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AGE GRADE AND REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS
The arrangement introduced last season whereby
the U20, U19 and U18 School squads are based
together at Newforge was continued. The U18 Club
squad continued to be based at the Meadowbank
Sports Centre in Magherafelt given the need for a
mid-Ulster base to ensure accessibility for all players.
In order to introduce players to, and develop them in,
a professional environment, the professional coaches
worked across all the squads and the development
programmes for players and teams were aligned from
U18 to U20 levels to ensure players could move easily
and confidently between squads. This well organised
structure for developing our indigenous talent takes
considerable planning and management and thanks
are due to all those involved, both Professionals and
Volunteers.
Whilst the results of the various age grade squads were
disappointing this season, following the successes
of last season, the fact that quite a number of the age
grade players have represented Ulster “A” and the full
Ulster team is testament to the good work being carried
out at age grade levels. Given the increased investment
in the Elite Player Pathway, it is important that a steady
stream of young Ulster players are developed to play at
the top levels.
ULSTER UNDER 20S
Head Coach
Kieran Campbell
Assistant Coach
Alex Codling
Manager
Hugh McCaughey
Video Analysis
Bryan Young & Johnny Creighton
Strength & Conditioning
David Drake
Physio
Dave Minion
Doctor
Ryan Hamilton
Resources Manager
Andy Weir
Ulster Under 20s had an intensive summer training
schedule, with great commitment from the players and
coaches alike, leading into the interprovincial matches in
September.
Prior to the Inter-provincial Series, Ulster played two
warm-up games against the Irish Exiles and London
Irish Under 20s. Against the Exiles at Newforge, Ulster
put in a strong performance, winning by 48-0 with 26
players used. Next up was London Irish Under 20s at
Sunbury, where in dreadful conditions, the young Ulster
players put up an excellent defensive performance
against a large physical side, to emerge winners by
16-0.
In the first Interprovincial game Ulster played Munster at
Queens RFC, Ulster unfortunately allowed the visitors to
establish an early lead which saw Ulster having to chase
the game. However, Ulster fought back with tremendous
spirit and in a pulsating finish with 80 minutes up, Ulster
took the game through numerous phases from their
own 22 to the Munster 22. They worked themselves
into a good position for a drop goal which unfortunately
cannoned off both posts and the crossbar and back
into play which allowed Munster to clear and secure an
away victory by 18-17.
Next up was Connacht at the Sportsground in Galway.
The game was played in dreadful conditions with a gale
force wind down the pitch disrupting any efforts to play
an expansive game. Connacht adapted better to the
conditions and emerged winners 28-8 in what was the
most disappointing display of the campaign.
In the final interprovincial played at Donybrook, against
a very strong Leinster team, Ulster played some of their
best rugby of the season but finally succumbed 31-12
in a very entertaining game. Both sides played some
excellent rugby creating a number of chances but
unfortunately Leinster took their chances and Ulster did
not.
Overall Ulster Under 20’s results in this season’s
Interprovincial series were disappointing. Injuries at
crucial stages to key players did not help matters.
However all the players benefitted from the summer
programme with some going on to be included in the
Ireland under 20s squad. Player development has also
been evidenced by some of the squad having already
represented Ulster at “A” level and even senior level this
season.
ULSTER UNDER 19S
Head Coach
James Topping
Assistant Coach
Michael Ferguson
Assistant Coach
Bryan Young
Manager
Clive Bowles
Video Analysis
James Topping
Strength & Conditioning
Matthew Maguire
Physio
Katie Lannon & Richard Johnston
Doctor
Owen Rainey & Tomas O’Neill
Resources Manager
Tim Morton
The Ulster Under 19’s started their formal squad
sessions at the beginning of July. Prior to that
considerable work had been done by the players on
strength and conditioning, though this was carefully
organised so as not to disrupt those players studying
for exams. By mid-August the team squad began to
take shape and the starting team and back up players
were more readily identifiable as the summer sessions
progressed.
In preparation for the Inter-provincial series, a warm-
up game was played against the Irish Exiles U20s in
Stockport. This was a well contested match which was
exactly what was needed and the all players in the 25
man panel got a run out. Ulster won 24-10.
The first Inter-provincial match was against Munster
at Queens RFC. Unfortunately, some careless play
allowed Munster to score straight from the kick-off
which seemed to unsettle the Ulster team. Another
soft score gave Munster a half-time lead of 12-3. The
start of the second half was a repeat of the first with
Munster gathering the kick-off and scoring. However,
this seemed to galvanise the Ulster team who began to
dominate in all aspects of play. Two Ulster tries reduced
the deficit to 17-13 but try as they might, Ulster could not
find another score and the final whistle sounded with
Ulster camped on the Munster line. This was very much
a game of what might have been had Ulster played the
first half in the way they played the second half.
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