Ulster Rugby vs Connacht

LEADING THE FIELD

Hello and welcome to Kingspan Stadium, the home of Ulster Rugby. On behalf of all my colleagues at Kingspan, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year. I am delighted to welcome you to Kingspan Stadium for this interprovincial Guinness PRO12 clash with Connacht. There is something very special about these festive matches and the arrival of Connacht will only add to the sense of occasion. Even at this stage of the season every point matters and we know you will join us in standing up for the Ulster Men and helping to make all the difference against tough opposition. On behalf of Kingspan, I would like to wish the squad and management of Ulster Rugby every success tonight and welcome our friends from Connacht.

Pat Freeman Divisional Managing Director

CONTENTS

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME GUINNESS PRO12 WELCOME

3 4 7 8 11

TONIGHT’S MASCOTS

LES KISS

PETE BROWNE Q&A ULSTER A UPDATE CHARITY PARTNER

14

19 SONI COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS 22 ULSTER SQUAD PROFILES 24 ULSTER TEAM 28 DOUBLE SIDED POSTER 29 CONNACHT TEAM 33 CONNACHT SQUAD PROFILES 34 LUKE MARSHALL 38 YOUR CLUB YOUR COUNTRY 41 SONI PLAYER OF THE ROUND 43 ROD NAWN GUEST ARTICLE 46 CENTRA HALF TIME RUGBY 49 URSC CLUB NEWS 51 OUR CLUB NEWS 52 ULSTER RUGBY VALUES 55 STADIUM INFORMATION 57 MATCH PREVIEW 58 FIXTURES 59 THANK YOU 60

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PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

In particular, I am very pleased to welcome my old friend and Connacht President Pat Piggot along with his team, officials and supporters. The Ulster team, following the excellent PRO12 bonus point win against Cardiff three weeks ago, produced a tremendous performance in beating ASM Clermont Auvergne a fortnight ago. Whilst the team could not repeat that performance in France last weekend, it was still a spirited performance and they no doubt will be looking to revenge the narrow defeat Ulster suffered against Connacht in Galway in October. Connacht, following on from their success in winning the Guinness PRO12 last season, have put in some very good performances in the European Champions Cup this season and have been steadily climbing the PRO12 Championship table following a bit of a shaky start to the season. They will no doubt present a formidable challenge to the Ulster team tonight but hopefully one that the Ulster team will overcome. The Ulster A team are to be congratulated on two recent victories, home and away, against the Cardiff Blues Premiership Select team and are now top of their B&I Cup group. The Ulster Women’s team had a difficult Inter-provincial campaign but there are clear signs that this team is developing and improving under Philip Doyle’s and Jarrett Truscott’s stewardship. 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 front, Ballynahinch are to be congratulated on winning the First Trust Senior Cup for the third successive year and their 2nds are to be congratulated on winning the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup. In the All Ireland Junior Cup, commiserations go to Clogher Valley, who unfortunately lost at the semi-final stage by one point. Finally, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. I also hope everyone enjoys the game tonight as well as the facilities in 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 11 match in the Guinness PRO12 League. PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

IRFU ULSTER BRANCH 2016/17 OFFICERS John McKibbin President Graf n 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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Managing Director, PRO12 Rugby Welcome

Time has flown by since our first-ever Big Weekend kicked o in Round 6 with our stars from the Guinness PRO12 making their mark in European and International rugby since then. At the same time, the race to reach the Guinness PRO12 Final at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on May 27 has lost none of its intensity. Just one point separates Munster Rugby, Leinster Rugby and Ospreys Rugby in the top three while Scarlets have made an incredible charge into fourth position on the back of seven wins in a row. After the men from Llanelli pushed Toulon so hard in France it was so gratifying to see them pull oƒ a result at Parc y Scarlets last weekend and it’s great to say it was not the only big result for a Guinness PRO12 club in Round 4 of Europe. It seems like all of our clubs in the Champions Cup had had their moments as they have helped to turn the tide in favour Guinness PRO12 when it comes to taking on the best in Europe. The flags of the Celtic nations are flying high with Glasgow Warriors, Munster Rugby, Leinster Rugby, Ulster Rugby and Connacht Rugby all enjoying great victories over their opponents from England and France. Connacht’s incredible win over Wasps in Galway last weekend was just one of the many highlights our teams have produced in Europe while it can’t go overlooked how impressive Ospreys, Cardiƒ Blues, Edinburgh Rugby and Newport-Gwent Dragons have been in the Challenge Cup. Bennetton Rugby Treviso have got in on the act, too, with back-to-back wins over Bayonne and I am sure they will take great confidence from those performances into the Big Weekends. It feels like there is always an extra bit of magic around rugby over the Christmas period and with two ‘Big Weekends’ chocked full of derby games I know that intensity will some spice to the Festive Season. You can probably count on a feast of tries, too, with our clubs producing 316 already which has us on course for a record-setting season in the Guinness PRO12. What’s also really encouraging is the record low number of points scored from penalties which shows that our coaches and players are more interested in tries than pointing to the posts. We’ve also seen a rise in broadcast viewers and attendances so never forget that your support is invaluable. Behind the scenes at all our clubs and within our own team at PRO12 Rugby we are all working hard to make sure you enjoy a great day out every time you come to a game. If you don’t get everything you want for Christmas you can make up for that by booking your ticket to the Guinness PRO12 Final in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on May 27, 2017. Children’s tickets are just €5 and you can save up to 20 per cent with our Early Bird rates on www.ticketmaster.ie but you better move quickly as the oƒer ends on January 2, 2017. Enjoy the game, Martin Anayi

NEW STORE - NOW OPEN Victoria Square, Belfast (Upper Ground beside Costa Coffee)

TONIGHT’S MASCOTS

MASCOTS

OLIVER NEILL (8) Oliver is from Craigavon and attends Dickson Primary. He plays rugby at school, mini rugby for Lurgan Tigers and also enjoys swimming and kickboxing. Oliver’s favourite player is Paddy Jackson because he is a great kicker. When he grows up, Oliver would like to be in the army.

THOMAS KEELEY-HENDERSON (11) Thomas is from Lurgan and attends St. Catherine’s College. He enjoys rugby (but is out injured at the minute) and also gaelic and badminton. Thomas’ favourite player is Rory Best, because he is an awesome hooker and an inspiration. When he grows up, Thomas would like to be an actor.

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LES KISS

Les, how would you assess the results and performances since your arrival at Ulster Rugby? We’ve had some great wins over the past couple of seasons, back-to-back against Toulouse and then against Clermont earlier this month, but the challenge is for us to perform on a more consistent basis. There have been times when our execution crucial times has poor and that’s something we have been working hard on. Our commitment is to improve in every area of our game and to make the sacrifices necessary to enhance our chances of winning a trophy. Our ambition is there, however, it will require a lot of hard work and undoubtedly a little bit of luck along the way. I bought into a long-term project here and I’ll continue to do everything in my power to ensure we build a successful and sustainable future for Ulster Rugby. What are the players like to work with? They are a great bunch of players, to be honest with you, and they are a pleasure to work with. I was very proud of Rory (Best) when he was appointed Ireland captain at the start of the year and he has done a brilliant job in leading them to some memorable wins. It’s also been really pleasing to see some of our younger guys come in and make an impact on the senior squad. Lorcan Dow, Ross Kane, Rob Lyttle, Jacob Stockdale and Aaron Cairns have all made their senior debuts over the past 12 months and that will stand us in good stead for the seasons ahead. Brett Herron and Kieran Treadwell are two other young players who have performed well for us in some challenging circumstances. Kyle McCall is another who has gone from strength to strength and has a really bright future, for sure. The development of the Ulster A squad was a key target of yours. You must be pleased with their progress? I’ve been really pleased with how the Ulster A team, coached by Kieran (Campbell) and Willie (Anderson) have navigated their way through their British & Irish Cup pool to date. To win 3 out of 4 matches leaves us in a really strong position going into the final two rounds. To get to the quarter-

finals would be a magnificent achievement, given that they are competing with much more settled squads. I must say that John Andrew has led the team superbly from hooker, and he has been well supported by the likes of Lorcan Dow, Stephen Mulholland, Mark Best and David Busby. It was one of the things I identified when I came in - that the A team should be more competitive - thereby giving us greater strength-in-depth, so it’s been great to see and hopefully it continues to develop. The Academy is also a vital cog in the system. What are your thoughts on the current set- up? We have identified some key positions where we need to start producing local young players. This season, 12 of the 19 players on our Academy panel are forwards and I have high expectations that a good number of those will go on to play professional rugby. It’s not an overnight solution but we are investing in a group of young players, and building a great coaching structure, even at age grade and sub-Academy level, to provide players with a pathway into the senior set up. We’ve handed senior debuts to three Academy players already this season, so that is great from a development point of view. I’d like to thank Hughes Insurance for their support in helping us to build a solid Academy programme. It is also important to recognise the part our clubs play in the progress we have had in our A team and Academy. I believe that club rugby is still one of the vital components of any rugby programme, especially here in Ulster. How have you enjoyed your time in Belfast so far? I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in the city, and the Province in general. We have our places that we like to go for a coffee or a bite to eat, but the city is so vibrant and there’s so much to see and do. I’ve tried to get out and see as much as possible, and that includes our local rugby clubs and schools. I must say that the local rugby community here in Ulster has been brilliant in welcoming me and I’ve felt very much at home. I’m looking forward to getting out to see even more in 2017.

LES KISS

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I BOUGHT INTO A LONG-TERM PROJECT HERE AND I’LL CONTINUE TO DO EVERYTHING IN MY POWER TO ENSURE WE BUILD A SUCCESSFUL AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR ULSTER RUGBY.

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PETE BROWNE Q&A

NICK NAME? Browner, Pastor Pete FAVOURITE SUBJECT AT SCHOOL? PE or Home Economics because of all the food! IF YOU COULD BE A PROFESSIONAL IN ANOTHER SPORT, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Golf – travel the world, longevity of career MOST EXCITING THING YOU HAVE DONE? Helicopter ride FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION? South of France MOST EXPENSIVE ITEM YOU HAVE BOUGHT? Mac Book HOW DO YOU RELAX ON YOUR DOWN TIME? Golf, reading, crosswords, coffee, family, friends, food FAVOURITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME? Guardians of the Galaxy IF A FILM WAS MADE ABOUT YOUR LIFE, WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY YOU? Don’t mind as long as they get my accent. Maybe Ryan Reynolds

IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHICH PLAYER WOULD YOU LEAST LIKE TO BE STRANDED WITH? Angus Lloyd – he’s always stitching boys up DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? Family dog called Bertie – a golden doodle, he’s mad and big! WHAT ARE YOUR LEAST AND MOST FAVOURITE TRAINING ELEMENTS? It’s all good! WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PLAYING FOR ULSTER? Playing in front of a packed Kingspan Stadium. It means a lot to me and my family IF YOU WEREN’T A PROFESSIONAL RUGBY PLAYER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING AS A PROFESSION? Doing my level 7 coaching certificate (business not rugby) so something with that! IF YOU COULD INVITE ANY FAMOUS PERSON ROUND FOR TEA WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU MAKE THEM? The Apostle Paul – roast lamb

PLAYER Q&A

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PETER FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER @BROWNE_PETER

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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 o cial 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.

ULSTER A LEADING THE WAY IN BRITISH & IRISH CUP Ulster A, sponsored by CD Group, are currently sitting top of Pool 1 after the opening four rounds of the British & Irish Cup.

The Ulster men opened their campaign with a win on Friday 14th October, where it took a Sam Windsor try in the 51st minute plus 14 points from the boots of Johnny McPhillips to see off a dogged Jersey Reds challenge at Shaw’s Bridge. The following weekend Ulster travelled to Richmond to take on London Scottish, where a slow start resulted in their only loss of the campaign to date. However, a brave comeback aided by tries from Rob Lyttle, Lorcan Dow and a brace from hooker John Andrew saw the visitors come away with two crucial bonus points. In round 3, Ulster A welcomed the Cardiff Blues Premiership Select to Eaton Park. Depsite a numerical advantage for the second forty minutes, Ulster were made to work all the way for a 16-10 win, with Jack Owens getting Ulster’s only try of the game. Eight days later Ulster visited Pontypridd for the return fixture and again the game was in the balance until the final exchanges. This time it was replacement Peter Cooper who proved to be the hero, crashing over for his side’s third try in the closing stages to snatch a 27-30 win. Next up for Ulster A is the visit of London Scottish to Kingspan Stadium on Friday 13th January, and coach Willie Anderson knows it is all still to play for: “We have two group stage games left but we can’t look past the visit of London Scottish, that is going to be an absolutely huge game.

I’m delighted that it is at Kingspan Stadium and hopefully a decent crowd will help us get over the line. We’ve worked an awful lot with the boys in preparation for each game, but what has pleased me the most is seeing how they have come together and are giving everything for the Ulster jersey. Every game has been a really tough test but the lads have fought right to the final whistle and shown great character – that is what has taken us to where we are now and hopefully it will continue for the next couple of games.” Tickets for Ulster A v London Scottish are available now from www.ulsterrugby.com/ buytickets. ROUND 1: ULSTER A 19-6 JERSEY REDS Friday 14th October at Shaw’s Bridge ROUND 2: LONDON SCOTTISH 34-29 ULSTER A Saturday 22nd October at Athletic Ground ROUND 3: ULSTER A 16-10 CARDIFF BLUES PREMIERSHIP SELECT Friday 9th December at Eaton Park ROUND 4: CARDIFF BLUES PREMIERSHIP SELECT 27-30 ULSTER A Saturday 17th December at Pontypridd RFC BRITISH & IRISH CUP POOL 1 RESULTS TO DATE

ULSTER A UPDATE

BRITISH & IRISH CUP POOL 1

P 4 4 4 4

W

D 0 0 0 0

L

F

A

BP

P

ULSTER A

3 3 2 0

1 1

94

77 63 95 121

2

14 13

JERSEY REDS

100

1

LONDON SCOTTISH CARDIFF BLUES PS

2 4

92 70

3 3

11

3

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EAT LIKE ULSTER RUGBY PLAYERS WITH A NEW CHARITY RECIPE BOOK

Ulster Rugby, in conjunction with Slim’s Healthy Kitchen, has launched a new recipe book, which is now on sale with all proceeds going to its Charity Partner, Include Youth.

Paddy Mooney, Director at Include Youth, commented: “We are delighted that Ulster Rugby has chosen to donate the proceeds of this recipe book to Include Youth. Many of the young people we work with have experienced social exclusion, poverty, homelessness or have other complex needs and therefore need additional support to overcome their barriers and positively move into education or work. “Ulster Rugby is helping us promote positive mental health and wellbeing among young people who are unemployed and ultimately helping us make sure each young person rediscovers what they are good at.” Kate Magill, Marketing Manager at Slim's Healthy Kitchen, added: “We are really excited to be joining forces with Ulster Rugby to support their charity partner Include Youth. We've been working closely with the team and coaching staff on their day-to-day nutrition for the past two years and it's fantastic to now be able help create recipes that are simple, healthy and nutritious for Ulster Rugby fans. “From the most advanced cook to a novice, there's a recipe for everyone to get into the kitchen and have a go!”

The recipe books cost just £5 and are available from the Ulster Rugby Ticket Office, all eight Slim’s Kitchen outlets, at www.slimskitchen.com/ shop and in the Kukri Sports stores at Kingspan Stadium and Victoria Square. The books feature cooking guidelines for some of the Ulster players’ favourite dishes, such as Wiehahn Herbst’s ‘Slow Cooked Thai Beef’, Tommy Bowe’s ‘Turkey Chilli’ and Charles Piutau’s ‘Perfect Porridge’. It also includes ‘The Kissy Veggie Burger’, which is the preferred dish of Director of Rugby, Les Kiss. The recipe book has six chapters; Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Shakes & Smoothies, Snacks and Treats, which give supporters the chance to eat like their heroes. Ulster Rugby’s partnership with Include Youth started in the summer and the recipe book is one of a number of joint initiatives taking place over the course of the season. As well as helping to raise vital funds for the charity, the partnership will promote its excellent work in the community and offer development opportunities to young people in need.

CHARITY RECIPE BOOK

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SONI COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS ENTRY FORM

Want to WIN £1,000 bursary for your club and tickets to join the Ulster Rugby team at their annual end of season Awards Dinner?

What is the SONI Community Champions Award? The Community Champions Award is now in its second year, brought to you by SONI, title sponsors of the Ulster Rugby Premiership, along with Ulster Rugby. The Award recognises the efforts of volunteers who contribute to the smooth running of grassroots rugby throughout the Province. This year there will be two categories, meaning two lucky winners will walk away with £1,000 bursary for their club, as well as tickets to the Ulster Rugby Awards ceremony this Summer. The Community Champions award is open to all affiliated club volunteers, aged 16 and over who have been volunteering with the club for at least six months. There are two categories: • Adult (anyone who volunteers within adult rugby including both men and women’s adult rugby and adult disability rugby) Youth and Mini (anyone who volunteers within youth and mini rugby including youth disability teams) Eight semi-finalists will be shortlisted and will feature in PR and publicity in the News Letter’s Total Rugby supplement and on Ulster Rugby’s website and social media. •

How do you make a nomination? •

Fill out this form and return to SONI Community Champions Award, Ulster Rugby, 134 Mount Merrion Avenue, BELFAST, BT6 0FT

• Submit an online application at www. UlsterRugby/SONICommunityChampions Please read the awards criteria and nomination rules before making a nomination. Who should be nominated? We want to hear about people who go above and beyond the call of duty for the love of the game and their club, the people with passion, the people who make a difference and the people who are the heart and soul of their club. When do nominations have to be submitted? The closing date for nominations is 3rd February 2017. What happens after that? The panel will then meet to shortlist the finalists. Eight semi-finalists will be announced through Ulster Rugby and local media at the end of February and our four finalists will then be invited along to attend a reception at Ulster Rugby in March. Our four finalists (two per category) will be invited to attend the End of Season Ulster Rugby Awards where winners will be rewarded on stage. Nomination Rules/Terms and Conditions 1 Nominations must be received by 3rd February 2017. 2 The panel’s decision is final. Due to the anticipated level of nominations it will not be possible to provide feedback on individual nominations. 3 Volunteers should have been with the club for at least six months by the date of submission. 4 The awards are open to all affiliated club volunteers, aged 16 and over. 5 Nominees must be willing to partake in publicity including photography and interviews which may be published in local papers, online and on SONI and Ulster Rugby’s social media platforms.

SONI COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS Four finalists will be invited along to a reception at Ulster Rugby in March. All four finalists will then attend the Ulster Rugby Awards where the winners will be officially rewarded with their award and club bursary. Who can submit a nomination?

Anyone with a link to the club – members, volunteers, players, parents of mini and youth players. You can even nominate yourself!

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SONI COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS ENTRY FORM

Name of Nominee

Nominee's Club

Nominee's email address

Nominee's telephone number

SONI COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS

Main position held at club (please list only ONE main position)

How long has this person been volunteering with this club?

Please tick which category you are nominating

Adult

Youth and Mini

Tick to confirm nominee is 16 and over

Tick here to confirm that nominee is happy to take part in PR and publicity including photographs and interviews

Nominator's email address

Nominator's telephone number

Please indicate below in no more than 250 words the contribution the person has made to the club (role, responsibilities, hours contributed) continue on seperate sheet if necessarry

Please indicate below in no more than 250 words, the impact this contribution has had on the club (e.g. money raised, organising events, increase in members, increasing impact on team spirit etc) continue on seperate sheet if necessarry

Please cut out this page and submit at Reception

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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 10 3

— —

19 —

TOMMY BOWE

CALLUM BLACK

RORY BEST

Wing 22.02.84 190cm 100kg 142 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 187 11

Hooker 15.08.82

178cm 106kg

191 100

MARCELL COETZEE

DARREN CAVE

PETER BROWNE 2nd Row 25.10.87 201cm 116kg

24 —

LORCAN DOW

JOHN DONNAN 2nd Row 16.02.93 197cm 115kg

ROBBIE DIACK

No. 8 12.11.85 195cm 110kg 183 2

— —

ULSTER SQUAD 2016/17 24 CRAIG GILROY Wing 11.03.91 183cm 90kg 140 9 WIEHAHN HERBST Prop 07.05.88 180cm 120kg 44 — IAIN HENDERSON 2nd Row 21.02.92 199cm 117kg 67 28 ROB HERRING Hooker 27.04.90 185cm 102kg 109 1

CHRIS HENRY

Back Row 17.10.84

191cm 105kg 153 24

BRETT HERRON

Fly half 13.11.95 184cm 92kg 5 —

www. ULSTERRUGBY .com

CONOR JOYCE

PADDY JACKSON

ROSS KANE

Back Row 05.07.93

Out half 05.01.92 180cm 87kg 114 19

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

192cm 106kg 6 —

ANGUS LLOYD

RICKY LUTTON

LOUIS LUDIK Full back 10.08.86 182cm 92kg 48 —

Scrum half 02.10.92 175cm 80kg 1 — Prop 01.02.92 177cm 111kg 35 — Centre 03.03.91 181cm 97kg 8 — Back Row 07.04.90 193cm 108kg 2 —

ULSTER SQUAD 2016/17

PAUL MARSHALL

LUKE MARSHALL

ROB LYTTLE

Centre 03.03.91 181cm 97kg 93 9 Centre 06.08.92 193cm 113kg 49 1

Scrum half 26.07.85 172cm 80kg 182 3

KYLE McCALL

STUART McCLOSKEY

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

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

JARED PAYNE Full back 13.10.85 186cm 97kg

Centre 11.03.93 178cm 93kg 54 4

31 —

73 19

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Should’ve gone to Specsavers

Official partner of the Guinness PRO12 referees

©2015 Specsavers. All rights reserved.

MATTHEW REA 2nd Row 21.09.93 193cm 110kg

RUAN PIENAAR

CHARLES PIUTAU

Scrum half 10.03.84 187cm 90kg 130 SA 88

Utility back 31.10.91 183cm 102kg 10 NZ 16

— —

CLIVE ROSS

DAVE SHANAHAN

SEAN REIDY

Back Row 14.06.89 193cm 105kg

Scrum half 20.06.93 174cm 90kg 8 —

Back Row 05.10.89

ULSTER SQUAD 2016/17

182cm 105kg 44 1

42 —

JOHNNY SIMPSON

JACOB STOCKDALE

KIERAN TREADWELL 2nd Row 11.06.95 198cm 121kg 6 —

Prop 19.08.90 184cm 110kg

Wing 04.03.96 195cm 96kg

— —

10 —

ANDY WARWICK

FRANCO VAN DER MERWE 2nd Row 15.03.83 198cm 117kg 64 SA 1

ANDREW TRIMBLE

Prop 12.03.91 179cm 110kg 59 —

Wing 20.10.84 185cm 97kg 208 69

ROGER WILSON

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

Back Row 21.09.81 190cm 106kg 215 1

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1

ANDREW WARWICK

CHARLES PIUTAU

14

2

RORY BEST (C)

LOUIS LUDIK

13

3

RODNEY AH YOU

LUKE MARSHALL

12

4

STUART McCLOSKEY

KIERAN TREADWELL

ULSTER RUBGY

11

5

IAIN HENDERSON

JACOB STOCKDALE

6

10

CLIVE ROSS

PADDY JACKSON

7

9

CHRIS HENRY

RUAN PIENAAR

REPLACEMENTS 16 17 18 19 R HERRING C BLACK W HERBST F VD MERWE

20 21 22 23

S REIDY P MARSHALL

8

D CAVE T BOWE

ROGER WILSON

TODAY’S OFFICIALS

REFEREE GEORGE CLANCY IRFU, 85TH COMPETITION GAME ASSISTANT REFEREE’S DUDLEY PHILLIPS IRFU | NIGELL CORRELL IRFU CITING COMMISSIONER GORDON BLACK IRFU TMO OLLY HODGES IRFU

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1

TIERNAN O'HALLORAN

DENIS BUCKLEY

14

2

NIYI ADEOLOKUN

DAVE HEFFERNAN

CONNACHT RUGBY

13

3

RORY PARATA

FINLAY BEALHAM

12

4

DANIE POOLMAN

QUINN ROUX

11

5

JAMES CANNON

MATT HEALY

6

10

SEAN O'BRIEN

JACK CARTY

7

9

NEPIA FOX-MATAMUA

KIERAN MARMION

REPLACEMENTS 16 17 18 19 S DELAHUNT T McCARTNEY JP COONEY U DILLANE

20 21 22 23

E McKEON C BLADE C GAFFNEY N DAWAI

8

JOHN MULDOON (C)

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FINLAY BEALHAM

BUNDEE AKI

NIYI ADEOLOKUN

Prop 09.10.91 185cm 110kg

Centre 07.04.90 178cm 92kg

Wing 03.11.90 183cm 85kg

CORMAC BRENNAN

CAOLIN BLADE

MARNITZ BOSHOFF

Fullback 21.02.95 186cm 93kg

Scrum half 29.04.94 175cm 77kg

Fly half 11.01.89 178cm 87kg

DENIS BUCKLEY

JAMES CANNON

ANDREW BROWNE

Prop 09.08.90

Lock 24.09.88 203cm 120kg

Lock 21.01.87 196cm 97kg

178cm 105kg

JACK CARTY

CONOR CAREY

JAMES CONNOLLY

Fly half 31.08.92 180cm 88kg

Prop 26.09.91 183cm 122kg

Back row 19.04.93 188cm 100kg

JP COONEY

NAULIA DAWAI

JOHN COONEY

CONNACHT RUGBY 2016/17

Prop 12.05.90 183cm 127kg

Flanker 26.06.87 185cm 110kg

Scrum half 01.05.90 178cm 85kg

SHANE DELAHUNT

ULTAN DILLANE

NEPIA FOX-MATAMUA

Hooker 02.02.94 185cm 105kg

Lock 09.11.93 198cm 115kg

Flanker 05.09.91 185cm 108kg

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EOIN GRIFFIN

MATT HEALY

JAKE HEENAN

Wing 14.03.89 183cm 92kg

Flanker 17.03.92 188cm 99kg

Centre 18.09.90 185cm 89kg

DAVE HEFFERNAN

STACEY ILI

CIAN KELLEHER

Hooker 31.01.91 185cm 101kg

Wing 07.08.94 178cm 94kg

Wing 11.05.91 180cm 90kg

CONNACHT RUGBY 2016/17

STEPHEN KERINS

DARRAGH LEADER

RONAN LOUGHNEY

Prop 01.11.84 185cm 113kg

Scrum half 01.05.96 165cm 78kg

Wing 22.05.93 185cm 96kg

BEN MARSHALL

EOGHAN MASTERSON

KIERAN MARMION

Lock 08.06.90 196cm 118kg

Scrum half 11.02.92 178cm 84kg

Back row 05.04.93 193cm 112kg

TOM McCARTNEY

CONOR McKEON

EOIN McKEON

Hooker 06.09.85 185cm 105kg

Scrum half 04.01.94 178cm 85kg

Back row 23.06.91 188cm 101kg

RORY MOLONEY

JOHN MULDOON

SABA MEUNARGIA

Back row 04.01.95 185cm 193kg

Back row 30.11.82 193cm 110kg

Prop 29.04.94 188cm 122kg

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SEAN O'BRIEN

CONAN O'DONNELL

TIERNAN O'HALLORAN

Prop 23.05.96 178cm 115kg

Wing 26.02.91 188cm 94kg

Back row 09.12.94 193cm 110kg

SHANE O'LEARY

RORY PARATA

DANIE POOLMAN

Centre 12.03.93 178cm 80kg

Centre 10.03.89 188cm 101kg

Centre 14.08.94 183cm 94kg

CONNACHT RUGBY 2016/17

DANNY QUALTER

D ROBERTSON-MCCOY

PETER ROBB

Prop 10.11.93 188cm 122kg

Lock 23.01.92 196cm 116kg

Centre 19.07.94

191cm 105kg

QUINN ROUX

JOSH ROWLAND

CRAIG RONALDSON

Lock 30.10.90 196cm 117kg

Fly half 08.02.90 188cm 94kg

Full back 25.09.88 183cm 90kg

IVAN SOROKA

LEWIS STEVENSON

Prop 01.10.94 180cm 110kg

Lock 01.06.84 201cm 116kg

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LUKE MARSHALL

ON Connacht They're in good form at the minute, they beat Wasps last weekend and obviously they're the defending PRO12 champions, so we know we’ll have to be at our best to beat them. ON Bouncing back after Clermont defeat A sell out crowd at Kingspan Stadium and an Inter-pro derby, there's no more motivation needed than that! We know what we have to do, a win is a must. ON Christmas Big Weekend fixtures

ON Ireland Camp I spent two days down there this week, it was a bit of preparation for the upcoming Scottish game and a review of the Autumn Series - it was good to be involved. ON Christmas plans I will just be spending Christmas Day with my family in Ballymena, so should be a quiet enough affair. ON Presents I haven't asked for anything in particular this year, but my fiancé is very good at buying me presents, so hopefully she maintains her high standards this year! ON Christmas memories My favourite Christmas memory is going sledding with my brothers and my Dad in the snow when I was younger. ON 2017 My ultimate goal for 2017 is to win silverware with Ulster and to try and figure out what I will do when my rugby career ends!

CATCH UP WITH LUKE MARHSHALL These interprovincial festive games are always one of the highlights of the season and of course we know most of the guys we're playing against quite well, so that adds a bit of spice to things! ON Positive personal performances

I am pleased with my personal performances so far, it was good to score in the home game against Clermont, but I have lots of room for improvement. As long as we're winning and I’m contributing to the team, I’m happy!

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YOUR CLUB YOUR COUNTRY: 2016 WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The 2016 'Your Club, Your Country' competition winners were announced this week following the official draw at Kingspan Stadium, conducted by John McKibbin, IRFU Ulster Branch President.

YOUR CLUB YOUR COUNTRY WINNERS

This year the fundraising initiative raised £83,070 for the 36 participating clubs across the Province. The initiative supplied all clubs with an initial allocation of 1,600 tickets to be sold at £5 per ticket, with the club retaining 100% of the ticket sale revenue. The IRFU / Ulster Rugby and

partners supply the prizes for the 'Your Club, Your Country' Grand Draw, ensuring clubs reap the maximum benefit from the fundraising scheme. Omagh Accies RFC sold the greatest number of tickets, 1,945 in total, therefore benefiting to the tune of £9,725.

2016 'YOUR CLUB, YOUR COUNTRY' DRAW WINNERS: 1. Holiday voucher worth up to £2500

7. £500 Gift Voucher for Argento Jewellery Compliments of Argento Contemporary Jewellery. WINNER: Aidan Savage Sold by Ballynahinch RFC 8. Ulster v Edinburgh Pre-match meal with tickets package at Kingspan Stadium Three Course meal at The Errigle Inn plus grandstand tickets to Guinness PRO12 match for four persons. Compliments of of The Errigle Inn. WINNER: Joanne Pinkerton Sold by Lurgan RFC 9. Ulster v Benetton Rugby Treviso Premium Package at Kingspan Stadium Premium hospitality package to Guinness PRO12 match for four persons. WINNER: Harry McAleese Sold by Ballynahinch RFC 10. Ulster v Benetton Rugby Treviso Premium Package at Kingspan Stadium Premium hospitality package to Guinness PRO12 match for four persons. WINNER: Claire Moore Sold by Donaghadee RFC 11. Ulster v Benetton Rugby Treviso Premium Package at Kingspan Stadium Premium hospitality package to Guinness PRO12 match for two persons. WINNER: Adam Hutchinson Sold by BHSFP RFC

Compliments of Ulster Bank. WINNER: Alistair Ferguson Sold by City of Derry RFC 2. Italy v Ireland 2017 RBS 6 Nations

VIP trip to Rome with the IRFU Patrons Club. Return flights, hotel accommodation, match tickets for two persons. WINNER: Tom Matthews Sold by Instonians RFC 3. Scotland v Ireland 2017 RBS 6 Nations VIP trip to Murrayfield in Edinburgh. Return flights, hotel accommodation, match tickets for two persons. WINNER: Kim Mack Sold By Grosvenor RFC 4. Wales v Ireland 2017 RBS 6 Nations VIP trip to Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Return flights, hotel accommodation, match tickets for two persons. WINNER: Marylin Smith Sold by Coleraine RFC 5. Ireland v France 2017 RBS 6 Nations VIP package in Aviva Stadium including official IRFU hospitality and match tickets for two persons. WINNER: Daniel Lyndsey Sold by Donaghadee RFC 6. Ireland v England 2017 RBS 6 Nations VIP package in Aviva Stadium including official IRFU hospitality and match tickets for two persons. WINNER: Ruth Mairs Sold by Instonians RFC

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SONI LAUNCH PLAYER OF THE ROUND AWARDS

Title sponsor of the Ulster Rugby Premiership, SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland), have announced that they will be rewarding the best player performance across each set of SONI Ulster Rugby Premiership fixture weekends for the rest of the season.

SONI POTR

The ‘Player of the Round’ will be chosen by a panel of judges from SONI and Ulster Rugby chaired by Head of Sport for Johnston Press Ireland and rugby correspondent Richard Mulligan, with each winning player being rewarded with Ulster rugby tickets and official Ulster Rugby Merchandise. Nick Fullerton, Senior Manager at SONI said: “SONI’s partnership with Ulster Rugby and the sponsorship of the SONI Ulster Rugby Premiership has enabled us to witness first-hand the incredible talent on show throughout domestic rugby in Ulster. “We wanted to recognise and reward the players whose commitment and dedication to perform for their club is the reason why the game is flourishing on a community level. SONI is proud to support the partnership with the league through both our title sponsorship of SURP and the ‘Community Champions Award’. This is another small way of

rewarding and recognising those involved in the domestic game.” Neil Hanna, Ulster Rugby’s Business Development Manager said: “SONI has demonstrated an impressive level of dedication to their sponsorship since they came on board as title sponsors of the Ulster Rugby Premiership last year. The ‘Community Champions Award’ was an exciting addition to their activation plan and we’re delighted to see their continued generous support across domestic rugby with the ‘Player of the Round’ initiative." The SONI Ulster Rugby Premiership has a total of 11 teams competing in two Divisions across the province. The next round of SONI Ulster Premiership is due to take place on 31st December.

For more information on SONI visit www.soni.ltd.uk or follow on twitter @soni_ltd

Pictured is Nick Fullerton, Senior Manager at SONI, with Armagh RFC's James Hanna and Dungannon RFC's Jake Finlay, launching SONI's Player of the Round at Kingspan Stadium.

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European ambitions can be tucked away for a few weeks now after a roller-coaster fortnight, and tonight Kingspan Stadium will echo to the roars of encouragement as Connacht come calling in the Guinness PRO12. WIN OR LOSE, LAM IS A WESTERN HERO

And what a game to prepare us for the festive break, Pat Lam’s champions returning to Belfast, form and momentum restored, Ulster determined to build on the encouraging, try-scoring signs of recent weeks. That victory in Cardiff three weeks ago harvested five vital points, the Top Four was within touching distance again, the tumble from the leadership hopefully consigned to the past. Ruan Pienaar is in his pomp, Charles Piutau is a force of nature, Luke Marshall is in rumbustious try-scoring form, Chris Henry is restored and fiery, a try-scoring and creative Tommy Bowe looking the class act we know him to be. But Connacht return to Belfast hoping to repeat the display of resilience and invention which claimed a victory in February which was the platform for its historic assault on the PRO12 title, and arguably fatally undermined Ulster’s own aspirations for that elusive prize. And, incidentally, a very appropriate Christmas gift to fans of rugby generally would be Gerry Thornley’s excellent, hugely readable Front Up, Rise Up: The official story of Connacht Rugby, a story of a Province’s determination to survive despite the plans of a few in real authority, and how players, staff and supporters transformed the game in the West. Coach Pat Lam last year had a game plan, his players carried it out superbly, and suddenly the men from the West were serious contenders, no longer fodder for the so-called ‘big cats’. Last month Lam announced that he will move next year to Bristol – how that man loves a challenge! – but it has not diminished the fealty of his squad to him or his methods: that win in the Champions Cup over Wasps last week was testament to the character, skill and steel which now is part of the Connacht fabric. Ulster go into this evening’s big game with much to be pleased about over the last month, and still much to digest in turning the undoubted world- class quality of its set-up and of so many of its players into silverware. October and November were months when form confidence and a sense of direction seemed to desert a side which had surged early to the top of the PRO12, managing its squad through a list of injury casualties, which would have filled a series

of A&Es! Performances had often been functional, embellished sometimes by fine individual contributions, but the efficient harnessing of limited resources yielded results and leadership of the league. Then along came a sequence of games with few saving graces: a limp surrender in Edinburgh the nadir just before the Autumn Internationals. A loss in Connacht had exposed frailties, the home loss to Munster lacked confidence on an emotional night at Kingspan Stadium, and the Murrayfield reverse on the first weekend of November had alarm bells ringing. There was a growing concern evident on the terraces and in the stands; after the enforced break for the internationals the key had to be found to opening the inhibiting cage within which the real Ulster had somehow managed to lock itself. Zebre in Belfast seemed to offer the obvious recuperative opposition, but the freezing weather put an eleventh-hour stop to that for expectant fans and players anxious and hungry to atone. And so then to Cardiff three weeks ago, and redemption of sorts; a five-try bonus point win on a difficult artificial surface and there were smiles of relief and sincere satisfaction on a group which had clearly worked hard during the recess, come to terms in part with some of the disruptions caused by injuries and by international calls. A week later, in the Champions Cup perhaps we saw the Ulster in which we believe: five more tries, and against France’s best side, Clermont Auvergne at Kingspan, and more tellingly a collective demonstration of high-class skills and of profound character as well as marvellously telling individual contributions from the imperious Pienaar, the inventive, adventurous Paddy Jackson, the genius that is Piutau, and the thunderous power of a midfield which featured Luke Marshall, Stuart McCloskey and Darren Cave. Chris Henry’s return to a back row which included Iain Henderson and Sean Reidy galvanised the pack, as did the inclusion of the Ireland’s inspirational, history-making captain Rory Best. In a game which, for thrills, entertainment and quality, this arena can barely hope to see again the ‘Clermont Experience’ will live long in the memory, and will also provide long-term belief that Ulster is on the march once more. Defeat in France last

ROD NAWN

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ARTICLE BY ROD NAWN FREELANCE JOURNALIST AND SPORTS ENTHUSIAST @RODNAWN1

Sunday had its flaws no doubt, but it also showed character in that second-half response, and the players returned home reassured that they belong at the top table. Tonight, they must confirm that, for a sustained PRO12 challenge is vital to the success of this season. In Europe all is not lost, but those are matters for January, Connacht is the formidable hurdle to outplay, outwit and out-think this evening in front of a pre-Christmas ‘Full House’ which is hoping for the ultimate festive present: a convincing win against wily and hugely committed opponents. John Muldoon, that ageless back-row warrior, will want to set the tone on the pitch, be fiercely combative at the breakdown and full of guile in the set piece, while the skipper will want his talented, physical backline to exploit possession – it was limited at the end of last season, but it was richly exploited. Ulster and Connacht have much to gain this evening, the former a firm spot in the title chase, the latter another step up the table from bewilderingly poor beginnings. Both sides have shown their appetite for reward, both will be well-prepared and ready for a feisty encounter. Ulster is acutely aware that Leinster awaits at the RDS on New Year’s Eve, and that a win in there could be transformative if Connacht was to be confidently repelled. However, this evening thoughts cannot drift to Dublin 4, the focus must be on a side which Pat Lam has fashioned into not just a power in the PRO12 but at the top rank in Europe. It’s been quite a journey for the man who as a player and coach has always commanded respect and now enjoys such affection beyond the Sportsground. Ulster wishes him well next year in Bristol, and during his remaining time in Connacht, but he will well understand that doesn’t extend to Les Kiss or Neil Doak having any intention of allowing him to leave Kingspan Stadium with a second successive win! For the home supporters your team wants to deliver a timely Christmas gift of at least four PRO12 Championship points, and to provide even more proof that on New Year’s Eve and in 2017 lies rugby trophy prosperity and fulfilment. Happy Christmas everyone, enjoy the fare this evening – it’ll be a ‘cracker’!

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NEW STORE - NOW OPEN Victoria Square, Belfast (Upper Ground beside Costa Coffee)

HALF TIME RUGBY

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

FAMILY END

CENTRA HALF TIME RUGBY

HOLYWOOD RFC

TEAM CLUB COLOURS LISBURN RFC Blue and yellow Alex Spence Charlie Weekes Daniel Hearne Ben Robinson Jack Dawson Lewis Stevenson Michael McIlroy Noah Lucas Scott McElhinney Jamie Campbell Reuben Park Sam Allister

CLUB COLOURS Black and green

TEAM

COACHES

COACHES

Freddie Kinder Lochlan Sweeney Timothy Bell Patrick Mcilduff

Brian Kinder Richard Sweeney Warren Bell

Gary Hearne Andrew Stevenson Steven McElhinney

Jacob Cole Rory Chada

Rory Vaughan Eoin Armstrong Joshua McKee Charlie Lawden Noah Shine Charlie Magrath

MEMORIAL END

CLUB COLOURS BANGOR RFC Yellow and blue

BELFAST HARLEQUINS RFC

CLUB COLOURS

Navy, maroon, red and sky blue

TEAM

COACHES

TEAM

COACHES

Michael Armstrong Rhys Bevan Charlie Bingham Fergal Black Ross Bolan Matthew Deeney

Stephen Armstrong Simon Doherty Brendan Quigley

Frankie Shivers Josh Bunting Josh Adair Joshua Skarmoutsos

Sebastian Mingout Thomas Boyd Ioannis Skarmoutsos

Luke Mingout James Nuttall Max Escott Rian Davis Jonah McCrea Jack McGreevy

Josh Emerson Ben Gallagher Alex Johnston Jacob Lewis Luke Nelson Reuben Sterritt

Spike Rose Jake Burns

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