Ulster Rugby v Benetton Rugby

Welcome back to Kingspan Stadium, the home of Ulster Rugby, where the Ulster squad return to action at home for the first time in almost a month as they take on Italian side, Benetton Rugby. Standings at the top of Conference B are tight, making a win a must if Ulster are to retain their second-place position ahead of Leinster. The score line was 21-14 in favour of Ulster when the sides last played in Benetton’s Stadio Monigo, with Irishman Ian McKinley landing two conversions and a try for the home team. We are known for our warm welcome and I am sure that the Benetton Rugby squad and their travelling supporters will experience nothing less, having made the trip to join us here in Belfast. Finally, on behalf of Kingspan, I would like to wish the Ulster Rugby squad and management team the very best of luck this evening. To Ulster’s committed fans, enjoy the game, lead the way and help ensure that this is an evening to remember at Kingspan Stadium.

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CONTENTS

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME GUINNESS PRO14 WELCOME PAUL MARSHALL JOINS 200 CLUB 8 GUINNESS PRO14 MATCH PREVIEW 11 TONIGHT'S MASCOTS 12 ALAN O'CONNOR Q&A 13 CHRISTMAS PRESENT APPEAL 14 WHAT'S ON 17 INTERVIEW: LES KISS 18 URSC NEWS 20 ULSTER ACADEMY PROFILE: GREG JONES 23 GUEST ARTICLE: ROD NAWN 26 ULSTER SQUAD 2017/18 28 ULSTER TEAM 32 PULL OUT POSTER 34 BENETTON TEAM 37 BENETTON SQUAD 2017/18 38 3 5

10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BENETTON

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ULSTER U18 SCHOOLS' UPDATE SUBWAY HALF TIME TEAMS

44 49 52 54 56 58 62 64 65 66 67 68

DANSKE BANK ULSTER SCHOOLS’ RUGBY

OUR CLUB NEWS

BANK OF IREALND COMPETITION UPDATE INTERVIEW: LOUIS LUDIK ULSTER WOMEN FEATURE ULSTER RUGBY VALUES

STADIUM MAP

STADIUM INFORMATION

THANK YOU

UPCOMING FIXTURES 2017/18

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We extend a special welcome to the Benetton officers, management, supporters and players this evening. We hope you all have a very enjoyable experience here in Ulster. After eight rounds of this year’s Championship, Ulster are currently second in Conference B, one point ahead of our near neighbours Leinster. Following tonight’s game, we face an away trip to Dragons next Friday before back-to-back Champions Cup showdowns with Harlequins. With no rugby for Ulster over the past two weekends, the focus for many has been on the Autumn internationals, with Ireland recording a comprehensive victory over South Africa, followed by a narrow win against Fiji. Congratulations to Ireland, and particular mention to the six Ulster players who have contributed so prominently. Ireland’s final series game is against Argentina tomorrow evening at the Aviva Stadium, and we wish them well. The Ulster Bank League also returns this weekend with a full programme of fixtures. Of the 12 Ulster teams involved, 6 are currently occupying places in the top 4 of their respective divisions, which is very encouraging. Within Ulster, it is a big weekend for club cup competitions, with fixtures in the Crawford Cup, Crawford Plate, Forster Cup and Forster Plate. We also have the semi-finals of the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup where Ballymoney, City of Armagh 2nd XV, Ballynahinch 2nd XV and Malone 2nd XV will all be vying for a place in the final at Kingspan Stadium next month. As always, we would encourage you to get out and support your local club. Congratulations to Ballymena and City of Armagh who have booked their place in the First Trust Senior Cup Final, as Ballymena accounted for the champions from the past three years, Ballynahinch, and the Armagh men saw off Malone to set up an intriguing final on December 19th at Kingspan Stadium. On Monday afternoon, we had a fantastic turnout for the launch of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Rugby competitions. It was particularly pleasing to see the Girls Schools’ Cup and High Schools’ competitions represented along with the Schools’ Cup 1st XV captains, and we look forward to another thrilling few months of schools rugby. Next Sunday 3rd December the Ulster Women will kick-off their Inter- Provincial campaign with a home tie against Leinster at Dromore RFC. All support for the team would be greatly appreciated, and once again we wish them the best of good luck. Finally, it is our pleasure to be acknowledging the Danske Bank Ulster U18 Schools’ team at half-time this evening, in recognition for their tremendous achievement of winning the Schools’ Inter-Provincial series, the first Ulster team to do so in 12 years. I’m sure you will show them your appreciation at half-time. SUFTUM! Graffin Parke President IRFU (Ulster Branch) As President of the IRFU Ulster Branch, it gives me great pleasure to welcome everyone to Kingspan Stadium for tonight’s Round 9 game in the Guinness PRO14 Championship against Benetton Rugby. PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

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

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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After 44 tries were scored in Round 8, this weekend’s slate of games has a lot to live up to as Guinness PRO14 games take place across Italy, Ireland, South Africa and Wales. Across both Conferences there are some tasty fixtures in store with teams vying to stay in contention for the Final Series knock-out berths and the Champions Cup Play-Off. In addition to the Championship’s increased competitiveness this season, the introduction of the South African teams has brought a truly unique element to the Guinness PRO14. We can see the fans’ response to this due to the healthy increase in attendances this season with eight of our clubs attracting even more supporters to our games. It’s also really pleasing to let you know that we have announced Gullivers Sports Travel as our Official Supporter Travel Partner for the Guinness PRO14 Final Series. Whether you’re already planning to visit Dublin for this season’s Championship decider or keen to register your interest in following your team through the Guinness PRO14 Final Series then check out www.gulliverstravel.co.uk to ensure you are first in the queue when it comes to tickets, flights and hotels. Our Final takes place in Dublin on 26th May and as ever it is bound to showcase some of the best international talent from the Guinness PRO14. This month we’ve seen over 100 players involved in the international window and I’d like to congratulate the 14 players from our Championship who’ve made their Test debuts in the past couple of weeks. Last season we saw close to 300 international players appear in the Championship, including 26 of the British & Irish Lions squad, and in the past 12 months over 60 players have gone on to earn their first international cap which is a great mark of the quality that exists in the Guinness PRO14. Clearly, there is an abundance of international talent in the Guinness PRO14 and each round we’re also watching the next generation emerge – at today’s game you could be watching the next Stuart Hogg, Conor Murray, Sam Warburton, Carlo Canna or Francois Venter emerge. That’s a fantastic quality for any tournament to boast and we’re rightly proud of that. Of course, the calibre of those players is one of the reasons why our Positive Play stats – among the best in Europe – are looking good again this season. Already our teams, their coaches and players are producing almost six tries a game as they continue to play ambitious and attractive rugby. Now that we have introduced the Quarter-Final round and the Champions Cup Play- Off game to the Guinness PRO14 Final Series, we’re creating an extended knock-out stage where more teams will be involved and more drama will unfold in these ‘win or go home’ games. Most finals provide a healthy dose of tension but our Championship Final also has a reputation for thrilling play which is clear to see from the style in which Scarlets, Connacht, Glasgow Warriors and Leinster have won the past four deciders. Since 2014, the Championship Final has played to sold-out crowds or set new attendance records as it has grown into an occasion that no rugby fan wants to miss. A record crowd witnessed Scarlets’ title victory in Dublin last season and with the first-ever Guinness PRO14 Final coming to Aviva Stadium on May 26 you can be there to witness history. With our Early Bird offer fans can secure their place in Dublin well in advance of the Guinness PRO14 Final on www.ticketmaster.ie where prices start at €5 for children and €30 for adults. Don’t miss out. Enjoy the game. Martin Anayi Chief Executive Officer

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MARSHALL JOINS 200 CLUB

Paul Marshall rose through the ranks of the Academy to a senior Ulster contract in 2006, making his debut the same season. Tonight, he celebrates making his 200th appearance for Ulster Rugby, joining fellow team mates Andrew Trimble, Robbie Diack and Rory Best who also have 200 caps to their names.

In a sport where injuries are common and players are required daily to put their bodies on the line, for a player to reach 200 caps is quite an achievement and one that is made even more special for Marshall who grew up dreaming of playing for Ulster. “It’s funny, when you start off you definitely dream about getting your first game. You get a taste for it and you think I’d love to get 10, 20, 30 games. Then when you get your first big milestone of 100 games your mind wanders and you wonder will you still be still be playing to push on and try and get 200. Now as I’m approaching 200 I think “ah, it would be nice to get 300” but I might be a wee bit too old for that when the time comes!” With over a decade of experience at Ulster Rugby under his belt he finds it difficult to pick just one stand out memory from his time wearing the Ulster shirt. “When I sit back and reflect, for me it’s still the enjoyment factor and the buzz of getting to play every week. Training is good and training is fun but getting to actually go out and play against an opposition, in front of a crowd and that buzz, when the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, it’s that feeling which stands out in my mind and it’s a thing that I still get every time I play. Especially when I’m starting, I get so nervous because you always feel under pressure to prove to yourself, your teammates and everybody that you deserve to be in that situation. It’s just been a joy to play with some great players over the years, to be coached by some great coaches and just to be part of the organisation which I grew up as a schoolboy wanting to be involved in.” The familiar roar of the Kingspan faithful is sure to add to the special occasion tonight but given Benetton’s recent form it will not be an easy fixture as Marshall is well aware. “When you look at the league this year, it’s more competitive again than it was last year. Both the

Italian teams have really lifted their game and I think when you see their results - Benetton nearly beat Toulon at home - they tell you just how far they’ve come in the last year or two. So tonight will be a tough game. My 100th game was away from home and my 150th game was away from home, so it will be nice to get my 200th cap at home in front of friends and family and it would be even better to mark the occasion with a win.” With the departure of Ruan Pienaar at the end of last season there is increased competition for the number 9 shirt but Marshall is confident that is not only a good thing for his individual development but also for the squad as a whole. “I was really looking forward to this season, to try and push on and make the jersey my own but for one reason or another I haven’t been involved quite as much as I would have liked which is a bit frustrating from a rugby point of view. I think I’m a better player now than I was when 19 or 20 years old so whoever has been here, and whoever has been wearing the number 9 shirt hasn’t stopped me from personally improving and developing and becoming a better player. It might have limited my own game time in big matches but that’s something you just have to deal with. Obviously, I don’t want to be sitting on the bench watching someone else play, but I feel that when I’ve got on I’ve contributed ok and the starts that I’ve had have gone well and hopefully moving forward I’ll be more involved. “It’s a really exciting time for Ulster Rugby as we’ve a lot of new guys coming in. Johnny [Stewart] has come in and done really well. He’s a very talented young guy and it would be great to see him come through and kick on. Aaron Cairns has come in this year as well and has done really well, he’s a tremendous athlete. Dave Shanahan has been here for the last couple of years and always pushes hard at training. He always wants to do extras and I find that’s good for me because I want to keep on and do extras as well. And of

PAUL MARSHALL JOINS 200 CLUB

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course, John Cooney – he’s played most of the games at 9, he’s fitted in and done really well. “That’s what every squad needs - 3, 4, 5 guys knocking at the door. Coaches’ decisions should be tough every week and as a player you know you can’t rest on your laurels from one week to the next. If I want to play I know I’ve got to train hard, I’ve got to play well otherwise there are other guys queueing up to get involved.” On the journey to achieving his 200th cap, Marshall committed himself to continual learning and it is this focus on improvement which perhaps, in part, explains his longevity at Ulster Rugby. “I think if you don’t want to keep learning or keep getting better then you stagnate. For me I’m not the most talented player, I know that, I know that there are a lot of guys naturally more gifted than I am. At school, I realised that if I want to be involved I have to train as hard as I can and that takes attitude. I’ve been blessed to play the game for so long in this environment and I’ve enjoyed it but I don’t feel like I’m ready for it to end yet and that’s why I’m still pushing on and working hard and trying to be the best that I can be. “I was excited when I heard that Dwayne [Peel] was coming to coach because I loved watching him as a player. I thought he was one of the best 9s around in that era when he was involved. Some of the drills he’s brought in have been really good from a 9s point of view and all the 9s have benefitted from him being here. He’s helped me with a few tweaks to my game including my kicking style. I could easily have turned around and said I’ve done this for the past few years, I don’t need to change but you’ve got to be open and honest as a player to realise that you can still get better and try new things and keep your mind active. I’m just as ambitious as ever, I want to play every week and if I don’t get to play every week, for me, that’s not success from a rugby point of view.”

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The GUINNESS word and associated logos are trade marks © Guinness & Co.2015.

GUINNESS PRO14 MATCH PREVIEW

ULSTER V BENETTON RUGBY GUINNESS PRO14 2017/18 ROUND 9 AT KINGSPAN STADIUM

CURRENT STANDINGS 2 5

LAST TIME 14 21 09.09.17 STADIO MONIGO

GUINNESS PRO14 MATCH PREVIEW

HEAD TO HEAD

ULSTER FORM GUIDE

BENETTON FORM GUIDE

15 13

15 1 13 1

PLAYED WINS LOSSES DRAWS

WIN

DRAW LOST

WIN

DRAW LOST

1 1

LAST 3 MATCHES

LAST 3 MATCHES

Ulster Rugby’s last six matches in all competitions have been evenly split with three wins and three defeats. The Ulstermen’s ten game unbeaten run in Belfast was ended by Leinster in round 7 of the Guinness PRO14. Ulster were defeated 23-27 at Zebre in round 5 but have never lost successive matches to Italian opponents. Benetton Rugby have a won three lost three record in the last six rounds of the Guinness PRO14, whilst their only victory away from home this season came at Edinburgh in round 3. The Italians have lost their last eleven encounters with Irish provinces since beating Connacht in Treviso in April 2016. Ulster’s only defeat to Benetton in twenty-one previous fixtures in all competitions was 12-23 in Belfast in October 2011. CURRENT FORM

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

ULSTER SCORERS

BENETTON RUGBY

DATE

VENUE

U

B

SCORERS

09.09.17 Stadio Monigo

21 14

Jacob Stockdale T John Cooney 3C Andrew Trimble 2T Sean Reidy T Charles Piutau T Jared Payne T Ruan Pienaar 2C

Federico Ruzza T Ian McKinley T/2C

03.04.17 Kingspan Stadium

19 7

Ian McKinley C Filo Paulo T

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TONIGHT’S MASCOTS

KATIE LYNESS (11) Katie is from Lurgan and attends Carrick Primary School. In her free time Katie loves playing sports, reading and watching rugby with her Dad. This is the very first rugby match Katie has attended at Kingspan Stadium and she can’t wait to be a mascot for the team. Her favourite player is Rory Best as he captains Ireland. When she is older, Katie would like to be a vet.

LEWIS BEST (10) Lewis is from Carrickfergus and attends Acorn Integrated Primary School. He plays Mini Rugby for Carrickfergus RFC and also enjoys playing football and ice-hockey. He is excited to be a mascot tonight to walk through the tunnel and onto the pitch with his favourite Ulster Rugby players. Lewis would like to be a professional rugby player when he is older.

TONIGHT'S MASCOTS

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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? Lawless WHICH PLAYER HAS THE MOST USELESS TALENT AND WHAT IS IT? Clive Ross - fluent in Chinese TEAM MATE MOST LIKELY TO MAKE YOU LAUGH? John Andrew WHAT SONG MAKES YOU WANT TO DANCE? Despacito by Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee WHAT ACHIEVEMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? Playing rugby for Ulster SPORTING HERO YOU MOST ADMIRE? Paul O’Connell IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO USE A TIME MACHINE, WHAT YEAR WOULD YOU TRAVEL TO AND WHY? (PAST OR FUTURE) I would go back to see the dinosaurs IF YOU BECAME AN AVENGER WHAT WOULD YOUR SUPERHERO NAME BE AND WHAT SUPER POWER WOULD YOU HAVE? Name: Sloth Man; Superpower: Super speed WHAT SCARES YOU MOST? Snake coming out of the toilet IF YOU HAD A BOAT, WHAT WOULD YOU NAME IT? Fast Ferry IF ON YOUR BIRTHDAY, YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING YOU WANTED. WHAT WOULD YOU ORDER? Starter: Chowder; Main: Steak & chips; Dessert: Brownie ALAN O'CONNOR ANSWERS FAN QUESTIONS QUICKFIRE

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CHRISTMAS PRESENT APPEAL FOR INCLUDE YOUTH

Share your festive cheer with a young person in care this Christmas by donating an unwrapped gift to Ulster Rugby’s Christmas Present Appeal.

For children and young people living in care or away from their families, Christmas can be quite difficult and they often miss out on receiving gifts. So Ulster Rugby has once again teamed up with Include Youth to ensure that they have something under the tree this Christmas. Ulster supporters attending tonight's match and next month's tie versus Harlequins (15th December) are encouraged to buy an unwrapped gift for a young person in care, bring it along and drop it into the collection box in the main Reception building at Kingspan Stadium (opposite the Memorial Stand) before, during or after each game. Paddy Mooney, Director at Include Youth, said: “Every year staff at Include Youth organise a Christmas party for all the young people involved in our projects, which usually involves a dinner followed by lots of fun and games. “Following the huge success of last year’s Christmas Present Appeal, we are once again asking Ulster Rugby's generous fan base to buy an extra gift for a teenager or young adult in order to help us ensure that each young person has something to open on Christmas morning. “To get involved, simply buy a present suitable for a young person aged 16-24 years, valued at £10-£15 and bring it along to one of the matches before Christmas.”

families around them. We encourage all fans to consider getting involved in this very worthwhile cause and help us bring a little festive joy to young people in care this winter. “All gifts will be greatly received and will go a long way in making sure all young people know they are cared about this Christmas. Thank you in advance for your support!” TOILETRIES (NO SHARP OBJECTS) CONFECTIONARY PYJAMAS/NIGHTWEAR SLIPPERS SOCKS VOUCHERS HATS/ GLOVES EARPHONES/ PORTABLE CHARGERS GIFT SUGGESTIONS UNWRAPPED SUITABLE FOR A MALE OR FEMALE AGED 16 TO 24 YEARS BE VALUED FROM £10 TO £15 GIFTS SHOULD BE

CHRISTMAS PRESENT APPEAL Ulster Rugby President, Graffin Parke, added: “Include Youth provides a fantastic service for children and young people from disadvantaged communities right across the Province. Their work is especially important at Christmas when feelings of isolation can be worst for those who don't have

ABOUT INCLUDE YOUTH

Include Youth supports approximately 500 young people every year, who are in or leaving care or from disadvantaged situations, through employability projects each year. Include Youth has six offices in Belfast, Ards, Armagh, Omagh, Derry and Ballymena. Many of Include Youth's projects are delivered

in partnership with the health and social care trusts, community-based youth organisations and responsible business charities. For more information on the organisation please visit www.includeyouth.org or follow Include Youth on Facebook and Twitter.

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

THE ASHES

CUP

WHAT'S ON

#SUFTUM

ENJOY TOP TUNES FROM THE Q RADIO JEEP STRIKE A POSE WITH THE RIVER ROCK TEAM IN THEIR GIANT DECKCHAIR SING ALONG WITH LIVE MUSIC BY JAMIE IN THE CLUBHOUSE BAR MEET YOUR HEROES AT THE PLAYER'S SIGNING SESSION IN THE FANS ZONE ULSTER RUBGY TENT HUNGRY? THE FOOD VILLAGE, LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE FAN ZONE, OFFERS 8 DIFFERENT STREET FOOD VENDORS THIRSTY? CHOOSE FROM A RANGE OF BARS INCLUDING: » THE POP UP PROSECCO BAR LOCATED IN THE CLUBHOUSE BAR » THE SCRUM BAR & LINE OUT BAR LOCATED IN MEMORIAL STAND » THE CLUBHOUSE & HEINEKEN QUARTER BAR LOCATED IN THE GRAND STAND

SHARE YOUR PICS FROM THE MATCH WITH #SUFTUM TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND WIN YOUR CHANCE TO FEATURE IN OUR FAN OF THE WEEK PAGES!

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LES KISS COACHES CORNER

“We expect a fierce battle tonight, Benetton aren’t an easy team to get on top of early...”

INTERVIEW: LES KISS totally different thrust in terms of how we go about our business and what we focus on. I’ve no doubt that the players are enjoying the different challenge that comes with it, they’ve engaged well with the new processes and methods that we’ve put in place. Take us through the season so far. With 10 games down, how do you feel Ulster have performed? “We’re really happy where we are in terms of the ladder - currently 6 from 8 in the PRO14 which puts us second in the conference. “As a new coaching team we’ve worked on a lot of new shapes and new ideas so to get through that first period and finish up second in the conference is very pleasing as it confirms the solid progression in the areas that we’ve been working on. That’ll make us shift our focus a little bit now, we can move to other components of our game and start working on some of those in more depth. “At this stage, it’s a good place for us to be. We’ve scored a lot of tries, which we’re obviously very happy with. We’ve probably conceded a couple too many tries for the year, but we’re still winning the games and that’s what’s important.” And the changes you envisaged by altering the coaching set up – do you feel they are starting to come to fruition? “Without doubt as a coaching team we’ve really gelled well and come together. There has been a “The other impact that it’s had is a massive culture shift internally within the group. It’s something that we’re very protective of. There’s a strong core coaching team but the wider management group are equally vital and I am very happy with their commitment to driving the right standards of excellence in our culture. “What Jono [Gibbes] has brought to the table has been sensational, he knows the game very well and his strengths are being realised in the team. Dwayne’s [Peel] recent time in the game is an advantage as he sees the game through the eyes of a player and he has brought some exceptionally good ideas to the backs and attack play. And Aaron [Dundon] has done a really good job with our scrum. I think that platform has been solid all year and Niall Malone has really enjoyed the shape of our coaching team, adding his superb analysis expertise. “As I’ve said, we’re pretty happy with where we are but we would like to make sure that we challenge ourselves in this next period. It will be exceptionally tough but that is where we will find out more about each other as coaches and a management team.”

It’s back to business tonight as we’re set to take on Benetton. What do you think they will bring to the pitch this weekend? “It’s an interesting one. I think Treviso have taken a lot of teams by surprise and challenged a lot of teams in ways they previously hadn’t. Toulon just beat them by a point, they pushed Bath all the way and they pushed Scarlets all the way, and that was at Scarlets, so they offer a strong challenge. “You’re seeing a team that believe in themselves a lot more, they’ve got good strong basics and they have the ability to put you under pressure in a unique way. Their defence is solid, but probably the biggest strength is their kicking game. They kick a lot from their area and force you to make tough decisions from a high ball. They have 31 internationals in their squad so I have no doubts it’s going to be a formidable challenge tonight.” With a number of players off fulfilling their Irish duties and with injuries, we have seen a shake up in the team sheet. Can you tell us a little about that? “Yes, there has been some movement for sure. A few more injuries have landed on our plate, that in itself forces change and when you make one change it can sometimes effect other change as you’re trying to get the right combinations. “Wiehahn [Herbst] and Rodney [Ah You] are both out of action for at least another 2 to 3 weeks and our other tighthead Johnny Simpson will also be unavailable for 5 or 6 weeks. So we are certainly going deep into our tighthead area so we have to rely on our depth with Ross Kane starting and Andy Warwick covering from the bench. “With Rory away on international duty, it is fantastic that Rob Herring has been made available to return from national duties and he will come off the bench for John Andrew who has been so solid all season for us when called upon. Chris Henry has a shoulder injury so he has been ruled out, but Nick Timoney comes back so it gives us a chance to see him back in action. Robbie Diack is also ruled out with injury and Matty Rea is carrying a slight shoulder injury that has restricted his training during the week. That being the case, we will see a debut from Aaron Hall who starts at openside, whilst Greg Jones and Matthew Dalton will cover backrow and lock respectively. It is a fantastic opportunity to see these three exciting young players from our Academy system showing their wares tonight. “In the backs, Luke Marshall has an issue with his achilles and is probably going to be unavailable

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over the next 3 to 5 weeks, so we have looked at some combination changes in the centres. Stuart McCloskey will not be available following his time with Ireland. In the back three, Craig Gilroy has recently returned but we’re a lot better served in terms of injuries in the back three. So, all in all, it has resulted in some changes for sure.” For the fans, what can we expect to see from the Ulstermen on Friday night? “The players don’t hide the fact that it means a lot to them to perform well at Kingspan Stadium for their great supporters. We expect a fierce battle tonight, Treviso aren’t an easy team

to get on top of early. “We need to match the intensity and physicality that Treviso will bring and play with discipline

to best manage the strong kicking game by Treviso. We like to attack the game and have a go at the opposition and the boys will certainly be up for it.”

We’re two games into the Irish series and Ulster players have featured quite prominently. How do you think this international experience will benefit the Ulster squad when the boys return? “You always gain experience when you work up another level. Jacob Stockdale is a player who’s been growing slowly but surely. Last season we managed him well and he’s now got the benefit of a call up for the November series after a summer tour. He’ll definitely become better because of that experience. “I thought the fact that Rob Herring got called back in is testament to how he’s really come along this year. He’s had to step up more regularly as Rory has been out for most of the season and I think he got his reward for playing strongly and consistently. Stuart McCloskey has been immense for us throughout the year and, again, the more you’re exposed to that level the better you become. Obviously Kieran Treadwell hasn’t had as much time but he has strong qualities and will learn well from being in the training camp. “It all helps and it’s great for them to get that experience but it only matters if you come back here and you perform and show that improvement here at Ulster and that’s what they’ll be driven for and I know that they will do that for us.”

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ULSTER RUGBY SUPPORTS CLUB NEWS

URSC MEMBERSHIP 2017/18

BIG BALLOT IN AID OF THE JACK KYLE BURSARY Tickets just £1 each. Prizes, provided by local businesses, include: > Grandstand tickets, overnight accommodation in a Belfast hotel & transfers for the Ulster v La Rochelle match courtesy of Bank of Ireland > £200 gift voucher for Gardiner Brothers Jewellers, Belfast > 3 month membership pass for leisure centres in Antrim & Newtonabbey Borough area. > £50 Horatio Group voucher > Canine Swim Session > Golf cap signed by 4 time Major winner Rory McIlroy > Golf cap signed by 2017 European Race to Dubai winner Tommy Fleetwood > Golf cap signed by Ronan Keating > £30 Voucher for Silhouette Boutique, Belmont Road, Belfast > Love Images "Last Stand at Ravenhill" framed print

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 maximise your benefits for the season, go to membership.ursc.co For all problems or questions, please contact membership@ursc.co.uk URSC are running a bus to the Connacht match on 23 December leaving Belfast at 1pm. Costs are: CONNACHT V ULSTER AT SPORTGROUND

URSC NEWS

£30 adult member; £35 non-member £20 for under 18s.

Price is for bus only. Travelling supporters are responsible for their own match tickets.

Jacob Stockdale has been selected as URSC Player of the Month for September & October and will be presented with a Crystal Clear Glass Engraving trophy. Congratulations to Laurence Fisher who voted for Jacob and was entered into a draw to win an Ireland supporters shirt. For more information on URSC, please visit membership.ursc.co URSC PLAYER OF THE MONTH FOR SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER

STAND UP EDITOR STANDING DOWN

After 12 years, Ken Arthur, Editor of URSC's Stand Up magazine is standing down. If you know anyone who would like to take on this role contact standup@ursc.co.uk putting "EDITOR" in the subject line. Journalistic skills would of course be helpful but enthusiasm, love of rugby and hard work are more important!

Great to see our South Walian chapter at the Leinster match ensuring Ulstermen are standing up in the Valleys! SOUTH WALES URSC

21

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ULSTER ACADEMY PROFILE GREG JONES

NAME Greg Jones DOB 13/01/96 PREFERED POSITION Back Row PREVIOUS TEAMS UCD HONOURS Ireland U18, U19 & U20 COURSE STUDYING Economics and Finance RUGBY INFLUENCES Paul O’Connell SPORTING IDOLS Roger Federer RUGBY AMBITION Play for Ulster

A FACT NOT MANY PEOPLE WOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU I play the piano STRONGEST AREA OF YOUR GAME Lineout AREA TO WORK ON Ruck THING YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT RUGBY Big games OTHER HOBBIES Golf FAVOURITE MOVIE

Usual Suspects CHEAT MEAL Pizza

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Give Tobermore a… try just get in touch!

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CONFIDENT ITALIANS WITH A TALENT TO DISRUPT

This evening the visitors to Kingspan Stadium might once have been less than optimistic about the prospect of returning home with the spoils.

But Benetton Rugby, or Treviso, is part of what appears to be a genuine resurgence at the top of the game in Italy and, with Zebre, the club has been experiencing one of its most successful phases in the professional game. While it’s too early to say convincingly that Italian rugby is finally becoming a consistently competitive product, there are more than just tentative signs that at club and national level the sport is producing more quality, and quantity, in terms of players. Though it always has relied on recruitment from afar, today more of these ‘foreign’ players are properly qualified to play for the country and, more important, the numbers of indigenous Italians proving their mettle is palpably growing. Benetton has already made quite an impression in the PRO14, with thumping wins over Southern Kings and Ospreys at the Stadio Monigo, and then an impressive victory at Edinburgh, helping the side to a healthy position In Conference B after eight rounds of games. And perhaps, as Conor O’Shea continues to have ambitious plans for the sport in Italy – and the national side in particular – the real measure of the club’s improvement and of its telling consistency is the fact that no fewer than 15 of its players are on international squad duty for the Autumn internationals. In all departments Benetton provides O’Shea with good choices, but it is in the key area of forward battle that the club is excelling. No fewer than five of the Italian ‘eight’ helped pave the way to victory over Fiji two weeks ago, and then ran Argentina so close last Saturday. Marco Fuser and Dean Budd is a second-row combination which can more than hold its own in the PRO14, while team-mates Frederico Ruzza and and Marco Lazzaroni are rated the next best pairing at lock and have been regulars in the international squad. Braam Steyn is an all-action, physical open-side, and Francesco Minto is a top-class blindside flanker who has subverted the attacking threats

of many sides, not least Ulster on some of its not entirely convincing league trips to Treviso. The hardened Luca Bigi is the country’s No.1 choice at hooker, and Jayden Hayward is now a fixture in O’Shea’s backline, and that might lead Ulster fans to think that Benetton resources will be fatally diluted by international calls for tonight’s resumption in the PRO14. Certainly the visitors are hardly strengthened by the fact that ten of their number have been in the international matchday squads in the last fortnight, but it’s possible that free-running winger Angelo Esposito, tough-tackling centre Tomasso Benvenuti and one of the international scrum- halves - either Edoardo Gori or Tito Tebaldi, could be released from Italy’s preparations for the Test with South Africa tomorrow afternoon. Were that to happen Ulster could expect another hugely difficult evening dealing with a Benetton backline which is adventurous and clinical but has an intelligent defensive strategy which has always been at the core of teams coached by former All Black Kieran Crowley, lured to the north-east of Italy after a lengthy and successful stint in charge of Canada. Out-half Ian McKinley, originally from these parts, is likely to stay with the international panel as his fairytale return to the sport after losing an eye while a Leinster apprentice continues, and his leadership would be missed by any club, but in Marty Banks or Tomasso Allan there are options at ‘Ten’ which are experienced and gifted. Where Ulster, who’ll be without Rory Best and Iain Henderson, will hope to take the initiative is in the pack where Benetton’s success is reflected in the selection of no fewer than seven forwards in the international matchday squad of late. Can the visitors really survive the absence of quite so many players in the always critical area of any contest? Logic might presume to persuade the home supporters that Ulster will dominate in the setpiece, but recent history suggests that Italian club sides have rugged, stubborn reserves with a

GUEST ARTICLE: ROD NAWN

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ARTICLE BY ROD NAWN FREELANCE JOURNALIST AND SPORTS ENTHUSIAST @RODNAWN1

talent to disrupt and confuse. Having just about escaped with a win in Treviso early in the season, and in real peril at the ‘death’ in that game, Director of Rugby Les Kiss and Head Coach Jono Gibbes will have been drilling home the message to tonight’s team that the opposition is capable of creating real problems by dint of well-organised scrums and what can appear to be rather chaotic but effective efforts at the breakdown. It is not chaotic, it’s not ill-disciplined mayhem which Benetton can deploy up front, but it’s a tactic deliberately employed to unsettle even the most skilled opponents. For Ulster there has been a rest from competitive rugby as the Guinness PRO14 takes its first significant break to chime in with the early stages of the Autumn internationals, but for players not involved with Ireland, and for coaches, this is a critical time. With the second phase of Champions Cup qualifiers just a fortnight away this is a significant time to cement both league position and form. If maximum points could be gleaned this evening against Benetton the trip to Rodney Parade and the Dragons next weekend might prove a little less daunting than it too often has! For the key run-in to the Christmas and New Year period it’s imperative that as healthy and in-form a squad is ready for a truly intense and, often, defining period of the season. The return to the team of Jared Payne after his travails with the Lions in New Zealand cannot be rushed, neither can it be underestimated. This most intelligent back brings an entirely different dimension to Ulster’s game when and wherever he plays, and the prospect of Piutau, Stockdale, Trimble, Bowe, Gilroy, Marshall, Ludik, McCloskey, Cave and Nelson – to name but a few! – being available creates selection options for Kiss and Gibbes other coaches would envy. With John Cooney and Christian Leali’ifano so quickly forming a partnership at half-back of imagination, energy and no little courage the backs have often been unstoppable, and against the visitors from Treviso the team will want to make an early statement of intent.

The players speak highly of the value of the time spent in the southern hemisphere for the Southern Kings game earlier this month, of the opportunity to bond even more firmly, to build further resolve. Even if the team wasnt at its best, a 7-try bonus point win has applied further pressure to the Scarlets in Conference B. Tonight we hope that the forwards will take swift charge, that the crowd roars its unmistakeable approval, that the try-laden promise of the wondrous pool of backs will find possession and space in abundance and thrive accordingly. It would be a tremendous fillip to everyone if Benetton was respectfully put to the sword in front of an approving Kingspan, and there is no doubt that this group of Ulster players is capable of demonstrating that it can be even more than the sum of its parts. So as we all gather again, Guinness PRO14 and Champions Cup hopes refreshed, let the optimism and confidence in the seats and on the terraces transfer to a team which feeds off the positives within and without.

GUEST ARTICLE: ROD NAWN

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RODNEY AH YOU

JOHN ANDREW

RORY BEST

Prop 27.10.88 186cm 128.1kg 27 3 Prop 25.02.86 180cm 116.8kg 134 —

Hooker 26.05.93

Hooker 15.08.82 180cm 105kg

180cm 99.1kg 34 —

200 105

TOMMY BOWE

PETER BROWNE

CALLUM BLACK

Wing 22.02.84

Lock 25.10.87 200cm 115.8kg 33 — Centre 05.04.87 182cm 93kg 198 11 Flanker 05.03.85 191cm 118kg 6 SA 4

191cm 98.6kg 159 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

191cm 122kg 5 SA 28

8 1

ULSTER SQUAD 2017/18 28 CRAIG GILROY Wing/Full back 11.03.91 182cm 94kg 150 10 Prop 05.07.88 177cm 120.9kg 63 — CHRIS HENRY Back Row 17.10.84 187.cm 105.5kg 173 24 ROBBIE DIACK No. 8 12.11.85 193cm 110.8kg 202 2

IAIN HENDERSON

Lock/Back Row 21.02.92 200cm 117kg 80 3

WIEHAHN HERBST

ROB HERRING

Hooker 27.04.90

182cm 106kg 128 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 66 2 Out half 24.09.87 180cm 91kg 5 AUS 19

13 —

ROB LYTTLE

LUKE MARSHALL

LOUIS LUDIK Full back 08.10.86

Centre 28.01.97

ULSTER SQUAD 2017/18

182cm 92.4kg 62 —

174cm 86.2kg

10 —

PAUL MARSHALL

KYLE McCALL

STUART McCLOSKEY

Scrum half 26.07.85

Prop 02.01.92 177cm 106.7kg

170cm 76.0kg 199 3

41 —

JOHNNY McPHILLIPS

PETER NELSON

ALAN O’CONNOR 2nd Row 10.09.92 195cm 113.2kg 46 —

Fly Half 13.04.97

Utility back 05.10.92 180cm 87kg 42 —

180cm 88.9kg

— —

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 7 —

JARED PAYNE

CHARLES PIUTAU

Centre/Full back 13.10.85 187cm 94kg

Utility back 31.10.91 186cm 103.5kg 31 NZ 17

78 20

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SEAN REIDY Back row 10.05.89 182cm 103kg 67 2

CLIVE ROSS Back row 14.06.89 190cm 107.2kg 56 —

DAVE SHANAHAN

Scrum half 20.06.93

174cm 77.4kg

17 —

JONNY SIMPSON

JACOB STOCKDALE

KIERAN TREADWELL

Wing 20.10.84 185cm 98kg 223 70 Prop 19.08.90 182cm 108.3kg 4 —

Utility back 03.04.96 190cm 102kg 31 3

Lock 06.11.95 198cm 115kg 29 3 Prop 12.03.91 177cm 113kg 77 —

ULSTER SQUAD 2017/18

ANDREW TRIMBLE

SCHALK VAN DER MERWE

ANDREWWARWICK

Prop 04.12.90 184cm 110kg

— —

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

TOMMY BOWE

JOHN ANDREW

13

3

ROSS KANE

LOUIS LUDIK

12

4

CHRISTIAN LEALIIFANO C

KIERAN TREADWELL

ULSTER RUBGY

11

5

ALAN O'CONNOR

CRAIG GILROY

6

10

CLIVE ROSS

PETER NELSON

7

9

AARON HALL

JOHN COONEY

REPLACEMENTS 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23

R HERRING S VAN DER MERWE A WARWICK M DALTON

G JONES P MARSHALL D CAVE A TRIMBLE

8

NICK TIMONEY

TODAY’S OFFICIALS

REFEREE MIKE ADAMSON SRU ASSISTANT REFEREES LEO COLGAN IRFU | SHANE KIERANS IRFU TMO PETER FITZGIBBON IRFU

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A FUTURE BUILT ON TEAMWORK At Kingspan, we value individual contributions and talents and strive to provide a culture wherein we all have the opportunity to develop every aspect of our potential.

www.kingspan.com

Working Together

ONE BALL. FOURTEEN TEAMS

TRUST. INNOVATION. PERFORMANCE.

15

1

CHERIF TRAORE

LUCA SPERANDIO

14

2

TOMMASO BENVENUTI

THOMAS BARAVALLE

BENETTON TEAM

13

3

IGNACIO BREX

GIUSEPPE DI STEFANO

12

4

ALBERTO SGARBI

ALESSANDRO ZANNI

11

5

IRNÉ HERBST

ANDREA BRONZINI

6

10

TOMMASO ALLAN

WHETU DOUGLAS

7

9

NASI MANU

GIORGIO BRONZINI

REPLACEMENTS 16 17 18 19 H FAIVA N QUAGLIO A DE MARCHI F RUZZA

20 21 22 23

M BARBINI L CROSATO

8

M BANKS L MORISI

ROBERT BARBIERI

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MARTIN BANKS

TOMMASO ALLAN

TOMAS BARAVALLE

Fly-Half 19.09.89 190cm 93kg 4

Fly-Half 26.04.93 184cm 91kg 22

Hooker 14.12.90 182cm 101kg 5

TOMMASO BENVENUTI

MARCO BARBINI

ROBERT BARBIERI Back-row 05.06.84 185cm 110kg 152

Centre 12.12.90 186cm 98kg 78

Back-row 16.10.90

191cm 102kg 54

ANDREA BRONZINI

IGNACIO BREX

LUCA BIGI

Centre 29.06.97 180cm 90kg 2

Centre 26.05.92 189cm 99kg 5

Hooker 19.04.91 182cm 103kg 42

ANDREA BUONDONNO

GIORGIO BRONZINI

DEAN BUDD

Wing 21.11.92 185cm 89kg 11

Scrum-half 20.04.90 178cm 90kg 24

Lock 31.07.86 195cm 110kg 96

BENETTON SQUAD 2017/18 ALBERTO DE MARCHI

ANGELO ESPOSITO

WHETUKAMOMO DOUGLAS

Wing 14.06.93 187cm 96kg 68

Back-row 18.04.91

Prop 13.03.86 183cm 113kg 81

192cm 109kg 3

HAME FAIVA

FILIPPO FILIPPETTO

SIMONE FERRARI

Hooker 09.05.94 183cm 108kg 0

Prop 06.06.89 183cm 115kg 11

Prop 28.03.94 184cm 121kg 45

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MARCO FUSER

EDOARDO GORI

ORNEL GEGA

Scrum-half 05.03.90 181cm 87kg 85

Lock 09.03.91 199cm 121kg 89

Hooker 24.03.90 180cm 105kg 24

Full back 11.02.87 184cm 91kg 66 JAYDEN HAYWARD

IRNÉ HERBST

TOMMASO IANNONE

Lock 04.05.93 200cm 120kg 1

Centre 16.09.90 181cm 83kg 65

BENETTON SQUAD 2017/18

MARCO LAZZARONI

ENGJEL MAKELARA

TAVAKE MANU

Back-row 15.08.88 190cm 118kg 3

Hooker 22.08.96 186cm 104kg 3

Back-row 18.05.95 191cm 110kg 62

IAN McKINLEY

FRANCESCO MINTO

LUCA MORISI

Back-row 20.05.87 193cm 107kg 105

Centre 22.02.91 185cm 97kg 48

Fly-Half 04.12.89 184cm 88kg 36

SEBASTIAN NEGRI

TIZIANO PASQUALI

NICOLA QUAGLIO

Prop 14.07.94 179cm 117kg 33

Back-row 30.06.94 195cm 108kg 7

Prop 09.03.91 185cm 111kg 9

FEDERICO RUZZA

ALBERTO SGARBI

MARCO RICCIONI

Lock 04.08.94 198cm 108kg 7

Prop 19.10.97 186cm 124kg 1

Centre 26.11.86

191cm 102kg 191

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LUCA SPERANDIO

ABRAHAM STEYN

MICHAEL TAGICAKIBAU

Back-row 02.05.92 194cm 110kg 51

Wing 28.01.96 188cm 93kg 26

Wing 09.05.85 183cm 95kg 9

CHERIF TRAORÈ

FEDERICO ZANI

TITO TEBALDI

Prop 10.04.94 180cm 116kg 22

Scrum-half 23.09.87 180cm 88kg 30

Prop 09.04.89 176cm 115kg 27

MATTEO ZANUSSO

ALESSANDRO ZANNI

PLAYER STATS

Back-row 31.01.84 193cm 107kg 114

Prop 09.04.93 179cm 126kg 66

Keep up to date with the latest player profiles, career stats and squad news at www.benettonrugby.it

BENETTON SQUAD 2017/18

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