Ulster Rugby vs Bordeaux Begles

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

IRFU ULSTER BRANCH 2016/17 OFFICERS John McKibbin President Graffin Parke Senior Vice President Stephen Elliott 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

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

Following the defeat in Exeter last Sunday, Ulster’s chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the European Champions Cup have all but gone for this season, as have those of Bordeaux-Bégles. I know that the defeat in Exeter was disappointing for our supporters, particularly the large numbers that travelled to support the team and certainly made themselves heard during the game. That said, it will be important for the Ulster team to bounce back and produce a performance today to build confidence going into the business end of the PRO12 Championship. In the Guinness PRO12 League, the Ulster team had a good win over Connacht before Christmas but then unfortunately lost away to both Leinster and the Scarlets, the latter under controversial circumstances. The team has now dropped to sixth in the league but have a game in hand. Whilst injuries and player availability have not helped the Ulster cause, performances, particularly those away from home, need to improve if the team is to secure a top four finish and a play-off place. The Ulster A team are to be congratulated on their recent performances which should now see them qualify for the quarter-finals of the B&I Cup. Following on from the two victories over the Cardiff Blues Premiership Select team before Christmas, the A team secured an excellent bonus point win over London Scottish at Kingspan Stadium last weekend. They are currently top of their B&I Cup group going into this weekend’s final group game away to Jersey Reds and we wish them well for this match. On the domestic front, the Danske Bank Schools’ Cup and Medallion Shield competitions are now well underway. All ties are on schedule and our thanks go to the Schools’ Committee for their commitment and hard work in ensuring that the competitions are well organised and managed. Thanks also go to Danske Bank for their continued support of Schools’ rugby in Ulster which is very much appreciated. Finally, I hope everyone enjoys the game today as well as the facilities at Kingspan Stadium and remember - “Stand Up For The Ulstermen.” John McKibbin President IRFU (Ulster Branch) Champions Cup. In particular, I am very pleased to welcome the Bordeaux-Bégles team along with their officials and supporters. It gives me great pleasure as President of the IRFU Ulster Branch to welcome everyone to Kingspan Stadium for today’s Round 6 pool game in the European

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

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