Ulster Rugby v Dragons

OFFICIAL MATCH DAY PROGRAMME £3

V DRAGONS FRIDAY 26TH OCTOBER 2018 KINGSPAN STADIUM, BELFAST KICK OFF 7.55PM

FREE SPACE TO INCLUDE: • VISUAL CREATIVE • GUINNESS PRO14 TITLE TYPE AND FIXTURE • DATE & LOCATION

Welcome back to Kingspan Stadium, the home of Ulster Rugby, where this evening the Ulster squad welcome Dragons in Round 7 of the Guinness PRO14. Ulster will be looking to get back to winning ways and, no doubt, the home comforts and advantage of Kingspan Stadium will be welcomed by players and supporters alike. After a mixed start to their season, Dragons will be determined to cause an upset in this evenings fixture, and with both teams looking to bounce back from disappointment in European competition last weekend, this is sure to be a hotly contested encounter. As ever, the loyal Kingspan crowd are sure to provide a warm welcome for visiting fans and stirring support for the Ulster team. Finally, on behalf of Kingspan, I would like to wish the Ulster Rugby squad and management team the very best of luck. To Ulster’s committed fans, enjoy the game, lead the way and help ensure that this is an evening to remember at Kingspan Stadium.

IN THIS ISSUE...

TONIGHT'S MASCOTS PRESIDENT’S WELCOME GUINNESS PRO14WELCOME INTERVIEW: RORY BEST HALLOWEEN RUGBY CAMPS

2 3 5 8 11

Q&A: WILL ADDISON ACADEMY SQUAD

13 17

IRFU STRATEGIC PLAN 2018-2023

19

ULSTER SQUAD PROFILES

22 26 27 28

ULSTER TEAM DRAGONS TEAM

8

DRAGONS SQUAD PROFILES

URSC UPDATE 31 STAFF PROFILE: MATTHEWGODFREY 33 CLUB Q&A: LARNE RFC 37

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46

GUEST ARTICLE: ROD NAWN INTERVIEW: ADAM McBURNEY OPPOSITION: 3 TOWATCH INTERVIEW: MICHAEL LOWRY SUBWAY HALF TIME TEAMS

38 43 45 46 48 49 50

STADIUM INFORMATION

MATCH PREVIEW

FIXTURES

51

SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

52

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TONIGHT’S MASCOTS

RUBY & WILL CHAMBERS (10)

Ruby and Will are twins and both attend Randalstown Central Primary School. They play rugby for Randalstown Minis. They both have a keen interest in swimming and golf, with Ruby also enjoying hockey and Will enjoying music. Ruby and Will are huge Ulster Rugby fans and have been Season Ticket holders for the last five years. They love coming to Ulster games and watching their favourite player Jacob Stockdale because he scores awesome tries. When Ruby grows up she would like to be a vet and when Will grows up he would like to be a sports physio or Ulster player.

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PRESIDENT’S WELCOME On behalf of Ulster Rugby, it is a pleasure to welcome you all to Kingspan Stadium for this evening’s Guinness PRO14 match against Dragons. We extend a particularly warm welcome to Mike Davies, Managing Director of Dragons, together with his guests and those supporters who have travelled from Wales. We hope that they enjoy their visit to Belfast and Kingspan Stadium.

We have now completed the first and second rounds of matches in the Heineken Champion Cup. Having got off to a great start with an excellent win over Leicester Tigers here two weeks ago, we travelled to Paris for our first away game against Racing 92. That proved to be a novel experience for the team and for all the officers and supporters who made the journey. None of us had previously been involved in rugby played in an indoor arena. The build up to the game with the light shows and the razzmatazz was incredible and certainly created an exciting atmosphere. I know that the players really enjoyed it, as did the spectators. It was very strange to see the Ulster supporters waving their flags on the pitch after the match mingling with the home supporters as this was actively encouraged. Unfortunately, we did not get the result we hoped for. After a great start to the contest, the strength and quality of the opposition told and we came away without a point. However, the score line flattered Racing and we can take many positives from the performance. We created sufficient chances to have scored at least two more tries and secured a bonus point. The way in which the team played in the latter part of the game gives us great encouragement for the rest of the season and we are certainly not out of contention in the group. This evening we resume our PRO14 campaign. Every game is important and with the improvement in all the teams in the league there are no easy matches. A home win is vital before travelling to Treviso next week. It was sad to hear that Peter Browne and Jean Deysel had retired from the game. I would like to thank them for their contributions to Ulster Rubgy and wish them and their familes well for the future.

Having lost so many experienced international players in recent months this was always going to be a difficult season as, apart from some notable exceptions, they have been replaced by local talent produced by our Academy. Without wishing to single out individuals I’m sure everyone has been impressed by the performances of Michael Lowry, Angus Kernohan, Angus Curtis, Tom O’Toole and Eric O’Sullivan. We need to be patient and allow them and the others to gain experience. If we do that we will again have a team to compete with any in Europe. What we do have is a great spirit within the squad and among the coaching staff, together with a determination to succeed. We also have a tremendous group of supporters and I would like to thank all those who travelled to Paris. Despite being dispersed to all parts of the stadium, as usual they certainly made themselves heard and the team really appreciated that. I know that you will continue to get behind the team at Kingspan Stadium and create the type of atmosphere for which Ulster has become famous. The All Ireland League continued last weekend with improved results for most Ulster teams. They now occupy four of the top five positions in Division 1B as we strive to have a team promoted into the top division. Both the First Trust Senior Cup and the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup have reached the semi final stages and we wish those teams well as they try to get to the finals. Best wishes also to the four Ulster sides playing in the first round of the All Ireland Junior Cup tomorrow. To all those in attendance this evening, thanks for your continuing support, enjoy the match and our Halloween Party experience. Stephen Elliott President, IRFU Ulster Branch

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 Chris Webster Head of Rugby Development Audrey Robinson Head of Finance & Operations Fiona Hampton Head of Sales & Marketing 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 two weeks of European action the Guinness PRO14 springs back to life with a bumper schedule on Friday night, followed by three games from Italy, Ireland and South Africa on Saturday. It has been a lively couple of weekends for our 12 teams who compete in EPCR competitions and eight of them are sitting either first or second in their Pools in both the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup. Of course, since full meritocracy was introduced last season it has increased the importance of every game in the Guinness PRO14, with teams aiming to qualify for the Champions Cup. Already we can see signs that Ospreys and Benetton Rugby will be aiming for a return to Europe’s top table with the Welsh region resurgent under Allen Clarke and the Italians looking to build on a run of home games. Ospreys have been impressive so far and already have three times the number of points heading into Round 7 as they did at this point last season. This weekend they bring their game with Connacht to Bridgend’s Brewery Field, which was once the home of the Celtic Warriors in the early days of the Championship. In the past few seasons we have seen Cardiff Blues, Dragons, the Isuzu Southern Kings and Zebre take home fixtures to new venues which makes such a positive impact on those rugby communities and I hope this game proves just as memorable for all involved. In Treviso, the Conference A clash between third-placed Benetton and leaders Leinster will be a key game for Kieran Crowley’s men. It is the second of three straight home fixtures before their tour to South Africa and back-to-back derbies with Zebre. If they continue to perform like they have been it will be very interesting to see where they stand early in the new year. As always, this weekend’s Guinness PRO14 cards combines local and international flavours as Cardiff Blues and Scarlets tour South Africa this weekend to face the Toyota Cheetahs and Isuzu Southern Kings, respectively, Zebre host Edinburgh in Parma while the Dragons travel to Belfast to take on Ulster. But it is the Munster v Glasgow Warriors game in Limerick that will make a note in the history books. These former title winners will meet at Thomond Park in the 2000th fixture to be played in the Championship since it kicked off way back in 2001 and it’s quite fitting that it should take place at one of our most iconic venues among two of our top teams. Don’t forget that after today’s game you can keep up with the storylines written by these players and their teams by switching on or logging into our network of broadcast partners – Premier Sports, eir sport, Super Sport, TG4, S4C or DAZN – where live matches and highlights are always on offer. Naturally, everyone is fighting to reach the Guinness PRO14 Final at Celtic Park which will mark another historic chapter for our Championship as the showpiece game is played at a non-rugby stadium for the first time. To get access to the best offers check our official accounts on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or just visit bit.ly/glasgow2019 to get your tickets. Enjoy the game, Martin Anayi Chief Executive Officer

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AVAILABLE NOW - IN STORE & ONLINE TRAINING RANGE NEW 2018-19 ulsterrugbyshop.com

BEST: THIS IS AN EXCITING T BE AROUND U

Now in his 15th season with Ulster, captain Rory Best has been through it all with the team.

He’s experienced low times with the Province, as well as the highs of winning the Celtic League and competing in the Heineken Cup final, but now the 36-year old believes this is a very promising time to be an Ulsterman. Best has seen long-standing team-mates such as Paul Marshall, Tommy Bowe and Andrew Trimble call time on their careers in the last year, with the hooker now the elder statesman of a youthful revolution at Kingspan Stadium. He quipped after the win over Leicester a couple of weeks ago that his eldest son, Ben, is closer to age to Michael Lowry than he is himself, reflecting on just what Head Coach Dan McFarland is trying to cultivate within his squad. With the Banbridge man now firmly the most experienced in the dressing room, he doesn’t see that as a negative, rather this is the beginning of a turnaround for the Province. “I think this is an exciting time to be around Ulster,” he states. “There are a lot of players who are going to get a lot of experience at the top level and, yes, it’s probably a longer-term goal, but if we can keep competing and keep improving, all you need to do is reach a stage where you make the playoffs. “It feels lean now because you’re not competing with Racing for the full 80, but

the green shoots of recovery are there. I’m a lot more optimistic now because I can see a pathway for us to improve if everyone buys in.” Last season saw Ulster finish outside the domestic playoffs for the second consecutive season, as well as not making it to the knockout stages in Europe, however there is a new optimism around the camp this year with McFarland in charge. “Aspects from the early to middle of last season, you were losing games and getting really frustrated because we didn’t know how we were going to be able to navigate our way out of it and it was a downward spiral,” Best says. “But this season, I hate losing and losing in an Ulster jersey is disappointing, but even if you think back to the Munster game, there were some aspects from that game that we could build on and the same in the two defeats either side of Leicester. “That makes you think there’s plenty for us to go forward with, whereas last season it was like a leaky dam - wherever you put your finger in you couldn’t get it to stop. “Last year I struggled with it because it wasn’t very enjoyable, but this year with the group of players we have, and bringing in guys

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ME TO LSTER

with more experience like Marty (Moore) and Jordi (Murphy), I’ve enjoyed this year a lot more, and it’s very rewarding to see young guys come in and do well.” While last week’s result didn’t go the way that Ulster wanted, a 44- 12 loss in Paris to Racing 92, Best is focusing on the positives and is convinced that it’s a sign the team are going in the right direction. “It was disappointing to have lost in the way we did, but at the same time I think there are a lot of positives to be taken,” says Best. “Our intensity and our work around the breakdown, in terms of our ruck speed, in both games, has been very encouraging, and our attack against Racing was possibly the best it’s been under Peely (Dwayne Peel), we really found our shape. “There are a lot of aspects of our game we can be really pleased with, and there are things that we need to tighten up, but now we’ve identified them, we need to really focus hard to get rid of them. “I don’t think you’ve seen anything close to what this team are capable of yet.”

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

LAST CALL FOR HALLOWEEN CAMP BOOKINGS The Subway Ulster Rugby Halloween Camps are just around the corner, and this is your last chance to make sure you're booked in for the action!

The Halloween rugby camps will feature two one- day Junior Camps for boys and girls aged P3-P7 at Omagh RFC and Ben Madigan Preparatory School on Wednesday 31st October from 9am- 1pm. There will also be two one-day School of Excellence Camps for more experienced boys aged Year 8–Year 11 running from 9am-4pm. These camps will take place at Dromore RFC and Ballymena RFC on the same date. Our unique Digital Skills Camp, which has been a big hit during the Easter and Summer Camp programmes, has been added to the Halloween schedule. This camp for P5-P7 boys and girls will run from 9am-1pm at Kingspan Stadium, also on Wednesday 31st October. The focus of all camps is about boys and girls enjoying rugby in a fun and safe environment, with young players benefitting from expert advice from IRFU qualified rugby coaches.

Subway Ulster Rugby Halloween Camps are priced at £15.00 for a place on the Junior Camp or Digital Skills Camp, and £25.00 for the School of Excellence Camps. Discounts are available for additional family members attending the same camp. The camp fee includes a Subway Meal Deal voucher and a promotional code to claim a free Kingspan Stadium tour, including a visit to The Nevin Spence Centre. Places on each camp are strictly limited, so parents are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.

For full details on this year’s Subway Ulster Rugby Halloween Camps, or to book your place, visit camps.ulsterrugby.com

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Q&A W I L L A D D I S O N

Favourite rugby memory? Scoring a try on my Premiership debut for Sale Sharks Favourite place to eat in Belfast? Kitch TV Programme you can’t miss? Game of Thrones First Album you ever bought? Linkin Park- Hybrid Theory The last movie you watched? Deadpool 2 Who is your sporting hero and why? Brian O’Driscoll - Great leader, great skill and played the sort of rugby that would make me want to go out to the back garden and throw a ball around with my brother… legend! Favourite thing about playing for Ulster? Running out at Kingspan Stadium in front of a big crowd If you could swap places with a celebrity for a day, who would it be and why? Chris Hemsworth - he’s a good bloke, he surfs and he’s king of Asgard! If you could have dinner with someone famous (dead or alive) who would it be and why? Ryan Reynolds – he seems like a good man for a laugh, or Tom Brady – to pick his brains! Favourite post-match meal? KFC Goal for the season? To push myself to become a better player The key to success is… Hard work, determination and ambition

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AARON HALL MATTHEW DALTON JACK REGAN Year 3 Back Row 26.06.98 193cm 98kg Ballynahinch Year 2 Flanker 16.11.98 197cm 112kg Malone Year 2 2nd Row 09.05.97

Year 3 Hooker 10.02.95

STEWART MOORE MARCUS REA JAMES HUME AZUR ALLISON Year 1 Centre 08.08.99 183cm 91kg Malone Year 3 Back Row 08.09.97 189cm 105cm Ballymena Year 2 Centre 07.09.98 184cm 95kg Banbridge Year 1 Back Row 19.04.99 192cm 99kg Ballymena

Year 2 Back Three 19.08.97 193cm 89kg Ballymena

Year 2 Scrum Half 12.09.99 174cm 85kg Malone GRAHAM CURTIS ERIC O’SULLIVAN IWAN HUGHES Year 2 Prop 30.11.95 186cm 115kg Banbridge Year 1 Back Three 06.04.99 173cm 77kg Ballynahinch

DAVID McCANN ZACK McCALL JOE DUNLEAVY MATTHEW AGNEW Year 1 Back Row 13.06.00 190cm 94kg Banbridge 180cm 100kg Ballynahinch Year 2 Flanker         22.12.98 190cm 101kg Malone Year 1 Back Row 20.11.98 180cm 95kg Malone

ROBERT BALOUCOUNE MICHAEL LOWRY BRUCE HOUSTON Year 2 Fly Half 20.08.98 170cm 81kg Banbridge Year 1 Fly Half 16.08.99 192cm 92kg Ballymena

197cm 112kg Ballynahinch

ABBEY INSURANCE ULSTER RUGBY ACADEMY SQUAD 2018/19

Year 1 Wing 02.03.99 181cm 94kg Queen's

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IRFU LAUNCH STRATEGIC PLAN 2018-2023

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has outlined its strategic objectives for the next five years with the launch of its Strategic Plan 2018-2023 – Irish Rugby: ‘Building success together’.

Irish Rugby: ‘Building success together’

'Women in Rugby' Action Plan

The IRFU has also launched its ‘Women in Rugby’ Action Plan 2018-2023, which is a pillar component of the overall IRFU Strategic Plan. The plan aims to achieve the following over the course of the next five years. » » To be a sport of equal opportunity and access for all » » To optimise the quality of experience provided for female age-grade rugby players » » To drive a performance system that demands and supports development and competitive excellence » » To increase female participation to 20%, or more, across the game, including players, coaches, referees, volunteers and committees

Headline Performance Targets (Men) » » Semi-finals or better at RWC19 / RWC23 » » 2 or more Six Nations titles » » 2 or more European titles » » 2 or more Pro14 titles » » 7s qualification for 2020 Olympics » » 7s attain World Series status Headline Performance Targets (Women) » » WRWC21 qualification & Top 6 finish » » One Six Nations title (top 3 otherwise) » » Qualification for 2020 Olympics 7s » » Qualification for 2022 7s World Cup » » Consistent Top 6 finish 7s World Series » » Consistent Top 2 finish U18 Europe 7s Headline Growth Targets (Overall) » » 210,000 Players » » 1,900 adult teams » » 90% of coaches accredited » » 95% of games officiated by branch referees » » 80% of clubs attaining ‘Green’ Health Check status » » 60% of clubs attaining ‘Green’ Spirit Programme status

Headline Targets (Growth) » » 5,000 Adult players » » 300 Women’s Girls teams » » 150 secondary schools » » 6,500 youth players » » 1,000 3rd level players » » 300 female coaches » » 80 female referees

Headline Targets (Performance) » » WRWC21 qualification & Top 6 finish » » One 6 Nations title (Top 3 otherwise) » » Qualification for 2020 Olympics 7s » » Qualification for 2022 7s World Cup » » Win two 7s World Series tournaments » » Consistent Top 6 finish 7s World Series » » Consistent Top 2 finish U18 Europe 7s

Headline Growth Targets (Female) » » 5,000 adult players

» » 300+ Women’s teams » » 150 Secondary Schools » » 6,500 youth players » » 1,000 3rd Level players » » 450 female coaches » » 80 female referees

A copy of both plans can be downloaded at irishrugby.ie

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WILL ADDISON Utility Back 20.08.1992 186cm 94kg 4 —

Prop 27.10.1988 184cm 128kg 35 Ireland 3

Hooker 26.05.1993

Hooker 15.08.1982 180cm 106kg 211 Ireland 111

RORY BEST

JOHN ANDREW

181cm 104kg 46 —

RODNEY AH YOU

DARREN CAVE Centre

BILLY BURNS Outhalf

Utility Back 03.02.1994 183cm 90kg 4 —

Back Row 08.05.1991 192cm 114kg 12 S Africa 28

05.04.1987 183cm 96kg 215 Ireland 11

13.06.1994 185cm 85kg 8 —

DAVID BUSBY

MARCELL COETZEE

ULSTER SQUAD 2018/19

ANGUS CURTIS Centre 26.03.1998 178cm 90kg 7 —

JOHN COONEY Scrumhalf 01.05.1990 178cm 87kg 31 Ireland 2

IAIN HENDERSON Second Row 21.02.1992

CRAIG GILROY Wing

11.03.1991 183cm 91kg 168 Ireland 10

199cm 117kg 96 Ireland 39

CHRIS HENRY Back Row 17.10.1984

Prop 05.07.1988 180cm 117kg 76 —

ROB HERRING Hooker

Back Row 13.01.1996

GREG JONES

27.04.1990 185cm 102kg 147 Ireland 6

191cm 105kg 184 Ireland 24

196cm 106kg 4 —

WIEHAHN HERBST

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ROSS KANE Prop

ROB LYTTLE Wing

Centre 03.03.1991 181cm 97kg 119 Ireland 11

Utility Back 08.10.1986 182cm 90kg 78 —

LOUIS LUDIK

14.10.1994 179cm 116kg 29 —

28.01.1997 174cm 83kg 14 —

LUKE MARSHALL

ULSTER SQUAD 2018/19

Hooker 05.09.1996

KYLE McCALL Prop

Outhalf 13.03.1997 179cm 85kg 15 —

Centre 06.08.1992

02.01.1992 176cm 108kg 49 —

182cm 102kg 9 —

194cm 108kg 89 Ireland 1

ADAM McBURNEY

JOHNNY McPHILLIPS

STUART McCLOSKEY

Prop 01.03.1991 178cm 119kg 2 Ireland 10

Back Row 22.04.1991 188cm 105kg 3 Ireland 23

Full Back 05.10.1992 180cm 87kg 51 —

Second Row 19.06.1995

MARTY MOORE

JORDI MURPHY

PETER NELSON

191cm 103kg

— —

CALEB MONTGOMERY

TOM O'TOOLE Wing

JACK OWENS Wing

ALAN O’CONNOR Second Row 10.09.1992

Prop 05.10.1993 183cm 118kg

23.09.1998 185cm 113kg 10 —

04.10.1995 188cm 94kg 1 —

197cm 114kg 71 —

TOMMY O’HAGAN

— —

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Back Row 21.09.1993 193cm 114kg 22 —

Back Row 10.05.1989

Back Row 14.06.1989

Scrumhalf 20.06.1993 174cm 90kg 27 —

MATTY REA

CLIVE ROSS

SEAN REIDY

192cm 110kg 62 —

182cm 103kg 87 Ireland 2

DAVE SHANAHAN

ULSTER SQUAD 2018/19

Wing 24.03.1988 186cm 97kg 4 Australia 19

Scrumhalf 20.02.1998 174cm 77kg 6 —

Utility Back 03.04.1996 191cm 103kg 46 Ireland 11

ALEX THOMPSON Second Row 21.11.1995 201cm 115kg

HENRY SPEIGHT

JONNY STEWART

JACOB STOCKDALE

— —

NICK TIMONEY Back Row 01.08.1995 190cm 113kg 31 —

Second Row 06.11.1995

Prop 04.12.1990 182cm 114kg 3 —

Prop 12.03.1991

198cm 118kg 52 Ireland 3

179cm 112kg 103 —

ANDREW WARWICK

KIERAN TREADWELL

SCHALK VAN DER MERWE

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

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15

1

ERIC O’SULLIVAN

MICHAEL LOWRY

14

2

ROBERT BALOUCOUNE

RORY BEST (C)

13

3

MARTY MOORE

WILL ADDISON

12

4

IAIN HENDERSON

STUART McCLOSKEY

ULSTER RUBGY

11

5

HENRY SPEIGHT

KIERAN TREADWELL

6

10

SEAN REIDY

JOHNNY McPHILLIPS

7

9

DAVID SHANAHAN

JORDI MURPHY

REPLACEMENTS 16 17 18 19 R HERRING A WARWICK T O’TOOLE A O’CONNOR

20 21 22 23

G JONES J STEWART A KERNOHAN C GILROY

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MARCELL COETZEE

TODAY’S OFFICIALS

REFEREE MARIUS MITREA FIR, 82ND COMPETITION GAME ASSISTANT REFEREES GIANLUCA GNECCHI FIR | JOHN CARVILL IRFU CITING COMMISSIONER WAYNE SHERIDAN IRFU TMO OLLY HODGES IRFU

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1

15

BROK HARRIS

JORDAN WILLIAMS

14

2

DAFYDD HOWELLS

RICHARD HIBBARD (C)

DRAGONS

3

13

LLOYD FAIRBROTHER

ADAM WARREN

4

12

JARRYD SAGE

MATTHEW SCREECH

11

5

WILL TALBOT-DAVIES

LEWIS EVANS

6

10

HUW TAYLOR

JASON TOVEY

7

9

NIC CUDD

RHODRI WILLIAMS

REPLACEMENTS 16 17 18 19 R LAWRENCE A JARVIS R BEVINGTON J DAVIES

20 21 22 23

T BASHAM T KNOYLE J DIXON Z KIRCHNER

8

HARRISON KEDDIE

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Wing 24.09.1994 185cm 97kg

Back Row 21.02.1994 181cm 98kg

Prop 09.12.1988 180cm 118kg

Fly Half 03.03.1993 178cm 92kg

JACOB BOTICA

HALLAM AMOS

JAMES BENJAMIN

RYAN BEVINGTON

NIC CUDD

LEON BROWN Prop

Back Row 12.10.1988 178cm 93kg

JOE DAVIES Lock

Scrumhalf 14.10.1991 172cm 81kg

26.10.1996 189cm 125kg

13.11.1995 198cm 118kg

RHODRI DAVIES

Hooker 07.03.1994

Hooker 25.10.1992

Back Row 09.07.1987

JACK DIXON Centre

DRAGONS SQUAD 2018/19 ELLIOT DEE

13.12.1994 188cm 105kg

LEWIS EVANS

GERARD ELLIS

182cm 107kg

185cm 121kg

191cm 111kg

Prop 13.11.1991

Wing 15.01.1997 189cm 95kg

Back Row 23.03.1995

BROK HARRIS Prop

22.02.1985 183cm 121kg

178cm 121kg

185cm 103kg

OLLIE GRIFFITHS

GEORGE GASSON

LLOYD FAIRBROTHER

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Centre 01.02.1982 184cm 92kg

Wing 20.11.1994 180cm 90kg

Hooker 13.12.1983 183cm 111kg

CORY HILL Lock

10.02.1992 197cm 112kg

GAVIN HENSON

ASHTON HEWITT

RICHARD HIBBARD

DRAGONS SQUAD 2018/19

Wing 22.03.1995 184cm 94kg

Prop 20.05.1986 183cm 119kg

Back Row 10.07.1996 188cm 110kg

Full Back 16.07.1984 186cm 94kg

AARON JARVIS

ZANE KIRCHNER

HARRISON KEDDIE

DAFYDD HOWELLS

Scrumhalf 02.06.1990 185cm 95kg

Fly Half 22.03.1992 183cm 88kg

Lock 24.07.1986

Hooker 04.06.1988

JOSH LEWIS

TAVIS KNOYLE

195cm 118kg

177cm 101kg

RHYS LAWRENCE

RYNARD LANDMAN

TIAAN LOOTS Centre

Centre 11.09.1995

Back Row 18.04.1994

Lock 03.11.1993

01.02.1992 183cm 96kg

TYLER MORGAN

186cm 103kg

188cm 103kg

196cm 122kg

ROSS MORIARTY

BRANDON NANSEN

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Fly Half 21.02.1997 180cm 83kg

Wing 21.02.1997 189cm 98kg

JARRYD SAGE Centre

Lock 24.10.1992 196cm 119kg

18.08.1995 186cm 101kg

JARED ROSSER

ARWEL ROBSON

MATTHEW SCREECH

Back Row 10.09.1994

DAN SUTER Prop

HUW TAYLOR Lock

Back Row 17.08.1990

29.06.1993 180cm 114kg

05.06.1996 195cm 112kg

JAMES THOMAS

195cm 107kg

190cm 110kg

JAMES SHEEKEY

Prop 26.08.1994

Back Row 25.09.1997 188cm 107kg

Centre 07.03.1991 181cm 93kg

Full back 20.09.1993 173cm 84kg

DRAGONS SQUAD 2018/19

NICKY THOMAS

ADAM WARREN

191cm 119kg

JORDAN WILLIAMS

AARON WAINWRIGHT

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

Scrumhalf 05.05.1993 177cm 85kg —

RHODRI WILLIAMS

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ULSTER RUGBY SUPPORTERS CLUB (URSC) NEWS

Membership costs £12 for adults, £6 for juniors or £30 for a family. You will find full details on how to join at membership.ursc.co In this season’s membership pack you will find: JOIN THE URSC TODAY! 950 FANS ALREADY HAVE

2018 BIG BALLOT PRIZE LIST Bank of Ireland package: Overnight stay (B&B) for two in the Hastings Grand Central Hotel Taxi from the hotel to Kingspan Stadium 2 Grandstand tickets for Ulster v Racing 92 in the European Cup on 9th January 2019 8 personal fitness sessions over a 4 week period with Jennie Hales, Personal Trainer, Newtownabbey ‘The Last Stand’ print by Love Images NI Signed Perpignan shirt from Paddy Jackson A Canine Massage Session at NI Clinical Canine Massage, Newtownabbey A massage at LM Therapies, Carrickfergus A Podiatry Treatment at Happy Feet, Belfast A Dog Groom at The Barker Shop, Belfast £30 Voucher for Silhouette Boutique, Belfast £30 Voucher for Jollyes, Glengormley 4 cinema tickets for any film at Omniplex Cinemas A canine swim session at Aquadog Hydrotherapy Ltd., Lisburn £25 voucher for Ke Nako Bilton g at Ballylagan Farm, Straid Breakfast for 2 at Five Percent Café from Rob Herring Sooo Jammy Christmas Hamper fromWendy Smith 6 doughnuts from Guilt Trip Coffee & Donuts from Darren Cave £10 Voucher for Italian ice cream at W J Desano, Belfast Golf Cap signed by Rory McIlroy British Olympic cap signed by Justin Rose, Rio Olympic golf gold medalist; Henrik Stenson, Rio silver medalist & Matt Kuchar, Rio bronze medalist Nike golf cap signed by Niall Horan Signed copy of 4 time world super bike champion Jonathan Rea's autobiography

» » A membership card » » a members’ badge » » a car sticker » » and a drawstring gym bag

As some of you will be aware, Ulster Rugby has granted Chris Henry a Testimonial Year - which he is sharing with NI Chest, Heart and Stroke charity. There are a number of events planned right across the season. We would encourage all fans to support Chris and his nominated charity. The next event in Chris’ Testimonial calendar is a Comedy Night at Kingspan Stadium on Wednesday 26th September, doors open @ 7.30pm. Popcorn and beer on arrival! Tickets £20 each - on sale at the URSC Information Point tonight. For more information visit www.chrishenrytestimonal.co.uk The Jack Kyle Bursary (currently worth £2,500) is awarded annually to support the work of the Ulster Rugby Academy. The Big Ballot is the URSC's main fundraiser in support of that Bursary. This year's Big Ballot will close on 16 December and will be drawn on 18 December 2018. Once again we have some terrific prizes (see list) - courtesy of our fantastic and generous donors. The URSC would like to thank our donors and sponsors, and we encourage our members to support these businesses whenever possible. Tickets priced £1 each, are available at the URSC Info Point on match nights up to 16th December. THE 2018/19 BIG BALLOT CHRIS HENRY TESTIMONIAL YEAR

For more information on URSC, please visit membership.ursc.co or email membership@ursc.co.uk.

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STAFF PROFILE

NAME: MATTHEW GODFREY ROLE: STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH

Describe your role within Ulster Rugby? Developing and implementing programmes to improve the athletic performance of all players involved within the Academy, NTS (National Training Squad) and Age Grade programme. Describe your career / employment history? Having graduated from Northumbria University in 2013. I joined Ulster Rugby as a volunteer. I have been employed full time within the Academy since 2014. Favourite thing about your job? First of all coaching, and then seeing players develop and progress into the senior setup - watching them succeed and achieve their goals. What do you enjoy most about working for Ulster Rugby? The camaraderie between all staff and players. It is an enjoyable atmosphere to work within.

What is your biggest achievement to date? It’s not my personal achievements, but rather seeing teams and players I coach succeed. What is the most challenging aspect of your role? Not seeing a player reach their true potential. What are your plans/goals for the upcoming season? To continue to push and develop players within the Academy programme, ensuring they are in the best place possible to perform. Who is your favourite Ulster player? Kyle McCall

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CONTACT US FOR A QUOTATION THE BEST CLUBS WEAR MACRON WHY DON’T YOU?

www.macron.com

Q&A CLUB

L A R N E R . F . C .

Who is your President? Gary Doey Who is your Head Coach? Graham Cloke 1st XV Captain? Johnny Cole Number of members? 200 Name 3 players to watch? Johnny Ogilby, Phil Andrews, Johnny Cole Club’s unsung hero and why? Club Treasurer, Arthur James. He has been fulfilling the role for approximately 40 Years. What is your Club song? A variation of ‘Mary had a little lamb’.

What is your Club logo and what does it represent? Viking longboat on Larne town crest – details the town’s origins. How many teams do you field? Three adult teams. Most successful achievement? Our first XV establishing itself in Kukri Qualifying 2. Proudest moments? The season our First, Second and Third XVs all won their respective leagues – 1993/1994.

Website: www.larnerfc.com @larnerfc

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R O D N A W N

Europe may remain the most prominent, even important, topic in newsprint and on the airwaves, but for tonight’s rugby protagonists concerns on progress there are overtaken by all- important domestic matters.

RESOLVE, PASSION, DEPTH, RESPECT

The Guinness PRO14 campaign is more than just the ‘bread-and-butter’ competition, it is also the platform for ambitions elsewhere. The coaches, players and supporters prioritise performance and results in a league which has grown in quality and, more questionably, in its geographical spread. The visitors to Kingspan Stadium this weekend may not have the storied rugby history of other clubs in the PRO14, but ask any Ulster player or fan about trips to Rodney Parade in Newport and the recent memories are not filled with wondrous wins and great celebratory evenings in South Wales. Indeed, the Dragons summon up some of their most feisty and stubborn displays for games with Ulster, home and away. So don’t be misled by a look at the Conference B table and see seven points separating Ulster in fifth and the sixth- placed team in the division. Matches between these two crusty rivals have rarely won accolades for attacking enterprise and flair but when it comes to demanding character, grit, concentration and application they have often been models!

Northampton in the Challenge Cup, while Ulster will still be mourning the lack of accuracy and confidence at certain stages of the big Champions Cup loss at Racing 92. But the Dragons’ response to a 21-0 interval deficit was impressive, the English marauders doing just enough to win 35- 21. The respective coaches will understandably have drawn positives from those encounters, but the focus of Dan McFarland and Dragons’ Bernard Jackman, the former Ireland hooker, will be on improving lacklustre recent form in the PRO14. The former might properly claim that wins against Scarlets, Edinburgh and six points gained in a two-game trip to South Africa trumps the victories secured by Dragons against Zebre and the Southern Kings, but these hugely intelligent Head Coaches know neither record amounts to ‘form’ in the sense of potential trophy-winning seasons. Jackman has earned his ‘stripes’ in the sport as a player and coach, battling injury to stay in international contention for so long at hooker before embarking on his route to management. He quickly caught the eye in France, learning just as much as he taught, and making Grenoble credible contenders in one of Europe’s most ruthless leagues, and on a limited budget.

The Welsh arrive in Belfast after a disappointing defeat at home to

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He’s built on the inbuilt resolve at Newport, brought a unique passion to his role and to his team, and the has recruited well on and off the pitch. Lions hooker Richard Hibbard was lured from Gloucester, serial winner Zane Kirchner from Leinster, while Ceri Jones has coaching responsibility for the forwards, Hendre Marnitz for defence. The Dragons breathe passion, and now there is a depth to their staff which genuinely augurs well for the future, for it is the future which Jackman is building. Nic Cudd still shows his class in the back row, Hallam Amos – probably ruled out this week as he gets fit for international duty next month – is a full-back of imagination and solidity, while Jacob Botica, scrum- halves Rhodri Davies and Rhodri Williams are proven pivots. And, but for a knee injury, the enigma that is Gavin Henson might have given the Kingspan Stadium crowd an opportunity to show its feelings for an extraordinary, under-achieving talent. Ross Moriarty is a No.8 seduced from Kingsholm too, and Cory Hill, who made his 100th appearance in the pack last week, are just samples of the rugged but skilful forwards who might enjoy an arm-wrestle this evening. So there is depth now in the squad, just as there is in Ulster’s roster, and now is the time McFarland will hope that strength proves itself. The imminent international break will give protracted playing time to a clutch of youngsters the Head Coach has already shown he trusts and will not shy away from including in his matchday plans. Michael Lowry was a schoolboy star who is quickly coming to terms with a different level of physical pressure, and while Best, Henderson, Stockdale and others will wear green in November he will have the opportunity to show why he, one day, will most certainly, and Will Addison will feel he’s close to a call to international arms.

He, like the experienced warriors and the youngsters, will respect the challenge of Dragons, and of Benetton in Italy next weekend. No longer are there ‘easy’ games, the game is too professional and demanding, so respecting each opponent – individually and collectively – is an important element in the personality of any team.

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AVAILABLE NOW - IN STORE & ONLINE TRAINING RANGE NEW 2018-19 ulsterrugbyshop.com

McBURNEY READY TO SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES

Hooker Adam McBurney says he is revelling in his newfound role within the Ulster squad this season after an extended run in the first team.

McBurney, 22, has made six appearances so far this season across the Guinness PRO14 and the Heineken Champions Cup and has shown plenty of signs of his potential, leading to him earning his first start in an Ulster jersey away to Munster last month. Having come through the Abbey Insurance Ulster Academy following a youth career at Randalstown RFC, the former Ireland U20s star is now in the first year of a development deal with the Province and has so far made a big impact. "I’m really enjoying the season so far,” says McBurney. "A couple of results haven’t gone our way but I’m really happy to be involved. "The Munster result was particularly disappointing because that was my first start and we didn’t do too well, but it was a great experience to beat Leicester here and in a couple of other big games such as Scarlets and Edinburgh here, so it’s going alright. "It’s a big positive for me to be involved as much as I have been and I'm happy at the moment." Last season McBurney was only just breaking into the Ulster squad, making his debut away to

Zebre in the PRO14, while playing the majority of his rugby in either the British & Irish Cup or the All-Ireland League. This year has been a different story, and he's already been opposite some big names in the shape of British & Irish Lions such as Ken Owens and Tom Youngs, and an international in Racing's Camille Chat. "I’m in the same team as Rory Best, who’s an international hooker and a British & Irish Lion, so the hookers I’m playing with and against are top quality, and I’m learning as much as I can from them," insists McBurney. "Because I’m training behind the likes of Rory and Rob (Herring), when I come up against hookers like that (Owens et al.), it almost makes it a little bit easier because I don’t have the same fear factor as when I came up against hookers like that before.” With Best and Herring about to head away with Ireland for the November internationals, more chances will inevitably fall McBurney's way, and his recent performances are anything to go by, the 22-year-old will be more than ready.

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ROSS MORIARTY OPPOSITION THREE TO WATCH

In what was a major transfer coup, Dragons confirmed they had secured the services of the Welsh international and Lions tourist from Gloucester in November 2017. The signing of the 24-year-old, who had previously snubbed interest from Scarlets and Exeter Chiefs, underlines the ambition of Bernard Jackman to change the fortunes of Dragons. Moriarty’s move was prompted by his own ambition to play for Wales, who won’t select players plying their trade outside Wales unless they have 60 or more Test caps. The back row has significantly strengthened Dragons with his dynamism and power off the back of the scrum – not to mention his tackling prowess. With his international class in the back-row, Dragons possess a player capable of making a difference in both defence and attack and taking the game by the scruff of the neck. The promising 25-year-old playmaker was signed on a two-year deal from Bath Rugby earlier this year and joins Dragons after one season in the Premiership. While his game time in the West Country was limited, he was able to learn his trade off both Rhys Priestland and Freddie Burns and quickly endeared himself to Bath fans. He delivered two man-of-the-match displays for the Blue, Black and Whites in the Anglo-Welsh Cup last season, including the narrow 13-12 victory over Northampton Saints in the semi-final where he demonstrated huge maturity and his territorial kicking piled the pressure on Saints and helped earn the win. Lewis is coming into his prime as a fly-half and with a sustained run in the team, could prove a key figure in the resurgence of Dragons. Leon Brown continues to grow in stature as a tighthead and has been touted as a possible contender for Warren Gatland’s Wales squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. One of the main areas of concern for Dragons last season was their scrummaging – an area they have attempted to address with the signing of Ryan Bevington from Bristol. But a fit and firing Brown would also add much needed beef to the front five at Rodney Parade, with the 21-year-old a modern prop who can also influence the game in other areas. He did not have a lot of luck with injuries last season, missing a significant portion of the campaign with the concussion he suffered for Wales against New Zealand in November. Brown then picked up a toe injury in the defeat to Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth in March, which saw him miss the conclusion of the season and ruled him out of Wales’ summer tour. However, the 6ft 3ins, 19st 11Ib forward returned for the start of the new season with the view of making good on his potential.

JOSH LEWIS

LEON BROWN

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Twelve Months ago, Michael Lowry was sitting on the sidelines with a frustrating groin injury, his first year in the Abbey Insurance Ulster Academy a washout. LOWRY KEEN TO BACK UP IMPRESSIVE OP APPEARANCES

A year later, last week to be exact, the former RBAI standout started at full-back in the Heineken Champions Cup in Paris against Racing 92 and set a new record for the most metres gained by an Ulster player in a European game. To say his rise since a return from injury has been rapid would be doing Lowry a disservice. He played once for Banbridge in the All-Ireland League to finish last season, represented Ireland U20s at the Junior World Cup and has now forged a place for himself in the senior set-up. A much-vaunted prospect within the Academy system, Lowry will be best known for his captaincy of the RBAI side that won three successive Danske Bank Schools’ Cup titles from 2015 to 2017, and now it seems he’s carried that form into the senior Ulster team. And so far the 20-year old has taken it all in his stride. “You always have to believe in yourself, but you wouldn't believe it if you were told!” laughs Lowry of his call-up to the seniors. “It's still a shock to the system, and it's what you aim for and dream of doing, so for it to come along so soon is incredible.

“It's been pretty surreal, but it’s been a great experience to have. Being at home for my first start was a good experience, and they were two massive games in the European Cup so hopefully they can stand me in good stead.” Having been a part of that all-conquering RBAI team, led by now-Ulster Skills Coach Dan Soper, naturally a lot of talk surrounded the talented fly-half, who was one of their top performers in the backline alongside fellow Academy centre James Hume. Now, having made his senior bow and so far lived up the hype, there’s pressure on Lowry to keep up that high standard of performance and firmly establish himself as one of the cornerstones of Ulster’s squad. “You can't really think about what others are saying,” Lowry insists. “You want to get better, so you look at what you didn't do so well during a game and focus on getting those up to what your good points are. “Some of our attacking play during Europe was excellent, it was just finishing off a couple of tries. It's very important we can keep that intensity, that philosophy and that structure up to that standard.”

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NING

Looking ahead, despite still being in the Academy, Lowry is adamant he wants to be a key player for Ulster this season - and beyond - whether he be named at full-back or in his preferred position of fly-half. Having not played at 15 before the summer’s Junior World Cup, with his entire schools’ career being played at 10, the 20-year old admits he’s enjoying the new role, even if he does want to move back to his original position. “I'm happy enough to play anywhere at the minute, but in the future I'd like to move back into fly-half as much as I can,” he explains. “I'll try to keep on top of playing 10, but right now I'm really happy playing full-back. Playing full-back will also help me play 10 as well, you'll be able to think where a full-back doesn't enjoy to cover so you can find that kick space in behind. “I want to stay in the team as much as I can and push for a starting spot each week. Every week is a different week, every day is a different day, so anything can change, but I want to keep playing as much rugby as I can and hopefully stay injury-free.”

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Subway proudly welcomes mini rugby’s finest from across the Province at half time. We’d like to say a big thank you to the coaches, parents, and volunteers who dedicate their time to mini rugby - you’re creating the future stars of Ulster Rugby. Fresh talent

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Strabane RFC Club colours Black, red&yellow Team Sam Andrews Robyn Huey Cameron Huey Joshua Darragh Josh Hampton Sarah Keys Nial McGonigle Stephen McIlwaine Ashton Bogle Cody Hamilton Oisin McShane Charlie Thompson Coaches Simon Mowbray Hazel Keys Charles Andrews

Omagh RFC Club colours Green & White Team Oisin Hone Charlie Hetherington Joe Moore Rory Dolan James Mccormack David Allen Troy Mcfarland Dara Lynch Coaches Mervyn King Alan Mccormack John King Ben Dempsey Andrew King Charlie Fenwick Patrick Bulling

Banbridge RFC Club colours Navy, Red & Yellow Team Michael Porter Adam Jones Sam Dorman Johnathan Leathem Carly Orr Elijah Dempsey Andrew Jackson Noah Bell Joanathan Howard Murray Napier

Club colours Red & black Team Austin McCall Dara Gillen Ross Lindsey

Ben Harney Brodie Paul Thomas Dougan Cameron Cummings Rhys McCall WilliamMcMahon Tristan Morris Daniel Cosgrove Will Boyd Coaches Pearse Harney WilliamWatterson Neil Gillen

Josh Herron Miles Miller Coaches Gary Brown

Heynes Brown Robert Jackson