Ulster Rugby v La Rochelle

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CONTENTS

EPCR WELCOME

3 5 7 9

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME TODAY'S MASCOTS KINGSPAN WELCOME CHRISTIAN LEALIIFANO

10 13 14 16

MATCH PREVIEW

PLAYER Q&A

ULSTER SCHOOLS' CUP UPDATE

ABBEY INSURANCE ULSTER ACADEMY

19

URSC NEWS #16TH MAN

20 23 24 26 30 32 35 36 39 42 50 56 52 55 58 59 60 61 62 63

GUEST ARTICLE: ROD NAWN ULSTER SQUAD PROFILES

ULSTER TEAM

POSTER

LA ROCHELLE TEAM

LA ROCHELLE SQUAD PROFILES 10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LA ROCHELLE

JONO GIBBES JEAN DEYSEL

TAKE 5

HALF TIME MINI RUGBY

OUR CLUB NEWS

WHAT'S ON

STADIUM MAP

STADIUM INFORMATION ULSTER RUGBY VALUES

FIXTURES

THANK YOU

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THE ONE TO WIN

ChampionsCupRugby.com

#ChampionsCup

EPCR WELCOME

WELCOME MESSAGE FROM EPCR

2018 promises another exceptional year of action in the European Rugby Champions Cup, and whilst welcoming you to these defining matches in the pool stage, we also wish you all a very Happy New Year.

Last month’s back-to-back fixtures featured all of the intensity, skill and compelling sport that have long characterised this great competition. Anyone who witnessed the style with which ASM Clermont Auvergne ended Saracens’ 20-match unbeaten run in Europe will have been left in no doubt as to their view that the Champions Cup is ‘the one to win’ and the same for the epic tussles between RC Toulon and Bath Rugby and Leinster’s ‘double’ over Exeter Chiefs, the English champions. The diversity of success this season so far is worthy of note as well, with clubs representing each of the three professional domestic leagues well-placed to seal quarter-final berths. Fans have again voted with their feet in support of the Champions Cup with an aggregate of more than half a million attending the opening four rounds. Beyond the borders of Europe’s ‘traditional’ rugby nations, excitement is also growing with almost 50,000 tickets sold for Finals weekend in Bilbao, which is little over one hundred days away. To avoid disappointment, you can secure your place through ChampionsCupRugby.com.

There has been unprecedented interest in staging future European Finals weekends too, with the bidding process in full swing for 2020 and 2021, giving us the opportunity for outstanding rugby experiences in new and exciting venues. We are delighted to be joined once again by Official Partners Heineken and Turkish Airlines, Official Supporter, Tissot, and Official Supplier, Gilbert. Moreover, we are enjoying another season of top quality coverage from our broadcast partners BT Sport, Sky Sports, beIN SPORTS and France Télévisions, taking the premium tournaments of European club rugby to homes across the world. As well as their coverage, you can stay close to the heart of the competitions through the official website and social media channels, where you can play our exciting Fantasy Rugby game as well as having the chance to win some superb prizes by selecting your Try of the Round after each matchweek. Enjoy the match and best wishes for 2018,

Simon Halliday EPCR Chairman

#ThisIsYourTime

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PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

IRFU ULSTER BRANCH 2017/18 OFFICERS Graffin Parke President Stephen Elliott Senior Vice President Gary Leslie Junior Vice President Denis Gardiner Honorary Secretary Michael Boyd Honorary Treasurer Greg Irwin 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

I would like to offer a special welcome the President of La Rochelle, Vincent Merling, the club General Manager Pierre Venayre and their partners, shareholders, players, coaches and supporters, who are visiting Belfast this weekend. La Rochelle have been one of the form teams in Europe this season and sit top of Pool 1 on 15 points, while Ulster are second on 13, so today’s game could have a huge bearing on securing a place in the playoff stages for either side. The final pool stage game for Ulster will take place in Coventry next weekend versus Wasps, who are also still in the mix for a quarter-final place, and we look forward to the usual large contingent of Ulster supporters making their voices heard there. At the time of writing, the Ulster A team, sponsored by CD Group, are also preparing for a very important British & Irish Cup test against fellow table-toppers Cornish Pirates on Friday evening, so hopefully they will also advance their playoff ambitions this weekend. On the domestic scene, the competition is now heating up in the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup, with eight ties down for decision in Round 3 next weekend. As always, we would encourage you to get out and support these young players from your local schools. In the Ulster Bank All Ireland League, the Ulster clubs continue to perform well, with 6 of the Province’s 12 senior clubs currently occupying top four spots. In the Kukri Ulster Championship Ballyclare and Instonians are joint leaders of Division 1, Grosvenor lead Division 2 and Lurgan top Division 3. Finally, we also extend a warm welcome to the players, coaches and supporters from Civil Service RFC, Lisburn RFC, Ballyclare RFC and Finn Valley RFC, who will entertain us in the half-time mini rugby exhibition games – I’m sure they will receive a generous reception from the crowd this afternoon. SUFTUM! Graffin Parke President IRFU (Ulster Branch) As President of the IRFU Ulster Branch, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to Kingspan Stadium for this afternoon’s European Champions Cup Round 5 game against La Rochelle. PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

Director of Rugby Bryn Cunningham Operations Director

Kingspan Stadium, 134 Mount Merrion Avenue Belfast, BT6 0FT T +44 (0)28 9049 3222 ulsterrugby.com

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TODAY'S MASCOTS

TODAY'S MASCOTS

MILLIE DOWDS (8) Millie is from Warringstown and attends Kingspark Primary School. She enjoys Drama, Gymnastics and playing piano as well as watching rugby with Mum and Dad. Millie would like to be an Ulster Rugby mascot because she thinks Kingspan Stadium has a great atmosphere and to walk out in front of so many people would be a real buzz. Plus she would love to meet all the players. When she grows up, Millie would like to be a teacher.

HARRY SCOTT (10) Harry is from Ballyclare and attends Fairview Primary School. He enjoys reading, Lego and Judo. Harry would like to be an Ulster Rugby mascot because he would like to experience walking onto the pitch like the players. He also loves rugby and would like to meet Sparky! Tommy Bowe is Harry's favourite player because he plays in the same position. When he is older, Harry would like to be a rugby player or a teacher.

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Welcome back to Kingspan Stadium, the home of Ulster Rugby, where the Ulster squad will face off against European Rugby Champions Cup Pool leaders, La Rochelle. Ulster’s only ERCC loss has come via their French rivals, leaving them lying in second place just two points behind. La Rochelle has been a dominant force this season, however, with three wins from four in the competition, Ulster has an opportunity to overhaul La Rochelle and go top of pool 1. We are known for our warm welcome and I am sure you will extend this to the La Rochelle squad and their travelling supporters who have made the trip from South West France to join us this afternoon. Finally, on behalf of Kingspan, I would like to wish the Ulster Rugby Squad and management team the very best of luck as they bid for qualification to the knockout stages. To Ulster’s committed fans, enjoy the game, lead the way and help ensure that this is a day to remember at the Kingspan.

CHRISTIAN LEALIIFANO

Australian international flyhalf Christian Lealiifano joined Ulster Rugby on a five-month loan deal back in August 2017. Today, he will wear the Ulster jersey for the last time at Kingspan Stadium.

CHRISTIAN LEALIIFANO that’s gone on, from the new coaching staff, the new style of play and trying to find balance with injuries. I think we’re doing really well and heading Reflecting on his time at Ulster, Christian said: “It’s obviously been a huge honour to represent such a proud Province. I didn’t know what to expect coming here and I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s probably been the most enjoyable experience of my career so far. “To be so far away from home and the norm and the way the team and the fans and supporters have really taken me in as their own, they made me and my family feel right at home. It has been really humbling and it’s quite a special feeling. “I was speaking to Ruan Pienaar recently and he really misses this place, he loved it so much and the people loved him for what he’d done here. For someone who was here for 7 years to someone who has been here just 5 months, I feel that we have got the same feeling about the place, purely because of the people that are here.” In a season of mixed fortunes to date, Lealiifano is positive that Ulster are making huge strides in the right direction. “I think we’ve done fantastically well with all in the right direction. I think we’ve now got a strong enough group and depth of players to be able to go deep in both competitions. “The coaching team do a fantastic job each week to get the group in a good headspace to compete. People can sit outside saying that’s easy, you just turn up and play but there are so many external factors that affect a player and trying to get 15, 23, 30 players all on the same page is not an easy job. “Everyone is slowly getting into better habits and understanding what it takes for Ulster to become such a successful side. Success has eluded this Province for a long time. Fans expect something and have been waiting for a long time. but the club is transitioning and that takes time. Everyone

involved in Ulster Rugby is about making sure this team is heading in a positive direction, putting people in place that will be ready to win titles.” In his short five-month stint, Lealiifano has had a marked impact on the Ulster squad, using his time both on and off the pitch to assist the development of other players. It’s something the 30-year-old has really enjoyed. “I have been new to the squad but I have been around rugby for a little bit. I’m someone who will always put the team and others first. I like to see guys develop and to be able to pass on the experience and knowledge that I’ve picked up along the way. “If I can impact one player in a positive way, to help him to become better, to drive his standards, to be the best that he can be each day, then I’ve achieved a positive result in a squad. I think that’s infectious in a side, it creates a team that is selfless and playing for each other and I think that’s a very powerful tool. “You can have all the talent in the world, all the structures and systems but if you’re not connected to the guy next to you you’re going to struggle a bit.” A testament to his resilience and courage, Lealiifano overcame significant challenges, including recovery from leukaemia, to return to rugby and earn a contract here at Ulster. “I’ve talked to a lot of guys that say I inspire them every day and for me that’s really humbling. I don’t see myself as a special person so to hear people like my teammates say that I inspire them, that’s truly heart-warming. “To be able to impact people in a way that is heartfelt, that helps them to do something better and create some happiness for others - that means more to me than rugby and winning rugby titles or championships. That’s hopefully the kind of impact I made here.”

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Having been involved in 15 of Ulster’s 17 games this season, Lealiifano

has shown consistent form and strength of character, which the Brumbies will be hoping he carries back to Australia to lead them into his 11th Super Rugby season. “To be able to play rugby and play consistently has been a blessing for me. I’ve enjoyed being able to experience rugby with a different crop of players, learning different styles of the game and understanding a different culture of rugby. I think it’s going to be really beneficial. “I feel refreshed as a player and I’m looking forward to getting back to Super Rugby, to adding value to the Brumbies and Australia, so it’s exciting times ahead.” The Auckland-born star returns to his homeland in just over a week and he’ll be sorely missed by Ulster fans who had welcomed him as their own. “It’s been a time in my career that I’ll never forget,” said Lealiifano. “I’m sad to see it come to an end now but you never know down the track what the future holds. Ulster is a place I won’t forget for a long time and I’ll definitely have a big attachment here. “My approach so far in life is about being present and just really enjoying the moment. This one has been right up there with the best.”

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EUROPEAN RUGBY CHAMPIONS CUP PREVIEW

ULSTER V LA ROCHELLE SATURDAY 13TH JANUARY 2018, KO 13:00 KINGSPAN STADIUM, BELFAST REFEREE: WAYNE BARNES

MATCH PREVIEW

LAST 3 MATCHES

SUNDAY 17TH DECEMBER 2017 WASPS 21 - 3 LA ROCHELLE SUNDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2017 LA ROCHELLE 49 – 29 WASPS SUNDAY 22ND OCTOBER 2017 LA ROCHELLE 41 – 17 ULSTER LAST 3 MATCHES

FRIDAY 15TH DECEMBER 2017 ULSTER 52 - 24 HARLEQUINS SUNDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2017 HARLEQUINS 5 – 17 ULSTER SUNDAY 22ND OCTOBER 2017 LA ROCHELLE 41 – 17 ULSTER

HEAD TO HEAD

1 1

1 0 1 0 2

PLAYED WINS

0 0

LOSSES DRAWS TRIES CONVERSIONS PENALTIES DROP GOALS POINTS

TOURNAMENT RECORD

TOURNAMENT RECORD

PLAYED

139

PLAYED

4 3

5 5 2 0 41

WINS

69 67

WINS

1 1 0 17

LOSSES DRAWS

LOSSES DRAWS

1

3

0

AVERAGE PTS PER GAME

22

AVERAGE PTS PER GAME

32

BIGGEST WIN

59 - 3 3 - 56

BIGGEST WIN

41 - 17 3 - 21

HEAVIEST DEFEAT

HEAVIEST DEFEAT

CHAMPIONS

1

CHAMPIONS

0

MATCH FACTS

» This will be the second meeting between the clubs with La Rochelle's victory in Round 2 representing Ulster's heaviest defeat in Europe since they were beaten (66-20) by RC Toulon in Round 5 of the 2014/15 season. » Ulster lost their last home game against TOP 14 opposition but haven't lost consecutive fixtures against French sides at Kingspan Stadium since 2000 when they were beaten by Bourgoin and Toulouse. » This will be La Rochelle's first Champions Cup game outside France or England. They travelled to Ireland once in the Challenge Cup however, losing 48-12 to Connacht in 2014. » Ulster have won just 81% of their own lineouts this season, the lowest rate in the competition. » La Rochelle have a 92% goalkicking success rate this season, the best of any team in the tournament, while Ulster's rate is 76%. » This will be La Rochelle's 50th European game having played 45 matches in the Challenge Cup before making their debut in the Champions Cup this season. They're just one try away from their 150th in Europe. » Meanwhile, Ulster are just six points away from reaching 3,000 in the European Cup. They would be the sixth club to reach that tally after Toulouse, Munster, Leinster, Leicester and Scarlets. » Andrew Trimble (27) needs one try to become the overall sixth top try scorer in European Cup history, ahead of Leinster's Shane Horgan, while two tries would see him go level with Dafydd James and injured teammate Tommy Bowe. » Ulster and La Rochelle have each made 49 clean breaks this season, more than any other side in the competition. » Charles Piutau is the only player to have made over 400 metres this season, with 454 metres from his 58 carries.

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ITALIAN FOOD / CHINESE FOOD MOVIE / THEATRE STAR WARS / INDIANA JONES EUROPE / AMERICA HIKE / BIKE BUNGEE JUMP / SKY DIVE UP EARLY / LIE IN SUPER MARIO / SONIC PLAYSTATION / X BOX IRON MAN / CAPTAIN AMERICA SUPERMAN / BATMAN X FACTOR / STRICTLY COME DANCING DOG / CAT WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME? The Lord of the Rings Trilogy HOW WOULD YOUR TEAMMATES DESCRIBE YOU IN THREE WORDS? Competitive. Vain. Hyperactive. TEAMMATE MOST LIKELY TO MAKE YOU LAUGH? Andrew Trimble WHAT SONG MAKES YOU WANT TO DANCE? Black Eyed Peas – Where is the love? WHAT ACHIEVEMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? Playing for Ulster and Ireland SPORTING HERO YOU MOST ADMIRE? Muhammad Ali IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO USE A TIME MACHINE, WHAT YEAR WOULD YOU TRAVEL TO AND WHY? (PAST OR FUTURE) 2001 to do school all over again. IF YOU BECAME AN AVENGER WHAT WOULD YOUR SUPERHERO NAME BE AND WHAT SUPER POWER WOULD YOU HAVE? Gilzilla –The Force (Darth Vadar Style) IF YOU COULD PLAY WITH ANY RUGBY LEGEND WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY? Shane Williams – I always admired him growing up TELL US SOMETHING WE DON’T ALREADY KNOW ABOUT YOURSELF? I can spin a ball on my finger for a minute CRAIG GILROY ANSWERS FAN QUESTIONS QUICKFIRE

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DANSKE BANK ULSTER SCHOOLS’ CUP ROUND-UP

The Danske Bank Ulster Schools' Cup continues next weekend, with eight ties due to be played in Round 3 of the famous competition.

ROUND 1 CARRICKFERGUS GRAMMAR SCH 14 STRABANE ACADEMY 12 Carrickfergus GS Scorers: Tries: Jack Leathem, Josh Irvine Cons: Daniel Curley (2) Strabane Academy Scorers: Tries: Jamie Brown, Michael Doherty Cons: Jordan Mealiff WELLINGTON COLLEGE 12 BELFAST HIGH SCHOOL 22 Wellington College Scorers: Tries: Marcus Smyth, James Milligan Cons: Jake Hamilton Belfast HS Scorers: Tries: Thabiso Madlala, Ethan McConkey, Jack Ferguson, Cons: Brandon McMinn (2) Pens: Brandon McMinn

ROUND 2 PORTADOWN COLLEGE 36 LIMAVADY GRAMMAR SCHOOL 5 Portadown College Scorers: Tries: Christopher Thornberry, Adam Speers, Dylan Nelson (2), Daniel Moorcroft (2) Cons: Adam Speers (3) Limavady GS Scorers: Tries: Robbie Hunter LARNE GRAMMAR SCHOOL 0 LURGAN COLLEGE 14 Lurgan College Scorers: Tries: Jack Maxwell, Reuben McCreery Cons: Jack Maxwell (2)

SCHOOLS' CUP UPDATE

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CAMBRIDGE HOUSE GRAMMAR SCH 34 BANBRIDGE ACADEMY 22 Cambridge House Scorers: Tries: Jack Wilson, Kane McIlroy, Peter Munce, Curtis Henry Cons: Sam Millar (4) Pens: Sam Millar (2) Banbridge Academy Scorers: Tries: Troy Pinion, Alex Shannon (2) Cons: Tom Flanagan (2) Pens: Tom Flanagan CARRICKFERGUS GRAMMAR SCH 17 REGENT HOUSE SCHOOL 40 Carrickfergus GS Scorers: Tries: Jack Leathem, David Doherty, Daniel Curley Cons: Daniel Curley Regent House Scorers: Tries: Curtis Jones, Jack Smith, Keir Edgar, Aaron Migan, Matthew Foster, Ryan Uprichard Cons: Robbie Johnston (5) RAINEY ENDOWED SCHOOL 40 BELFAST HIGH SCHOOL 15 Rainey ES Scorers: Tries: Bryn Davies (3), Karl Warner, Ciaran Doyle, Jack Bresland

FOYLE COLLEGE 0 DROMORE HIGH SCHOOL 17 Dromore HS Scorers: Tries: Aaron Lyttle, Ben Heath, Cameron Beacom-Hurle Cons: Reuben Cobb ROUND 3 Saturday 20th January 2018

SCHOOLS' CUP UPDATE

LURGAN COLLEGE V DOWN HIGH SCHOOL RAINEY ENDOWED SCHOOL V PORTADOWN COLLEGE GROSVENOR GRAMMAR SCHOOL V ROYAL SCHOOL, DUNGANNON COLERAINE GRAMMAR SCHOOL V FRIENDS' SCHOOL, LISBURN OMAGH ACADEMY V BANGOR GRAMMAR SCHOOL CAMBRIDGE HOUSE GRAMMAR SCHOOL V REGENT HOUSE SCHOOL BELFAST ROYAL ACADEMY V

SULLIVAN UPPER SCHOOL DROMORE HIGH SCHOOL V DALRIADA SCHOOL ROUND 4 Saturday 3rd February 2018

The eight winners from Round 3 will be joined by the remaining eight sides: Ballyclare High School, Ballymena Academy, Campbell College, Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, Methodist College Belfast, Royal Belfast Academical Institution, The Royal School Armagh and Wallace High School. QUARTER-FINALS Saturday 17th February 2018

Cons: Harry Evans (5) Belfast HS Scorers: Tries: Sc ott McDowell, Ryan Gibson,

Cons: Brandon McMinn Pens: Bra ndon McMinn GROSVENOR GRAMMAR SCHOOL 37 ANTRIM GRAMMAR SCHOOL 7 Grosvenor GS Scorers: Tries: Matthew Logan, Isaac Skillen (3), Jos McConkey, Nathan Chan, James Lusty

SEMI-FINALS SEMI FINAL 1

Monday 5th March 2018 Kingspan Stadium, 2.30pm SEMI FINAL 2 Wednesday 6th March 2018 Kingspan Stadium, 2.30pm FINAL Monday 19th March 2018 Kingspan Stadium, 3.00pm

Cons: Jos McConkey Antrim GS Scorers: Tries: Adam McCullough Cons: Callum Hull

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ABBEY INSURANCE ULSTER ACADEMY PETER COOPER

NAME Peter Cooper DOB 22.01.97 PREFERED POSITION Tighthead Prop CURRENT CLUB Malone RFC

PREVIOUS TEAMS Sullivan Upper School HONOURS: Ulster U20, Ulster A, Ireland U18, U19, U20 COURSE STUDYING Business Management at QUB RUGBY INFLUENCES Cian Healy, Tadhg Furlong, Jonah Lomu A FACT NOT MANY PEOPLE WOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU I can play the piano and guitar BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 3 WORDS Driven, Passionate, Friendly STRONGEST AREA OF YOUR GAME Ball carrying AREA TO WORK ON Chop tackle THING YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT RUGBY Being part of a team environment, the competitive nature of it, getting to meet players from all over OTHER HOBBIES Reading, Seeing Friends and Travelling FAVOURITE MOVIE Harry Potter and the Philospher's Stone PRE-GAME SONG Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free Bird CHEAT MEAL Pizza PRE-MATCH SUPERSTITIONS Don’t really have any- just listen to the same podcast before every game

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ULSTER RUGBY SUPPORTERS CLUB (URSC) NEWS

URSC MEMBERSHIP 2017/18

BIG BALLOT IN AID OF THE JACK KYLE BURSARY Big Ballot in aid of the Jack Kyle Bursary was drawn by URSC favourite Darren Cave and the winners were: > Grandstand tickets, overnight accommodation in a Belfast hotel & transfers for the Ulster v La Rochelle match. Courtesy of Bank of Ireland Winner: Terri Wilson > £200 gift voucher for Gardiner Brothers Jewellers, Belfast Winner: Nicholas McMinn > 3 month membership pass for leisure centres in Antrim & N'abbey Borough area Winner: Jackie Halleren > £50 Horatio Group voucher Winner: Sue Brownfield > Canine Swim Session Winner: Yvonne Bell > Golf cap signed by 4 time Major winner Rory McIlroy Winner: Niki Wild > Golf cap signed by 2017 European Race to Dubai winner Tommy Fleetwood Winner: Annette Heatley > Golf cap signed by Ronan Keating Winner: Niall McSperrin > £30 Voucher for Silhouette Boutique, Belmont Road, Belfast Winner: D Campbell > Love Images "Last Stand at Ravenhill" framed print Winner: John McRitchie > Ulster rugby shirt.

925 HAVE JOINED URSC THIS SEASON... DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND! URSC membership for the 2017/18 season is NOW OPEN through the URSC shop by PayPal. To renew or join up for the first time and thus maximize your benefits for the season, go to membership.urs.co or email membership@ursc.co.uk 17 intrepid fans left Belfast at noon on the URSC bus to Galway - all was going well until Castlebellingham when the bus developed a "engine malfunction" and a 2 hour wait followed as a new bus was summoned. Despite this we arrived in plenty of time for kick off. What followed is best forgotten and needless to say the trip home was somewhat subdued. We arrived back in Belfast at 2am on Christmas Eve... Bah humbug! CONNACHT BUS TRIP

URSC NEWS

Courtesy Podium 4 Sport Winner: Barbara McCrory

Darren Cave making Big Ballot Draw

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NEW YEAR'S DAY 2018

#16THMAN

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There is always something different about European rugby at Kingspan Stadium, the atmosphere is always quite unique, the expectations on another plain. LUNCHTIME IS A CHAMPION TREAT!

lean in its pickings. To the untrained eye, against Connacht in Galway a white flag appeared to be raised in an embarrassing outing at The Sportsground before Christmas, though spirits were raucously lifted in a thrillingly unexpected try-bonus comeback win over Munster in Belfast. For 40 minutes the crowd, the players and the gods seemed to be at one, and out of the most unpromising and discouraging of starts the bells were ringing in a New Year ripe with promise. That the second half was as spectacularly positive as the first had been desperately inept and despairing might be, in part, Ulster at its most compelling and frustratingly typical this campaign. So, refreshed ambition for the trip to Dublin in search of a win there over Leinster, something which has only happened once in the last 19 years. Alas a familiar tale unfolded as the home side’s all-star cast swept aside Ulster’s early focus with two extravagant tries. This time there would be no resurrection, the hosts coasted to a thumping, six-try victory. We all know about the roller-coaster ride supporting Ulster has become, but the holiday triple-header of Inter-Pros saw other sides too often coast, while rolling over was a sad trademark of the men in white. Les Kiss, the Director of Rugby, has always ‘fronted up’, and he labelled two of the displays in those games as ‘unacceptable’, and in Dublin, surveying the carnage of the RDS, he was clearly trying to keep his emotions and vocabulary in check with his admission that it was time ‘to pull the finger out’. In French there is, perhaps, a more elegant phrase! But elegance is not a priority as the giant forwards of La Rochelle are confronted by an Ulster pack which so often does many things so well, and which certainly has the characters – and character – to forge a winning platform, this early afternoon. Rory is back to lead by example and to infuse the team with some of the cussedness which can go missing, and the skipper will look into the eyes of all 23 players in the home dressing room and

Add in a few ingredients like a lunchtime kick-off, the glamour of French opposition and the bracing chill of a January early afternoon and there is, truly, something very different about a Champions Cup-tie. To add even more import to the occasion this penultimate Pool One game is no ‘dead rubber’, for Ulster enters a vital week in the competition with thoughts of qualification for the quarter-finals very much alive. The stumbling block today is a considerable one: group leaders and Top 14 giants La Rochelle can batten down its own place in the last eight with a win in Belfast, but after those memorable back-to-back victories over Harlequins last month European fever has, at last, returned to warm Ulster fans’ hopes. Failure to reach the key knockout phase in recent years has become all-too-frequent. Some great wins recorded, yes, but consistent qualifying form and results have been elusive, and ambitions in the premier club competition have been regularly diluted, usually before Christmas. It’s because this competition is different, because it has provided great moments, wonderful memories, that we can all gather at Kingspan Stadium early in January, hopes redirected and reasserted. For the hardened realist belief must not be suspended, just restored and recharged:

GUEST ARTICLE: ROD NAWN Clermont and Toulouse have been just two of the French monoliths sent out the gates after meeting Ulster rugby skills and Ulster rugby passions at their zenith. Will La Rochelle, the side having a spectacular battle with Montpellier for Top 14 honours at home, be added to the list of conquests?

In Europe it isn’t always wise to rely on recent domestic formlines, though most teams would hope to enter the Champions Cup fray at this vital, penultimate qualifying stage in confident mood and with solid performances in recent weeks to fuel that little extra something which is such an essential element of mixing it with the best in Europe. Now, that is honestly not the backcloth against which Ulster takes to the pitch today. The so- called ‘festive period’ in Inter-Pro rugby terms was

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ARTICLE BY ROD NAWN FREELANCE JOURNALIST AND SPORTS ENTHUSIAST @RODNAWN1

Big, mobile forwards like Victor Vito, Afa Amosa, Kevin Gourdon and Dutchman Zeno Kleft will need very careful attention from the Ulster unit. The cliché that rugby matches are won up front is a truism, and Ulster cannot afford to doubt its own ability against the French who faltered badly and surprisingly in the group last time out when losing emphatically at Wasps. Many felt that was a good result for Ulster, reckoned to be chasing one of the three best runner-up spots. This observer wasn’t one of them, because now Wasps – beaten well by a below-par Ulster at Kingspan – suddenly finds itself back in the qualification hunt. Victory at Harlequins this weekend, and an Ulster win over La Rochelle, would set up extra unwanted drama when Wasps entertain Ulster in the final Pool 1 game next Sunday. Coaches and players cannot plan for bonus points, but how a try-bonus win would assist Ulster this afternoon: with five sides – four of them at the start of this round of fixtures in runner-up spots – on 13 points anything extra would keep the contenders ‘honest’! For the Ulster coaching team Europe will come as something of a relief. It will be viewed as very, very important, but the scrutiny which it has endured over the side’s worrying PRO14 form is – like the fixture itself – ‘different’. Les, Jono, Dwayne, Aaron and Niall will give, and ask for, focus. Ulster’s rugby dream would be for a performance and a result of which these fine, intelligent players are immensely capable. And to burnish that dream? The marvellous Christian Leali’ifano controls the game, as he has so masterfully at times in his brutishly short stint in Belfast, and then bounds over to clinch five points and takes his leave of Ulster as the hero he has been in his life. If such things as motivation are needed in the home dressing room perhaps one thing might strike a chord with all the players who have come to admire and respect the Australian who always gives his all. Let’s win this for Christian!

demand that the professional focus and skills so obviously surrounding him be demonstrated with a controlled passion and rugged determination. Iain Henderson is key now to both his club and country, already he’s captained Ulster and proved his long-term capacity to lead. Kieran Treadwell has broken into the international set-up, Rob Herring, Chris Henry, Sean Reidy and Robbie Diack have worn the green jersey, so the quality of the forward pool is proven. It will be boosted further next season with Marty Moore and Jordi Mutphy signing in, but the players in the squad now must know that, collectively and individually, fans can expect high-calibre performances. Behind the scrum a healthy Ulster can choose from the sort of classy performer few European clubs can match: Trimble, Luke Marshall, McCloskey, Ludik, Stockdale, Gilroy, Piutau, Cooney and – for his final game at Kingspan – Christian Leali’ifano. La Rochelle – or more properly Stade Rochelais – brings an internationally-strengthened squad to Belfast, and fly-halves Brock James and Ryan Lamb are examples of a successful rotation strategy in a key position. Ulster won’t have any inferiority complex in attack, indeed the tries scored have often been things of multiple beauty, but the defensive frailties which have so undermined this season cannot be countenanced today: wingers Jeremy Sinzelle and Vincent Rattez have been prolific in the Champions Cup and in the Top14 from which the visitors arrive, slightly disappointed, following a 38-38 draw with bottom-of-the-table Oyannox last weekend. That contrived to knock the club into second place in the domestic title race, not quite what it had in mind entering an important phase of that competition. There is a keen determination at Stade Marcel-Deflandre, to match last season’s historic finish as league leaders, only to fall at the semi-final play-off hurdle. The attack at the disposal of coaches Patrice Collazo and Xavier Garbajosa, international players both, can be devastating, as Agen found out when seven tries were blasted home, with the back-row a potent creative instrument.

GUEST ARTICLE: ROD NAWN

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RODNEY AH YOU

JOHN ANDREW

RORY BEST

Prop 27.10.88 186cm 128.1kg 29 3 Prop 25.02.86 180cm 116.8kg 140 —

Hooker 26.05.93

Hooker 15.08.82 180cm 105kg

180cm 99.1kg 38 —

202 105

TOMMY BOWE

PETER BROWNE

CALLUM BLACK

Wing 22.02.84

Lock 25.10.87 200cm 115.8kg 34 — Centre 05.04.87 182cm 93kg 202 11 Flanker 05.03.85 191cm 118kg 8 SA 4

191cm 98.6kg 163 69

DAVID BUSBY

AARON CARINS

DARREN CAVE

Wing/Full Back 03.02.94

Scrum half 07.10.92

179cm 89.8kg 2 —

176cm 84.9kg 2 —

JEAN DEYSEL

MARCELL COETZEE

JOHN COONEY

Back Row 08.05.91

Scrum half 01.05.90 177cm 88kg 15 1

191cm 122kg 5 SA 28

ULSTER SQUAD PROFILES 26 CRAIG GILROY Wing/Full back 11.03.91 182cm 94kg 156 10 WIEHAHN HERBST Prop 05.07.88 177cm 120.9kg 68 — CHRIS HENRY Back Row 17.10.84 187.cm 105.5kg 176 24 ROBBIE DIACK No. 8 12.11.85 193cm 110.8kg 204 2

IAIN HENDERSON

Lock/Back Row 21.02.92 200cm 117kg 84 3

ROB HERRING

Hooker 27.04.90

182cm 106kg 133 3

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BRETT HERRON

ROSS KANE

CHRISTIAN LEALIIFANO

Fly Half 13.11.95 183cm 89.9kg 8 —

Prop 14.10.94 179cm 113.5kg

Centre 03.03.91 180cm 98kg 111 11 Centre 06.08.92 190cm 108.8kg 71 2 Out half 24.09.87 180cm 91kg 15 AUS 19

18 —

ROB LYTTLE

LUKE MARSHALL

LOUIS LUDIK Full back 08.10.86

Centre 28.01.97

ULSTER SQUAD PROFILES

182cm 92.4kg 67 —

174cm 86.2kg

12 —

PAUL MARSHALL

KYLE McCALL

STUART McCLOSKEY

Scrum half 26.07.85

Prop 02.01.92 177cm 106.7kg 43 —

170cm 76.0kg 203 3

JOHNNY McPHILLIPS

PETER NELSON

ALAN O’CONNOR 2nd Row 10.09.92 195cm 113.2kg 52 —

Fly Half 13.04.97

Utility back 05.10.92 180cm 87kg 45 —

180cm 88.9kg 2 —

TOMMY O'HAGAN

JACK OWENS

CALLUM PATTERSON

Prop 05.10.93 182cm 120kg

Wing/Full Back 04.10.95

Centre 10.08.92

189cm 98.6kg 1 —

181cm 93.3kg

— —

— —

MATTHEW REA Back row 21.09.93 193cm 110.8kg

JARED PAYNE

CHARLES PIUTAU

Centre/Full back 13.10.85 187cm 94kg

Utility back 31.10.91 186cm 103.5kg 37 NZ 17

11 —

78 20

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Working Together

SEAN REIDY Back row 10.05.89 182cm 103kg 72 2

CLIVE ROSS Back row 14.06.89 190cm 107.2kg 58 —

DAVE SHANAHAN

Scrum half 20.06.93

174cm 77.4kg

17 —

JONNY SIMPSON

JACOB STOCKDALE

KIERAN TREADWELL

Wing 20.10.84 185cm 98kg 228 70 Prop 19.08.90 182cm 108.3kg 4 —

Utility back 03.04.96 190cm 102kg 35 3

Lock 06.11.95 198cm 115kg 34 3 Prop 12.03.91 177cm 113kg 85 —

ULSTER SQUAD PROFILES

ANDREW TRIMBLE

SCHALK VAN DER MERWE

ANDREWWARWICK

Prop 04.12.90 184cm 110kg 3 —

Keep up to date with the latest player profiles, career stats and squad news at www.ulsterrugby.com . PLAYER STATS

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15

1

CHARLES PIUTAU

CALLUM BLACK

14

2

CRAIG GILROY

RORY BEST C

13

3

RODNEY AH YOU

LOUIS LUDIK

12 ULSTER TEAM

4

STUART McCLOSKEY

ALAN O'CONNOR

11

5

IAIN HENDERSON

JACOB STOCKDALE

6

10

CHRISTIAN LEALIIFANO

MATT REA

7

9

SEAN REIDY

JOHN COONEY

REPLACEMENTS 16 17 18 19 R HERRING K MCCALL W HEBRST K TREADWELL

20 21 22 23

C HENRY P MARSHALL J McPHILLIPS D CAVE

8

NICK TIMONEY

* Teams not confirmed at time of going to print

Play European Fantasy Rugby now and win some fantastic prizes! Our ‘daily’ fantasy game allows you to play one day at a time. . . on any matchday throughout the season! And why not make it

more competitive and challenge a friend! Play now and pick your team!

1

15

DANY PRISO

VINCENT RATTEZ

14

2

GABRIEL LACROIX

HIKAIRO FORBES

LA ROCHELLE TEAM

3

13

GEOFFREY DOUMAYROU

UINI ATONIO

4

12

PIERRE AGUILLON

JASON EATON C

5

11

JEREMY SINZELLE

JONE QOVU NAILIKO

6

10

BOTIA VEIVUKE

RYAN LAMB

7

9

KEVIN GOURDON

ALEXI BALES

REPLACEMENTS 16 17 18 19 P BOURGARIT M CORBEL V PELO W DEMOTTE

20 21 22 23

R SAZY JV GOILLOT P JORDAAN E ROUDIL

8

VICTOR VITO

* Teams not confirmed at time of going to print

TODAY’S OFFICIALS REFEREE WAYNE BARNES ENG ASSISTANT REFEREES JP DOYLE ENG | MATTHEW O'GRADY ENG TMO GEOFF WARREN ENG

AFA AMOSA

GRÉGORY ALLDRITT Back row 23.03.97 190cm 107kg

PIERRE AGUILLON

Back row 11.10.90

Centre 27.03.87 180cm 95kg

187cm 112 kg

ALEXI BALES

STEVE BARRY Full back 18.04.91 180cm 85kg

UINI ATONIO

Prop 26.03.90 196cm 137kg

Scrum half 30.05.90 174cm 75kg

PIERRE BOURGARIT

MOHAMED BOUGHANMI

ROMARIC CAMOU

Hooker 12.09.97

Prop 27.10.91 193cm 127kg

Centre 09.10.96 170cm 90 kg

184cm 105 kg

GEOFFREY DOUMAYROU

MIKE CORBEL

WILLIAM DEMOTTE

Centre 16.09.89 186cm 89kg

Prop 09.04.92 179cm 118kg

Lock 22.05.91 198cm 138kg

JASON EATON

JEAN-VICTOR GOILLOT

HIKAIRO FORBES

Lock 21.08.82 203cm 115kg

Scrum half 10.02.98 170cm 69kg

Hooker 05.03.86 189cm 112kg

LA ROCHELLE SQUAD PROFILES

KEVIN GOURDON Back row 23.01.90 187cm 98kg

THOMAS JOLMES

BROCK JAMES

Lock 08.10.95 203cm 116kg

Outside half 22.10.81 179cm 83kg

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PAUL JORDAAN

ZENO KIEFT

TAWERA KERR BARLOW

Back row 02.11.91 192cm 107kg

Scrum half 15.08.90 187cm 89kg

Centre 04.01.92 180cm 88 kg

Wing 19.10.93 177cm 81kg GABRIEL LACROIX

RYAN LAMB

GREGORY LAMBOLEY

Outside half 18.05.86 176cm 88kg

Back row 12.01.82 198cm 107kg

LA ROCHELLE SQUAD PROFILES

JEREMIE MAUROUARD

LUC MOUSSET

KINI MURIMURIVALU

Full back 15.05.89 176cm 85kg

Prop 03.04.94 180cm 115kg

Hooker 23.09.92 181cm 99kg

BENJAMIN NOBLES

JEAN-CHARLES ORIOLI

VINCENT PELO

Hooker 09.08.89 179cm 111kg

Prop 22.04.88

Centre 30.04.97 175cm 90kg

187cm 130kg

RENE RANGER

VINCENT RATTEZ

DANY PRISO

Centre 30.09.86 182cm 96kg

Prop 02.01.94 182cm 110kg

Full back 24.03.92 180cm 75kg

ROMAIN SAZY

ELLIOT ROUDIL

SIMON RENAUD

Lock 14.10.86 198cm 106kg

Centre 30.10.96 184cm 94kg

Prop 12.01.99 175cm 125kg

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MATHIEU TANGUY Back row 05.06.96 195cm 107kg

BOTIA VEIVUKE

JÉRÉMY SINZELLE

Centre 14.03.89

Centre 02.07.90 184cm 88kg

182cm 103kg

VICTOR VITO

Keep up to date with the latest player profiles, career stats and squad news at www.staderochelais.com PLAYER STATS

Back row 27.03.87 190cm 110kg

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LA ROCHELLE SQUAD PROFILES

UlsterRugby

UlsterRugbyOfficial

OfficialUlsterRugby

#SUFTUM

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10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LA ROCHELLE

1

8 9

Maigret author Georges Simenon, and writer Jean- Paul Sartre, had homes in the port city of La Rochelle. The present rugby union club was formed in 1986 and is nicknamed ‘Les Corsaires’ – the Privateers. During World War Two the German-imposed Vichy regime banned rugby league, ordering that code’s funds be seized for the Union club. Atlantique Stade Rochelais is the full name of the team we know simply as c Marcel-Delfandre where many hundreds of Ulster fans visited earlier in the Champion La Rochelle finished as the best Top 14 side in the regular league season in 2017 – only to be beaten in the semi-final play-offs. The club plays at the 16,000-capacity Stade

Since the 12th Century the West Coast port has been a busy centre of the French fishing industry and international trade.

2 3 4 5 6 7

10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LA ROCHELLE

France’s first astronaut, Jean- Loup Jacques Marie Chretien, was born in the city in 1938.

10

La Rochelle is the ancestral home of Canadian Prime Ministers Pierre and Justin Trudeau.

La Rochelle is the capital of the Charente-Maritime department in the region of Nou e- Aquitaine.

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An unmissable line up on BT Sport Visit bt.com/sport or call 0800 201 2201

THE ASHES

CUP

COACHES CORNER WITH JONO GIBBES

Jono Gibbes forged his reputation by getting the best out of the forward packs at Leinster and Clermont. Here he talks candidly about where Ulster are and the threat posed by La Rochelle this afternoon.

we do in the forwards affect how the backs play and the stuff that the backs do affects us. It’s combining the two that is the goal. Considering your expertise with forward play, what are the most challenging aspects of your role? I think the level of opposition and the quality of the coaching that you’re up against in the PRO14 and Champions Cup is a big challenge. You know that you can get analysed pretty quickly. We’ve got to make sure that we’re evolving and we’re staying fresh with our ideas - that’s a necessity. But that’s just one of many and it’s about balancing the different challenges - the injuries, turnover in playing group, the length of the season, Irish players and how best to use them, flow and getting a little bit of rhythm. Giving younger guys opportunities and reward for their effort, is another challenge, but with that comes a risk if they’re not quite up to the same speed as everyone else. These challenges are not unique to us, certainly they’re not unique to me, they’re not new experiences, it’s just part and parcel of the game and a reality of the role. From the coaching point of view you’d possibly like less challenges sometimes but that’s the nature of the game. Having met them previously in October, we know La Rochelle are tough opposition, how do you feel about today's game? I think they’re the best team in France and they have been for the last 18 months or so. When you consider a club like Clermont or the squad Montpellier have or Toulon, to say La Rochelle is the best team in France at the moment, shows the calibre of the team we’re up against. It’s a credit to what they’ve built that they qualified top of the round robin last year in the Top14. Granted they got beaten in the semi-final but they started this season strong, went straight back up

Take us through the season to date, with 17 games down how do you feel Ulster have performed so far? As with every season there’s been a few ups and downs. There’s been some positive stuff, a bit of frustrating stuff and a little mix of disappointing things. Some of that is to be expected, injuries for example, are a natural part of the game, every team has them and we’ve certainly had our fair share but it’s how you deal with them that matters. Overall, I think it’s been largely positive. Certainly, there have been moments of frustration when a few slips or a lack of accuracy have meant we’ve had to scramble. Some scrambles resulted in losses some we’ve come back from and won, so it’s a mixed bag. There have been moments of disappointment and moments of really good enthusiasm and positive signs of what we’re trying to do. You’re half way through your first season with Ulster, how do you feel things are going for you personally? The integration has been really good and I feel pretty settled here. I enjoy who I work with and I’ve got a lot of time and respect for the expertise that’s in the building. It’s been good coming into a new environment, getting to know some of the more established staff and building relationships with the other coaches. Personally, I think it’s been a really positive experience for me. How do you feel the forwards in particular are doing this season? I don’t really separate forwards and back to be honest. Sure, there are different areas that we’re responsible for but basically both units, forwards and backs, are trying to work together to contribute and make our collective force better. That starts with a bit of set-piece for us, it starts with a back attack from those guys but we don’t separate too much ourselves because things that

JONO GIBBES

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to the top again and never missed a beat. It just shows you that their success has been built on something solid, it’s not just a flash in the pan. What threat do you think La Rochelle offer? I was asked before the last La Rochelle game what is it about these guys that makes them so good and I think they’re just comfortable with how they’re playing the game. I think everyone on their team knows how they contribute to the game plan. Of course they’ve got some quality in there, but I think their overall collective is strong, their strategy stuff is really smart and they’ve got real confidence in what they’ve done over the past 18 months, but it’s been building over a number of years. A team of that calibre doesn’t emerge overnight. They’re a serious threat, a really difficult opposition for us. We’re going to have to be at our very best and we’re going to have to really extend ourselves against these guys and that’s a good challenge. We know we’re playing the best team in France, they’re high in the European rankings and we get a chance to measure ourselves against that and find out a bit about ourselves. That’s exciting! For the fans, what can we expect to see from the Ulstermen today? It’s about using what we’ve got, focusing on what we’re good at and really emphasising the strengths at our disposal. We have to be as accurate and as intense as possible to make them as uncomfortable as possible. If you can make an opposition uncomfortable and make them change a few things that they like doing, then you’ve got a good chance. The plan is to not allow them to set the rhythm. We’re still alive in Round 5 so we’ve got something to play for and the fact that we’re playing at home is a really good thing. I’m sure the players will really invest in this game and show up for the Kingspan faithful. We want to get fans out of their seats for their role is to make La Rochelle uncomfortable as well so we’re hoping fans will play their part today.

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EPCR European Player of the Year 2017 presented by Turkish Airlines - winner Owen Farrell

As Saracens celebrated their back-to-back Champions Cup trophies in Edinburgh last May, one of their many leaders in the success over ASM Clermont Auvergne was named EPCR European Player of the Year – presented by Turkish Airlines. Owen Farrell was honoured as one of the key men to make it happen as his club retained the trophy widely recognised as ‘the one to win’. Farrell stepped into the footsteps of team-mate Maro Itoje in netting a million miles from tournament partners Turkish Airlines as a result of being named Europe’s best as well as bagging the inaugural Anthony Foley Memorial Trophy. The Sarries duo joined Nick Abendanon, Steffon Armitage, Jonny Wilkinson, Rob Kearney, Sean O’Brien and Ronan O’Gara on the roll of honour for the prestigious accolade.

“Of course, it’s incredible,” said O’Gara as he reflected on his award, given in recognition of his outstanding career in the European Cup. “It’s only when you retire that you appreciate it, because you’re in a bubble when you are performing and chasing the next victory. It’s special because of the teammates I played with, because rugby is the ultimate team sport and that’s the beauty of it.” This season’s list of nominees will be announced soon after the conclusion of the pool stage as twenty clubs on the Road to Bilbao are narrowed down to just eight. The winner will be announced on Finals weekend again with the public vote through ChampionsCupRugby.com merged with the opinions of a panel of six distinguished rugby experts to determine the outcome. 2017/18 panel: Stuart Barnes (Sky Sports/The Sunday Times), Chris Jones (BBC Five Live), Matthieu Lartot (France Televisions), Emmanuel Massicard (Midi Olympique), Brian O’Driscoll (BT Sport), Dimitri Yachvili (beIN Sports).

SAN MAMES STADIUM - FRIDAY 11TH & SATURDAY 12TH MAY 2018