Ulster Rugby vs Clermont

CONTENTS

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

3 4 5 9

EPCR WELCOME

KINGSPAN WELCOME TONIGHT’S MACOTS

JAMIE DONALDSON TRIBUTE

10 12 15 16 19 21 22 24 28 29

PADDY JACKSON JARED PAYNE Q&A VOLUNTEERS EVENT CHARITY PARTNERSHIP VOLUNTEER PROFILE

FAREWELL JOE

ULSTER SQUAD PROFILES

ULSTER TEAM

DOUBLE SIDED POSTER

CLERMONT TEAM 33 CLERMONT SQUAD PROFILES 34 SEASON TICKET COMPETITION WINNERS 39 WOMEN’S ATHLETE PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME 45 ROD NAWN GUEST ARTICLE 46 CENTRA HALF TIME RUGBY 49 URSC CLUB NEWS 51 OUR CLUB NEWS 53 ULSTER RUGBY VALUES 55 STADIUM INFORMATION 57 MATCH PREVIEW 58 FIXTURES 59 THANK YOU 60

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In particular, I am pleased to welcome the Clermont Auvergne team along with their coaches, Directors and supporters. Clermont Auvergne has been having an excellent season and are currently top of the French Top 14 League, as well as top of our European group and will no doubt provide a stern test for the Ulster team tonight. The Ulster team got back to winning ways last weekend with an excellent bonus point victory in Cardiff and hopefully will carry that form into today’s game. I must say farewell to two Ulster stalwarts. Dan Tuohy, who is going back home to play for Bristol, and Assistant Coach Joe Barakat who is returning to his native Australia to take up the position as Senior Assistant Coach at Western Force. Both have made a great contribution to Ulster Rugby and we wish them well in their new roles. The Ireland team and management are to be congratulated on an excellent Guinness Autumn Series with 3 wins out of 4 including that great win over New Zealand in Chicago. Congratulations go to Rory Best, Jared Payne, Andrew Trimble, Iain Henderson, Paddy Jackson, Luke Marshall and Craig Gilroy, all of whom played in the Autumn Series games. Special congratulations go to Rory Best on winning his 100th cap for Ireland – a tremendous achievement. On the domestic rugby front, Ballynahinch and Dungannon are to be congratulated on getting through to the First Trust Senior Cup Final. Congratulations also go to Omagh and Ballynahinch 2nds, who are through to the final of the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup, and to Clogher Valley who are through to the All Ireland Junior Cup semi-final. I would also encourage all Ulster Rugby fans to get involved with our Christmas Present Appeal, which is a joint initiative with our charity partner, Include Youth. This charity supports 500 young people from disadvantaged communities throughout the Province and looks to help them move into training or employment. Fans are encouraged to donate a present to make sure the young people that Include Youth work with, who often live in children’s homes or residential care, receive a special gift this Christmas. Donations of Christmas presents can be made at reception in the main administration building. Ulster Rugby, in conjunction with Slim’s Kitchen and Include Youth, have also launched the first ever Ulster Rugby Charity Recipe Book. This book will make a great Christmas present and fans are encouraged to purchase a copy for £5. All proceeds will go to our charity partner. Finally, it was with great sadness that Ulster Rugby learnt of the passing of Jamie Donaldson last week. Jamie was an ardent and passionate supporter of Ulster Rugby who, even with his disability, rarely missed a game, whether home or away and who had built up a special relationship with the players. He will be sadly missed and the condolences of all at Ulster Rugby go to his parents and the family circle. I hope everyone enjoys the game tonight as well as the facilities at Kingspan Stadium and remember - “Stand Up For The Ulstermen”. John McKibbin President IRFU (Ulster Branch) It gives me great pleasure as President of the IRFU Ulster Branch to welcome everyone to Kingspan Stadium for this evening’s Round 3 match in the European Champions Cup. PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

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

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

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WELCOME MESSAGE FROM EPCR

We reconvene for the European Rugby Champions Cup after an emotional Round 2 as the rugby family honoured the memory of the late Anthony Foley at matches across the continent. The performance of Foley’s club, Munster Rugby, in their victory over Glasgow Warriors was one of many displays that have caught the eye so far this season. Glasgow themselves were stylish in seeing off Leicester Tigers on the opening night and Leicester in turn, impressive in bouncing back to beat French champions Racing 92. Add in Saracens’ storming of the Stade Félix Mayol and Connacht’s thrilling home success over Toulouse and it really whets the appetite for the head-to-head battles that come in the December rounds of matches. It isn’t just in the Champions Cup where European rugby has been engaging, with attendances in the Challenge Cup over the first two rounds up by 18.55% on the same stage last season. La Rochelle hosted the third highest crowd in history for a Challenge Cup pool game when 14,634 witnessed their victory over Bayonne and the return of the Bath-Bristol derby also attracted impressive numbers during Round 2. That tournament has also highlighted the strength in depth in European rugby with consecutive wins for Russia’s Enisei-STM placing them at the top of Pool 3. Once again this season, both tournaments (as well as the Challenge Cup Qualifying Competition) will conclude at the same venue and with Christmas just around the corner, it’s a good time to secure your place at BT Murrayfield for one of European sport’s most prestigious weekends. For each pair of tickets bought between now and the end of Round 4 matches, you will enter a free prize draw for two free flights courtesy of tournament partners, Turkish Airlines. Keep an eye on epcrugby.com for more details. Whoever you support, we hope that you enjoy the action throughout this round of European club rugby.

EPCR WELCOME

Simon Halliday EPCR Chairman

10 CONVERSIONS

7 PENALTIES

41 TOTAL POINTS

BASED ON LAST SEASON’S EUROPEAN CLUB RUGBY STATS, CAN YOU IDENTIFY THIS PLAYER?

Go to epcrugby.com/guesswho and submit your answer for a chance to win a prize

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LEADING THE FIELD

I am delighted to welcome you to Kingspan Stadium as Ulster Rugby clash with pool 5 table toppers ASM Clermont Auvergne for the first time this season. ASM Clermont Auvergne are a side with great pedigree, currently topping the French Top 14 league table and I hope you will join me in providing the travelling supporters and team with a very warm welcome and experience to remember. On behalf of Kingspan, I would like to wish the Ulster Rugby squad and management team every success this afternoon. A special mention also to Rory Best who has been a great servant to Ulster Rugby and joined an elite club in earning his 100th Ireland cap during the Autumn Internationals. To you the fans, enjoy the game, lead the way, and help ensure this is another Kingspan Stadium afternoon.

Pat Freeman Divisional Managing Director

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

CUP

TODAY’S MASCOTS

MASCOTS

EDWARD THOMAS (10) Edward is from Templepatrick and attends Templepatrick Primary School. He plays rugby at school, mini rugby at Ballyclare RFC and also enjoys athletics and supporting Arsenal. Edward’s favourite player is Craig Gilroy and when he grows up he would like to be a rugby player or do something that involves travelling the world.

EVE CORBETT (9) Eve is from Dromore and attends Dromore Central Primary School. She plays rugby at school and also enjoys gymnastics and looking after animals. Eve’s favourite players are Ruan Pienaar and Tommy Bowe. When she grows up Eve would like to be an architect.

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JAMIE DAVID DONALDSON ULSTER’S NUMBER 1 FAN 25 OCTOBER 1990 – 2 DECEMBER 2016

RIP JAMIE DONALDSON

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PADDY JACKSON Having steered Ireland so majestically to a maiden win in South Africa during the summer tour, Paddy Jackson further underlined his quality as a world class out-half during the Autumn Series, when he helped Ireland become the first northern hemisphere side since 2003 to beat the ‘big three’ of South Africa, New Zealand and Australia in the same calendar year.

“I really enjoyed the series,” says Paddy. “With Johnny (Sexton) in such good form, I wasn’t sure that I would get that much game time, so to get 70 minutes against Canada and to play against New Zealand in Dublin was pretty incredible. It was unfortunate for Johnny to pick up an injury early against New Zealand so I was certainly thrown in earlier than expected, but it is such a special feeling to wear the green jersey and I just tried to make the most of it. Unfortunately, we couldn’t match the result from Chicago a couple of weeks earlier but it was the first time I have played against the All Blacks, so it was a really good experience. I was really happy with my performances and how the games went, then getting the win in the final game against Australia topped everything off.” While the victory over Australia signalled the final result in the historic treble, it also marked Ireland captain Rory Best’s 100th international cap, and Jackson was delighted to be able to celebrate it alongside his fellow Ulster man: “It was a great day and we obviously all wanted to win but everyone wanted to make it extra special for Rory. We talked about it beforehand, we were all playing for him. We knew his whole family were there, the kids and Jodie and it was amazing to see the kids running out with him and stand beside him for the anthems. Afterwards was really special when we all got to celebrate with him.” Jackson and Best were among the five Ulster players who started against Australia, and Jackson noted that it is great to see his club mates being recognised at international level: “Year on year we are getting more guys involved in the Ireland set up. It is always good to get out there with your fellow Ulster players and it shows the increase in competitiveness here and that

the skills are being recognised by the national set up, which is great. I know from working with the (Ulster) boys on a daily basis just how good they are, so I’m delighted to see them getting that recognition on the bigger stage.” For Jackson and co, there is little time to dwell on the international success as they return this weekend for a huge Champions Cup showdown with French Top 14 league leaders Clermont at Kingspan Stadium. “I had a week off last week to rest the body, but these back-to-back Clermont games have been in the back of my mind. It is going to be a tough test. They are one of the best teams in Europe, so we are going to have to be on top of our game to get the win. It will be a fast, physical challenge but training has gone well this week and hopefully we can carry that momentum into the game.” “We will certainly take some confidence from the win (away to Cardiff) last weekend. I thought the guys started very well, but some ill-discipline and small errors let Cardiff back into the game. However, to finish off with a bonus point win was a great start to the Christmas run in, especially after missing out on a game against Zebre.” The trip to Cardiff was Ulster’s first game in four weeks, due to the Autumn Series and the postponed Zebre game, and Jackson admits the team were raring to get back on the pitch following two successive defeats: “Coming into the international break we were left disappointed by the Munster and Edinburgh games, which was hard to take. Now after gaining some momentum in Cardiff we can get our performances together and the wins should follow. It’s great to be back with Ulster and I’m looking forward to the next run of games.”

PADDY JACKSON

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“WE ARE GETTING MORE GUYS INVOLVED IN THE IRELAND SET UP. IT IS ALWAYS GOOD TO GET OUT THERE WITH YOUR FELLOW ULSTER PLAYERS AND IT SHOWS THE INCREASE IN COMPETITIVENESS HERE AND THE SKILLS ARE BEING RECOGNISED BY THE NATIONAL SET UP”

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JARED PAYNE Q&A

NICK NAME? Payno FAVOURITE SUBJECT AT SCHOOL? Home time IF YOU COULD BE A PROFESSIONAL IN ANOTHER SPORT, WHAT WOULD IT BE? NBA MOST EXCITING THING YOU HAVE DONE? Park in the no parking zone at Kingspan Stadium FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION? Whangapoua HOW DO YOU RELAX ON YOUR DOWN TIME? Go to the beach FAVOURITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME? Outrageous Fortune IF A FILM WAS MADE ABOUT YOUR LIFE, WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY YOU? Van Damme IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHICH PLAYER WOULD YOU LEAST LIKE TO BE STRANDED WITH? Paul Marshall. He isn’t known as the most annoying for nothing DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? Duke, my dog WHAT ARE YOUR LEAST AND MOST FAVOURITE TRAINING ELEMENTS? Least: Waking up early Most: Analysis WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PLAYING FOR ULSTER? Playing in front of the home crowd IF YOU WEREN’T A PROFESSIONAL RUGBY PLAYER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING AS A PROFESSION? Ciaran Sloan’s mental coach IF YOU COULD INVITE ANY FAMOUS PERSON ROUND FOR TEA WHO WOULD IT BE? Mike Tyson

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT JARED FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER @THEPAIN15

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VOLUNTEER CELEBRATION EVENT

Rugby volunteers from across the Province were invited to kick-off the Christmas season at Kingspan Stadium recently.

The focus of the event was to celebrate the contribution that volunteers make to rugby in Ulster. Over 100 volunteers from schools, clubs and Ulster Rugby’s volunteer programmes attended the event enjoying the opportunity to catch up with other volunteers, invited guests, Ulster Rugby players and staff and of course, Ulster Rugby mascot Sparky! Welcoming volunteers to the event, Ulster Rugby President, John McKibbin said: “Volunteers contribute to rugby in Ulster in so many ways. I am delighted to welcome you here tonight and to say thank you for all of your time and commitment. From minis to match night at Kingspan Stadium we couldn’t do it without you. Your work is invaluable and greatly appreciated. Speaking at the event Sports Minister Paul Givan, MLA said: “As Minister for Communities with lead responsibility for volunteering, I would like to commend all the volunteers here tonight for their commitment to volunteering within rugby. It is

important that we recognise the dedication and effort that our volunteers contribute within our society. Volunteering is important to individuals and to our civil society here in Northern Ireland as It helps create vibrant, energised and safe communities.” SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland) title sponsors of the SONI Ulster Rugby Premiership were also supporting the event. Highlighting the second year of their Community Champions Awards, Natasha Sayee, Head of Public Affairs at SONI, said: “We’re delighted to be here to celebrate with so many volunteers who dedicate countless hours of their time for the benefit of their community. We’re pleased to have launched our volunteer award for the second year running where ‘community champions’ in grassroots rugby are recognised for their dedication. We hope that every club volunteer will enter the award for a chance to win a £1,000 bursary for their club.”

VOLUNTEER EVENT

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VOLUNTEER EVENT

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TISSOTwatches.COM TISSOT, INNOVATORS BY TRADITION

CHARITY PARTNERSHIP HELPING TACKLE YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT Ulster Rugby’s two-year charity partnership with children and young people’s charity Include Youth has got off to a kicking start.

So far we’ve marked #BookWeekNI, organised work place tours, made links with local clubs, taken part in a bucket collection with Ulster Rugby’s generous fans, organised a Christmas present appeal for young people in care and launched a mouth-watering recipe book with help from Slim’s Healthy Kitchen. Paddy Mooney, Director at Include Youth, said: “We are so proud that Ulster Rugby is supporting our work with vulnerable and disadvantaged young people, in particular they are helping us deliver physical activity programmes and connect young people to potential employers and positive role models in their community. “The partnership has created a real buzz among staff and young people and throughout the next two seasons we want to see more young people from disadvantaged situations take part in rugby, move positively into employment and thrive in their community.” Include Youth supports children and young people who are in care, from disadvantaged communities or whose rights are not being met, improve their employability, increase their self-esteem and reach their full potential across Northern Ireland. Ashleigh (24) is a young mother with limited family support, who got involved in Include Youth when she was 17. “When I was younger I was on Include Youth’s Give & Take: Core, an employability programme

for young people in care - It helps young people gain qualifications and work experience. I stayed in touch with the workers and got involved in some of their community-based projects after I had my son. “When I joined their ‘Meant to Work’ project in April 2016 I really wanted to gain full-time work in the social care sector, as I had lots of voluntary experience working with vulnerable young people and adults,” said Ashleigh. Include Youth staff gave her practical support with job applications and interview techniques, and her peer mentor accompanied her and provided transport to and from her job interview. She was successful and gained casual shifts at a homeless drop-in and outreach centre. Still engaged with the ‘Meant to Work’ team, and after three months in the post, a full-time opportunity arose within the organisation and Ashleigh was successful in securing it. Ashleigh adds: “I have calmed down a lot and my confidence has grown. I had lots of volunteering experience but didn’t feel like I was ready or able to get a job. The ‘Meant to Work’ team supported me, built up my confidence and helped me with the practical things like filling in applications that I’d always struggled with before. I’m so happy right now and feel like this is a career for life.” For all the latest news, updates and photos, follow Include Youth on twitter @IncludeYouth or on Facebook ‘Include Youth organisation’.

CHARITY PARTNER

Donate Xmas presents at Reception

Recipe Book on sale now at slimskitchen.com/shop

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P R O U D T O S P O N S O R

BUYAMATCHPROGRAMMEATANY HOMEGAMEANDCHECKYOUR EXCLUSIVE CODE TOSEE IF YOU’REAWINNER! Simply enter your code at our official programme stand or online at winit.ulsterrugbydigital.com #URinittowinit

MINPRINT OFFICIAL PROGRAMME PARTNER OF ULSTER RUGBY

*Terms & Conditions apply: One entry per person, per programme. You must be 16 years or over to enter. You must enter a valid email address to receive your prize and by entering your information you are agreeing to receiving promotions from Ulster Rugby and our sponsors. Ulster Rugby reserve the right to remove this competition at any point without prior notice.

VOLUNTEER PROFILE: CHARLIE FARRELL, DUNGANNON RFC In our Volunteer Focus series, we will be profiling some of the outstanding rugby volunteers and highlighting the tremendous work carried out by them.

In this feature we will focus on Charlie Farrell, youth coach at Dungannon RFC. While still a young man himself, Charlie first got involved in volunteering two years ago at Dungannon Rugby Club, where he currently fulfils the role of U16 youth coach, as well as coach for the club’s U12, U15 and U18 girls’ teams. In relation to how he became involved in volunteering, Charlie commented: “I got involved in volunteering so that I could give something back to the sport and club that has given so much to me. Through rugby I have been able to make friends all over the world and it has allowed me to travel and play sport in other parts of the world. I first started coaching when I was in New Zealand - that’s when I discovered how much I enjoyed it. As soon as I returned home to Dungannon I wanted to carry on coaching and see what I could do to help my club. Throughout my career as a player I have been coached and helped by many volunteers; after realising the impact those guys had on me I decided that I should go out and do what I can to try and encourage the next generation of rugby players as best as I can.” An extremely dedicated volunteer, Charlie can be found coaching six or seven days per week with the various teams, which takes a lot of commitment, as he says: “Coaching the U16 boys involves planning and delivering sessions on a Monday night and then taking the team on match days - organising buses, playing kits, making sure players are on time and know where they are going, as well as coaching the team during their matches. I also help out on Monday nights with the other youth teams taking specialist sessions if their coaches need help with a particular aspect of their game. “Coaching the Dungannon ladies involves everything from planning and delivering sessions on Wednesday nights to organising blitz days/games for the girls. It’s the most challenging role I have because I am trying to coach three different age grades. Last season I also volunteered to take rugby in some of the local schools to try and encourage some more girls to play rugby at the club.” While Charlie’s volunteering requires huge commitment, he acknowledges it is also extremely rewarding: “For me, the best thing about volunteering is seeing other people enjoying the sport I love. It’s great to come down to the club any night of the week

and seeing the rugby fields full of players. I believe my role as a coach is to help all of my players to play to the best of their ability so when I get to stand on the sideline during a match and watch the boys and girls play rugby, enjoy themselves and come off the pitch with a smile, it makes all the hard work as a volunteer worthwhile!” In addition to his duties at Dungannon RFC, Charlie was also a key part of the management team for the Ulster U18 girls, who won the first ever Inter- provincial series at that level this year. The girls won all three games against their provincial counterparts on route to winning the series, and Charlie cites this as the highlight of his coaching career: “Watching the Ulster U18 girls win the first ever Inter-provincial series was fantastic. We had worked a lot with the girls over the summer, so it was great just to see them win their first game against Leinster, but for them to go on and win their other two games was just incredible.” Charlie was also recently awarded the 2016 Young Sports Coach of the Year by Sport Northern Ireland. In honouring Charlie, the judging panel commented: “Charlie adopts an extremely professional approach to his coaching, showing extreme dedication and effort throughout the year to improve the teams he has worked with, other coaches and himself.” If you would like to get involved in volunteering at your local club please contact Kerry Spence, Ulster Rugby Volunteer and Policy Development Officer on volunteer@ulsterrugby.com

VOLUNTEER PROFILE

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FAREWELL JOE!

Tonight’s game will be Joe Barakat’s last home match with Ulster Rugby. It has been a pleasure to have Joe with us for the past 18 months and we

wish him well in his new role at Western Force. Here’s a few of his favourite moments…

FAVOURITE BEAUTY SPOT? The 12th fairway at Royal Belfast Golf Club. A fantastic view over the course and Belfast Lough. FAVOURITE PASTIME? Golf and gym FAVOURITE WEEKEND AWAY DESTINATION? Carton House FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT? General Merchants (Original) FAVOURITE DISH? Belfast Bap FAVOURITE SEASON?

FAVOURITE BAR? Dirty Duck BEST OVERALL EXPERIENCE? Visiting the North Coast and Giant’s Causeway MOST MEMORABLE GAME? Toulouse at home and away last year FAVOURITE PLACE YOU HAVE VISITED WITH THE TEAM AND WHY? Treviso because of the lifestyle, nightlife and people HAVE YOU PICKED UP ANY IRISH SLANG WORDS THAT YOU WILL USE BACK IN OZ? Early Doors, Craic, How about ya?, Alright? IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE HERE IN 3 WORDS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE? Awesome, friendly and cold (climate)

JOE BARAKAT

Summmmmmmmmmmmmmmer FAVOURITE RESTAURANT? Stix and Stones

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MARK BEST

JOHN ANDREW

RODNEY AH YOU

Centre 01.04.94 182cm 94kg

Hooker 26.05.93 181cm 101kg

Prop 27.10.88

187cm 129kg

— —

19 —

8 3

TOMMY BOWE

CALLUM BLACK

RORY BEST

Wing 22.02.84 190cm 100kg 140 67 Flanker 08.05.91 191cm 112kg — SA 28 Back Row 27.01.95 190cm 108kg 1 —

Prop 25.02.86 180cm 116kg 114 — Centre 05.04.87 184cm 95kg 185 11

Hooker 15.08.82

178cm 106kg

189 100

MARCELL COETZEE

DARREN CAVE

PETER BROWNE 2nd Row 25.10.87 201cm 116kg 22 —

LORCAN DOW

JOHN DONNAN 2nd Row 16.02.93 197cm 115kg

ROBBIE DIACK

No. 8 12.11.85 195cm 110kg 182 2

— —

ULSTER SQUAD 2016/17 24 CRAIG GILROY Wing 11.03.91 183cm 90kg 140 9 WIEHAHN HERBST Prop 07.05.88 180cm 120kg 42 — IAIN HENDERSON 2nd Row 21.02.92 199cm 117kg 65 28 ROB HERRING Hooker 27.04.90 185cm 102kg 107 1

CHRIS HENRY

Back Row 17.10.84

191cm 105kg 151 24

BRETT HERRON

Fly half 13.11.95 184cm 92kg 5 —

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PADDY JACKSON

CONOR JOYCE

ROSS KANE

Out half 05.01.92 180cm 87kg 112 19

Back Row 05.07.93

Prop 26.02.86 182cm 114kg 52 — Prop 14.10.94 180.5cm 116kg 9 —

192cm 106kg 6 —

ANGUS LLOYD

LOUIS LUDIK Full back 10.08.86 182cm 92kg 46 —

RICKY LUTTON

Scrum half 02.10.92 175cm 80kg 1 — Prop 01.02.92 177cm 111kg 33 — Centre 03.03.91 181cm 97kg 8 — Back Row 07.04.90 193cm 108kg 2 —

ULSTER SQUAD 2016/17

ROB LYTTLE

LUKE MARSHALL

PAUL MARSHALL

Centre 03.03.91 181cm 97kg 91 9 Centre 06.08.92 193cm 113kg 47 1

Scrum half 26.07.85 172cm 80kg 181 3

STUART McCLOSKEY

KYLE McCALL

JOHNNY McPHILLIPS

Out half 13.04.97 179cm 80kg

— —

STEPHEN MULHOLLAND

JONNY MURPHY

PETER NELSON Full back 05.10.92 180cm 88kg

Hooker 02.06.92

178cm 106kg 1 —

31 —

STUART OLDING

JARED PAYNE Full back 13.10.85 186cm 97kg

ALAN O’CONNOR 2nd Row 10.09.92 197cm 114kg

Centre 11.03.93 178cm 93kg 53 4

73 19

31 —

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MATTHEW REA 2nd Row 21.09.93 193cm 110kg

RUAN PIENAAR

CHARLES PIUTAU

Scrum half 10.03.84 187cm 90kg 128 SA 88

Back Row 14.06.89 193cm 105kg 40 — Utility back 31.10.91 183cm 102kg 8 NZ 16

— —

CLIVE ROSS

DAVE SHANAHAN

SEAN REIDY

Scrum half 20.06.93 174cm 90kg 8 —

Back Row 05.10.89

ULSTER SQUAD 2016/17

182cm 105kg 42 1

JOHNNY SIMPSON

JACOB STOCKDALE

KIERAN TREADWELL 2nd Row 11.06.95 198cm 121kg 4 —

Prop 19.08.90 184cm 110kg

Wing 04.03.96 195cm 96kg 9 —

— —

ANDY WARWICK

FRANCO VAN DER MERWE 2nd Row 15.03.83 198cm 117kg 63 SA 1

ANDREW TRIMBLE

Prop 12.03.91 179cm 110kg 57 —

Wing 20.10.84 185cm 97kg 208 69

ROGER WILSON

SAM WINDSOR

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

Fly half 07.12.87 185cm 94 kg 3 —

Back Row 21.09.81 190cm 106kg 215 1

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1

KYLE McCALL

CHARLES PIUTAU

14

2

RORY BEST (C)

TOMMY BOWE

13

3

LUKE MARSHALL

WIEHAHN HERBST

12

4

STUART McCLOSKEY

PETER BROWNE

ULSTER RUBGY

11

5

ROBBIE DIACK

LOUIS LUDIK

6

10

IAIN HENDERSON

PADDY JACKSON

7

9

CHRIS HENRY

RUAN PIENAAR

REPLACEMENTS 16 17 18 19 R HERRING A WARWICK R AH YOU K TREADWELL

20 21 22 23

C ROSS P MARSHALL D CAVE J STOCKDALE

8

SEAN REIDY

TEAM NOT CONFIRMED AT TIME OF PRINT

L LUKE MARSHALL

15

1

THOMAS DOMINGO

NICK ABENDANON

14

2

DAVID STRETTLE

BENJAMIN KAYSER

ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE

13

3

REMI LAMERAT

DAVIT ZIRAKASHVILI

12

4

PAUL JEDRASIAK

WESLEY FOFANA

11

5

SÉBASTIEN VAHAAMAHINA

NOA NAKAITACI

6

10

DAMIAN CHOULY (C)

CAMILLE LOPEZ

7

9

MORGAN PARRA

JULIEN BARDY

REPLACEMENTS 16 17 18 19 N CHARLES E FALGOUX C RIC S TIMANI

20 21 22 23

A LAPANDRY L RADOSAVLJEVIC P FERNANDEZ A ROUGERIE

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FRITZ LEE

TODAY’S OFFICIALS REFEREE WAYNE BARNES ENG ASSISTANT REFEREE’S PETER ALLAN ENG | PAUL DIX ENG CITING COMMISSIONER JOHN BYETT ENG TMO SEAN DAVEY ENG

TEAM NOT CONFIRMED AT TIME OF PRINT

NICK ABENDANON

YOHAN BEHEREGARAY

JULIEN BARDY

Fullback 27.08.86 178cm 86 kg

Hooker 29.05.96

Flanker 03.04.85 188cm 98 kg

173cm 104 kg

NATHAN CHARLES

RAPHAEL CHAUME

JUDICAËL CANCORIET

Hooker 09.01.89 183cm 104kg

Prop 29.01.89 185cm 97 kg

Flanker 25.04.96

194cm 110 kg

DAMIEN CHOULY

THOMAS DOMINGO

ETIENNE FALGOUX

No 8 27.11.85 192cm 92kg

Prop 20.08.85

Prop 19.01.93

173cm 106kg

182cm 105kg

PATO FERNANDEZ

HOSEA GEAR

WESLEY FOFANA

Outside Half 11.10.94 190cm 92kg

Wing 16.03.84 188cm 98kg

Centre 20.01.88 178cm 88kg

CAMILLE GERONDEAU

AARON JARVIS

ARTHUR ITURRIA

ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE

Back row 12.03.88 194cm 114kg

Prop 20.05.86 183cm 117kg

Lock 13.05.94 195cm 110kg

VIKTOR KOLELISHVILI

BENJAMIN KAYSER

PAUL JEDRASIAK

Flanker 09.10.89 192cm 102kg

Lock 06.02.93 198cm 115kg

Hooker 26.07.84 182cm 102kg

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REMI LAMERAT

ALEXANDRE LAPANDRY

FRITZ LEE

Flanker 13.04.89 194cm 105kg

No 8 27.08.88 190cm 110kg

Centre 14.01.90 184cm 105kg

CAMILLE LOPEZ

NOA NAKAITACI

MORGAN PARRA

Centre 11.07.90 190cm 94kg

Scrum half 15.11.88 181cm 77kg

Outside half 03.04.89 176cm 85kg

ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE

LUDOVIC RADOSAVLJEVIC

DAMIEN PENAUD

ADRIEN PLANTÉ

Centre 28.09.96 185cm 92kg

Wing 21.04.85 183cm 85kg

Outside half 17.08.89 178cm 90kg

ALIVERETI RAKA

CLÉMENT RIC

AURÉLIEN ROUGERIE

Centre 09.12.94 189cm 94kg

Prop 18.07.88 182cm 117kg

Wing 26.09.80

192cm 105kg

ENZO SANGA

MICKAEL SIMUTOGA

SCOTT SPEDDING

Fullback 04.05.86 188cm 97kg

Scrum half 19.04.95 176cm 75kg

Prop 29.09.96 183cm 112kg

BENSON STANLEY

SITALEKI TIMANI

DAVID STRETTLE

Back row 19.09.86 203cm 120kg

Wing 23.06.83 183cm 86kg

Centre 11.09.84 184cm 98kg

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Suppliers of fresh produce to the Ulster Rugby team.

Official suppliers of fresh produce to the Ulster Rugby team.

ISAIAH TOEAVA

SÉBASTIEN VAHAAMAHINA

FLIP VAN DER MERWE

Lock 21.10.91 202cm 125kg

Back row 03.06.85 198cm 118kg

Full back 18.01.86 182cm 99kg

DAVIT ZIRAKASHVILI

PECELI YATO

Flanker 17.01.93 196cm 105kg

Prop 20.09.83 179cm 113kg

ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE

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SEASON TICKET HOLDER COMPETITION WIN A TRIP TO CLERMONT

Congratulations to Rodney Moody and Aaron Platt who will travel with the team to Clermont next week, thanks to Ulster Rugby and Killester Travel. Here is just a few of the entries we recieved...

FOMO: #16THMAN The stands are awash with bright yellow and blue, A few pops of red white and black are there too, The buzz of the crowd gives way to a roar, The match has begun; we’re determined to score. As studs grip the grass we shift in our seats, Each back weaves past near every player he meets, Tackles are heavy but the forwards truck in, Protecting, defending, determined to win. The pace of the game carries thousands along, And the hits and the chips and the kicks don’t go wrong, Thundering legs reach for the line, Urging them on, we know this is the time. The bubbling cauldron of Stad Marcel Michelin,

THE 16TH MAN Standing on the terraces in the hail and the snow. Come on number eleven, GO – RUN – GO! Standing on the terraces come rain or shine. Just willing that final try to get over the touchline. Standing on the terraces the crowd goes quiet... Converted try scored! The crowd goes WILD! Standing on the terraces THE 16th MAN Ulster Rugby’s greatest fans. By Kimberley Reynolds

Is the only place for the 16th man, Fear of missing out is a terrible thing, Put me on the plane, oh how loudly I’ll sing! By Basil Haires

COMPETITION ENTRIES

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WHY ME? AN ODE TO MY BOY!

Our son's away now, over 4 years When the time came to leave, There were plenty of tears, Just married to his beautiful wife,

And not just the recent professional game With its whistles and bells And money and fame. No, I go back quite a while Through time in a fog, When matches were watched by 3 men and a dog! But I love the new world, The excitement, the crowds I sit in the stand,

They set off for Europe, Their next chapter in life! First Munich, now Marseille, But it's tough for us, him being away All his family and friends, we miss his craic We look forward to see him,

COMPETITION ENTRIES

And shout, good and loud! To support them in France, I'd be doing the same To help the boys through A difficult game. To be at the ground with 'my little boy' Would be fantastic, a total joy. So that's why I think, I should win your great prize, And head off to Clermont In 5 weeks time. I know there'll be plenty,

When he travels back. Christmas is special, But there's a problem in sight! His wee wifey's pregnant, No chance of a flight! So for the very first time, On his 33rd year, We won't be together,

For our Christmas cheer! Now, if I was in Clermont? They could meet me there, It would nearly be Christmas, Good family time to share, And all while supporting the men in white, Something I've done for all of my life,

As deserving as me, But I thought I'd enter, And just wait and see. By Alan Watson

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URSC SUPPORT ULSTER WOMEN’S ATHLETE PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME In November 2015, Ulster Rugby launched the ‘Women’s Athlete Performance Programme’ in the province, inducting 20 talent identified players, to deliver

This programme is designed to support the aims established in the current Ulster Rugby Women’s Strategy; to drive and improve provincial performance and increase national representation of Ulster players. The participants are exposed to a programme of on and off field delivery in areas such as technical development, physical development, nutrition and performance skills to provide them with guidance and mentoring they require to perform at the highest level. While in its infancy, the programme has already started to bear fruit with several players progressing to represent Ireland at senior, 7s and age-grade level. In October, Ulster won the first ever U18 Inter- provincial Series and 8 of those girls have already benefited from the programme, 5 of whom have graduated to the senior squad. The Women’s Athlete Performance Programme is only possible through the continued support of the Sports Institute of Northern Ireland and the Ulster Rugby Supporters Club, who each contribute considerable resource to deliver the programme.

At half-time of the recent Inter-Provincial game between Ulster Women and Munster at Kingspan Stadium, the Ulster Rugby Supporters Club, represented by former Ireland international Niki Wild and Malone Women’s player Lynn Wilson, presented a cheque for £2,000 as the second instalment of the club’s financial support for this initiative, to Christopher Summers, the new Ulster Women’s Rugby Chair, and two of the Ulster U18 girls who have already benefited from the programme, Neve Jones and Brittany Hogan. Commenting on the support, Christopher Summers said: “We are delighted that the Ulster Rugby Supporters Club have committed their continued support for the Women’s Athlete Performance Programme. While the programme has only been running for one year, we have already seen the benefits from it. Thanks to the support of the Ulster Rugby Supporters Club, we can look forward to the further development of the programme and hopefully more Ulster females donning the green jersey.”

ATHLETE PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME

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Over the next week Ulster and this afternoon’s visitors to Kingspan Stadium are going to become very familiar with each other – in the sporting sense! AT CLOSE QUARTERS WITH FRANCE’S BEST

The club which currently sets the pace in the Top 14 in France has a magnificent, formidable history, yet it regards itself as one of the game’s great under-achievers, and famously relishes the notion that it is a constant underdog. Ulster will be rather more realistic about the challenge posed this lunchtime, not at all in thrall to the visitors but very aware of the threats which come from every department. Les Kiss and the players will have applied themselves with considerable vigour and focus this week, Europe is important to a club which undoubtedly has failed to realise its ambitions and potential in the Champions Cup far too often. Gone is the pall which threatened to hang over the squad and the supporters who watched the PRO12 leadership squandered with a succession of defeats, a nadir of sorts reached when Edinburgh somehow managed to send a team lacking cohesion and lacking confidence back to Belfast without even the solace of a losing bonus point. The postponement two weeks ago of the game here against Zebre was frustrating, because the determination to get back on track, to play to the strengths of such a quality-packed senior panel, was palpable. A week later redemption of sorts came with a classy display for much of the game at Cardiff, five tries scored, five points secured, and if there was a period late in the game when concentration slipped and afforded Cardiff a glimpse of an unlikely victory, there was evidence in the closing moments that perhaps a corner has been turned, doubts allayed. Chris Henry was back in an Ulster jersey for the first time this campaign, and at his marauding disruptive best, while Stuart McCloskey slipped back into midfield as powerful and creative as ever. It was a night in Cardiff when hope was definitely rekindled, a deadly rival put to the sword, and individuals casting off some recent inhibitions. This was an Ulster which could stir the fans blood, and today the teeming Kingspan will look for the character and resolve of the Arms Park to be replicated against France’s best.

Ruan Pienaar was imperious in Wales, and how he’ll relish the clash with Clermont. The scrum- half who has made himself such a Kingspan favourite and who will go down as one of the greatest players ever to wear the white shirt, has pledged that he will do everything in his power to leave in the summer, a trophy tangible proof of his – and the squad’s – talents. Another ‘big beast’ in Rory Best returns after his autumn heroics for Ireland, and with Charles Piutau and Iain Henderson falling into the world-class category, there really is solid cause to believe that Ulster’s recent record against top- class French opposition can be maintained. A year ago Toulouse was beaten twice within eight days by a side playing attacking, concentrated and intelligent rugby. Clermont Head Coach Franck Azema will be well aware of Ulster’s capabilities, and having rested several of his big names in the high-scoring defeat at Pau last weekend he’ll not want to follow an all-too- familiar trend of French teams under-performing ‘on the road’. In 2011, just after he took charge of the club, Ulster – en route to a Heineken Cup Final – beat his side and he exacted very narrow revenge in the Auvergne-Rhone Alps, so he’ll have steeled his squad for the cauldron he sees for the first time this weekend, Kingspan Stadium. The coach does ‘buy into’ the Clermont belief that it is always the underdog, that it hasn’t always been dealt a winning hand, despite the evidence of its pre-eminence domestically for a decade and more. Yes, it was at the 11th attempt that the Holy Grail of the French championship was achieved first in 2010, then repeated in 2015, but it was perennially in the Final shoot- out, first as Montferrand – a name by which it is still commonly known – then as ASM Clermont Auvergne, the rugby element of a remarkable sporting complex, AS Montferrandaise. Great players litter its history and its current roster: Philippe Saint Andre, Pat Howard, Olivier Merle, David Skrela, Alessandro Troncon, John Smit, the Rougeries, Jonathan Davies and Lee Byrne have contributed to the growth of a rugby

GUEST ARTICLE - ROD NAWN

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ARTICLE BY ROD NAWN FREELANCE JOURNALIST AND SPORTS ENTHUSIAST @RODNAWN1

monolith which was really transformed into one of the most spectacular attacking units when Vern Cotter arrived as Head Coach in 2006. ‘The Underdogs’ won a second European Challenge Cup in 2007, but triumph in the Heineken and Champions Cup has been denied twice by fierce rivals Toulon, in 2013 and 2015. This season Azema and his captain, Daniel Chouly, the superb French breakaway, have made clear that dominance in Europe is a priority, but Ulster too has realistic ambitions in that regard and the next week will probably decide which is in the best position to qualify from a group which includes a Bordeaux-Bégles outfit also chasing domestic glory, and the fast-improving Exeter Chiefs. The players who will be most familiar to Ulster fans will be scrum-half Morgan Parra, whose place-kicking can prove lethal, prop Thomas Domingo, out-half Camille Lopez and, of course, the brilliant centre Wesley Fofana. But it’s a star- laden panel, with England internationals David Strettle and Nick Abendanon vital cogs in the long-term project at Clermont. But Ulster is in a much better place this week, and not just because the trip to Cardiff was a winning one: Wiehahn Herbst has extended his deal until 2019 and he’ll hope to stay injury-free and prove what a quality-tighthead prop he is and why he was lured from The Sharks in Super Rugby two years ago. Henry, Henderson, Sean Reidy and Best would embellish any pack, and it’s to them and the younger, eager forwards around them that we’ll look for the platform for what would be a critical win. Behind the scrum Paddy Jackson’s authoritative autumn form for Ireland will surely give his half- back partner Pienaar the space to let loose an attacking armoury of exciting, combative and committed styles: hopefully Andrew Trimble can take his place on a wing, and Luke Marshall, McCloskey, Darren Cave, Louis Ludik, Tommy Bowe, Craig Gilroy, Piutau and Jacob Stockdale

offer superlative choices to Les Kiss and Head Coach Neil Doak. There was much gloom at Ulster’s Champions Cup prospects after the first two games in October, the defeat in Bordeaux was characterised by a lack of concentration and poor decision-making, while the one-point victory at home over the Chiefs is not a match that will live long in the memory apart from its dramatic denouement when Jackson’s drop goal proved decisive. All coaches, all players, properly say that they cannot depend on others, they can only look after their own roles in the side, but on Sunday I’m sure many will be hoping that at Sandy Lane, Exeter can undermine Bordeaux-Bégles – preferably in a low-scoring game. Clermont have extracted maximum points from its two outings so far, and scored eleven tries: Ulster has the firepower and the discipline over the next eight days to totally transform the pool, and realistically aim for a place in the quarter-finals in the New Year. European nights – and European lunchtimes, remember Stade Francais succumbing in 1999? – are very special occasions in Belfast. With many injury worries resolved, the form of players reassuringly on ‘the up’, there is every reason to raise the rook at Kingspan Stadium this afternoon. The supporters relish the challenges from afar, and they know that their favourites are traditionally successful in front of their own fans, very definitely ‘the 16th man!’ Appreciate the visitors for their achievements and their qualities, but don’t for one second imagine that they are here to easily collect another win. They won’t, at this moment they will be acutely aware of the Ulster record on the pitch and on the terraces and in the stands. Make Saturday very special – by urging Ulster to a lunchtime Champions Cup rugby feast!

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NEW STORE - NOW OPEN Victoria Square, Belfast ț --"/ /,2+! "0&!" ,01 ,ƛ""Ȝ

HALF TIME RUGBY

Welcome and good luck to the Centra Half Time mini rugby teams from...

FAMILY END

CENTRA HALF TIME RUGBY

LARNE RFC CLUB COLOURS Red TEAM Alex O’Neill Angus Wilson Ben Loade Charlie Patterson Dylan Shirley Elys Armstrong Freddie Clark Mark Lough Matthew Liddle Sam Johnston Stuart Holden Travis Armstrong

RAINEY OB RFC CLUB COLOURS Red and black

COACHES Matt Agnew

TEAM Sean Bentley Callum Clarke Ruairi Forbes Dara Friel Jack Keatley Sam McCulloch Tiernan McLarnon Gavin Paul

COACHES Toby Bentley Jason Shiels Mervyn Seffen

Richard O’Neill Ivor Armstrong

Adam Seffen Jayden Shiels Craig Thornton Jotham Tyler

MEMORIAL END

BALLYMENA RFC CLUB COLOURS Black

DUNGANNON RFC CLUB COLOURS Blue and White

TEAM Alexander Carson Ben Robinson Callum Irvine Callum Mustoe Conan Scullion Glen Espie Harry Harbinson Josh Dobbin Josh McClung Sean McKay Stephen McCamphill Tom Coulter

COACHES Chris McClung James Carson Trevor Robinson

TEAM James McCammon Jacob Clarke Zack Hardy Scott Paterson Oliver McIlravie Cameron Shaw Cormac Drayne Ben Hughes Thomas McGuigan Jake Callaghan

COACHES Darren Hardy Ashley Clarke Philip McCammon

Alfie Lewis Scott Boyd

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JAMIE DONALDSON

URSC MEMBERSHIP 2016/17

1000 HAVE JOINED URSC THIS SEASON... DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND! URSC Membership for the 2016-17 season is STILL 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. BIG BALLOT The Bursary (currently worth £2,500) is awarded annually to an up-and-coming player in the Ulster Rugby Academy. It is largely funded through proceeds from our Big Ballot. This year’s Big Ballot was drawn on 7th December 2016 and the list of winners of some terrific prizes, courtesy of our fantastic and generous donors will be included in the Connacht programme. The URSC would like to thank our donors and encourage our members to support those businesses whenever possible. On Monday 23rd January in the H3 Lounge at 7.30pm, there is a chance to meet PRO12 ref David Wilkinson, hear about the life of a professional referee, and question him about the laws, big decisions, game management and the need for regular ophthalmic tests! A unique opportunity to get in the ref’s ear! MEET THE REF NIGHT All those buying discounted tickets through URSC for the recent Barbarians v Fiji match were entered in a draw to win a Barbarians polo shirt signed by Ulster BaaBaas Ruan Pienaar, Tommy Bowe and Dan Tuohy... and the winner was Alan Haire! Congratulations to Alan. BARBARIANS COMPETITION

SUPPORTERS CLUB NEWS

It was with great sadness that URSC learnt of the passing on Friday 2nd December of one of its most respected and recognisable members, Jamie Donaldson. Jamie was a regular at the URSC information point pre-match, a frequent front row attendee at our Meet the Player events and at our BBQs. However, it was watching Ulster play that Jamie loved more than anything else. He was a frequent traveller – wherever Ulster played, Jamie, Dad John and Mum Pearl could be seen. Of course it was post-match that Jamie’s love of Ulster and the Ulster players’ love of Jamie was played out in public. Whilst others waited on tenterhooks for a possible glimpse of their heroes, an autograph or a selfie, the players invariably made a bee-line to Jamie for a personal chat – indeed he was something of a hero to them. They were frequently rewarded with Jamie’s famous

distribution of post match Mars bars! They will miss him, we will miss him.

To Pearl and John whose love for, and dedication to Jamie, knew no bounds, we pass on our sincerest sympathy and prayers. RIP Jamie.

NEW YEAR’S EVE BUS TO LEINSTER

URSC will be running a bus to Leinster for the Saturday New Year’s Eve match at the RDS (kick off 3pm). Cost will be: > £20 members > £25 for non members > £10 for juniors. Timings of the bus will be publicised later. Match tickets should be purchased direct from Leinster through Ticketmaster.

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