Ulster Rugby vs Connacht

OFFICIAL MATCH DAY PROGRAMME | PRICE £3.00

RUGBY VS CONNACHT Friday 26th December 2014 - Kingspan Stadium - Kick Off 18.45

Official sponsor of Ulster Rugby

SHOW YOUR FESTIVE SUPPORT Good evening and welcome to another exciting Friday evening at Kingspan Stadium. Ulster take on Connacht tonight in the Christmas inter-provincial derby. We extend a warm seasonal welcome to all the Connacht fans that have travelled here to support their team and look forward to some top class rugby between the two sides. Kingspan Stadium is once again a fortress and it is where Ulster plays best thanks to the energy and support of the home fans. This season marks the 18th year of our proud association with Ulster Rugby and we remain committed to the team. At Bank of Ireland we stand together with the fans, sharing their passion and together we are all the driving force behind our Ulster Rugby team. May I also take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year!

Sean Sheehan // Regional Director, NI Consumer and Small Business Bank of Ireland

Official sponsor of Ulster Rugby

ULSTER BRANCH

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

John Kinnear / / President Bobby Stewart / / Senior Vice President John McKibbin / / Junior Vice President John McKibbin / / Honorary Secretary Michael Boyd / / Honorary Treasurer Denis Gardiner / / Competitions Secretary Shane Logan / / Chief Executive Chris Webster / / Domestic Rugby Manager Audrey Robinson / / Financial Controller Fiona Hampton / / H ead of Sales & Marketing

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all here to Kingspan Stadium for this Guinness PRO12 match against Connacht.

However, Ulster has a very strong home record against Connacht. With a number of players returning from injury tonight we can hope for some festive cheer as we aim to finish 2014 with a win. Since Ulster last played at Kingspan Stadium I have been fortunate to have been at both the First Trust Senior Cup Final and the Miller McCall Wylie Junior Cup Final. Congratulations to Ballynahinch and Instonians respectively on their triumphs. Congratulations too to Bangor who have made the All Ireland Junior Cup Final. At the time of writing CIYMS are still to face Dundalk in a semi final replay and I sincerely hope we have an all-Ulster final on Saturday 31st January. Finally, thank you for your support over the course of this year. Enjoy the match and stand up for your Ulstermen!

I hope that you had a Merry Christmas and I want to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year for 2015. At this holiday time I would like to particularly welcome Connacht President, Adrian Leddy, committee members, management, players, staff and supporters who have made the trip from Galway. It has been three weeks since we have had a home game and since then performances have been mixed from Ulster. With qualification from our European pool all but over, focus is now centered on the Guinness PRO12 and claiming a play-off space come May. Our inter-provincial rivals Connacht will provide a stern test this evening. An already strong team has been boosted by the arrival of hugely talented players such as Mils Muliaina and Bundee Aki. We all saw in the Autumn how powerful a player Robbie Henshaw is in midfield and ex Ulster players Willie Faloon and Ian Porter will have a point to prove returning to Belfast.

Yours in Rugby,

Kingspan Stadium, 85 Ravenhill Park, Belfast, BT6 0DG T // +44 (0)28 9049 3222 ulsterrugby .com

John Kinnear // President IRFU (Ulster Branch)

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ULSTER RUGBY

Chief Executive’s

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome back from the Christmas festivities and to Round 11 of the Guinness PRO12 – a key period for clubs and fans of the competition. The Christmas derbies are a great feature of the Guinness PRO12 and today’s game will be no exception. Both Ulster and Connacht have had notable wins but both will want to improve their standing in the PRO12 table, so there’s a lot at stake this evening. It really is Guinness PRO12 business for all 12 of our clubs and they will be looking at moving up the ladder to be in the top four, for a chance to compete in the Play-Offs and Final of our competition next May and also to seek European Champions Cup qualification for next season. Little separates many of the teams in the Guinness PRO12, and despite the seasonal weather there are over four tries scored per match on average - some great contests and entertainment lies ahead to light up the winter evenings ! I would like to pay tribute to the work of the match officials this season and wish them all the very best for these Round 11 fixtures. Finally and most importantly, I would like to acknowledge the contribution of all our clubs, partners, all our broadcasters & media and you the supporters, who ensure all 12 clubs and the competition have fantastic support throughout the season.

Enjoy the game and I hope everyone has a very Happy New Year !

PRO12RUGBY.COM

TONIGHT’S MASCOTS

MASCOTS

RORY KINNEAR (10) Rory is from Hillsborough and attends Anahilt Primary School. He plays rugby at school and also for Ballynahinch RFC Minis. His other hobbies include playing guitar, football, BB and horse riding. He cannot wait to run out under the Kingspan Stadium lights and see his favourite player, Craig Gilroy.

LEWIS DUFF (9) Lewis is from Cultra and attends Campbell Junior School. He plays rugby at school and also enjoys football and swimming. Lewis cannot wait to meet the players and watch the match with his family this Boxing Day. His favourite player is Rory Best.

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ULSTER RUGBY

RUAN PIENAAR

“THIS GROUP IS TALENTED ENOUGH AND GOOD ENOUGH TO COMPETE FOR THE PRO12 AND TO GET A HOME PLAYOFF HERE AT KINGSPAN STADIUMWOULD BE INCREDIBLE” RUAN PIENAAR

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ULSTERRUGBY

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RUAN PIENAAR

The 29 year-old Springbok international has played just three games for Ulster so far this season after suffering a knee injury playing for South Africa against New Zealand in September. But despite missing Ulster’s first two European games Ruan felt the team still had a chance of qualifying:

and have also made some great signings, so we will have to be at our best if we want to get a result. The inter-pros are always tough but exciting at the same time. They always add something special and the guys are a bit more fired up so we are looking forward to playing Connacht.” Despite the disappointment of Europe there are still plenty of positives that Ulster believe they can take from their game… “Our defence has really stood up this season and that strength is credit to the coaches who have worked really hard but I think we are still trying to get things together in attack. We have scored some good tries and we are playing a positive brand of rugby but we still need to work on a few things. Hopefully, after the winter we will get some good conditions which allow us to play a more expansive type of game. “We have often spoken as a squad about our goal for PRO12 silverware. We have learnt enough lessons and we have been in enough play off situations where we haven’t done the job to know what it takes this year. We have got to step up now and when we get into a play-off situation we have got to be able to be able to win those games and hopefully bring home some silverware. This group is talented enough and good enough to compete for the PRO12 and to get a home playoff here at Kingspan Stadium would be incredible. It is a great place to play, the atmosphere is always electric and as players we really do appreciate the support that we get every week here at home – and especially on this traditional family day of Boxing Day, thank you!” Ruan and his family have spent Christmas in Belfast for five years now and despite missing the sun, it’s a special time of year. “Christmas is a lot different over here, it is much colder and it is probably the toughest time of the year for us South Africans. We are away from our families and they are all on the beach and on holidays and here it is freezing and we are training and playing non-stop. But Belfast is great at Christmas, there is always a festive atmosphere and it is exciting to see the kids’ faces at this time of year. We had a little boy a few months ago so the house is a little bit busier but it is brilliant, we are blessed to have two healthy, happy kids in the house.”

“We put in a good performance against Scarlets at home and to get a 24-9 win under our belts made it feel like we still had an outside chance of making it. Unfortunately the away leg did not go the way we had hoped and even a bit of a comeback in the second half could not give us the momentum we needed in what was a crucial game. “The biggest positive to come from that situation is that we can now concentrate our efforts on the PRO12 – we are still in a good position in the league and hopefully we can continue to show good form and get a few wins to set us up for the back-end of the season. For us Europe is special and not making it through to the play offs is really disappointing but it creates the opportunity to put everything we have into the PRO12.” Haven been drawn in Pool 3 of the Champion Cup against some of Europe’s greats it was never going to be an easy campaign for Ulster… “We can’t make excuses,” says Ruan. “But certainly injuries had a big influence, there have been a lot of key players who have been out, but we still have a good squad and we have got to perform when those players aren’t available. Going into the European season we knew that we were in a difficult pool and that showed. Toulon were really tough and we struggled to compete with them on the day, however I felt we had a chance in all the other games.” With newly appointed head coach, Neil Doak at the helm, how have you found the new mangement structure in place? “The movements this summer were a bit of a shock to us all, but I think the boys have adapted well. The players really enjoyed working with Les Kiss, and Doaky has been running our attack now for a couple of years. So I have worked with him since I arrived here at Ulster and I really enjoy his philosophy, the way he is trying to play, and I think he will do a great job of leading the team until Les comes in after the World Cup. I don’t think we have played to our potential so far this year, we are slowly improving but we are coming closer to the crucial part of the season and I am excited. I think we will get some guys back from injury soon, and we just need to put in good performances and put ourselves in a good position to be in the league play offs.” Tonight Ulster face Connacht who are well positioned in the Guinness PRO12 league and are coming off back to back victories in the Challenge Cup… “Connacht are a tough side and are playing well this season; they have knocked over a couple of big sides

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ULSTER RUGBY

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WARWICK SIGNS TWO-YEAR CONTRACT

Ulster Rugby is pleased to announce that loosehead prop, Andrew Warwick, has signed his first senior contract with the province.

CONTRACT ANNOUNCEMENT

The 23 year-old has agreed a two-year deal that will see him remain at Kingspan Stadium until at least the summer of 2017. It is just nine months since the graduate of the Hughes Insurance Ulster Academy made his debut for the province as a second half substitute against Cardiff Blues in the BT Arms Park in March. Since then the Ballymena man has become a key member of the squad, making 16 appearances for Ulster, eight of which have been starts. Warwick has also represented Ulster Schools and Ulster U20s. Commenting on his new contract, Andrew said: “When I joined the Academy my aims were to play for the first team and to sign a professional contract with Ulster. I am delighted now to have achieved both those things. “The past nine months have been incredible. I am extremely proud to represent Ulster and I look forward to helping the team be successful in the coming seasons.”

Ulster’s Team Manager, Bryn Cunningham, added: “Andrew has made the step up from Academy prospect to first team regular with ease and he is now a highly important player for us in a key position. “It is crucial for Ulster Rugby moving forward that we retain a core group of home grown talent who possess an ambition that fits in with our culture. “Andrew is one of those players and we are delighted he has committed to two years.”

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ULSTERRUGBY

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CLUB RUGBY: THE SEASON SO FAR

men currently sit in a congested mid section of the table, with more than half of their games played. ALL IRELAND LEAGUE DIVISION 1B Ballymena are in with a shout of promotion as just they trail Galwegians at the summit. Malone who have had a mixed start to their campaign lie in mid table, while Belfast Harlequins are struggling for form and are in danger of relegation. ALL IRELAND LEAGUE DIVISION 2A Queen’s University provide Ulster’s best chance of promotion as they occupy a top four spot. Banbridge, Rainey and City of Derry will all be hoping for top half finishes, while Dungannon will hope their improved form of late will see them move up from the lower end of the table. ALL IRELAND LEAGUE DIVISION 2B The two Ulster teams in Division 2 have enjoyed mixed starts - Armagh are progressing well and are just off the pace at the top, while Ards are rooted to the bottom of the table. KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 1 Instonians sit top of the pile and will carry great momentum into 2015. Clogher Valley, Portadown, Bangor, Ballyclare and Dromore look set to compete for places in next season’s All Ireland Junior Cup. Ballymoney are in danger of dropping to Q2. KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 2 Omagh are probably favourites for promotion after just missing out to Ballyclare last year. Carrickfergus, Coleraine and Academy will be their main challengers, while UUC and Holywood have struggled so far. KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 3 Larne are the team to beat in Q3 and Donegal

CLUB RUGBY

FIRST TRUST SENIOR CUP Earlier this month, Ballynahinch won the

Kingspan Stadium decider 17-10 to secure their second ever Senior Cup title and make it a 7th straight final defeat in the competition for Malone. The Cregagh Red Sox went 0-10 up thanks to an early Josh Pentland penalty and a converted try by Jack McMurtry. But ‘Hinch hit back with 17 unanswered points, including tries from wing Stephen McAuley, First Trust Man of the Match Michael Graham and centre Richard Reaney. The Ballymacarn Park had a tough route to the final as well, requiring late scores to defeat Armagh (17-16) and City of Derry (19-14) in their quarter final and semi final respectively. ‘Hinch will now proceed to take on Connacht side Buccaneers in the last four of the All Ireland Cup. MILLARMCCALL WYLIE JUNIOR CUP Instonians put in a clinical performance to register a 13-0 final win over an Omagh side which dominated the majority of the match. The Shaw’s Bridge club were awarded a second half penalty try and outhalf Fraser Wright kicked the rest of the points on a wet night at Kingspan Stadium. ALL IRELAND JUNIOR CUP It has been a superb season for Ulster clubs in the All Ireland Junior Cup to date. Ulster had three semi finalists, with Bangor edging Clogher Valley 9-6 to book a place in the final in the New Year. At the time of writing CIYMS had drawn 25-25 with Dundalk in the other last four clash and faced a replay with the Leinster side. ULSTER SENIOR LEAGUE City of Derry lead the way in the Ulster League, with ‘Hinch and Malone trailing three points behind. Both those sides have at least one game in hand though so it promises to be a closely fought contest to the end. ALL IRELAND LEAGUE DIVISION 1A ‘Hinch have had a much improved campaign to date this season after requiring a play-off win last season to avoid relegation. The County Down

Town look almost certain to go down. KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 4

Belfast High School Former Pupils are cruising at the top of the table, while Cavan and Londonderry YM continue to battle it out at the bottom.

UlsterBranch

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ULSTER RUGBY

IT’S ALL COMING TO A HEAD

THE ULSTER RUGBY 2015 CALENDAR

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DAVITT ANNOUNCES INTERNATIONAL RETIREMENT

Cooke and Ulster centre Grace Davitt announced her retirement from Ireland duty last month, bringing a memorable ten-year international career to an end.

WOMEN’S RUGBY

Davitt, who made her Ireland debut back in 2005 against Spain, is certain it was the right time to make such a decision. “I played international rugby for a long time and I’ve just come to a stage in my life where I’m unable to continue with the level of commitment required. I made the hard decision to finish on a high after the World Cup this year. To play the hosts France in the 3rd/4th place play-off in front of 20,000 people and live on TV was a great way to remember my last game,” she said. That was one of many career highlights, but Davitt admits it’s an impossible task to pick her favourite moment in the green jersey: “You obviously take a lot of pride in your first cap and playing that game against Spain in Madrid in 2005 was huge for me. Then to continue on and win a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2013 was amazing, I never even dreamed that could happen. Walking out in the Aviva Stadium for my 50th cap was another proud day. To have my family and friends in Marcoussis for the World Cup win over New Zealand was just amazing; they had come to games over the years when we were getting hammered 70-0 against England or 50-0 against France. And obviously to play in the semi-final of a World Cup was a major highlight.” There is no shortage of highs, and a few lows, throughout the last decade for Davitt, and she has experienced plenty of change too: “The women’s game is almost unrecognisable from when I started playing. We bought our own tracksuits back in the day and we only had three or four training sessions before a big Six Nations game. Now the team is fully kitted out and the girls are training daily. There is also a physio, a nutritionist and a video analyst, so it’s a lot more professional. “Now some of the girls are paid to play 7s rugby, like Ashleigh Baxter and Nikki Caughey from Ulster who have signed professional terms with the IRFU. It’s amazing when you consider that it actually cost us money to play rugby for our country back at the start.” With young players like Baxter and Caughey coming through the ranks, and with increased investment in the female game, Davitt is adamant the future of women’s rugby in Ireland is in safe hands: “The more support you get behind the scenes the more successful you’re going to be. It’s a new era for women’s rugby and especially with the Irish team; there’s plenty of new faces coming in to take over from some of the older players.” Rugby is without doubt a special game and Davitt was quick to praise the social side of the

sport. “I just love rugby. I started as a Gaelic footballer and I played any sport that I could possibly put my hand to, but once I tried rugby that was it. The camaraderie you get from rugby is great - you can go anywhere in the world and play rugby and make friends instantly. I know when I first moved up to Ulster, all I did was spend time with my friends from Cooke.” Having helped the Cooke Women return to All Ireland Division 1 with a win over Carlow in the Division 2 play-off final a forthnight ago, Davitt is now focusing on enjoying her club rugby. “It’s very hard to hang up your boots completely. We’ve got back to where we want to be in Division 1 but that’s only the starting point. We want to be a team to be reckoned with and it’s now that the hard work begins.” Following the announcement of her retirement on Twitter, scores of tributes poured in on the social media site, highlighting her significant contribution to women’s rugby. But with her continuing involvement in the game at club and provincial level, that contribution is far from over.

UlsterBranch

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ULSTERRUGBY

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#SUFTUM @KINGSPAN STADIUM

Kingspan is offering seven lucky Ulster fans, plus a friend the opportunity to train with the Ulster squad simply by tweeting a #SUFTUM selfie from Kingspan Stadium.

COMPETITION TIME

If you are heading to an Ulster Rugby game this season, simply take a selfie of you/your friends enjoying the action and tweet the image to @KingspanStadium with the #SUFTUM before midnight on Sunday (following the match). The winner, with the best selfie will then be announced by U105 legend, Frank Mitchell on his Monday morning show and also via Twitter. The winner from each home match week will then be invited, along with a friend, to attend Kingspan Stadium in April to take part in a training session with members of the Ulster Rugby squad. For full T&Cs please www.ulsterrugby.com Congratulations to Janine Martin who won our last #SUFTUM selfie competition. She and a friend will be attending a training session with the squad next year.

FRIDAY 21ST NOVEMBER ULSTER V OSPREYS CONGRATULATIONS BECCA WALKER SATURDAY 6TH DECEMBER ULSTER V SCARLETS CONGRATULATIONS JANINE MARTIN FRIDAY 26TH DECEMBER ULSTER V CONNACHT 23/24/25TH JANUARY ULSTER V LEICESTER TIGERS FRIDAY 13TH FEBRUARY ULSTER V TREVISO FRIDAY 27TH FEBRUARY ULSTER V SCARLETS 27/28/29 MARCH ULSTER V CARDIFF BLUES #SUFTUM SELFIE MATCH DATES:

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ULSTER RUGBY

GETTING TO KNOW THE ACADEMY

ACADEMY PROFILE: JONNY MURPHY

ACADEMY PROFILE: MICHAEL LAGAN

HUGHES INSURANCE ULSTER RUGBY ACADEMY 2014/15

DOB: 18/12/1995 AGE: 18

DOB: 06.02.1992 AGE: 22 BORN: Craigavon HEIGHT: 178cm WEIGHT: 102kg POSITION:

BORN: Belfast HEIGHT: 183cm WEIGHT: 102kg POSITION: Loose-head prop CLUB: U19//Ire U19//U20 SCHOOL: Methody College Belfast CLUB: Ballymena RFC ADMIRE: Marcos Ayerza FAVOURITE FOOD: Boojum PAST TIME: FIFA or shopping ULSTER HIGHLIGHT: Captaining Ulster U20 TWITTER: @MichaelLagan95

Hooker CAPS: Ire U18//U19//U20 CLUB: Ballynahinch SCHOOL: Banbridge High School UNIVERSITY : University of Ulster Jordanstown, Sport & Exercise Science ADMIRE: Rory Best FAVOURITE FOOD: Meat PAST TIME: Being adventurous ULSTER HIGHLIGHT: Playing senior preseason games INTERESTING FACT:

I can bake TWITTER: @jonnymurphy2

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ULSTER RUGBY

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Tonight we are joining with other clubs and stadiums across Europe in holding a short celebration to mark the centenary of the 1914 Christmas Truce – a remarkable event when a carol and sport combined to create a moment of peace.

The First world war was five months old on Christmas Eve, 1914. The bitter fighting would last another four years and would cost millions of lives.

sang, exchanged greetings and gifts, some even playing football. The power of the moment, in how sport and the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus can bring about peace in a time where peace & hope seemed farther away than ever, That message of Jesus’ birth, Christmas and of peace and hope remains till this day and we wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Yet that first Christmas saw a moment that continues to be talked about today, one hundred years later. On that night, from their trenches, came the sound of a much-loved Christmas carol. The Germans singing “Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!” was answered by “Silent Night! Holy Night!”. In time, soldiers from both sides emerged from their defences and walked - unarmed - into no-mans land. There they

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ULSTER RUGBY

www. ulster rugby.com

O come, all ye faithful O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant! O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold him Born the King of Angels: O come, let us adore Him, (3×) Christ the Lord. God of God, light of light, Lo, he abhors not the Virgin’s womb; Very God, begotten, not created: O come, let us adore Him, (3×) Christ the Lord. Sing, all ye citizens of Heaven above! Glory to God, glory in the highest: O come, let us adore Him, (3×) Christ the Lord. Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to thee be glory given! Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing! O come, let us adore Him, (3×) Christ the Lord. Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,

Hark! the herald angels sing Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With th’ angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem.” Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” Christ, by highest heav’n adored: Christ, the everlasting Lord; Late in time behold him come, Offspring of the favored one. Veil’d in flesh, the Godhead see; Hail, th’incarnate Deity: Pleased, as man, with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel! Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” Hail! the heav’n born Prince of peace! Hail! the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, Risen with healing in his wings Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die: Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Silent Night Silent night, Holy night All is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin, mother and child Holy infant, tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, Holy night Son of God, love’s pure light

Radiant beams from thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord at thy birth Jesus, Lord at thy birth.

Silent night, Holy night Shepherds quake, at the sight Glories stream from heaven above Heavenly, hosts sing Hallelujah.

Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.

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ULSTER RUGBY

MICHAEL ALLEN

RICKY ANDREW

Centre/Wing 28.11.90 183cm 97kg 38 -

Fullback 02.12.89 185cm 87kg 20 -

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

RORY BEST (C)

CALLUM BLACK

TOMMY BOWE Hooker 15.08.82 180cm 110kg 162 78 ULSTER RUBGY POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

Prop 25.02.86 180cm 110kg 70 -

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

CHARLIE BUTTERWORTH

Wing 22.02.84 191cm 102kg 126 56

POSITION BORN

Back Row - 195cm 115kg 0 -

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

DARREN CAVE

ROBBIE DIACK

Centre 05.04.87 184cm 97kg 145 8 // 11A

Back Row 12.11.85 196cm 109kg 139 2 // 1A

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

DECLAN FITZPATRICK

CRAIG GILROY

Wing 11.03.91 183cm 90kg 95 6 // 1A

Prop 12.07.83 182cm 118kg 95 7 // 9A

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

MICHAEL HEANEY

IAIN HENDERSON

Scrumhalf 05.11.90 176cm 78kg 28 -

POSITION BORN

Back Row 21.02.92 200cm 115kg 40 12 // 2A

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

All caps correct at time of print

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ULSTER RUGBY

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CHRIS HENRY

WIEHAHN HERBST

Back Row 17.10.84 191cm 105kg 126 16 // 10A

POSITION BORN

Prop 05.07.88 180cm 114kg 12 -

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

SQUAD 2014/15

ROB HERRING

IAN HUMPHREYS

Hooker 27.04.90 183cm 103kg 58 1 // 1A

Outhalf 24.04.82 178cm 85kg

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

94 7A

PADDY JACKSON

CONOR JOYCE

Outhalf 05.01.92 179cm 87kg 70 9 // 1A

POSITION BORN

Back Row 05.07.93 192cm 106kg 4 -

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

RICKY LUTTON

LOUIS LUDIK

Prop 26.02.86 183cm 115kg 23 -

POSITION BORN

Fullback 10.08.86 182cm 92kg 12 -

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

LUKE MARSHALL

PAUL MARSHALL

Centre 03.11.91 181cm 96kg 56 6

POSITION BORN

Scrumhalf 26.07.85 172cm 80kg 136 3 // 2A

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

STUART McCLOSKEY

KYLE McCALL

Centre - 195cm 105kg 12 -

POSITION BORN

Hooker 02.01.92 176cm 108kg 3 -

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

All caps correct at time of print

25

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ULSTER RUGBY

NEIL McCOMB

MIKE McCOMISH

2nd Row 15.07.83 201cm 120kg 43 -

POSITION BORN

Back Row 07.12.83 190cm 106kg 41 -

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

SQUAD 2014/15

RUAIDHRI MURPHY

PETER NELSON

Fullback 05.10.92 180cm 84kg 16 -

Prop 05.07.87 187cm 115.5kg 3 -

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

STUART OLDING

JARED PAYNE

Outhalf 11.03.93 176cm 88kg 30 2

Fullback 13.10.85 186cm 97kg 54 1

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

RUAN PIENAAR

SEAN REIDY

Scrumhalf 10.03.84 187cm 90kg 82 79 (SA)

POSITION BORN

Back Row 10.05.89 180cm 100kg 3 -

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

BRONSON ROSS

CLIVE ROSS

Prop 16.09.85 183cm 118kg 6 -

Back Row 14.06.89 192cm 104kg 7 -

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

DAVE RYAN

RORY SCHOLES

Prop

POSITION BORN

Wing 24.04.93 186cm 95kg 5 -

POSITION BORN

183cm 116kg 0 -

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

All caps correct at time of print

27

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ULSTER RUGBY

“This kind of landscape is the reason I became a photographer.” Eunan, Photographer, Leitrim

Take a leaf out of Eunan’s book and discover the beauty of Northern Ireland’s coasts and lakes. Book a short break to our compact little part of theworld and hit thewater. FromFermanagh’s lakes and islands, to the spellbinding seascapes of theCauseway Coastal Route andeverything inbetween, there’s nowhere better to unwind. Fill your getaway with afternoons on the water, cosy hotels, seafood and roaring fires in homely pubs. And, don’t forget your camera...

CromEstate, Co. Fermanagh

JAMES SIMPSON

LEWIS STEVENSON

2nd Row 03.11.90 197cm 115kg 1 -

2nd Row 01.06.84 200cm 116kg

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

71 1A

SQUAD 2014/15

ANDREW TRIMBLE

DAN TUOHY

Wing 20.10.84 187cm 99kg 188 57 // 3A

POSITION BORN

2nd Row 18.06.85 197cm 115kg 115 9 // 4A

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

FRANCO VAN DER MERWE

ANDREW WARWICK

2nd Row 15.03.83 198cm 115kg 13 -

Prop 12.03.91 180cm 111kg 16 -

POSITION BORN

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

NICK WILLIAMS

ROGER WILSON

Back Row 21.09.81 191cm 106kg 167 1 // 11 A

POSITION BORN

Back Row 02.12.83 189cm 122kg 52 -

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

ULSTER RUGBY SQUAD SEASON 2014/15

All caps correct at time of print

29

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ULSTER RUGBY

ULSTER RUGB FRIDAY 26TH DECEMBER KICK O

15 14 13 12 11

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

ANDREW WARWICK

LOUIS LUDIK

ROB HERRING

CRAIG GILROY

ULSTER RUGBY

WIEHAHN HERBST

DARREN CAVE

DAN TUOHY

LUKE MARSHALL

FRANCO VD MERWE

MICHAEL ALLEN

10

PADDY JACKSON

ROBBIE DIACK

9

RUAN PIENAAR

CLIVE ROSS

REPLACEMENTS FROM 16 17 18 19 R HERRING C BLACK D FITZPATRICK A O’CONNOR 20 21 22 23

8

S REIDY P MARSHALL

S OLDING P NELSON

ROGER WILSON (C)

REFEREE ASSISTANT REFEREE’S CITING COMMISSIONER TODAYS OFFICIALS

JOHN LACEY DUDLEY PHILLIPS // NIGEL CORRELL GORDON BLACK

Teams are correct at time of print

30

ULSTER RUGBY

www. ulster rugby.com

v CONNACHT 014 - KINGSPAN STADIUM F 18.45 1

15 14 13 12 11 10

CONNACHT

MILS MULIAINA

DENIS BUCKLEY

2 3 4 5 6 7

DANIE POOLMAN

TOM McCARTNEY

ROBBIE HENSHAW

RODNEY AH YOU

BUNDEE AKI

QUINN ROUX

MATT HEALY

ALY MULDOWNEY

JACK CARTY

JOHN MULDOON (C)

9 8

KIERAN MARMION

EOIN McKEON

REPLACEMENTS FROM D HEFFERNAN R LOUGHNEY F BEALHAM U DILLANE 20 21 22 23 16 17 18 19

W FALOON C BLADE C RONALDSON D LEADER

GEORGE NAOUPU

Official sponsor of Ulster Rugby

Teams are correct at time of print

31

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ULSTER RUGBY

NIYI ADEOLOKUN

RODNEY AH YOU

Prop 27.10.1988 6’2’’ 123kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

Wing 03.11.1990 6ft 85kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

ANDREW BROWNE

BUNDEE AKI

Lock 21.01.1987 116kg 6’5’’

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

Centre 07.04.1990 92kg 6ft

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

CONNACHT

FIONN CARR

DENIS BUCKLEY

Wing 17.12.1985

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

Prop 09.08.1990 5’10’’ 109kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

5’11’’ 93kg

JP COONEY

JACK CARTY

Prop 12.05.1990 6’2’’ 118kg

Out Half 31.08.1992

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

5’11’’ 92kg

WILLIE FALOON

MATA FIFITA

Flanker 30.09.1986 6’1’’ 101kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

Back Row 18.08.1988 6’2’’ 115kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

MATT HEALY

CONOR FINN

Centre 24.09.1992

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

Wing 14.03.1989 6ft 92kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

5’11’’ 97kg

All information correct at time of print

32

ULSTER RUGBY

www. ulster rugby.com

JAKE HEENAN

DAVE HEFFERNAN

Hooker 31.01.1991 6’1’’ 107kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

Flanker 17.03.1992 6’2’’ 104kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

SQUAD 2014/15

MICK KEARNEY

ROBBIE HENSHAW

Lock 29.03.1991 6’5’’ 116kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

Centre 12.06.1993 6’3’’ 100kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

DARRAGH LEADER

SHANE LAYDEN

Back Three 22.05.1993 6’1’’ 97kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

Back Three 09.09.1992 6’1’’ 95kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

KIERAN MARMION

RONAN LOUGHNEY

Scrum Half 11.02.1992 6ft 84kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

Prop 01.11.1984 6’1’’ 117kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

EOIN McKEON

TOM McCARTNEY

Back Row 23.06.1991 6’2’’ 107kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

Hooker 06.09.1985 6’1’’ 110kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

JOHN MULDOON

DAVE McSHARRY

Centre 10.02.1990 6’2’’ 100kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

Back Row 30.11.1982 6’4’’ 111kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

All information correct at time of print

33

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ULSTER RUGBY

STAY from £55

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ALLY MULDOWNEY

MILS MULIAINA

Full Back 31.07.1980 6ft 92kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

Lock 03.08.1983 6’5’’ 117kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

SQUAD 2014/15

MIAH NIKORA

GEORGE NAOUPU

Out Half 28.04.1985 5’8” 85kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

Number 8 04.09.1983 6’5’’ 120kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

SHANE O’LEARY

TIERNAN O’HALLORAN

Centre 12.03.1993

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

Full Back 26.02.1991 6’2’’ 95kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

5’10” 91kg

IAN PORTER

DANIE POOLMAN

Scrum Half 04.04.1988 5’9’’ 83kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

Centre 10.03.1989 6’2’’ 100kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

CRAIG RONALDSON

DANNY QUALTER

Out Half 08.02.1990 6’2’’ 95kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

Lock 23.01.1992 6’6’’ 116kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

QUINN ROUX

NATHAN WHITE

Lock 30.10.1990 6’5’’ 120kg

Prop 04.09.1981 6’2’’ 122kg

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT

All information correct at time of print

35

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ULSTER RUGBY

Suppliers of fresh produce to the Ulster Rugby team.

Official suppliers of fresh produce to the Ulster Rugby team.

36

ULSTER RUGBY

www. ulster rugby.com

TONIGHT’S OPPOSITION

Connacht Rugby arrive at Kingspan Stadium today for Round 11 of the GUINNESS PRO12 and their last game of 2014.

With back-to-back interpro fixtures over the Christmas period, these three games against Leinster, Ulster and Munster represent a significant juncture in the province’s push for a ‘top 6’ finish and qualification for next season’s coveted Champions Cup. Head Coach Pat Lam, in his second season at the helm, has witnessed a pleasing start to the season with a string of impressive performances from his young squad – six wins, a draw and just two losses in the league before last week’s clash with defending champions Leinster. While unbeaten at the Sportsground this season, wins on the road to Edinburgh, Benetton Treviso and Challenge Cup opponents Bayonne have highlighted the significant progress being made and the winning culture bubbling amongst the growing squad. The Galway-based club witnessed a summer of change on the field with a number of new signings arriving to complement the growing base of home-grown talent advancing through the Connacht system. Super Rugby centre Bundee Aki signed from the Chiefs and arrived in Ireland in late October after a hectic schedule playing ITM Cup rugby with provincial side Counties Manakau. Aki was keen to get going immediately and ten days after arriving in Galway, the 24-year-old who can play inside or outside centre, was selected to start against the Ospreys. He then went on to start the next three games and followed up a Man of the Match performance against the Scarlets with his first try in a Connacht jersey coming in the Connacht’s 42 – 19 win over Bayonne a week later. Tom McCartney, who can switch between hooker and loosehead prop with ease, was also signed from Super Rugby side Auckland Blues and the 29-year-old arrived in Galway in November following the conclusion of his ITM commitments

with Waikato. The front row forward has played three games already for the province, showing his class and experience particularly at the set piece. Undoubtedly the biggest coup in Connacht’s history, Mils Muliaina was the first All Black to sign for the Western Irish province when he put pen to paper last May. Samoan-born Muliaina, who arrived in Galway in August, previously played under Pat Lam at Auckland from 2004 - 2005 and with the Asia Pacific Barbarians in 2012. The 34-year-old was signed as a player-mentor for Connacht and his invaluable experience has already assisted in the development of the young Irish talent at the club. But the All Black centurion has always been vocal when it came to his desire to get out on the pitch and play in addition to the mentoring role. He completed rehab on his elbow injury in early November and has started three games for the province against Zebre, Scarlets and Bayonne, before his involvement at the RDS last weekend. With a revitalised PRO12 and new- look Europe competition, Connacht have targeted a ‘top six’ league finish in order to qualify for Europe’s elite Champions Cup. In this season’s second-tier Challenge Cup, the Irish province currently sit in second place in pool 2 having come up against Top 14 sides Bayonne and La Rochelle as well as on-form Aviva Premiership club Exeter Chiefs. This month in France, an entirely new-look starting XV recorded a dramatic 29 – 27 win over Bayonne to set up a likely showdown with pool leaders Exeter Chiefs at the Sportsground next month. 20-year- old Academy scrum half from Monivea, Caolin Blade, scored two tries on his first start for the province while out half and captain Miah Nikora converted both and added five penalties.

CLUB STATS //Location Galway, Ireland //Founded 1885 //Ground Sportsground //Capacity 7,500 //Last Game Leinster Rugby (A) Fri 19th December 2014 at 19:35 //Next Game Munster Rugby (H) Thu 1st Jan 2015 at 17:00 //Recent Form D W L W W

STAFF // Coach Pat Lam // Captain John Muldoon

CONTACT Galway Sportsground College Road

Galway Ireland Tel

+353 91 561 568 Fax +353 91 560 097

TICKET OFFICE Tel

+353 91 561 568

www.connachtrugby.ie

Connachtrugby

connachtrugby

connachtrugbytv

connachtrugby

37

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ULSTER RUGBY

ULSTER RUGBY CELEBRATES THE ROLE PLAYED BY VOLUNTEERS

Over 120 volunteers attended an event at Kingspan Stadium on Wednesday evening to celebrate their contribution to rugby in Ulster.

Festival for people learning disabilities, which was held at Kingspan Stadium in June this year. Minister for Social Development, Mervyn Storey MLA, commented: “My Department has been pleased to provide funding of £487,000 through the ‘Sport in the Community’ project to the IRFU, IFA and GAA, which is being used to grow capacity in community development and volunteering in Northern Ireland. Through this project, I want volunteers to have an enjoyable experience and to make a difference to their own lives and that of their community. “Sports clubs,

The volunteers were joined at the event by Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey and Barney McGahan, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. Ulster and Ireland rugby players Craig Gilroy, Chris Henry and Tommy Bowe were also in attendance. The two government departments have supported the development of volunteers in sport through their respective programmes: ‘Promoting Equality, Tackling Poverty and Social Exclusion through Sport’ (DCAL) and ‘Sport in the

Community’ (DSD). Since March 2013, Ulster Rugby has engaged with 1382 volunteers across 36 programmes and has also recruited a further 240 volunteers to develop the game province-wide. These figures are a direct result of funding from the NI Executive through DCAL and DSD.

up and down the country, are reliant on volunteers. That is why volunteer events such as this are a wonderful way of recognising the efforts and achievements of those who selflessly dedicate their time and abilities to help others. I commend

the passion and commitment of

everyone who volunteers in rugby, and indeed all those who volunteer in all sports, at every level.” John Kinnear, Ulster Rugby President, concluded: “Volunteers are the life and soul of rugby in Ulster and we wanted to hold this event to show our appreciation for their dedication to growing the game. The ability to recruit and involve so many volunteers would not have been possible without the generous support received from DSD and DCAL.” For media enquiries please contact: Ulster Rugby Contact Richard Finlay (Communications

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION NIGHT

Representatives from clubs were praised for their tireless work in supporting the development of rugby in their local communities. Volunteers from 28 different clubs attended on the night, including those involved within female and disability rugby, which have grown significantly over the past 18 months. The event also recognised the contribution made by over 200 volunteers who were recruited to support Ulster Rugby led initiatives, such as the ‘Charity Action Team’ and the ‘Rugby Crew’. Ulster Rugby’s ‘Charity Action Team’ helped the organisation raise over £34,000 for Cancer Research last season and is on target to generate a similar total for this year’s official charity partner, Mencap. The ‘Rugby Crew’, a core of young volunteers recruited as part of the DCAL programme, have supported community projects such as Centra Summer Camps and special events such as the Wooden Spoon International Tag Rugby

Officer) on 07826 924297 or at Richard.Finlay@ulsterrugby.com Department for Social Development Contact the DSD Press Office on

028 90829233 or at press.office@dsdni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.

38

ULSTER RUGBY

www. ulster rugby.com

39

www. ulster rugby.com

ULSTERRUGBY

KERRY SPENCE: “A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR VOLUNTEERS”

I am the Volunteer and Policy Development Officer here at Ulster Rugby, I started in March 2013 so I have been in this post now for about 21 months.

THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS

getting to know other people, doing something really worthwhile but they also get to feel a part of the Ulster Rugby family. Volunteering is great for confidence, I have noticed a lot of people have really changed and they have gotten involved with other projects as their confidence has grown and many people have made new friends which is great to see. The biggest challenge so far has actually been having enough projects for the volunteers to get involved in and having the time to think of other creative roles while trying to meet people’s expectations, we would love to be able to offer more volunteer roles but it is a lot of work managing all of the volunteers that we currently have. I’m really keen for people to think about volunteering with their local rugby club, there are lots of great opportunities to volunteer and I’m working closely with clubs to increase these numbers all the time. The event last Wednesday was really a way for us to say thank you to all of the volunteers who are involved with Ulster Rugby – those who have been recruited as part of the DSD or DCAL programmes, but also the club volunteers. It was a great opportunity to get everyone together in the one place to share experiences and just have a bit of fun. We really wanted to show our appreciation for all the work that our volunteers do. The volunteers get out there and do so much work, and sometimes people just forget to stop and say thank you, which is the simplest thing to do, so the event was really our way of saying thank you. We really do value our volunteers whether they contribute one hour, 100 hours or 20 years – any commitment is valuable. Any of our volunteers aged 15 to 24 can participate in the GoldMark Programme, which is a nationally recognised scheme administered through Volunteer Now. Participants can get a certificate for 50 hours, 100 hours and 200 hours and they also get invited to a special GoldMark Awards Ceremony. One of the main benefits of this is to demonstrate to universities or potential employers that they have developed skills and given something extra which could give the candidate an edge over others. If anyone would like to get involved in volunteering at Ulster Rugby or their local rugby club please visit http://www. ulsterrugby.com/domestic/Development/ Volunteering.aspx or email Kerry Spence at volunteer@ulsterrugby. com THANK YOU TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS WHO CONTRIBUTE TO RUGBY IN ULSTER!

There are three main elements to my role, one part is all about policy development and putting in place good practice and procedures within Ulster Rugby for our volunteers. The second part is about recruiting volunteers and supporting the staff who work with them and thirdly helping all of the clubs within the Ulster Branch to recruit and support volunteers. I thoroughly enjoy what I do here at Ulster Rugby but I would say one of the most rewarding things has been recruiting large numbers of volunteers to support our charity partnership. We wanted to have a big presence in the stadium on match nights, promoting the work of the charities and last year I recruited 30 volunteers for that purpose alone. Last year, the volunteers helped to raise over £34,000 for Cancer Research which was a great achievement and this year they have raised over £6,000 so far for our Charity Partner of the Year, Mencap. Another group of volunteers that support the work of Ulster Rugby are the ‘Rugby Crew’, they were recruited as part of an initiative to engage young people within rugby, it is primarily aimed at 15-24 year olds and works to develop their skills in sports management, community rugby and helps to get them involved with clubs so that we can help to sustain the development of club rugby across the province. The Rugby Crew have helped out with Easter Road Shows, Centra Summer Camps and special events such as the Wooden Spoon International Tag Festival which was held at Kingspan Stadium in June. Since I took up my role as Volunteer and Policy Development Officer as part of the DSD ‘Sport in the Community’ programme over 240 volunteers have been recruited. The main areas are of course the Charity Action Team, the Rugby Crew and the Volunteer Fitness Development Coaches but there are also smaller groups of volunteers such as OUR Club who look after the Ulster Rugby Kids Club, match night volunteers, Age Grade Coaches and Women’s game, to name a few. I would have to say the thing I enjoy most about my role is getting to meet lots of different people, I am a social person so I like to be around all the volunteers and seeing the passion that they bring to whatever role they choose to be involved in, it’s great to see people from all walks of life getting involved. It is also encouraging to see the numbers of female volunteers involved in rugby on the rise. It’s great for the volunteers, whether they are involved on a match night or out and about in the community, it’s a great experience, it’s all about

41

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ULSTER RUGBY