Ulster Rugby vs Harlequins

PRESIDENT'S WELCOME

This weekend sees the first of the back-to-back Champions Cup ties with Harlequins, in what is a repeat of the same fixtures in December 2017, where Ulster recorded two victories. In terms of our European aspirations this season, these games once again will carry huge influence. Dan and the team come into today’s game on the back of three consecutive wins, which should have the boys in confident mood. We also welcome back a few players who enjoyed a well deserved break last weekend including captain Iain Henderson and fellow internationals Jacob Stockdale and Jordi Murphy. Unfortunately, Will Addison remains unavailable for the next three weeks, but the increasing depth in our squad and the performances of Louis Ludik and Matt Faddes against Scarlets last week will give the coaching team plenty to think about when it comes to selection. Today’s opponents are sitting mid-table in the Premiership but have secured two good back-to-back wins in recent weeks, with a strong victory over Bath in Round 2 of the Champions Cup and a victory over Gloucester last weekend in the Premiership. They appear to have benefited from the return of their Rugby World Cup contingent and will be as close to full strength as possible, as they aim to keep their playoœ hopes alive. On the local rugby scene, this morning saw the third and final group stage fixtures in the Danske Bank Schools’ Cup, so at the time of reading we will know who has booked their place in the last 16 along with the Tier 1 teams. I would like to record my thanks to the schools for embracing the new format, which has brought an additional fervour into the famous competition by providing a greater number of more meaningful games for all involved. I would also like to remind our supporters that Sunday is the day for women’s club rugby fixtures, and tomorrow we have a full round of games in the Deloitte Ulster Women’s Premiership and Championship. Why not check out the Domestic Rugby fixtures on ulsterrugby.com and get down to support your local women’s club! To the visiting ‘Quins O£cers, management and playing squad, I hope you have an enjoyable, but not successful trip to Belfast. To the Ulster supporters – I know you’ll make sure the 16th man is in full voice again this afternoon and hopefully we’ll cheer the Ulster men on to another memorable European Cup win. SUFTUM! Gary Leslie President, IRFU Ulster Branch On behalf of Ulster Rugby, I would like to welcome everyone to Kingspan Stadium for this afternoon’s Heineken Champions Cup fixture versus Harlequins.

IRFU ULSTER BRANCH 2019/20 OFFICERS Gary Leslie President Philip Gregg Senior Vice President Denis Gardiner Junior Vice President & Honorary Secretary Michael Boyd Honorary Treasurer Greg Irwin Competitions Secretary Jonny Petrie Chief Executive O¢cer

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

7

ulsterrugby.com