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commitment and hard work of the Treasurer, Finance
and Commercial & Marketing Committees and the
Management and staff. The Ulster Branch is very
appreciative of all their efforts. However, the financial
challenges that lie ahead are significant. Clear evidence
is already being seen of increased player costs in the
professional game due to the additional TV revenue
gained by English and French clubs, which they are
using to attract and secure players. To be able to
compete effectively in Europe, Ulster will have to meet
these increases and look to further develop the depth
in our squad. Whilst commercial income in terms
of gate receipts and sponsorship income has been
successfully grown over the last few years, the scope
for further growth is more limited as match attendance
is already high and we are currently in a number of 3-4
year sponsorship deals. It must be remembered that
gate receipts and commercial income are closely linked
to success on the pitch. The Management Committee
is currently investigating what we can do to meet the
additional costs and also actively engaging with the
IRFU on ways to ensure that the Ulster team stays
competitive by having the necessary resources to
compete with the challenges being faced.
The Management Committee has also developed a
more comprehensive risk register with all activity areas
within Ulster Rugby being required to identify and review
risks and then initiate actions to avoid, manage or
mitigate those identified. These risk registers are being
regularly assessed and updated and are proving to be
a useful tool in ensuring the continued success and
development within Ulster Rugby.
KINGSPAN STADIUM DEVELOPMENT AND
TRAINING FACILITIES
Whilst the main works on the stadium and training
facilities were completed last season, there has been
plenty to keep the Development Committee, chaired
by Cecil Watson, busy. Some outstanding work, minor
enhancements and rectifications work has taken quite
a bit of time to complete and resolve. It is also clear that
there will need to be a 10 year investment plan for the
stadium to ensure that it is properly maintained and that
the quality of the facilities are kept at a high standard.
A highlight of the year was the official opening of the
Nevin Spence Centre on the 27th August 2015 by
the DCAL Minister Carál Ní Chuilín. It was also very
fitting that Nevin’s mother Essie and sisters Emma
and Laura were present for the opening. The centre
is an impressive education and heritage centre which
contains interactive and audio-visual content which will
enable visitors to explore the history of rugby in Ulster
and the benefits that the game has for supporters,
players and society in general. It will also provide
a dynamic stimulus for learning in alignment with
the school curriculum and Ulster Rugby’s existing
grassroots’ programmes. The Nevin Spence Centre is
complimented by the Innovation Lab and the Digital
Skills Centre which are located in the press box area.
These allow groups of school children to look at and
learn about multi-media and broadcast design and
production. The technology and facilities are in line with
the Science and Technology learning requirements of
key stages 2 and 3 of the school curriculum. By the end
of April 2016, the centre has had nearly 7000 visitors
through its doors.
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