Ulster Rugby v Uruguay

ULSTER VURUGUAY OFFICIAL MATCH DAY PROGRAMME

FRIDAY 9TH NOVEMBER 2018 KINGSPAN STADIUM, BELFAST KICK OFF 7.30PM

Before the advent of professional rugby, international touring teams regularly played Ulster at Ravenhill, but it is 10 years since we last faced international opponents in Portugal, a match which resulted in a comfortable victory for the home team. No doubt this will be a much stiffer test for Ulster against a team ranked 18th in the world and who have qualified for the 2019 World Cup. We come into this game on the back of a hard fought PRO14 victory in Treviso, which saw us move up to second place in our Conference. With the injury problems we have had we are in a great position going into the break for the autumn internationals. Some of the players have had a lot of rugby already this season and deserve a rest. That gives an opportunity for more of the younger guys to impress in a competitive environment. A big thank you to all the supporters in attendance this evening for what should be an entertaining match. We also wish send our best wishes to the Ireland team for the next three weeks and in particular to all the Ulster players involved. Stephen Elliott President, IRFU Ulster Branch PRESIDENT’S WELCOME On behalf of Ulster Rugby, it is a pleasure to welcome you all to Kingspan Stadium for this evening’s friendly fixture against the Uruguay national team. We extend a particularly warm welcome to the Uruguay players, staff and officials, particularly the President of the Uruguay Rugby Union Dr. Pablo Ferrari. He is accompanied by the President of Sudamerica Rugby Sr Sebastian Pineyrua. We hope they enjoy their visit to Ulster.

IRFU ULSTER BRANCH 2018/19

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

LEADING THE FIELD

Welcome back to Kingspan Stadium, where this evening Ulster welcome Uruguay for a special fixture, the first against international opposition since Portugal visited in 2008. On behalf of Kingspan, I am delighted to have announced the renewal of our sponsorship for another four years as both Kingspan and Ulster Rugby look to continue to perform on the international stage, while promoting and nurturing the culture and heritage that is unique to our Province. As challenges against international sides have become less common in recent years, this really is an occasion to savour. As we look forward to this special international fixture, the loyal Kingspan Stadium crowd are sure to provide a warm welcome for visiting fans and stirring support for the Ulster team. We would also like to wish our Kingspan mascot competition winner, Robbie McMinn, the best of luck in leading out the Ulstermen this evening. 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. Pat Freeman Kingspan Divisonal Managing Director

2

WWW.ULSTERRUGBY.COM

TONIGHT’S MASCOT

ROBBIE MCMINN (12)

Robbie attends Carrickfergus Academy and plays rugby for Carrickfergus RFC. Robbie’s other interests include singing and performing in local theatre companies. His favourite Ulster player is Rory Best because of his dedication to the team and sport. Robbie would like a career in professional sport or entertainment when he is older.

HALF-TIME RUGBY EXHIBITIONS

Tonight, we are delighted to welcome two new groups who will show off their rugby skills. At the Family End, we have a Walking Rugby demonstration with groups from Lagan Valley Leisureplex, Lisburn, and Lough Moss Leisure Centre, Carryduff taking part. Walking Rugby is a relatively new concept that has been rolled out with support from the Public Health Agency, and all participants are aged 50+ years.

At the Memorial End, we have teams from Instonians and Queen’s University playing in a Crossfield 7s (X7s) game. X7s is another new initiative aimed at keeping players in the game of rugby, providing another outlet for people who have dropped out of the game or are unable to play on Saturdays, while also being a less competitive environment to attract new players.

For more information on either of these initiatives, contact Chris.Shields@ulsterrugby.com

3

WWW.ULSTERRUGBY.COM

ULSTER THREE TO WATCH

Combining powerful ball carrying with an ever-improving scrummaging ability, O'Toole, at just 20-years old, has all the tools to become a mainstay in the Ulster front row. He made his senior bow last season away to Edinburgh and started this season strongly too, however he'll be keen to prove himself against a rugged international front-row to work his way back into the side. The brother of Ulster flanker Matty, the younger Rea is a strong blindside/No.8 who also can play openside at a pinch. He was a constant in the Ulster A side that impressed during the Celtic Cup campaign and took over as captain in the latter stages, showcasing his leadership abilities. He is yet to make his competitive bow for Ulster, however he can put his hand up for selection with a strong performance tonight. A promising young centre, Hume was part of the all-conquering RBAI team that won three consecutive Danske Bank Ulster Schools' Cup titles along with Michael Lowry. Now with Banbridge, the fleet-footed midfielder made his first senior start last week away to Benetton and excelled with a try-saving tackle at the end of the first half. He'll be eager to show what he can do with ball in hand this week.

TOM

O'TOOLE

MARCUS REA

JAMES

HUME

URUGUAY THREE TO WATCH

Only 21-years old, lock Leindekar has already earned himself a move to France with Oyonnax in the ProD2 and has been learning his international trade from grizzled veteran Rodrigo Capo Ortega. He should take over the mantle of that no-nonsense second row when Capo Ortega retires and has already five caps to his name at such a young age.

MANUEL

LEINDEKAR

The son of Diego, Uruguay's leading all-time try scorer, Ormaechea is forging a fairly successful career of his own, also having played his way into a ProD2 club in Stade Montois. A nippy scrum-half with a quick pass, he likes to look for a gap and will always back himself if he thinks the opportunity is available.

AGUSTIN

ORMAECHEA

Until last year he was with Coventry in the English Championship but has now returned to his native Uruguay with club Lobos. A play-making full-back, who was once being courted by Worcester Warriors, Mieres offers another a big boot and doesn't shy away from coming into the line in attack either. He can also shift to fly-half if needed and has, on occasion, been utilised in the centre too.

GASTON

MIERES

4

WWW.ULSTERRUGBY.COM

CARDIFF BLUES 45 URUGUAY 21 MATCH REPORT - 6 NOVEMBER 2018

Uruguay began their November series tour with a 45-21 defeat to Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park on Tuesday evening. The opening exchanges at a drenched Arms Park were littered with errors but Uruguay soon took territorial control. After kicking a penalty to the corner, ‘Los Teros’ claimed the opening try with second-row Ignacio Dotti powering over from close range. Federico Favaro converted but it did not take the Blues long to respond. They quickly reclaimed possession and worked their way into the Uruguay half, with Alun Lawrence hitting a short ball from Dan Fish and skipping past two defenders to score. Matthew Morgan added the extras to level the scores and the free-flowing nature of the game continued as Cardiff Blues soon added a second. It all began with a Lewis Jones snipe and following fine interplay between Lawrence, Max Llewellyn, Rhys Carre and Liam Belcher, centre Llewellyn finished in the corner. Wales' Capital Region claimed the third try of the evening shortly after the restart as the pack rumbled over from a driving lineout to allow Ethan Lewis to dot down. They could have had a fourth when Cam Lewis raced after a kick through from Harri Millard, but he was taken out early as he attempted to collect. Favaro was subsequently sent to the bin but referee Adam Jones did not award the penalty try, adjudging that the wing still had plenty to do in the slippery conditions. However, they required no second invite as

they scored from the ensuing penalty with Ioan Davies collecting a Fish cross kick for a try on his full debut.

Millard was next to score for the home side, as quick hands from Llewellyn and Fish released the centre, who dummied past one defender before bundling through another for a fine try. Felipe Berchesi responded with a try for the visitors, which he then converted to give his side hope of a comeback and one minute later they were right back in it as Facundo Gattas crashed over. Berchesi was once again on target to cut Cardiff Blues' lead to 10 and set up a tense finale. However, Fish once again was the instigator for the hosts' sixth try, as his offload released experienced prop, Rhys Gill, for his first score in Cardiff Blues colours. In the final play of the game, a destructive scrum from the hosts saw referee Adam Jones run under the posts for a penalty try.

5

WWW.ULSTERRUGBY.COM

MARCUS LOOKING FORWARD TO INTERNATION Making it as a rugby player is no mean feat, so for two siblings to make it in the pro ranks is quite the achievement.

So far this season, Marcus is doing everything he can to get into the team, being one of the consistent performers for Ulster A in their recent Celtic Cup campaign and even captaining the side on occasion. It's something that the 21-year old wasn't pushing for but, now that he's had a taste of wearing the armband, it's something that he feels might suit him down the line. "At school I captained my Upper Sixth team and it was something Willie (Anderson) had noticed," reveals Rea. "I think it took me a couple of years to build my confidence within the A team and I think this year, with it being a younger squad, it allowed me to build on that previous experience. I have a lot to learn on the captaincy side of things. "In terms of being chosen, it was a shock to me, but hopefully it's something I can build on and a few years down the line I'd love to be the captain out on that main pitch." Tonight, Rea will get his chance to put up his hand for that first cap when he and a few other younger players will try and impress against Uruguay in Ulster's first game against international opposition since 2008.

Rory and Simon Best have done it for Ulster, as have John and Ricky Andrew. And now another pair, from Ballymena like the Andrews, are set to take centre stage as the next sibling duo to shine for the Province. While Matty Rea has already made his bow, earning 22 caps in an Ulster jersey, it's younger brother and Abbey Insurance Academy prospect Marcus who is pushing for his first call-up to the senior team. The junior Rea, in his third year in the Academy, has had to bide his time for a first senior cap, but he insists that the dream of taking to the Kingspan Stadium turf alongside his big brother is still very much alive. "We're learning from each other and that's the best thing about it, me learning off him, and the aim is for Matthew and I to be playing in the white shirt together. It's going to be a dual effort to do that," admits Marcus, who plays at flanker like brother Matty. "It's nice to know someone so well, particularly coming into an environment like this. It's good because after a game at the weekend, he'd go and look at my clips and I'd look at his to get a bit of extra feedback, and you don't have that with many other players, so I'm lucky to have a second pair of eyes watching what I'm doing."

6

WWW.ULSTERRUGBY.COM

L TEST

With five Academy players making their first appearances for the Province since the start of the season, Rea admits there's a drive to make the step up now there's a pathway to the first team. The Ballymena clubman is anticipating a physical battle against a rugged Uruguayan pack tonight, but he believes there's no better arena in which to prove himself to the senior coaching staff. "It's really exciting to play an international team at any stage and we're chomping at the bit to get at them," says Rea. "We've looked at them and we have a gameplan in place to put on a good show. They can play ball, they have some big guys and we know what we're going to be coming up against. "It's a different game but it's a great chance for the younger players, especially me, to say to the senior coaches I can play well against an international team."

7

WWW.ULSTERRUGBY.COM

15

1

SCHALK VAN DER MERWE

BRUCE HOUSTON

14

2

IWAN HUGHES

ADAM MCBURNEY (C)

13

3

TOM O’TOOLE

STEWART MOORE

12

4

MATTHEW DALTON

JAMES HUME

ULSTER RUBGY

11

5

ANGUS KERNOHAN

ALEX THOMPSON

6

10

MATTHEW REA

JOHNNY McPHILLIPS

7

9

JONNY STEWART

MARCUS REA

REPLACEMENTS 16 17 18 19 Z MCCALL C BARRETT P COOPER J DUNLEAVY

20 21 22 23

D MCCANN J MAU’U G CURTIS M STRONGE

8

GREG JONES

8

WWW.ULSTERRUGBY.COM

1

15

RODRIGO SILVA

MATEO SANGUINETTI

14

2

LEANDRO LEIVAS

GERMÁN KESSLER

URUGUAY RUGBY

3

13

JUAN MANUEL CAT

JUAN PEDRO ROMBYS

4

12

ANDRÉS VILASECA

IGNACIO DOTTI

11

5

GASTÓN MIERES

DIEGO MAGNO

6

10

JUAN MANUEL GAMINARA (C)

FELIPE BERCHESI

7

9

JUAN DIEGO ORMAECHEA

SANTIAGO ARATA

REPLACEMENTS 16 17 18 19 M ARDAO E BENITEZ J ECHEVERRIA M LEINDEKAR

20 21 22 23

M DIANA L SEGREDO T INCIARTE A CORTE

8

ALEJANDRO NIETO SERRA

TODAY’S OFFICIALS

REFEREE ROBERT O’SULLIVAN ASSISTANT REFEREES JONNY ERSKINE, CHRIS BUSBY, OISIN QUINN, ANDREW MITCHELL, ROGER CLEAVE

9

WWW.ULSTERRUGBY.COM

CREATIVITY IS INTELLIGENCE HAVING FUN Albert Einstein

10

WWW.ULSTERRUGBY.COM

We work on all aspects of design from branding and advertising campaigns to spatial solutions. Whatever our client needs, we have the resource and team to deliver amazing results. Don’t get MAD, go MAD!

028 9070 5205 hello@madcreativeni.com madcreativeni .com

11

WWW.ULSTERRUGBY.COM

STEWART OUT TO MAKE A STARTING IMPRESSION

At the start of the season, Ulster Rugby handed out four development contracts to promising young players, and one of them is determined to make the most of the faith shown by the coaching staff. Scrum-half Jonny Stewart, who impressed for the Irish U20s, graduated after two years in the Abbey Insurance Ulster Academy to the senior squad, and now the former Wallace High School pupil is eager to make his mark. The 20-year-old made his senior debut last season against Leinster at Kingspan Stadium, before going on to make his first start in the reverse fixture at the RDS Arena, earning an early promotion to the senior set-up. Game time has been hard to come by this year with Ireland international John Cooney and the impressive David Shanahan limiting him to cameos off the bench, and Stewart insists he wants to make the most of his opportunities when they come. "When you're in the Academy it's what you're working towards, getting more exposure for the seniors, and ultimately that comes through getting a contract," says Stewart. "They've shown a bit of faith by keeping me here for the next couple of years and now I have to repay that by working hard. I was lucky enough to get a few caps last year and I did enough to earn it. "I'm looking for as much game time as possible because that's how I'll learn, whether it's for a club or coming off the bench for Ulster, I just want as much game time as possible." And Stewart knows there's no time to waste in turning heads given the depth within the squad coming through. "You have to take your opportunity as soon as you can because you never know who's going to be coming along behind you, or you don't know what's going to change, so you can't rest on your laurels at my age and say, yeah, I've got a few years to make an impact," says the scrum-half.

Tonight, with the focus primarily being given to young players to make an impact and put their hands up for selection in competitive fixtures, it's a chance for Stewart to show what he can do when handed the starting jersey. Most of the side featured heavily in the recent Celtic Cup campaign, where Ulster A won four of their six matches, meaning a settled group will get the chance to prove themselves against a side that will be at the World Cup next year. "Everyone's on the same page, looking to impress, play fast and try things. We're all really excited to experience the Friday night lights at Kingspan Stadium, something most of us have only done a couple of times, if ever. "We don't really know what to expect from them other than they're a big side, obviously they're in the World Cup so anyone of that standard will be a massive challenge and we're really looking forward to it."

12

WWW.ULSTERRUGBY.COM

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT URUGUAY Here is some of the key information on ‘Los Teros’…

1. They are nicknamed Los Teros for their emblem, which is of the national bird of Uruguay, the southern lapwing, also known as a tero. The lapwing is a water-dwelling bird and is usually found in the Andes mountains. 2. Ulster have faced a Uruguayan before in the form of lock Rodrigo Capo Ortega, who was part of the Castres team that played at Ravenhill in the Heineken Cup back in 2011. Capo Ortega, who still plays for Castres and misses out on this international window due to injury, started the game in Belfast which Ulster won 41-17. 3. Uruguay were the only team besides Argentina to have won the South American Rugby Championship. The Uruguayans won it in 1981, with Argentina winning the bi-annual tournament every other time since its conception in 1951 until they left to play in the Rugby Championship in 2012. Uruguay have also since left the tournament. 4. Uruguay are classed as a Tier 2 nation and are ranked 18th in the world, meaning they receive extra funding from World Rugby in order to try and grow the game, however they are considered one of the better fringe sides in world rugby due to their frequent qualification for the World Cup. They have already qualified for Japan 2019. 5. While most sides' top try scorer would be a pacy winger or an elusive back, Uruguay's top scorer is neither - he was a rampaging No.8. A legend in Uruguayan rugby, Diego Ormaechea scored 33 tries in his 54 caps, nine more than any other player in the nation's history. Although he is retired now, Ormaechea's legend lives on through son Agustin, who is in the Uruguay squad as a scrum-half and plays his club rugby for Stade Montois in France.

13

WWW.ULSTERRUGBY.COM

HOME DATE COMP AWAY KO 2018/19 FIXTURES

OPPONENT

VENUE

TV

NOVEMBER 2018 09.11 F H

7.30pm 7.35pm

Uruguay Scarlets

Kingspan Stadium

23.11

PRO14

A

Parc y Scarlets

Premier Sports & eir Sport

DECEMBER 2018 01.12 PRO14

H H A H A A H A H

3.00pm 7.45pm 7.45pm 7.35pm 7.35pm 5.15pm 3.15pm 3.15pm 7.35pm

Cardiff Blues

Kingspan Stadium Kingspan Stadium

Premier Sports & eir Sport

14.12 07.12 21.12 28.12

HCC HCC

Scarlets Scarlets

BT Sport & beIN

Parc y Scarlets

BT Sport

PRO14 PRO14

Munster Rugby Connacht Rugby

Kingspan Stadium

Premier Sports & eir Sport TG4 Premier Sports & eir Sport

Sportsground

JANUARY 2019 05.01 PRO14

Leinster Rugby

RDS Arena

Premier Sports & eir Sport

12.01 19.01 25.01

HCC HCC

Racing 92

Kingspan Stadium

BT Sport & beIN

Leicester Tigers Benetton Rugby

Welford Road

BT Sport eir Sport

PRO14

Kingspan Stadium

FEBRUARY 2019 15/16.02 PRO14

A H

TBC

Ospreys

Liberty Stadium Kingspan Stadium

TBC

23.02

PRO14

7.35pm

Zebre Rugby Club

Premier Sports

MARCH 2019 03.03 PRO14 22-24.03 PRO14 APRIL 2019 05-07.04 PRO14 12-14.04 PRO14 26-28.04 PRO14 MAY 2019 03-05.05 PRO14 17-19.05 PRO14

A H

3.00pm

Dragons

Rodney Parade

Premier Sports & eir Sport

TBC

Southern Kings

Kingspan Stadium

TBC

A A H

TBC TBC TBC

Glasgow Warriors Edinburgh Rugby Leinster Rugby

Scotstoun Stadium TBC

BT Murrayfield

TBC TBC

Kingspan Stadium

PO SF

TBC TBC TBC

TBC TBC TBC

TBC TBC TBC

TBC TBC TBC

25.05

PRO14

F

F Friendly PRO14 Guinness PRO14 HCC Heineken Champions Cup

* All times local

14

WWW.ULSTERRUGBY.COM

THANK YOU

ENTRY ONTO THE PITCH IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN We would like to remind all fans that entry onto the pitch before, during or after the match is now illegal. The pitch, as with other KINGSPAN STADIUM INFORMATION BEHAVIOUR IN THE GROUND Please respect others before, during and after the match by behaving in a reasonable and responsible manner. If you are concerned about the behaviour of others in the ground, please report your concerns to a steward, so appropriate action can be taken. areas of the ground is monitored by CCTV.

Ulster Rugby and the IRFU (Ulster Branch) wish to thank all of our sponsors and partners as well as ground advertisers, programme advertisers and supporters of corporate hospitality for their continued support.

MAIN SPONSOR

OFFICIAL KIT SPONSOR

OFFICIAL SHIRT SPONSORS

OFFICIAL SHORT SPONSORS

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

Please call 02890 333333 to book a FonaCab Taxi for your journey home.

DOMESTIC SPONSORS

THE OFFICIAL TAXI PARTNER OF ULSTER RUGBY

OFFICIAL PARTNERS

NO SMOKING Please note: smoking is not permitted within the stadium bowl; this restriction also applies to electronic cigarettes. Designated smoking areas are located at the back of each stand.

PUBLISHED BY UlsterRugby@ Kingspan Stadium 134 Mount MerrionAve

DESIGN & PRINT

PHOTOGRAPHS Official photographs courtesyof

Belfast BT6 0FT T 028 9049 3222 ulsterrugby.com

T 028 9070 5205 minprint.co.uk

Presseye TheFrontRowUnion

15

WWW.ULSTERRUGBY.COM

TIME TO GO...

Mad Creative are a fully functional creative team. We work on all aspects of design from branding and advertising campaigns to spatial solutions. Whatever our client needs, we have the resource and team to deliver amazing results. Don’t get MAD, go MAD!

madcreativeni .com

16

WWW.ULSTERRUGBY.COM