Ulster Rugby vs Leinster

GOOD LUCK CLARKIE!

ALLEN CLARKE

forgets it. The European Cup success of 1999 seems like a life time ago but will always remain special. We weren't the most talented team in the competition but everybody dug deep for each other. The semi-final victory over Stade- Francais at Ravenhill is particularly memorable because of the crowd, the atmosphere and the performance. As a coach - winning the Celtic League in 2006, ironically pipping Leinster, with a victory over Ospreys in the final league game of the season. With five minutes to go Ospreys scored from a special play we’d prepared for all week. I still remember the silence between Smally (Mark McCall) and me; but fair play to the boys they managed the last few minutes fantastically and Humph hit a sweet drop goal off both posts before dropping over. It was a brilliant end to what was a fantastic season. "To all I’ve played with, colleagues at all levels, supporters and most importantly the players, some young and some not so young - thank you!"

I’m sure it is with mixed emotions that you are saying farewell to a club you have been a part of for so long? It has been an honour and privilege to play and coach for my home Province. I first played for Ulster in 1994, even though my club side was Northampton Saints. In those days, there were only about 8 to 10 Ulster fixtures per season made up of Inter-provincials and touring sides, nonetheless every game for Ulster was special. Tell us about your new position? I’m moving to Ospreys as Assistant Coach - the people I’ve met have been very impressive. The club is ambitious with a great mix of experience and talent coming through and the fans are knowledgeable and passionate about their rugby. It’s an exciting challenge, one my wife and I are looking forward to. We’ve found a beautiful small market town just outside Swansea called Ystradgynlais where we’re going to live - I’ll head over early June and Kerry will follow late summer. What stands out as your Ulster Rugby highlight? There have been many - as a player obviously my first cap for Ulster, no Ulster man ever

Clarkie

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