Ulster Rugby vs Newport Dragons

LEADING THE FIELD

Welcome to Kingspan Stadium, the home of Ulster Rugby for an exciting Friday evening Guinness PRO12 clash against Newport Gwent Dragons. We are delighted to welcome you to this fantastic state-of-the-art ground for another night of top class rugby and the perfect start to the weekend. Despite an emphatic win against Oyonnax, Ulster were unable to progress in the European Champions Cup and the focus now shifts to the PRO12 and tonight’s opposition who will be keen to advance their position with a win here tonight. Kingspan Stadium has become known for a warm welcome that is backed up by a formidable performance, and I have no doubt that our guests tonight will experience this first hand. On behalf of Kingspan, I would like to wish the squad and management of Ulster Rugby every success this evening. Enjoy the game, create the atmosphere and help ensure this is another Kingspan Stadium night to remember.

Pat Freeman Divisional Managing Director

IRFU ULSTER BRANCH OFFICERS Bobby Stewart // President John McKibbin // Senior Vice President Graffin Parke // Junior Vice President John McKibbin // Honorary Secretary Michael Boyd // Honorary Treasurer Denis Gardiner // 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

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Kingspan Stadium this evening for this Guinness PRO12 match between Ulster and Newport Gwent Dragons.

tonight is a round 12 game having been postponed to allow Ulster to play Oyonnax in the Champions Cup. A win tonight would put Ulster in a strong position with two more home games coming up in February. Instonians play in the final of the Ulster Bank All Ireland Junior Cup against Enniscorthy at Ashbourne tomorrow and I wish them well. I would like to congratulate Bangor and Clogher Valley who were defeated in the semi-finals, however to have three teams from Ulster in the semi-final stages indicates that junior rugby is on a firm footing. I hope that you all enjoy the game and give Newport Gwent Dragons a great Ulster reception this evening. Good luck to Ulster and remember, STAND UP FOR THE ULSTERMEN! Bobby Stewart // President IRFU (Ulster Branch)

I would particularly like to welcome the officials, players, supporters and coaches who have made the trip from Wales and I hope that you enjoy your time in Belfast. The Welsh region travels to Belfast following a very good win at Rodney Parade against Leinster and will be buoyant. Ulster, following a bonus point win at Treviso will also be confident but they will need to be at their best to overcome Dragons tonight. In Treviso last Saturday, Lorcan Dow and Jacob Stockdale were awarded their first caps for Ulster and I would like to congratulate them and wish them a long and successful career at Ulster. The last time these teams met was back in November when Ulster came away with a narrow win. The league table is very tight at the top with only three points separating the first top teams. This game

Kingspan Stadium, 85 Ravenhill Park, Belfast, BT6 0DG T // +44 (0)28 9049 3222 ulsterrugby.com

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Welcome back to this match in Round 12 of the Guinness PRO12 and it is at this time of year that the push for the Play-Offs as well as automatic qualification places for Europe are at stake. Add to the mix the drama of the RBS 6 Nations, that will feature 117 Guinness PRO12 players, and it all amounts to a key time of year for the unions, clubs, players and fans alike. Many of you will have followed the recent games in Europe and will join me in congratulating Connacht and Newport Gwent Dragons who, for the second successive year, have reached the knockout stages of the European Challenge Cup. Ulster will be keen to maintain their momentum and move top of the table should they win tonight. The Newport Gwent Dragons too had a notable win over Leinster last week. Both teams will now want to improve their standing in the Guinness PRO12 table, so there’s a lot at stake this evening. Once again, the league table tells the story of how competitive the Guinness PRO12 is. Just eleven points separates table toppers Scarlets (40 points) from eighth place Glasgow Warriors (29 points) and, despite the seasonal weather, on average over four tries have been scored per match. Throw in a couple more stats including the average winning margin (the difference between points scored and conceded in a game) stands at 9.66 and that 56 percent of the games played to date has resulted in the losers finishing within seven points of the opposing teams and therefore claiming a bonus point, once again epitomises the strength, depth and quality of the teams in the Guinness PRO12 championship. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish the teams, players and officials all the very best for their games this weekend including those who are competing or involved in the RBS 6 Nations Championship. Enjoy the game.

Together Stronger

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TODAY’S MASCOTS

MASCOTS

JACK CRAIG (12) Jack is from Antrim and attends Antrim

PAUL McKENNA (9) Paul is from Castleblayney and attends Blayney Boys School. He plays rugby and soccer at school but enjoys all sports. His favourite player is Tommy Bowe, because he is from Monaghan. When he grows up he would like to be a sports physio or a rugby player.

Grammar School. He plays rugby at school and also enjoys listening to music. Jack’s favourite player is Craig Gilroy because he is unreal on the pitch. When he grows up he would like to be an RAF pilot.

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KYLE TAKES THE STEPPING STONES TO SUCCESS

Les Kiss has described his contribution this season as ‘remarkable’, and he has quickly become a favourite with the fans as he put in a series of ‘man-of-the-match’ displays.

At just 24, Kyle McCall has become an integral part of Ulster’s front-row, a loose-head prop who allies technical excellence to astonishing mobility and work rate. Not that the modest young man who learned his rugby at Wallace High School would make claim to any of those attributes, for he is steadfast in believing that he has still much work to do to achieve his ambition of establishing himself in the one team he has always aspired to play for: Ulster. And he shrugs off compliments, preferring not to comment on his Director of Rugby’s praise as one of the great discoveries of this season. He feels he’s just one of a new crop of younger players who’ve stepped up and positively answered questions

“Gary Longwell was Head of the Academy and it was such a boost for me when he invited me to join, and I saw it as a great chance to build my fitness, improve my strength and to develop the technique a prop forward needs. “Technique is key, and if people thought I was small then I wanted to show them that having the right skills, and learning from the best coaches we have in the Ulster set-up, could get me a career in the game. It feels as if it’s only started, but the signs are good and I don’t hear too much now about my height, and I know I’m as fit – if not fitter – than many others in my position,” he says. He gives a lot of credit for his physical development to Kevin Geary, David Drake and the Strength and Conditioning staff at Ulster Rugby, and with the state-of-the-art

KYLE McCALL

about their readiness for the grind, the hard yards, the physicality, the application and then the rewards of producing skilful, thoughtful, entertaining rugby. And though he admits to being flattered by some recent speculation that he might have even been a ‘wild card’ for Ireland’s Six Nations campaign, he is determinedly focussed on ensuring the next six weeks plunders wins and points in the pursuit of a top four place in the Guinness PRO12 league.

facilities at Kingspan Stadium he sees himself developing further, his regime tailored specifically for him so that the qualities he brings to his play are not diluted, rather enriched. Kyle’s determination, and his performances, earned him Ulster and Ireland Under 18 and U19 recognition, and when he graduated to the Ulster U20s he was in the company he now keeps in the senior set-up.

“To me it’s all about stepping stones, to grow into the best I can be, and I certainly want to do that in an Ulster jersey,” says McCall, instinctively shy, but who proves amusing, wry and enjoyable company. There was a point, he once said, when he thought that a Schools’ Cup semi-final defeat by BRA might be the highlight of his rugby career, though he was very keen to prove those who doubted if he had the size and strength to flourish at the coalface of forward play. “I do accept and find it a bit surprising that in November I was seen as third-choice at loose-head, and I definitely don’t want to feel comfortable that I am the first name in that position, that way lies complacency and I honestly believe I have so much more to learn about the skillsets required at prop,” he says with real conviction. “I’ve been fortunate, I got an opportunity and I’ve tried to take it, but I’ve only got 14 Ulster ‘caps’, there are players around me with over 200!

“Yes, Luke Marshall, Paul Jackson and Iain Henderson were all part of that team, and they haven’t done too badly! “At Under 20 level I was actually more often selected at tight-head - and to be honest to this day I don’t mind as long as I am picked! – but I do feel more comfortable on the loose-head side, and Allen Clarke was involved with the Irish U20s and he was very involved in the transition from tight-head,” he reveals. Mind you, though Kyle made his debut for the Ulster ‘A’ side, at tight-head, so he might be excused for wondering where he’d end up! “No, I knew the position I wanted to play, the one where I thought I brought most to the side, whatever side, I was playing for, and it’s worked out very well so far. Rugby runs in the family, his father was a stalwart member of the Lisburn front-row for many years, and

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Kyle’s brother Zach is another McCall to watch as he’s part of the Ulster Sub-Academy – and, surprise, surprise, a prop! “We actually played together for Ballynahinch against Queen’s in November, and that’s something we will remember, and maybe we’ll do that again in another jersey!” he ponders with an engaging smile. “As a group we’re really disappointed we didn’t make the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup, but we have a six-week block of PRO12 games which we really must make work for us, a play- off spot is the target and we need to perform.” He agrees Les Kiss’ arrival as Director of Rugby was refreshing, that he was ‘a new face’ who brought energy and gave the whole squad a boost, but he believes that the improved form from November, and some superb results in Europe – particularly against Toulouse home and away – was always “bubbling away, just ready to come out” and he is in no doubt that the future, immediate and longer-term, will bring trophies to Kingspan Stadium. “We’re going to have a real ‘go’ at the PRO12 this season, and what’s being built at Ulster is definitely going to deliver in the next few years. The fans have been great, but they do want something tangible and the players feel more than ever that we are on the right track, with the right people in charge,” he says. “For myself I just want to keep enjoying playing rugby, hopefully for the senior team as often as possible, but I always keep reminding myself that for the club and for me as an individual it’s about stepping stones: learning more each day, each game, developing and growing in confidence. “Ulster is the club I aspired to play for since I was a youngster, it’s where I want to stay, because I know some great things are going to happen here, that we’ll build the squad, improve what we have, and compete at the very highest level.” Kyle McCall, the prop forward built-for-purpose, readies himself for an afternoon session in the gym, he looks happy: “I enjoyed that chat, see you around.” And he’s already checking his kit as he leaves the room heading for more ‘building’.

“TOME IT’S ALL ABOUT STEPPING STONES, TO GROW

INTO THE BEST I CAN BE, AND I CERTAINLY WANT TO DO THAT IN AN ULSTER JERSEY”

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IT’S ALL COMING TO A HEAD

GET TO KNOW STUART OLDING

SQUAD Q & A

FAVOURITE TV SERIES? Game of Thrones FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION? Thailand FAVOURITE PLACE TO DINE OUT? Little Wing FAVOURITE HOBBY/PAST TIME? Road trips with Hendy and Jacko IF YOU WERE A CARTOON CHARACTER, WHO WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? Simba, he was my favourite growing up BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN? That’s in the past WHAT IS YOUR PRE-MATCH ROUTINE? Just whatever I feel like doing DO YOU HAVE ANY LUCK CHARMS? No WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG PERSON PLAYING YOUR POSITION? Don’t forget to work on the things you’re good at WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS/AMBITIONS FOR THIS SEASON? Be better than I was before the injury

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT STUART FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER @STUART_OLDING

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THANK YOU ALAN McCALDIN Tonight’s game marks the end of Alan McCaldin’s role as physiotherapist to the senior squad.

He is a real team player. It has been my good fortune to have worked alongside Alan, despite the fact he is a Liverpool fan! I know? If ever there is an example of equal opportunity in the workplace. Enough of the serious stuff… Dan (Tuohy) reckons he is the person he would most like to be stuck in a lift with because his story telling is legendary. His many tales from school, rugby, Greenmount and farming often hold court in the treatment room. Without doubt his finest tale involves a groin injury, a healer from Rathfriland and three sisters in America who couldn’t get pregnant. You’ll need a seat; it takes a while – actions included. His audience invariably end up in stitches of laughter even if they have heard it all before. Just so you know his groin healed and the three sisters fell pregnant. Totally unrelated we are told. There are a couple of glaring regrets with Alan. The less obvious one involves the morning after the Heineken Cup Final and the fact we didn’t get to see him in a pair of salmon pink chinos – he found his own denims eventually. But the daily regret will be that he didn’t compete in Radio 2’s popmaster. This is his thing each day. Whoever was being treated had no choice. They were listening to Ken Bruce at 10.30am. Let me tell you his knowledge of music is good. He consistently does well and loves nothing better than pulling a random 1970’s artist out of nowhere as a correct answer. In addition to his knowledge he does fancy himself as a bit of a singer. Without warning he will break into a song but often it does come with the warning. Famously he once busked in Limerick - just ask Chris Henry. He found him, parked in the back row of a group of singers, eyes closed giving it loads. It seems only Chris noticed and Alan moved on before he was asked to. It’s been muted that we may well retire Radio 2 and popmaster now that he has gone. Alan’s finest comedic moment was observed by only a few in Monza the morning of a European Cup game in 2012. The staff were watching the team go through some final preparations in the hotel carpark. While he was attempting to balance on the edge of a kerb Alan lost his footing. The stumble forward became a run which lead to a forward roll which ended in Alan bouncing to his feet. It looked rehearsed to perfection. Technique and timing were perfect. The move was more akin

After eight years with Ulster Rugby he has decided its time to try ventures new including some ventures old! I would like to take this opportunity to thank, pay tribute to and remenise about the quiet unassuming former dairy farmer turned physiotherapist from Dromore, but instead I’m going to tell you about Alan… To be honest, he is rarely referred to as Alan amongst us. He is more commonly known as either ‘The Bandit’ or ‘The Fridge’. Having hoodwinked the handicap committee at camp, he won the annual Ulster Open and the coveted ‘Purple Jacket’ on his first attempt. Hence, the name, ‘Bandit’. He also holds the record of holding the purple jacket for the shortest period of time – he managed to lose it in the subsequent court session that evening! ‘The Fridge’ was bestowed upon him as apparently his body shape resembles that of a fridge – I suspect a free standing fridge freezer type? Whether it’s Alan, ‘the Bandit’ or ‘the Fridge’, he is without doubt one of the most popular, personable and likeable characters in the squad. He is going to be sorely missed by all of us here at Ulster Rugby. Before I share a few tales with you, it is important to say that as a clinician Alan is hugely talented, experienced and a respected physiotherapist. He has been a huge asset to the medical department and our players alike. Having worked alongside him and observed him for the last eight years I know how he values the players, has their safety and interest at heart for the good of the player and the team. His recent concern over Alan O’Connor’s chest hair and a shoulder strapping may have taken his duty of care too far and it’s best he explains?! Over the last few years he has developed his interest and skill set around the area of rehabilitation. There are numerous examples of players who have worked with him closely as they neared return to play. Equally he has identified and addressed areas of risk in competing players, to their benefit. Alan’s hip, groin and yoga classes along with his choice of attire have become the stuff of folk lore – turning up wearing Marshy’s t-shirt from four seasons ago which is far too tight and his retro Kukri gym shorts which he just won’t part with, clearly! As a colleague he is trustworthy and loyal.

GOODBYE AND GOOD LUCK

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to the gymnastics floor than the hotel car park. I’m not sure I’ve seen Kyle (Alexander) laugh as much since! Pure McCaldin gold. Maybe you had to be there but I’m glad I was! Like us all, Alan was deeply shocked and moved by the tragedy of Nevin’s death. I remember sitting with him the morning after we heard the news. He could relate to the accident because of his farming background and his own experiences. He liked Nevin, he enjoyed him as a player and as a patient. His tears that morning were genuine and heartfelt. Even now something will be said or a story retold in the treatment room and Alan and I will look at eachother both thinking of Nevin. Like us all, he misses him dearly. There is plenty more to tell, of course, but some things are best left unsaid! The only thing for certain is that our treatment room has lost something very special today with Alan moving on. Johnny Murphy’s cakes will never seem the same – we might get a slice now! In time another physiotherapist will be appointed and the level of physiotherapy service for our players will be maintained. I think the perfect way to finish this up is to say that whoever that physiotherapist is they will not be ‘replacing’ Alan, because that will be impossible and unfair to them. Thanks the Bandit! Go Ayzee,

GG (Gareth Robinson) // Head of Physiotherapy

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SONI SET TO HONOUR LOCAL RUGBY VOLUNTEERS

A new initiative, which aims to honour and recognise the dedication of community rugby volunteers across Ulster was launched last week by Ulster Rugby and SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland).

CELEBRATING RUGBY VOLUNTEERS

The SONI Community Rugby Champions programme is being pioneered by SONI who is responsible for running the electricity grid across the Province. It follows the recent announcement of its title sponsorship deal with the Ulster Senior League. The awards will honour the contributions made by volunteers right across the Province, including everyone from the Head Coach to young volunteers, fundraisers, minibus drivers or tea ladies - any volunteer who has been involved with the club for at least six months is eligible to enter. Judges will be looking for those who have made a positive contribution to their club and someone who goes above and beyond the call of duty for the love of the game and their club. Four finalists will be shortlisted from four regions and will be invited to attend Ulster Rugby’s glittering end of year awards ceremony with all finalists receiving a £500 bursary for their local club and the overall champion winning £1,000, as well as being crowned the SONI Community Rugby Champion. Chris Webster, Domestic Rugby Manager at Ulster Rugby, said it is important that the hard work and dedication of volunteers, who give up their free time, is suitably recognised and rewarded: “Rugby clubs play a huge part in their community and they rely heavily on the dedication of volunteers, who don’t always get the recognition they deserve.

“The SONI Community Rugby Champions award is a fantastic way to recognise volunteers’ achievements and to say thank you for all their hard work, commitment and devotion to their local club. We’re thrilled with SONI’s level of commitment since their sponsorship with the Ulster Senior League and for championing and supporting such a great initiative.” Robin McCormick, General Manager of SONI added: “As part of our sponsorship with the Ulster Senior League, we are delighted to have this opportunity to reward people who give up their free time to ensure the smooth running of community rugby in their area. Without volunteers, local clubs which play such a crucial and positive role in communities, simply wouldn’t be able to survive. SONI is committed to benefiting local communities and we do that through ensuring the safe, secure and efficient supply of electricity across Northern Ireland, so we’re proud to be the driving force behind an initiative which rewards those who are dedicated to serving their community.” The deadline for entries is Tuesday 8th March. Anyone can nominate by filling out the online application form, at www.ulsterrugby.com/ communitychampions. For more information on SONI visit www.soni.ltd.uk or follow on Twitter @soni_ltd.

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Ulster Rugby, in conjunction with the Public Health Agency (PHA), launched its community based health and wellbeing strategy recently at Kingspan Stadium. The ‘Ulster Rugby at the Heart of the Community’ ULSTER RUGBY SUPPORTING HEALTHIER CLUBS AND COMMUNITIES

HEALTH AND WELLBEING STRATEGY

delighted to see such a big turnout at today’s launch, which highlights the importance of this strategy.” Chris Shields, Ulster Rugby’s Fitness Education Manager, added: “The strategy seeks to ensure that Ulster Rugby continues to promote a positive social experience whereby people feel connected and fulfilled by a lifelong involvement in Rugby Union.” Dr Eddie Rooney Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency said: “The Public Health Agency recognise sporting bodies play an important role in the health and wellbeing of our communities. We welcome Ulster Rugby’s commitment to those involved in the game, with the publication of their first ever health and wellbeing strategy ‘Rugby at the heart of the community’. “PHA is committed to continuing their work with sporting bodies to promote healthy behaviours through physical activity and by promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing, good nutrition, and drug and alcohol awareness. “We look forward to continuing this important work in the future.”

health and wellbeing strategy was formally welcomed by Ulster Rugby President, Bobby Stewart and Domestic Rugby Manager, Chris Webster, as well as Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency. Ulster’s Director of Rugby, Les Kiss, along with players Chris Henry, Peter Nelson and Wiehahn Herbst, were also in attendance at the launch. As part of the on going development and growth of the game, Ulster Rugby recognises the significant health benefits attached to participation and involvement in Rugby Union. Working from a preventative approach the key actions and programme’s emerging from the strategy will be focus on the following four themes; physical activity, nutrition, healthy lifestyle and mental and emotional wellbeing. The vision for this strategy is ‘Meeting the needs of the Person, the Player, the Club & the Community’. Commenting at the event, Bobby Stewart said: “Supporting the welfare of everyone involved in the game both on and off the pitch and promoting positive health and wellbeing is an emerging priority moving forward for this organisation. I’m

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THE INSPIRATION OF ‘THE COMEBACK KID’! Few stories in life move us more than those which have a redemptive quality about them, and sport is no exception.

athleticism and fire which brought them into the spotlight. Tommy Bowe has endured some really long periods of injury and the buoyant winger’s character is such that – in public at least – he sees and determines to realise the future in a jersey of white, of green and of Lions! Iain Henderson’s heroics with Ireland over the last year brought serious injury at the World Cup in the autumn but, like Bowe, he focuses only on a full and committed return to action. Stephen Ferris, as we all know, lost his courageous battle to overcome chronic problems with his body, but how he fought to save his career, to continue to thrill and create awe for his club and country. Even as we all feared the flanker’s wonderful personality and resilient character wasn’t going to emerge triumphant this time, he went out in a manner we’ll never forget: coming off the bench, and within seconds thunderously smashing the opposition ball-carrier back twenty yards and more! Ferris remains in our memories for his derring- do, his great rugby talents and his wondrous athleticism, but also because of an engaging relationship which each supporter who recognised in him a spirit they would have coveted, but instead admired, respected and embraced him. Stephen has those elements to bulwark him as his young life continues, so ultimate sporting redemption – storming through Ulster, Irish and Lions’ opposition! - was perhaps denied him, but, hey, did he have a ‘go’! Of course being restored to the shelf of previous celebrity, adoration and admiration comes in all sorts of ways, by all manner of paths. Those who have made mistakes in their lives sometimes pay more heavily because they have been in the limelight, been that strange beast: ’a role model’. A few drinks too many in full view of a disappointed observer can spark a rumour, an unfortunate headline. More heinous breaches obviously need harder work to be forgiven and placed back on the pedestal earned through great deeds and previous unblemished character. But in sport, injury is an insidious threat which the best amongst us never worry about, but when

In fact the games we love and enjoy often feed off the emotional aspects of human behaviour and responses. There are extremes of course, where the genius has been toppled from his tower through his or her own frailty, and George Best, that wondrous son of Belfast, was ever welcomed back from each misdemeanour or fall from grace because his talent and personality were so winning. Again in sport Muhammad Ali’s refusal to be drafted by the US Army on religious grounds saw him not just lose his prized world heavyweight championship and a ban from boxing, but in a nation mired in the Vietnam War great swathes of public opinion scorned and spurned him. When the judicial system finally allowed him to return to the ring, where he ultimately regained his crown, attitudes were slowly changing and the former Cassius Clay was to go on and embellish his reputation with awesome bouts with Frazier and Foreman. Now he is genuinely loved and regarded all over the world, and sadly stricken with Parkinson’s. Redemption can come in many forms, not as spectacularly colourful or partisan as in the cases of Best and Ali, and each day the sports pages – and news pages too! - will be filled with stories of men and women who have, against the odds, returned to the pinnacle after setbacks, public or private. England expects that its new captain can find a road back into the affections of rugby followers and of the ethical community, and new coach Eddie Jones has taken the high-risk route by appointing Northampton’s frequently unavailable hooker Dylan Hartley! But here at Kingspan Stadium over nearly two years a plethora of players have suffered serious downturns in fortune with injuries. The medical staff, the sports science support systems, the Strength and Conditioning team at Ulster is second-to-none, and very often, without fuss, players with quite serious injuries are carefully brought back to full health. Those will long-terms injuries – perhaps even career-threatening – tend to keep their emotions under wrap, ‘play a good game’ in the public eye, and work tirelessly to regain the fire of old, the

ROD NAWN

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ARTICLE BY ROD NAWN FREELANCE JOURNALIST AND SPORTS ENTHUSIAST @RODNAWN1

Tommy Bowe has had his demons to deal with regarding serious injury, but only last week he was ‘purring’ at his team-mate’s and friend’s active return to the fold. “It’s said too easily, but we have watched Stuart work his way back from two cruciate injuries – things which would have done for many a lesser character – and I know that I have just found his recovery truly inspirational. “Whatever ‘face’ you manage for the public, no matter how positive you are naturally, we all have our ‘moments’, dark thoughts when not involved in playing, often having to rest and wait for the healing process to take grip. “Stuart Olding available and firing for Ulster, ready to fight for an Ireland place again, that’s just a good news story, period,” says the hugely intelligent Bowe, for once that endearing laconic delivery steeled by unmistakeable admiration. Of course, rugby and any other sport is dotted with instances of early, sad retirements or fading powers because of injury, in Ulster’s European Cup-winning season another blond-haired centre, Mark McCall, was reluctantly forced from the game he adorned by a chronically-timed problem. His success as English club rugby’s most successful coach, at mighty Saracens, is deserved reward for a rugby brain which might have been too easily lost to the game. At every school, at every club, there are instances of careers – high-flying or not – which have been cut short, enjoyment of the sport curtailed through unfortunate happenstance. But for Stuart Olding there is a redemptive quality to his very welcome return to arms, but he shortened the odds against that by his own character, hard work and bloody-mindedness, helped immeasurably by the expert medical guidance of the Kingspan team. Tonight, perhaps, the Dragons might feel the fire of his undiminished flames on their necks when a rejuvenated Ulster starts a series of three home games in a fortnight. A win is critical to the Ulster side’s PRO12 ambitions, for Stuart Olding there’s victory in being involved again.

it happens it must be addressed. Darren Cave, Jared Payne, Andrew Trimble, Peter Nelson and Luke Marshall are just a few of the Ulster squad who have demonstrated – unsurprisingly – the self-belief and application to return to fitness, talents undimmed and ambition burning even more fiercely. Most recently there was the heart-warming sight of a 22-year-old back returning to the Ulster jersey, his enthusiasm for the battle certainly unaffected, his abilities undiluted. But Stuart Olding wasn’t just coming back from a dreaded cruciate injury picked up nine months ago, the likeable young man had just come back from a long ‘rehab’ for the same problem when, minutes into his comeback for the senior side, he was being wheeled back into the Kingspan Stadium treatment room knowing he would be facing another long, gruelling series of operations and physical and mental concentration to take his place again amongst the veritable galaxy of midfield talents Ulster can call its own. For Olding, his family and his friends inside and outside the game, his is a story of remarkable stoicism, of course, but also of an indefatigable spirit and single-minded belief that the last two years have been but the accepted contrast to the rewards he had won for his talents: a professional career and, by 20, international recognition. Les Kiss, the Director of Rugby at Ulster, took particular pleasure in the last fortnight when Olding tested himself, first, for Ulster ‘A’ and celebrated with a typically free-running try, and then he started for the PRO12 team against Treviso last weekend, scoring again in the bonus-point win. Kiss, when in charge of Ireland on the summer tour of North America, selected the youngster for the trip, then gave him his first Ireland ‘cap’. “I never doubted that Stuart would make it back to full fitness, he’s been great to have about even when he could only think about building up his physical work in the gym,” says a man delighted to have his backline wealth growing in interest! “What’s his best position? To be honest I don’t really know for sure, he’s that good. He can do a good job at ‘10’, he’s an intelligent footballer who’s impressed at full-back. Just to have him back is great, he offers so much and he deserves some good luck now.”

21

JOHN ANDREW

SAM ARNOLD

Hooker 26.05.93 181cm 101kg 9 —

Centre 08.04.96 182cm 96kg

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

11 —

MARK BEST

RORY BEST

Centre 02.12.89 185cm 87kg

Hooker 15.08.82 178cm 106kg 179 89

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

— —

SQUAD 2015/16 CALLUM BLACK

TOMMY BOWE

Prop 25.02.86 180cm 110kg

Wing 22.02.84 190cm 100kg 135 67

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

98 —

PETER BROWNE

DARREN CAVE

Second row 25.10.87 201cm 116kg 5 —

Centre 05.04.87 184cm 95kg 168 11 // 11A

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

ROBBIE DIACK

LORCAN DOW

Back row 12.11.85 195cm 110kg 164 2 // 2A

No. 8 27.01.95 191cm 106kg 1 —

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

WILLIE FALOON

CRAIG GILROY

Back row 30.09.86 186cm 100kg

Wing 11.03.91 183cm 90kg 122 6 // 2A

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

67 —

22

IAIN HENDERSON

CHRIS HENRY

Second row 21.02.92 199cm 117kg 52 23 // 3A

Back row 17.10.84 191cm 105kg 140 24

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

SQUAD 2015/16

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

WIEHAHN HERBST

ROB HERRING

Prop 05.07.88 180cm 120kg

Hooker 27.04.90 185cm 102kg 88 1 // 2A

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

39 —

IAN HUMPHREYS

PADDY JACKSON

Flyhalf 24.04.82 178cm 84kg 111 7A

Flyhalf 05.01.92 180cm 87kg 94 13 // 1A

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

CONOR JOYCE

LOUIS LUDIK

Back row 05.07.93 192cm 106kg 4 —

Utility back 10.08.86 182cm 92kg

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

39 —

RICKY LUTTON

LUKE MARSHALL

Prop 26.02.86 183cm 113kg

Centre 03.11.91 181cm 97kg 74 6

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

41 —

PAUL MARSHALL

KYLE McCALL

Scrumhalf 26.07.85 172cm 80kg 164 3 // 2A

Hooker 02.01.92 177cm 111kg

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

14 —

23

Should’ve gone to Specsavers

Official partner of the Guinness PRO12 referees

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STUART McCLOSKEY

STEPHEN MULHOLLAND

Centre 06.08.92 194cm 111kg

Back row 04.07.90 193cm 108kg 2 —

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

SQUAD 2015/16

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

35 —

JONNY MURPHY

RUAIDHRI MURPHY

Hooker 06.02.92 178cm 106kg

Prop 05.07.87 187cm 114kg 3 —

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

— —

PETER NELSON

ALAN O’CONNOR

Utility back 05.10.92 180cm 85kg

Second row 10.09.92 197cm 114kg

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

31 —

21 —

STUART OLDING

JARED PAYNE

Utility back 11.03.93 176cm 88kg 37 2

POSITION BORN

Fullback 13.10.85 186cm 97kg

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

63 10

RUAN PIENAAR

SEAN REIDY

Scrumhalf 10.03.84 187cm 90kg 107 88 (SA)

Back row 10.05.89 180cm 100kg

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

21 —

BRONSON ROSS

CLIVE ROSS

Prop 16.09.85 183cm 116kg

Back row 14.06.89 192cm 104kg

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

26 —

27 —

25

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RORY SCHOLES

DAVID SHANAHAN

Utility back 24.04.93 187cm 95kg

Scrumhalf 20.06.93 173cm 81kg 8 —

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

SQUAD 2015/16

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

21 —

JONNY SIMPSON

JACOB STOCKDALE

Prop 19.08.90 184cm 110kg

Back Row 03.04.96 190cm 96kg 1 —

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

— —

ANDREW TRIMBLE

FRANK TAGGART

Wing 20.10.84 185cm 97kg 202 58 // 3A

POSITION BORN

Back row 14.10.94 188cm 108kg

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

— —

DAN TUOHY

FRANCO VAN DER MERWE

Second row 18.06.85 197cm 115kg 134 11 // 4A

POSITION BORN

Second row 15.03.83 198cm 117kg

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

43 —

ANDREWWARWICK

NICK WILLIAMS

Prop 12.03.91 179cm 110kg

POSITION BORN

Back row 02.12.91

POSITION BORN

189cm 125kkg

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

40 —

71 —

SAMWINDSOR

ROGER WILSON

Flyhalf 12.07.87 185cm 94kg

POSITION BORN

Back row 21.09.81 190cm 106kg 197 1 // 11 A

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

— —

27

15

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

LOUIS LUDIK

CALLUM BLACK

14 13 12 11 9 10

CRAIG GILROY

ROB HERRING (C)

RICKY LUTTON

DARREN CAVE

ULSTER RUGBY

ALAN O’CONNOR

STUART OLDING

PETER BROWNE

JACOB STOCKDALE

IAN HUMPHREYS

ROBBIE DIACK

SEAN REIDY

RUAN PIENAAR

REPLACEMENTS FROM 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 J ANDREW K McCALL B ROSS C ROSS

N WILLIAMS P MARSHALL P JACKSON R SCHOLES

8

ROGER WILSON

REFEREE ASSISTANT REFEREE’S CITING COMMISSIONER TMO TODAYS OFFICIALS

NIGEL OWENS WRU, 131ST COMPETITION GAME NIGEL CORRELL IRFU // SHANE KIERANS IRFU WAYNE SHERIDEN IRFU KEVIN BEGGS IRFU

28

Ulster Rugby shop @ Kingspan Stadium Monday - Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 10am-2pm

www.ulsterrugbyshop.com

Together Stronger

kukrisports.com

Providing quality bespoke sportswear to athletes and teams

LOUIS LUDIK

Kingspan has been a partner of Ulster Rugby for 10 years and we are now proud to give our name to this Stadium. Our passion, as a global leader in sustainable building solutions, is to deliver the highest levels of performance - always. Our respect for Ulster Rugby and its dedicated fans is absolute. Welcome to the Kingspan Stadium.

kingspan.com

14 13 12 11 15 9 10

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

PHIL PRICE

CARL MEYER

NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS

LEADING THE FIELD ASHTON HEWITT

ELLIOT DEE

BROK HARRIS

ADAM HUGHES

Hello and welcome to Kingspan Stadium, the impressive home of Ulster Rugby, for the opening game of the 2015/16 Guinness PRO12 season. Tonight’s game against the Ospreys, one of the most successful teams in the history of the league, is as fitting an opening fixture as any, with two teams hoping to find firm footing to start their title-contending campaigns. The start of the season is an exciting time for everyone, as players, staff and management are keen to show the product of a long and hard-working pre-season in the world-class facilities that we now call home. As long-term supporters of Ulster Rugby, we share the optimism and enthusiasm of all players, staff and supporters for the season ahead. In the business world, no one day defines your organisation, and at Kingspan we understand that the road to success is hard fought, but with the right team, supporters and infrastructure anything is possible. On behalf of Kingspan, I would like to wish the squad and management of Ulster Rugby every success tonight, and for the Guinness PRO12 season ahead. HALLAM AMOS ADAM WARREN ANGUS O’BRIEN

MATTHEW SCREECH

RYNARD LANDMAN (C)

BEN WHITE

NIC CUDD

CHARLIE DAVIES

Pat Freeman Divisional Managing Director REPLACEMENTS FROM 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 R BUCKLEY B STANKOVICH S KNIGHT C HILL

J BENJAMIN S PRETORIUS G RHYS JONES N SCOTT

ED JACKSON

33

HALLAM AMOS

JAMES BENJAMIN

Fullback 24.09.94 186cm 98kg Wales

Back Row 21.02.94 182cm 96kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

RHYS BUCKLEY

NICK CROSSWELL

Hooker 18.06.89 183cm 111kg —

Back Row 03.04.86 194cm 110kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

SQUAD 2015/16

NIC CUDD

CHARLIE DAVIES

Back Row 12.10.88 180cm 96kg —

Scrumhalf 23.05.90 186cm 97kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

ELLIOT DEE

LEWIS EVANS

Hooker 07.03.94 186cm 105kg —

Back Row 09.07.87 191cm

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

110kg Wales

TAULUPE FALETAU

LLOYD FAIRBROTHER

Back Row 12.11.90 187cm 111kg Wales // British & Irish Lions

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Prop 13.11.91 175cm 123kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

OLIVER GRIFFITHS

HUGH GUSTAFSON

Back Row 23.03.95 185cm 100kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Hooker 08.07.87 183cm 114kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

34

BROK HARRIS

ASHTON HEWITT

Prop 22.02.85 186cm 120kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Wing 20.11.94 180cm 85kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

SQUAD 2015/16

ADAM HUGHES

CORY HILL

Lock 10.02.92 195cm 117kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Centre / Wing 14.02.90 180cm 93kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

DORIAN JONES

ED JACKSON

Flyhalf 27.09.92 175cm 88kg —

Back Row 02.12.88 193cm 110kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

LUC JONES

GERAINT RHYS JONES

Scrumhalf 12.05.94 180cm 85kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Fullback 23.08.87 178cm 90kg Wales

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

RYNARD LANDMAN

SHAUN KNIGHT

Lock 24.07.86 196cm 120kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Prop 09.02.90 180cm 118kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

TYLER MORGAN

CARL MEYER

Centre 11.09.95 186cm

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Fullback 27.05.91 190cm 105kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

102kg Wales

35

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ANGUS O’BRIEN

SAREL PRETORIUS

Flyhalf 17.09.94 180cm 84kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Scrumhalf 18.04.84 175cm 84kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

SQUAD 2015/16

TOM PRYDIE

PHIL PRICE

Prop 10.11.88 185cm 114kg —

Wing 23.02.92 189cm 95kg Wales

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

MATTHEW SCREECH

NICK SCOTT

Lock 24.10.92 198cm 116kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Wing 13.06.90 186cm 97kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

JAMES THOMAS

BORIS STANKOVICH

Prop 01.09.80 183cm 125kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Back Row 17.08.90 193cm 108kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

JASON TOVEY

THOMAS RHYS THOMAS

Hooker 23.04.82 186cm

Flyhalf 28.04.89 180cm 89kg / 14st —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

104kg Wales

ADAMWARREN

ROSS WARDLE

Centre 07.03.91 181cm 92kg Wales

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Wing 28.04.91 188cm 101kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

37