Ulster Rugby vs Connacht

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LES KISS
Les, how would you assess the results and
performances since your arrival at Ulster
Rugby?
We’ve had some great wins over the past couple
of seasons, back-to-back against Toulouse and
then against Clermont earlier this month, but the
challenge is for us to perform on a more consistent
basis. There have been times when our execution
crucial times has poor and that’s something we
have been working hard on.
Our commitment is to improve in every area of
our game and to make the sacrifices necessary
to enhance our chances of winning a trophy. Our
ambition is there, however, it will require a lot of
hard work and undoubtedly a little bit of luck along
the way.
I bought into a long-term project here and I’ll
continue to do everything in my power to ensure
we build a successful and sustainable future for
Ulster Rugby.
What are the players like to work with?
They are a great bunch of players, to be honest
with you, and they are a pleasure to work with.
I was very proud of Rory (Best) when he was
appointed Ireland captain at the start of the year
and he has done a brilliant job in leading them to
some memorable wins.
It’s also been really pleasing to see some of our
younger guys come in and make an impact on the
senior squad. Lorcan Dow, Ross Kane, Rob Lyttle,
Jacob Stockdale and Aaron Cairns have all made
their senior debuts over the past 12 months and
that will stand us in good stead for the seasons
ahead.
Brett Herron and Kieran Treadwell are two other
young players who have performed well for us in
some challenging circumstances. Kyle McCall is
another who has gone from strength to strength
and has a really bright future, for sure.
The development of the Ulster A squad was a
key target of yours. You must be pleased with
their progress?
I’ve been really pleased with how the Ulster A
team, coached by Kieran (Campbell) and Willie
(Anderson) have navigated their way through their
British & Irish Cup pool to date. To win 3 out of 4
matches leaves us in a really strong position going
into the final two rounds. To get to the quarter-
finals would be a magnificent achievement, given
that they are competing with much more settled
squads.
I must say that John Andrew has led the team
superbly from hooker, and he has been well
supported by the likes of Lorcan Dow, Stephen
Mulholland, Mark Best and David Busby. It was one
of the things I identified when I came in - that the A
team should be more competitive - thereby giving
us greater strength-in-depth, so it’s been great to
see and hopefully it continues to develop.
The Academy is also a vital cog in the system.
What are your thoughts on the current set-
up?
We have identified some key positions where we
need to start producing local young players. This
season, 12 of the 19 players on our Academy
panel are forwards and I have high expectations
that a good number of those will go on to play
professional rugby. It’s not an overnight solution but
we are investing in a group of young players, and
building a great coaching structure, even at age
grade and sub-Academy level, to provide players
with a pathway into the senior set up.
We’ve handed senior debuts to three Academy
players already this season, so that is great from a
development point of view. I’d like to thank Hughes
Insurance for their support in helping us to build a
solid Academy programme.
It is also important to recognise the part our clubs
play in the progress we have had in our A team
and Academy. I believe that club rugby is still one
of the vital components of any rugby programme,
especially here in Ulster.
How have you enjoyed your time in Belfast
so far?
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in the city, and the
Province in general. We have our places that we
like to go for a coffee or a bite to eat, but the city is
so vibrant and there’s so much to see and do.
I’ve tried to get out and see as much as possible,
and that includes our local rugby clubs and
schools. I must say that the local rugby community
here in Ulster has been brilliant in welcoming me
and I’ve felt very much at home. I’m looking forward
to getting out to see even more in 2017.
LES KISS