Ulster Rugby Annual Report 2015 - 2016

summer. The variation and streamlining of training times from previous years was appreciated by the players. A total of 36 training sessions or matches took place in preparation for the Inter-provincial series. The team had two warm games. In the first, a 38 player squad travelled to Ashbourne RFC to play Connacht U18s. The Ulster squad performed well, even with the large number of changes to accommodate the squad number, and ran out winners by 29-16. A 26 player squad then travelled to take part in a tournament at Kings’ School, Macclesfield winning all four of their 20 minute matches: Denstone College (20-5); Bristol GS (20-0); St Joseph’s Ipswich (15-0); Warwick School (20 -5). The Inter-provincial series unfortunately did not have Connacht participating at Schools level. This was due to the fact that Connacht had a combined Schools and Club squad and were playing in the Under 18 Club series of games. The first Inter-provincial game was against Leinster at Belfast Harlequins RFC. In a hard fought and competitive match, where both defences came out on top, Leinster just shaded the game, winning by 12-9. This was a disappointing result but the Ulster team performed well. The second game against Munster Schools was played at CBC Cork. Again, in a well contested game, Ulster were unlucky to lose narrowly 18-24. This was a match that should have been won and the lesson learned was that you have to take your chances. Whilst the two defeats in the Inter-provincial games were disappointing, it does not take away from the high level of commitment displayed by the players throughout the period from Easter to September. The team performed well in their games and could easily have won both games with a little bit of luck. The coaching and management team were pleased with the performances and development of the players involved. The team management would also like to acknowledge the co- operation of a number of schools and clubs for the use of their grounds and the high levels of cooperation and support given by their staff. Club facilities used were at Ballymena RFC, Belfast Harlequins RFC and the University of Ulster at Jordanstown.

how far the squad had come on. The game could and should have been won but was lost 17-11 but there were a lot of positives to take into the next game. The game against the U17 Schools side was played at Rainey OBRFC and from the kick-off both side were totally committed and intent on moving the ball. As the game progressed, the U18 Club side proved too strong for the Schools side and produced some good play to win by 39-0. The first Inter-provincial games was against Connacht at Rainey OBRFC. The Ulster side were clearly on top throughout but failed to take their chances. Ulster led 8-5 at half-time but gave away two second half tries and lost 8-15. This was a very disappointing result in a game that Ulster should have won. The second game was against Leinster, again in Rainey. Undoubtedly this was the best performance to date by the Ulster U18 Clubs XV. This was a highly skilful and competitive game with the Ulster side taking a half- time lead of 15-14. Leinster scored two early tries in the second half to lead 28-15. However, Ulster fought back and scored two converted tries to lead 29-18 going into the last two minutes. Unfortunately a late Leinster penalty saw them run out winners by 29-31. This was an outstanding and competitive performance by the Ulster side who deserved great credit for the way they played. The final game was against Munster at CBC Cork. While Ulster competed well, they could not reproduce the heroics of the previous match and lost the game by 7-27. Whilst it is disappointing that the team lost their 3 Inter-provincial games, there are very clear signs of the improvement in the Ulster U18 Club side’s skill levels and performances. The new development structure introduced last season is clearly working and this seasons players are well positioned to challenge for representative selection at U19 and U20 levels. Thanks are due to Rainey OBRFC and the Meadowbank Stadium for the use of their excellent facilities.

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ULSTER U18 SCHOOLS XV

Head Coach Alex Codling Assistant Coach Daniel Soper Assistant Coach David Dougherty Assistant Coach Bryan Young Manager Richard Clinghan Video Analysis Johnny Gillespie Strength & Conditioning Amy Davis

ULSTER WOMEN’S XV

Head Coach Philip Doyle Assistant Coach Jarrett Truscott Manager Kerry Spence

Physio George Dennison Doctor Phil McClelland

Team Co-ordinator Stacey-Lea Kennedy Strength & Conditioning Paul Heasley & Stewart Walker Physio Andrew Creaney Resources Co-ordinator Andy Weir

For the 2015 season Newforge continued to be the training base along with the U20 and U19. As part of the squad selection process, a match was played against a Ballymena Barbarians team at Easter which was won 15-7 by the Ulster Schools squad. Following this, approximately 50 players formed the initial summer training squad. Training commenced at the end of June with sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the

Another new line-up behind the scenes for the Women’s team this season led to a period of adjustment for players and coaches alike. Building on the foundations laid by Jonny Gillespie last year Philip Doyle, Jarret Truscott and Kerry Spence worked on developing the ‘team ethic’ on and off the pitch. With the new coaches