LABOUTELEY

YANN LESGOURGUES

ROMAIN LONCA

Lock 12.04.95

Scrum half 17.01.91 175cm 70kg

Outside half 26.11.91 190cm 84kg

201cm 106kg

LOUIS-BENOÎT MADAULE

IAN MADIGAN

JANDRE MARAIS

Lock 14.06.89 198cm 115kg

Outside half 21.03.89 180cm 87kg

Back row 24.09.88 190cm 104kg

CLEMENT MAYNADIER

TOM PALMER

ALEXANDRE PILATI

Lock 27.03.79 200cm 118kg

Wing 24.01.96 175cm 86kg

Hooker 11.10.88

187cm 102kg

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Suppliers of fresh produce to the Ulster Rugby team.

Official suppliers of fresh produce to the Ulster Rugby team.

GET SOCIAL. FOLLOW US.

UlsterRugby

UlsterRugbyOfficial

OfficialUlsterRugby

#SUFTUM

JEFFERSON POIROT

JEAN-BAPTISTE POUX

JULIEN REY

Centre 01.09.86 190cm 90kg

Prop 01.11.92

Prop 26.09.79 180cm 105kg

181cm 100kg

PETER SAILI

BAPTISTE SERIN

JAYDEN SPENCE

Flanker 12.04.88 190cm 110kg

Scrum half 20.06.94 180cm 76kg

Centre 14.08.91 172cm 91kg

BORDEAUX BEGLES

METUISELA TALEBULA

ERONI TUWAI

SÉBASTIEN TAOFIFENUA

Full back 24.04.91 186cm 88kg

Wing 12.06.95 182cm 83kg

Prop 21.03.92 178cm 125kg

MARCO TAULEIGNE

KOBUS VAN WYK

JOE VAKACEGU

Back row 30.09.93 191cm 113kg

Wing 22.01.92 190cm 98kg

Centre 28.10.88 188cm 107kg

JONE WAQALIVA

Keep up to date with the latest player profiles, career stats and player news at www.ubbrugby.com PLAYER STATS

Centre 18.06.95 189cm 108kg

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VOLUNTEER PROFILE: ROSS FERGUSON, MALONE RFC

In our Volunteer Focus series, we will be profiling some of the outstanding rugby volunteers and highlighting the tremendous work carried out by them.

In this feature we will focus on Ross Ferguson, Head of Women’s Rugby at Malone RFC. Ross is a long-standing member of Malone RFC, having played with the club since 1991 before taking up a coaching role in 2014. As Ross comments, getting involved in coaching was a very natural progression for him: “After I stopped playing I missed being involved so I started by becoming a fitness development volunteer with Ulster Rugby and this led to me helping out with our Under 18 girls. At first I was quite apprehensive but after I met the squad, I was surprised not only by their enthusiasm but also their commitment to the game, so I was delighted to get involved.” Ross currently volunteers three days a week at the club where he dedicates his time to the U18 Girls, Senior Ladies and Girls Minis. During the week he will meet with his fellow coaches to review their games, plan sessions and discuss the development needs of their players and teams. He also keeps regular contact with the youth players and minis parents so they are aware of what is planned and to give them the assurance that their children are being looked after in a safe and supportive environment. Ross trains the Malone U18s girls and adults on a Wednesday evening, with games taking place most Sunday’s. Saturday mornings are generally reserved for mini rugby, with young girls from Primary 1 to Year 8 taking part, having fun while learning the fundamental skills of rugby. While there may have been an initial degree of apprehension, Ross admits that he is now well and truly hooked on the thrill that comes from coaching and seeing the development of an individual or group of players: “It is hard not to get caught up in the buzz. It’s extremely satisfying watching something we’ve worked hard at in training actually come to fruition in a game.” Ross is also keen to pay tribute to the input of others in Malone for the work that has been done

on and off the field in recent times: “Malone is a very progressive club and we have invested a lot in our facilities over the last few seasons with a new gym, new pitches and floodlights, as well as an outdoor gym with four all-weather running tracks. They have fully embraced women’s rugby and offer fantastic support to our Senior, Youth and Minis. For those with little or no coaching experience Malone organise a Stage 1 coaching course so you can learn how to coach the fundamental skills of rugby to kids. The social side of Malone is also a huge plus, a lot of former players are now bringing their own sons and daughters to play mini rugby or watch the 1st XV on a Saturday. It is very much a family club where everyone is welcome.” If you would like to get involved in volunteering at your local club please contact Kerry Spence, Ulster Rugby Volunteer and Policy Development Officer on volunteer@ulsterrugby.com

VOLUNTEER PROFILE

Ross is pictured along with the club’s U18 girls team.

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TREADWELL STARTING TO FLOURISH

While Ulster has struggled for results over the past month, Kieran Treadwell has grown in stature during that time, making four consective starts for the Province.

The 21-year-old moved to Belfast from English Premiership side Harlequins during the summer and has now racked up 10 appearances for Les Kiss’ men. Treadwell, a powerful second row, says that he’s settled in Belfast pretty quickly and that is having a positive effect for his rugby.

figure out what we have to do. We worked really hard and you can’t take that away from the boys. “We put in a huge effort during the game - statistically, all our metres ran were up - it was very fast paced. Exeter are a good side, Sandy Park is a tough place to go and on the day they simply performed better than us. “You are only as good as your last performance and unfortunately that didn’t go the way we planned.” With Ulster’s European assault effectively ended for another season, Treadwell insists today’s tussle with Bordeaux is about pride in the jersey and repaying the loyalty of the fans. “We’ve got to just go out there, play rugby, enjoy it and prove ourselves in front of our home crowd. Prep has gone well this week, we’ve put in a few big training days and some analysis meetings. Hopefully we can put in a big one come Saturday.” Beyond today, Treadwell and the rest of the squad are focussed on delivering results in the Guinness PRO12, and he claims they are targeting the next block of fixtures as must-win games. “We have a good run coming up, especially some key home games, which will help us a lot, but we all know that we need to improve and hold our nerve on the road. Our goal now is silverware in the PRO12 and everyone will do everything in their power to get us there,” he declared.

KIERAN TREADWELL “Moving here was an easy transition for me, I have lots of good people around me. I knew Brett (Herron) before I came here, so I had some familiarity. The coaches are fantastic here and so are the fans, everyone has made me feel really welcome.

“I feel like the supporters here are unbelievable, they are so passionate and they make me feel passionate about playing for Ulster as well.” Treadwell, who was called into Joe Schmidt’s Ireland training squad over the festive period, admits that he still has plenty to work on in terms of his game development. “I’m still a young guy, so I just have to keep working hard to make the squad and contribute as much as I can to the team. Les has given me opportunities and it’s up to me to make the most of them.” Reflecting on the loss to Exeter on Sunday, which all but ended Ulster’s hopes of progression to the Champions Cup knock-out stages, Treadwell expressed his disappintment: “Sunday was a bitter pill to swallow. I think we just need to go back to the drawing board and try to

40

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“I FEEL LIKE THE SUPPORTERS HERE ARE UNBELIEVABLE, THEY ARE SO PASSIONATE AND THEY MAKE ME FEEL PASSIONATE ABOUT PLAYING FOR ULSTER AS WELL.”

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TRY OF THE ROUND

We all love to see fantastic tries and there will be a one-stop shop to see the pick of them from the European Rugby Champions Cup with EPCR’s Try of the Round competition. There have been some scintillating tries in this season’s tournament already. Fans combined with Sky Sports’ Will Greenwood in Round 1 to determine Dan Robson’s score for Wasps against Zebre Rugby as the best of the opening weekend, although it was run close by Connacht’s Niyi Adeolokun. BT Sport expert Brian O’Driscoll plumped for Tyler Bleyendaal’s try for Munster Rugby against Glasgow Warriors on tournament debut in Round 2 and Leinster Rugby then scooped the accolades in Round 3 thanks to Jamison Gibson-Park’s fleet-footed try in the away win at Northampton Saints.

On the Monday after each round of matches in the pool stage, rugby fans are able to relive five of the best tries from the ten matches of the weekend through epcrugby.com and oŽcial social media channels of the tournament. From that shortlist, users will be able to vote for their preferred try which will have an impact on the eventual outcome, which will be decided by a distinguished rugby expert. Further polls will then be conducted after the semi-finals with the action taken from the first six matches of the knockout rounds and then, a try of the season competition will follow. Exciting prizes will be on o’er for rugby fans engaging with Try of the Round on social media. Keep a keen eye on EPCR’s digital and social channels for more details!

TWITTER DISCUSSES THE NEW SIGNINGS...

WHAT TWITTER HAD TO SAY

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Heady thoughts of success in Europe this season were effectively, yet again, consigned to the ‘what might have been’ file in Exeter last Sunday. TIME FOR ALL TO JOIN THE TEAM!

In truth Ulster’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions Cup knockout stages were fatally undermined by a literally pointless opening Pool 5 trip to Bordeaux in October, and today’s lunchtime rendezvous with the same opposition does offer the opportunity of avenging that reverse - though it won’t alter the remainder of the team’s diary for this season: sporting Brexit was triggered earlier than planned. The Guinness PRO12 will become the sole, committed target for Les Kiss and his players, and there is much ground to be made up in that competition if the semi-finals are to become a realistic target. There was, of course, widespread disappointment in the squad and amongst supporters that the annual European odyssey was to all intents and purposes at an end, though the spirit and style of Ulster’s performance at Sandy Park on Sunday deserved – and received – some plaudits. This afternoon a real boost for the panel and – very definitely for the Kingspan fans – would be a convincing win and a rousing performance today against Bordeaux-Bégles as we bid ‘au revoir’ to the Cup tournament which so thrills and excites us all. Ulster famously became the first Irish team to win the European Cup in never-to-be-forgotten days and nights in 1998/99, games which have since inspired an increasingly fierce desire to repeat that wondrous feat by Harry Williams’ collection of talented players, a few truly professional, but most of them earning livings outside the game. Somehow the coach organised training schedules to suit his ambitious and determined group, but as Ulster came to terms with the professional era at a rather more gentile pace than other clubs in the world the triumph of Lansdowne Road in January 1999, against French opponents Colomiers, wasn’t even a pipe dream: surviving at Ebbw Vale and Edinburgh were the immediate concerns of early autumn! These are very different times. The professional game is firmly established, and with that demands of everyone, from coaches to supporters, have become more intense, the relationship with players more complex as the training and playing environments have been become so sophisticated that clubs – and international sides to an even greater extent – feel they must have some influence, if not control, over matters off the pitch. The contrast with the amateur game of just 20 years ago is startling, the effects on the sport varied and subject still to debate: the technique and technical

quality of the modern player is unquestioned, and with the specific, specialised coaching which has developed in parallel the overall standards on the field have soared. Alongside the progress in identifying, nurturing and maturing talented rugby players whose gifts can earn them handsome livings so too has grown a slick, truly professional administrative arm to the most ambitious clubs, and Ulster has set the template in terms of a state-of-the-art stadium, a priority on supporter welfare and in the provision of a rugby ‘experience’ at Kingspan Stadium. Identifying Friday night rugby as a trigger for expanding the game’s appeal is something that has worked superbly. A whole new audience was instantly created in the 90s: players, officials and supporters of clubs committed – as now – to Saturday afternoons suddenly were able to watch the Province in competitive action, and shrewd marketing made a night at Onslow Parade an attractive social proposition for all the family. The media was quick to reflect the growing interest in the Ulster team as it travelled ever more widely each year as the Celtic League grew into today’s Guinness PRO12 Championship, while the European challenges added real exotica to the sporting calendar. From three Inter-Pros and a few friendlies each season, illuminated occasionally by the visit of a touring international team, to a diary of games which stretches from early August to the end of May illustrates the phenomenal change in Ulster’s season. With tangible silverware rewards at stake, hopes and aspirations each late summer are always high, the relish for combat palpable, the atmosphere in a wonderful sporting amphitheatre electric. At what we like to call ‘grassroots’ level there have been consequences, some of them very challenging in an age when professional sport is so dominant in the public psyche. ‘Managing Change’ is one of the modern mantras, to some a pretentious and rather glib description of sometimes irrevocable transition, and it is an ongoing process as the sport and its governing bodies continue to wrestle with their responsibilities and obligations beyond 80 action- packed minutes from the best players in the world each week. On that top tier of the professional game results are king, rich tradition which makes the sport so uniquely appealing can be swiftly swept aside if the owners or managing bodies decide that in the balance sought between development and actual success

GUEST ARTICLE - ROD NAWN

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