Ulster Rugby v Benetton Rugby

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME On behalf of Ulster Rugby, I would like to welcome everyone to Kingspan Stadium for this evening’s Guinness PRO14 match against Benetton Rugby. We welcome the officials, players, staff and supporters to Belfast and hope that you enjoy your visit.

IRFU ULSTER BRANCH 2018/19 OFFICERS Stephen Elliott President Gary Leslie Senior Vice President Philip Gregg Junior Vice President Denis Gardiner Honorary Secretary Michael Boyd Honorary Treasurer Greg Irwin Competitions Secretary EXECUTIVE TEAM Jonny Petrie Chief Executive Officer Dan McFarland Head Coach Bryn Cunningham Operations Director Chris Webster Head of Rugby Development Audrey Robinson Head of Finance & Operations Fiona Hampton Head of Sales & Marketing

Since our last league game we have recorded two magnificent wins in the Heineken Champions Cup to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time since 2014. I would like to thank the supporters who created such a tremendous atmosphere in the stadium for the Racing 92 match. There is no doubt it encouraged the team to put on a great performance and contributed enormously to the win. Beating a top French team is always special and it was particularly appropriate as we had most of the players and support staff from the 1999 European Cup winning team as our guests for the day. I know that they enjoyed the occasion and let’s hope we don’t have to wait as long again for something to celebrate. The victory last week in Leicester, following a second half comeback, confirmed us as runners-up in the group, securing an away quarter final against Leinster. We look forward to that and congratulations to the four Irish provinces on qualifying from their groups in Europe. Again, thanks to the many fans who travelled to Leicester for their vocal support. We now resume the PRO14 campaign, with crucial points at stake as we strive towards a play-off place and qualification for the Champions Cup next season. It will not be easy without the players in the Irish squad and with the injury list increasing. However, the European matches have given everyone confidence and there will also be more chances for our younger players to step up and show what they can do. Benetton

are a much improved team this season and will provide a stern challenge this evening. Next Saturday sees the start of the Six Nations Championship with Ireland hosting England at the Aviva Stadium. Congratulations to all the Ulster players selected in the squad and commiserations to those who just missed out. This is a massive opening game and we wish the team well over the next number of weeks. Tomorrow sees the third round of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup and the second round of the other schools’ competitions. Good luck to all those playing tomorrow. The top seeded schools join the competition after today and there will be great anticipation for the draw, which takes place on Monday. The All Ireland League has resumed after the Christmas break and best wishes to the Ulster clubs as the competition reaches the vital stage when promotion and relegation will be decided. The same applies to the Kukri Ulster Championship Divisions 1 & 2 where a number of teams remain in contention for honours. It all makes for tense and exciting matches and, for those of you who are not attached to clubs, why not go along and enjoy what the local game has to offer. Thank you all for your continued support and I hope you enjoy the evening. Stephen Elliott President, IRFU Ulster Branch

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

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