Ulster Rugby vs Munster

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Official Digital Matchday Programme of Ulster Rugby v Munster at Kingspan Stadium, Saturday 2nd January 2016.

LEADING THE FIELD

Welcome back 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 happy and prosperous New Year, both personally and as Ulster supporters. I hope you, like I, had a lovely Christmas break but we know the players, management and staff of Ulster Rugby have been hard at work throughout the festive season. There is something very special about these festive matches and arrival of Munster will only add to the sense of occasion. In such a tight Guinness PRO12 league table every point matters and we know you will join us in standing up for the Ulster Men, making sure that this year starts on firm footing, creating the atmosphere that Kingspan Stadium is fast becoming known for.

On behalf of Kingspan, I would like to wish the squad and management of Ulster Rugby every success tonight and continued success for the year ahead.

Pat Freeman Divisional Managing Director

IRFU ULSTER BRANCH OFFICERS Bobby Stewart // President John McKibbin // Senior Vice President Graffin Parke // Junior Vice President John McKibbin // Honorary Secretary Michael Boyd // Honorary Treasurer Denis Gardiner // Competitions Secretary EXECUTIVE TEAM Shane Logan // Chief Executive Chris Webster // Domestic Rugby Manager Audrey Robinson // Financial Controller Fiona Hampton // Head of Sales & Marketing Les Kiss // Director of Rugby

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to Kingspan Stadium this afternoon for this Round 11 Guinness PRO12 match against Munster.

Next week we are on the road again for the postponed game against Oyonnax, which is the first of three European Champions Cup games in a row. I would like to extend my congratulations to Bangor RFC who won the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup and Ballynahinch RFC, who were victorious over Ballymena in the First Trust Senior Cup pre- Christmas. I hope that you all had a very pleasant festive season and didn’t overindulge and that you all enjoy the game tonight! Give Munster a great big Belfast reception this afternoon. Good luck to Ulster and remember, STAND UP FOR THE ULSTERMEN!

I would particularly like to welcome the Munster President, Mr Bertie Smith, the officials, players and supporters who have made the trip from Munster and I hope that you enjoy your time in Belfast. The last time these teams met was back in October when Munster were narrow victors in Thomond Park and I am sure that the Ulster players will be determined to secure a home win this evening. Ulster have been on the road over Christmas with games in Toulouse and Galway and I am sure that the players, coaches and backroom staff are all glad to be back at Kingspan Stadium for this festive Interprovincial. The Interprovincial Championship is one of the oldest tournaments in World Rugby and whilst it is incorporated into the Guinness PRO12 League, it is still revered and extolled by the players and officials of all four provinces.

Bobby Stewart // President IRFU (Ulster Branch)

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

Welcome back from the Christmas festivities and I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year from the Guinness PRO12. The Christmas and New Year games are 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 clubs have had notable wins in Europe but both will want to improve their standing in the Guinness PRO12 table, so there’s a lot at stake today. 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 on Saturday 28th May at BT Murrayfield in Edinburgh 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 lie 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 the year ahead. 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 great rugby year ahead.

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TODAY’S MASCOTS

MASCOTS

RYAN TOTTEN (7) Ryan is from Coleraine and attends DH Christie Memorial PS. He plays mini rugby at Coleraine RFC and also enjoys tennis, building lego and swimming. Ryan’s favourite

HENRY LONG (8) Henry is from Beverley and attends Beverley Minister Primary School. He plays mini rugby at Beverley RFC and also enjoys judo, football and cycling. His favourite player is Chris Henry and when he grows up he would like to be a professional rugby player.

ZARA STEWART (11) Zara is from Armagh and attends Edenderry Primary School. She enjoys watching rugby as well as playing hockey and swimming. Zara’s favourite player is Rory Best because he is a great captain and plays for Ireland. When she grows up she would like to be a doctor or a vet.

player is Andrew Trimble because he is also from

Coleraine and when he grows up he would like to be a vet and part-time rugby player.

WIEHAHN HERBST THE PROP AT THE TOP

Wiehahn Herbst is a prop forward in whom Ulster have invested to establish a daunting front row to challenge the very best.

“We’re very happy here, and it definitely helped that I had played with and been friends with Ruan, Franco and Louis, so the welcome was warm from them and their families. And the boys in the Ulster squad, all the people on the staff, went out of their way to make it easy for me,” he says with a grateful smile. Does he miss South Africa, where only a couple of years ago he was part of the international training camp? “Well, sometimes, because I’m an outdoor boy, I miss being able to get to the sea quickly, and just as easily drive into the Bush for a bit of hunting. “As for the Springboks, that was every youngster’s dream, and I was no different, but for some reason I fell out of the reckoning and you just deal with it. It was great that the opportunity then came to play here in Ulster, a club with a reputation, especially in South Africa. “Ruan and Johann Muller, I knew well, and I was aware of how they felt about playing at Kingspan, so coming over didn’t hold any fears.” And that journey has revived his international ambitions, though he speaks of them reluctantly and with honesty. “I will qualify to play for Ireland in just over a year, and maybe if things go well for the side, and for me, I might get a chance. International rugby is the pinnacle of any player’s career, and I’m no different, and Ireland is my rugby country, no doubt about that.” Since signing last year, Wiehahn experienced Ulster in some really impressive form, not least because of the firm anchor he was providing at the coalface of the scrum. “I believed we had a good season last year, and for me the standout games were against Leinster and against Leicester. We showed what a good team we were, and for myself I felt that I was justifying my place in the side. I don’t lack confidence, but I was aware last year that I was in a key position and that there was pressure to perform. “I do need to feel that pressure, the butterflies in the stomach. I do need to feel those before any game. To me it says I’m ready, I’m prepared, let’s go! “There were disappointments, of course, and being injured for the last two games at a critical stage of the drive towards the PRO12 was hard to take.

The modest 27-year-old, born in South Africa, clearly enjoys life at Kingspan Stadium, and he’s quickly established himself as a fans’ favourite. His arrival to join a strong group of props on either side of the scrum is a signal of Ulster’s determination to create competition in every position, and there can be no doubt that Herbst’s trip to the northern hemisphere was never a gamble. He argues that prop forwards develop much earlier in the professional era, but even he was regarded as something of a prodigy when he made his Currie Cup and Super Rugby debuts for Natal Sharks before he was 21. “I was fortunate, I was absolutely steeped in rugby, starting when I was just six. I loved the game then, and I love it still, but with a top club like Ulster you know you have responsibilities. “If I don’t do my job in the front row then the other players suffer, and we have so many talented players of international calibre that you just have to be in the best shape you can be, and in the best form you can produce.” Wiehahn speaks quietly but with a clear sense of purpose. He is truly an exemplar of the modern professional rugby player. “Yes, I am fortunate to have played at such a high level for the Sharks and for Ulster seriously, but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy it. I do, very much, especially the good games, the togetherness and particular passion of this squad, the special atmosphere at Kingspan. “It was fantastic in December when we had that great win over Toulouse at home, the players were getting reward for some hard work, the coaches had done their homework and given us the freedom to play. “And that crowd, it was something else! I just want to have more nights and days like that at home, and indeed away from Belfast. I know I made a good decision coming here, I’m really settled and life is great. “I get the best of both worlds actually, because when you go back to family in South Africa it is home, but when I get back Northern Ireland is very definitely my home too!” Currently he’s enjoying the time he gets to spend with his wife Denise and their son Zian, born just a few months ago.

WIEHAHN HERBST

I’d played in most matches and was enjoying my rugby in a winning, stylish team. “We just came up short, and the players and everyone behind the scenes was ‘down’ about missing out on a final at Kingspan Stadium. We hope to put that right very soon.” Away from Kingspan Stadium he delights in the new arrival and has made new friends easily, and that – he believes – has helped his rugby. “Franco van der Merwe and I like to get out some free Saturdays and go clay pigeon shooting, that’s my idea of a good day out, and Denise has settled in well, likes the life we’re making, and hopefully that will continue – accompanied by a few trophies! Wiehahn enjoys the weekly challenge of, first, earning his place in the team, and then taking on the best players in the Champions Cup and in the PRO12, which he rates highly. “In the league you are coming up against international players and testing yourself, it’s a top competition to rank with the best anywhere. And it’s getting tougher, which is great, the standards are rising and no opposition can be taken for granted,” he says, clearly a player intent on improving his skills and on studying the game and its constant refashioning. As we start a New Year, and explode into the second half of Ulster’s season, Herbst is one of the lynchpins of the squad, and takes an earnest view of that. “As I keep saying, I have a responsibility to the team, to the coaches, to the fans who turn up so loyally and support us, and I have a responsibility to myself. “It is a great life, that of a professional sportsman, and for that privilege there is a very small cost, but it means hard work, learning all the time, being disciplined and being committed to the team and what Ulster means to the supporters.” He wants those butterflies in his stomach to keep fluttering, and if they do he is convinced that it will mean he, and Ulster, are on target to bring home some silverware, and to establish a platform for the longer term.

“AND THAT CROWD, IT WAS SOMETHING ELSE! I JUST WANT TO HAVE MORE NIGHTS AND DAYS LIKE THAT AT HOME, AND INDEED AWAY FROM BELFAST...”

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SUFTUM ORIGINAL LYRICS

To the tune of Pet Shop Boys’ ‘Go West’

Stand Up For The Ulster Men Stand Up For The Ulster Men Stand Up For The Ulster Men Red hand on their chest They’ll do their very best Stand up and sing for them Our brave young Ulster men Stand Up For The Ulster Men Stand Up For The Ulster Men Stand Up For The Ulster Men Leicester and Stade did fall Toulouse the Wasps and all Stand up and sing for them Our proud young Ulster men Stand Up For The Ulster Men Stand Up For The Ulster Men Stand Up For The Ulster Men

John Dickson

IT’S ALL COMING TO A HEAD

GET TO KNOW ROBBIE DIACK

SQUAD Q & A

FAVOURITE TV SERIES? Entourage FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION? New York FAVOURITE PLACE TO DINE OUT? Shu FAVOURITE HOBBY/PAST TIME? Spending time with my family IF YOU WERE A CARTOON CHARACTER, WHO WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? Taz, because he’s a legend! BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN? Always set personal goals, they will ensure you push yourself to the limit and will make you competitive WHAT IS YOUR PRE-MATCH ROUTINE? Good pasta before the game and the evening before. Take it easy on match day and focus when I get to the ground DO YOU HAVE ANY LUCKY CHARMS? Not anymore WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG PERSON PLAYING YOUR POSITION? Work on your speed, fitness and explosiveness WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS/AMBITIONS FOR THIS SEASON? Cement a place in the starting XV and help Ulster go one step further

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ROBBIE FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER @ROBBIE_DIACK

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NEW RECRUITS REFEREE COURSE We all think we could do better with the whistle! Are your playing days coming to an end? Do you want to keep active and stay involved in rugby in Ulster? Well why not give it a try and see if refereeing is for you. You could make it right to the top level! Sunday 10th January 2016

All I want for Christmas is...

RICKY LUTTON ASKED SANTA FOR Superbowl Tickets NEW YEAR RESOLUTION Time Management

CRAIG GILROY ASKED SANTA FOR New locker far, far away from Paul Marshall NEW YEAR RESOLUTION Use my phone less

LUKE MARSHALL ASKED SANTA FOR Some decent weather NEW YEAR RESOLUTION No Domino’s until March

ANDREW TRIMBLE ASKED SANTA FOR A win at Saracens NEW YEAR RESOLUTION Not to forget anyone’s birthday

RUAIDHRI MURPHY ASKED SANTA FOR Sunshine NEW YEAR RESOLUTION Drink more coffee

IAIN HENDERSON ASKED SANTA FOR A new hamstring NEW YEAR RESOLUTION To find a suitable resolution for 2017

FRANCO VAN DER MERWE ASKED SANTA FOR A white Christmas NEW YEAR RESOLUTION Spend more time with friends and family

PETER BROWNE ASKED SANTA FOR Family time NEW YEAR RESOLUTION Smile more

SAMWINDSOR ASKED SANTA FOR My tan back NEW YEAR RESOLUTION Master surfing

KYLE McCALL ASKED SANTA FOR New Nike trainers NEW YEAR RESOLUTION Go off crisps and chocolate

CONOR JOYCE ASKED SANTA FOR A white Christmas NEW YEAR RESOLUTION To use my phone less

ALAN O’CONNOR ASKED SANTA FOR Guitar lessons NEW YEAR RESOLUTION Learn how to play the guitar

MARK BEST ASKED SANTA FOR A lab puppy NEW YEAR RESOLUTION Find myself a girlfriend

CHRIS HENRY ASKED SANTA FOR A puppy

RORY SCHOLES ASKED SANTA FOR Wireless headphones NEW YEAR RESOLUTION Get rich or cry trying

SARAH SHERRY ASKED SANTA FOR Pandora Charms NEW YEAR RESOLUTION

NEIL DOAK ASKED SANTA FOR

Patriots to win Superbowl NEW YEAR RESOLUTION

JOE BARAKAT ASKED SANTA FOR Blue Skies NEW YEAR RESOLUTION Swear less

Less time on social media

Don’t leave things to the last minute

KEVIN GEARY ASKED SANTA FOR A cat NEW YEAR RESOLUTION

Keep Rory Scholes away from my cat

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FEMALE RUGBY ATHLETE PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME

In the Cardiff match programme we featured an article on the Female Rugby Athlete Performance Programme which was, at that time, still in its infancy.

FEMALE RUGBY UPDATE

University on 3rd January. On the day, players will take part in a battery of fitness tests to benchmark themselves against current Ireland International standards. They will also participate in mental and lifestyle skills workshops delivered by the Sports Institute of Northern Ireland, before an on-field training session. Since the commencement of the programme, there have already been significant successes at international level. Queen’s University’s Claire McLaughlin was included on the squad for Ireland’s recent senior international friendly against England. Enniskillen’s Kathryn Dane has also recently been included in the Ireland senior training squad. There are a number of acknowledgements that must be made to various partners who have enabled this programme to become a reality: » » The Ulster Rugby Supporters Club for their financial contribution. » » Sports Institute Northern Ireland for their mental skills, lifestyle and nutrition support. » » Queen’s University Belfast, Dungannon RFC, Dromore RFC, Malone RFC and Ballymena Academy for access to their facilities. » » The various coaches for their expertise and input. » » The players for their enthusiasm for, and commitment to, the programme.

In line with the aims of the IRFU (Ulster Branch) Women’s Rugby Strategy regarding provincial performance and international representation, the programme identifies, and provides assistance for, talented players who have the potential to play at the highest level in the female game. In collaboration with the Irish Senior, Ulster Senior and Ulster U18 Girls’ coaching staff, 30 players were invited to apply for a place on the programme. Twenty three players, both Senior and U18 were successful and commenced their additional training provision in early November. The players are provided with assistance in the following areas to enable them maximise their potential: » » On field technical and tactical support » » Strength and Conditioning and rehabilitation support » » Mental skills and lifestyle support The programme is delivered at various centres across the Province, with specialist coaches delivering the various elements of content. Ulster Rugby’s Director of Rugby, Les Kiss (pictured below right) demonstrated his support for the programme and his commitment to developing rugby throughout all areas of the provincial game by assisting with the delivery of a recent on-field skills session. The players will enjoy a well-earned break over Christmas before a half-day camp at Ulster

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‘SPORT UNITING COMMUNITIES’ STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK LAUNCH

Last month Ulster Rugby, the Irish Football Association and Ulster GAA launched Sport Uniting Communities Strategic Framework (Deloitte, 2015) at Stormont Hotel. The three governing bodies of sport have been. The launch of the Sport Uniting Communities Framework demonstrates the commitment of

COMMUNITIES STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

been working closely together on a number of programmes over the past five years; ‘Sport in the Community’ project, stadia redevelopment, ‘Promoting Equality, Tackling Poverty and Social Exclusion through Sport’ programme and the ‘Game of Three Halves’ intiative. The multisport partnership has recognised the collective objectives across areas such as community development, good relations, club and volunteer development, capacity building, and acknowledges the strategic value and impact of working together. Moving forward, there is a strong willingness among the three Associations to build on the experience gained and significant progress made. The strategic framework sets out the nature of the collaborative partnership, ability to reach further and connect more communities, deliver meaningful outcomes and work with central and local government and Europe to deliver policy priorities. DCAL Deputy Secretary Cynthia Smith, who represented the Department at the launch, said; “There is growing evidence of the power of sport to bring people together. The latest household survey has revealed that over 91% of the population of the north actively engage in culture, arts or leisure. I doubt if any other part of government has such a direct impact on people’s lives. “The sports of rugby, soccer and the GAA have used their pivotal role within their communities to increase participation levels and to foster a sense of social inclusion. These three organisations are well placed to help deliver of the key Executive priorities of growing the economy and tackling disadvantage. “I welcome the commitment and desire of these three sporting organisations to build on the great work they have done to date and use their collective synergies to make a telling impact on the opportunities offered across government and by other stakeholders.” The three Chief Executives noted their commitment to further strengthening the partnership and developing our joint work, particularly in the fields of social inclusion, education, health and community development. Ulster Rugby Chief Executive, Shane Logan, said: “The multi-sport partnership is as strong as it’s ever

Ulster Rugby, the Irish FA and Ulster GAA towards sustaining and growing this joint work and serving the community through sport. Moving forward, we are delighted to lead on a shared future and celebrate diversity through our work.” Irish FA Chief Executive, Patrick Nelson, said: “The partnership between the governing bodies has evolved and matured in recent years. We have collaborated across a number of programmes, which have huge strategic value and impact, whilst remaining committed to our own organisational goals. We look forward to further strengthening this delivery partnership in years to come.” Dr. Danny Murphy, CEO of Ulster GAA said: “The launch of this joint strategic framework represents a significant milestone in the relationship between ourselves, Ulster Rugby and the Irish FA. The process has allowed us to reflect on some excellent work to date and to look forward with enthusiasm at our collective potential to make a major difference in communities across Ulster.”

REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL LOOK around Kingspan Stadium today and you’ll see a lot of very colourful garb discovered under the tree on Christmas morning.

superb prop forward signing from South Africa, for regular front row outings. Nick Williams was, well, Nick Williams, creating his special kind of rugby havoc in opposition defences, while Roger Wilson and Robbie Diack went about their business with an authority and commitment which sometimes can be taken too easily for granted. The leagues’s most threatening backline sparked consistently, Darren Cave making an unanswerable case to Joe Schmidt at centre, while Jared Payne was confirming why he would be one of the first names on the Ireland World Cup starting 15. And the emergence of Stuart McCloskey, a clever, powerful midfielder with pace to burn, afforded Andrew Trimble, Craig Gilroy and Tommy Bowe the time, space and ball to keep the try-count rising. Trimble’s foot injury would be a blow, to the Ulster and Ireland sides, and to this most hardworking and committed of backs, but the depth of Neil Doak’s squad meant the drive towards a PRO12 semi- final and what could be a very special Final at the Kingspan was apparently irresistible. Ulster gave its supporters a real roller-coaster ride, but right to the penultimate weekend of the season the prospect of silverware, so much coveted in the playing squad, was alive and thrillingly enticing. Glasgow, and perhaps a poor decision here and there, meant there was no ideal climax in Belfast, but – at a time when we reflect and certainly look forward – it was a campaign which was always compelling, full of debate, dotted with controversy, and surely encouraging. Now midway through the season, a New Year has been born. With it comes the revival of ambition, and there is real evidence that the squad – with Les Kiss in charge of the coaching team now – is fuelled with justified confidence. As fans we can be a fickle bunch, but we want what everyone in the Ulster structure craves: success! That astonishing Kingspan night when Toulouse was humiliated seemed to strengthen the faith in the stands and on the terraces, and though expectations remain demanding the determination and ability of these players to deliver cannot be questioned. And the future is being fashioned in front of our eyes: Kyle McCall and Alan O’Connor have stepped into the pack for big games and flourished, Rory Scholes is pressing hard for a spot on the wing,

It’s been a season of giving and receiving, and like some of what’s been worn, it does make you wonder if there really was festive goodwill involved in some purchases! But even those of us who too easily claim to be in the ‘Bah! Humbug’ brigade are already looking back at the last few weeks with a warmer glow than usual. For a few important days scepticism was set aside, the good nature and good humour we all experienced allowed us to take a rather brighter view of mankind. And a New Year always affords a chance to recharge, to look ahead with a clearer and more positive attitude. The ‘highs’ and the ‘lows’ experienced in our sporting allegiances in the last calendar year can be put in a more gentle perspective, and a bracing visit to the Kingspan to see old foes Munster take on Ulster is an invigorating prospect. It’s also a time when resolutions are made, and too often they fall by the wayside all too quickly. For supporters, though, the determination to ‘keep the faith’ and to roar on their favourites is normally a promise kept, a weekly renewal of the vow almost an addiction. For Ulster fans, who remain in terms of numbers the most loyal of all in the Guinness PRO12 and in European combat, the last 12 months have been uplifting and, less frequently, disappointing, but few would doubt that they have been interesting and sometimes surprising. Twelve months ago Champions Cup ambitions had dissipated but the league title was very much ‘on’, the side a persistent presence in the top four, who would contest the climactic play-off stages. In the early months of the year Rory Best was in his pomp, Chris Henry was making astonishing strides towards a full recovery from the shock of a sudden, serious illness, and Iain Henderson was announcing himself as very much his own man, but there were quite understandable comparisons being made with the force of nature that was that most athletic and indomitable of flankers, Stephen Ferris. Dan Tuohy was characteristically putting another injury mishap behind him as he aimed for a return to the games’ top table, Franco van der Merwe a constant, reliable ball-winner at lock, and Andrew Warwick, Callum Black, Rob Herring and Ricky Lutton were vying along with Wiehahn Herbst, a

ROD NAWN

ARTICLE BY ROD NAWN FREELANCE JOURNALIST AND SPORTS ENTHUSIAST @RODNAWN1

while Luke Marshall is back in top form. The news from the treatment room is that Jared, Darren, Dan, and the irrepressible Stuart Olding are intent on demanding inclusion within weeks. Doak calmly steered Ulster in the right direction while Kiss was delayed by his Ireland duties until the autumn, but with Allen Clarke and Niall Malone sure that they have created a style of rugby that ‘is the Ulster way, and it’s forward’, the next few months will provide more twists, a few turns, but a team worth watching! Munster, once indisputably Europe’s best, will have targets of its own today, and in a period of some transition there is confidence that a return to the peaks is at hand. His employer certainly thinks Anthony Foley is the Head Coach to guide the club there, a new deal put on the table only a week or so ago. Matches between these two famous clubs have always been contests ‘too close to call’, but the spectacular rugby played in Limerick earlier this season demonstrated a willingness to use big games to allow the players a stage, a place to express themselves. Perhaps we won’t have the try-fest of several weeks ago, but what we can expect is an uncompromising battle up front – so nothing new there then! But look for both backlines to go through the gears and use pace, guile and pure, unadulterated bloody-mindedness to provide excellent entertainment. For the home side, and not least its support, there was a watershed period in late November and in December: against Leinster a display full of gritty and combative play, allied to renewed attacking confidence; at home to Edinburgh in horrific conditions a rare intelligence, particularly in the second half, a win was the least the team deserved; and then there was Toulouse at home, and a complete demonstration of what the rejuvenated Trimble described as ‘the ambition we know we have in our play, Toulouse away put the icing on the cake.’ Kiss, Doak, Clarke, Barakat and Malone make a formidable management unit, all of them proven talents as players ‘who’ve been there, done that’, and as coaches of invention, discipline and conviction. They’ve each made promises to themselves for 2016, all of them for Ulster and its family of players, management and supporters. Share their resolution, share their ambition. Then share in the success they will inevitably shape and demand of their playing charges. It’s a Happy New Year. Yes?

JOHN ANDREW

SAM ARNOLD

Hooker 26.05.93 181cm 101kg 8 —

Centre 08.04.96 182cm 96kg 9 —

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

MARK BEST

RORY BEST

Centre 02.12.89 185cm 87kg

Hooker 15.08.82 178cm 106kg 174 89

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

— —

SQUAD 2015/16 CALLUM BLACK

TOMMY BOWE

Prop 25.02.86 180cm 110kg

Wing 22.02.84 190cm 100kg 135 67

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

92 —

PETER BROWNE

DARREN CAVE

Second row 25.10.87 201cm 116kg 4 —

Centre 05.04.87 184cm 95kg 166 11 // 11A

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

ROBBIE DIACK

WILLIE FALOON

Back row 12.11.85 195cm 110kg 158 2 // 2A

Back row 30.09.86 186cm 100kg

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

67 —

CRAIG GILROY

IAIN HENDERSON

Wing 11.03.91 183cm 90kg 117 6 // 2A

Second row 21.02.92 199cm 117kg 52 23 // 3A

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

* All information correct at time of print

CHRIS HENRY

WIEHAHN HERBST

Back row 17.10.84 191cm 105kg 138 24

Prop 05.07.88 180cm 120kg

POSITION BORN

SQUAD 2015/16

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

35 —

ROB HERRING

IAN HUMPHREYS

Hooker 27.04.90 185cm 102kg 81 1 // 2A

Flyhalf 24.04.82 178cm 84kg 107 7A

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

PADDY JACKSON

PAUL JACKSON

Flyhalf 05.01.92 180cm 87kg 88 13 // 1A

Hooker 24.06.89 185cm 106kg 1 —

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

CONOR JOYCE

LOUIS LUDIK

Back row 05.07.93 192cm 106kg 4 —

Utility back 10.08.86 182cm 92kg

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

34 —

RICKY LUTTON

LUKE MARSHALL

Prop 26.02.86 183cm 113kg

Centre 03.11.91 181cm 97kg 67 6

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

34 —

PAUL MARSHALL

KYLE McCALL

Scrumhalf 26.07.85 172cm 80kg 157 3 // 2A

Hooker 02.01.92 177cm 111kg 8 —

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

* All information correct at time of print

Should’ve gone to Specsavers

Official partner of the Guinness PRO12 referees

STUART McCLOSKEY

STEPHEN MULHOLLAND

Centre 06.08.92 194cm 111kg

Back row 04.07.90 193cm 108kg 1 —

POSITION BORN

SQUAD 2015/16

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

30 —

JONNY MURPHY

RUAIDHRI MURPHY

Hooker 06.02.92 178cm 106kg 0 —

POSITION BORN

Prop 05.07.87 187cm 114kg 3 —

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

PETER NELSON

ALAN O’CONNOR

Utility back 05.10.92 180cm 85kg

Second row 10.09.92 197cm 114kg

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

31 —

15 —

STUART OLDING

JARED PAYNE

Utility back 11.03.93 176cm 88kg 36 2

POSITION BORN

Fullback 13.10.85 186cm 97kg

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

61 10

RUAN PIENAAR

SEAN REIDY

Scrumhalf 10.03.84 187cm 90kg 102 88 (SA)

Back row 10.05.89 180cm 100kg

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

15 —

BRONSON ROSS

CLIVE ROSS

Prop 16.09.85 183cm 116kg

Back row 14.06.89 192cm 104kg

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

23 —

24 —

* All information correct at time of print

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PAUL ROWLEY

RORY SCHOLES

Scrumhalf 15.12.87 179cm 86kg 0 —

Utility back 24.04.93 187cm 95kg

POSITION BORN

SQUAD 2015/16

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

14 —

JONNY SIMPSON

LEWIS STEVENSON

Prop 19.08.90 184cm 110kg 0 —

POSITION BORN

Second row 01.06.84 198cm 118kg

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

85 —

FRANK TAGGART

ANDREW TRIMBLE

Back row 14.10.94 188cm 108kg 0 —

Wing 20.10.84 185cm 97kg 197 58 // 3A

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

DAN TUOHY

FRANCO VAN DER MERWE

Second row 18.06.85 197cm 115kg 134 11 // 4A

POSITION BORN

Second row 15.03.83 198cm 117kg

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

36 —

ANDREWWARWICK

NICK WILLIAMS

Prop 12.03.91 179cm 110kg

POSITION BORN

Back row 02.12.91

POSITION BORN

189cm 125kkg

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

37 —

66 —

ROGER WILSON

SAMWINDSOR

Back row 21.09.81 190cm 106kg 190 1 // 11 A

Flyhalf 12.07.87 185cm 94kg 0 —

POSITION BORN

HEIGHT WEIGHT ULSTER CAPS INT. CAPS

* All information correct at time of print

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

LOUIS LUDIK

KYLE McCALL

14 13 12 11 9 10

ANDREW TRIMBLE

RORY BEST (C)

LUKE MARSHALL

WIEHAHN HERBST

ULSTER RUGBY

STUART McCLOSKEY

ALAN O’CONNOR

CRAIG GILROY

FRANCO VD MERWE

ROBBIE DIACK

PADDY JACKSON

CHRIS HENRY

RUAN PIENAAR

REPLACEMENTS FROM 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 R HERRING C BLACK R LUTTON L STEVENSON

R WILSON P MARSHALL I HUMPHREYS S ARNOLD

NICK WILLIAMS

REFEREE ASSISTANT REFEREE’S CITING COMMISSIONER TMO TODAYS OFFICIALS

GARY CONWAY IRFU SEAN GALLAGHER IRFU // BRIAN MACNEICE IRFU EDDIE WIGGLESWORTH IRFU ALAN ROGAN IRFU

* Teams correct at time of print

Ulster Rugby shop @ Kingspan Stadium Monday - Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 10am-2pm

www.ulsterrugbyshop.com

Together Stronger

kukrisports.com

Providing quality bespoke sportswear to athletes and teams

Kingspan has been a partner of Ulster Rugby for 10 years and we are now proud to give our name to this Stadium. Our passion, as a global leader in sustainable building solutions, is to deliver the highest levels of performance - always. Our respect for Ulster Rugby and its dedicated fans is absolute. Welcome to the Kingspan Stadium.

kingspan.com

14 13 12 11 15 9 10

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

JAMES CRONIN

ANDREW CONWAY

MUNSTER

LEADING THE FIELD KEITH EARLS

MIKE SHERRY

BJ BOTHA

FRANCIS SAILI

Hello and welcome to Kingspan Stadium, the impressive home of Ulster Rugby, for the opening game of the 2015/16 Guinness PRO12 season. Tonight’s game against the Ospreys, one of the most successful teams in the history of the league, is as fitting an opening fixture as any, with two teams hoping to find firm footing to start their title-contending campaigns. The start of the season is an exciting time for everyone, as players, staff and management are keen to show the product of a long and hard-working pre-season in the world-class facilities that we now call home. As long-term supporters of Ulster Rugby, we share the optimism and enthusiasm of all players, staff and supporters for the season ahead. In the business world, no one day defines your organisation, and at Kingspan we understand that the road to success is hard fought, but with the right team, supporters and infrastructure anything is possible. On behalf of Kingspan, I would like to wish the squad and management of Ulster Rugby every success tonight, and for the Guinness PRO12 season ahead. SIMON ZEBO DENIS HURLEY IAN KEATLEY

DAVE FOLEY

DONNACHA RYAN

ROBIN COPELAND

DAVE O’CALLAGHAN

CONOR MURRAY

Pat Freeman Divisional Managing Director REPLACEMENTS FROM 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 N SCANNELL D KILCOYNE J RYAN M CHISHOLM

J O’DONOGHUE T O’LEARY T BLEYENDAAL LG AMOROSINO

CJ STANDER (C)

* Teams correct at time of print

STEPHEN ARCHER

TYLER BLEYENDAAL

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Prop 29.01.88 188cm 120kg 2 // IRE

Centre / Fly Half 31.05.90 185cm 90kg —

BJ BOTHA

SHANE BUCKLEY

Prop 04.01.80 180cm 115kg 25 // SA

Back Row 14.04.92 191cm 108kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

SQUAD 2015/16 DUNCAN CASEY

MARK CHISHOLM

Hooker 14.11.90 178cm 102kg —

Lock 18.09.81 198cm 115kg 58 // AUS

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

JORDAN COGHLAN

ANDREW CONWAY

Back Row 30.10.92 193cm 108kg —

Full Back / Wing 11.07.91 180cm 91kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

ROBIN COPELAND

JAMES CRONIN

Back Row 23.10.87 196cm 112kg 1 // IRE

Prop 23.11.90 183cm 113kg 2 // IRE

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

KEITH EARLS

DAVE FOLEY

Universal Back 02.10.87 178cm 90kg 46 // IRE

Lock 16.05.88 198cm 108kg 2 // IRE

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

* All information correct at time of print

LUCAS GONZALEZ AMOROSINO

BILLY HOLLAND

Back Row / Lock 03.08.85 193cm 110kg —

Full Back 02.11.85 185cm 93kg 49 // ARG

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

SQUAD 2015/16

FELIX JONES

DENIS HURLEY

Fullback 05.08.87 185cm 90kg 13 // IRE

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Universal Back 15.07.84 191cm 100kg 1 // IRE

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

IAN KEATLEY

DAVE KILCOYNE

Prop 14.12.88 183cm 112kg 15 // IRE

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Fly Half 01.04.87 180cm 91kg 4 // IRE

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

CONOR MURRAY

KEVIN O’BYRNE

Scrum Half 20.04.89 188cm 94kg 42 // IRE

Hooker 16.04.91 178cm 100kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

DAVE O’CALLAGHAN

JACK O’DONOGHUE

Back Row 08.02.94 188cm 97kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Back Row / Lock 12.01.90 196cm 109kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

TOMAS O’LEARY

TOMMY O’DONNELL

Scrum Half 22.10.83 180cm 87kg 24 // IRE

Back Row 21.05.87 185cm 107kg 9 // IRE

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

* All information correct at time of print

Suppliers of fresh produce to the Ulster Rugby team.

Official suppliers of fresh produce to the Ulster Rugby team.

www.robinsonsshoes.com

9A West Street, Carrickfergus, BT38 7AR T. 028 9335 5464 E. info@robinsonsshoes.com

PETER O’MAHONY

RONAN O’MAHONY

Back Row 17.09.89 191cm 108kg 35 // IRE

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Wing 28.05.89 183cm 91kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

SQUAD 2015/16

JOHN RYAN

DONNACHA RYAN

Lock / Flanker 11.12.83 201cm 114kg 34 // IRE

Prop 02.09.88 185cm 117kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

NIALL SCANNELL

FRANCIS SAILI

Hooker 08.04.92 188cm 109kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Centre 16.02.91 180cm 94kg 2 // NZ

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

MIKE SHERRY

CATHAL SHERIDAN

Scrum Half 14.11.88 175cm 83kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Hooker 18.06.88 185cm 107kg 1 // IRE

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

DARREN SWEETNAM

CJ STANDER

Back Row 05.04.90 188cm 114kg —

Full Back / Wing 05.05.93 185cm 88kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

SIMON ZEBO

GERHARD VAN DEN HEEVER

Wing / Full Back 16.03.90 188cm 94kg 21 // IRE

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

Wing 13.04.89 191cm 105kg —

POSITION BORN HEIGHT WEIGHT HONOURS

* All information correct at time of print

Ulster Rugby’s official production company

We are a Belfast-based team of cinematic film-makers, who count Snow Patrol, Bushmills Irish Whiskey and Williams F1 among our portfolio of clients.

We are also Ulster Rugby’s production company of choice, telling the teams story through the power of film. Why not let us tell yours?

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Disappointingly their first home defeat of the season came by way of their interprovincial neighbours Connacht in Thomond Park in November. It was to be the first league loss at the Limerick venue in over a year. Crucially, the men in red did secure a losing bonus point and with only eight points separating the top five teams before round ten, the race for points was as tight as ever. Munster’s season started in Cork at the beginning of September as Anthony Foley’s men ground out an 18-13 win over Benetton Treviso in Irish Independent Park. Last season’s Player of the Year, CJ Stander, picked up where he left off with a man-of-the-match performance in the opener and it was his two tries that eventually broke a stubborn Treviso resistance in Cork. Stander came up trumps again the following week as he scored a last- minute try, with Ian Keatley converting, to claim a 20-18 win over Ospreys. Keatley then kicked a late penalty against Glasgow Warriors to earn a 23-21 win in Munster’s first outing at Thomond Park in round 3. In all, the out-half kicked 13 points, with tries from Dave O’Callaghan and BJ Botha crucial in the narrow victory over a depleted but determined Glasgow team. Round 4 saw Munster claim their first bonus-point win of the season at Irish Independent Park as they scored five tries in a 35-27 victory over Cardiff Blues. Mike Sherry touched down twice, with tries from Keatley, summer arrival Jordan Coghlan and Andrew Conway securing an entertaining victory. Having won their opening four PRO12 games for the first time since 2011, Munster’s winning run came to an end at Scarlets in October. Steve Shingler’s last-gasp penalty gave the table-topping Welsh outfit a 25-22 victory. Keatley continued his impressive start to the season at the Welsh venue with 17 points in difficult conditions and Conway notched his second try of the season. But Munster were denied a rare away victory at Parc y Scarlets in the final five minutes as Shingler kicked two late penalties, the latter a monster kick under pressure, to secure a thrilling victory with the clock deep in red. For round 6 today’s opposition were the beaten opponents in a heavily contested encounter in Limerick that went right down to the wire with the hosts claiming a bonus-point 32-28 victory in the first Irish derby of the season. Andrew Conway, Robin Copeland, Gerhard van den Heever, Denis Hurley and Simon Zebo were the try-scorers at a windswept Thomond Park, as Munster survived a late Ulster comeback. The southern province just about maintained their winning ways in Murrayfield a week laterwith a dramatic 14-16 win over Edinburgh in round 7. The game’s sole try came the way of John Ryan while Ian Keatley kicked 11 points from the tee, but it was a final charge-down from CJ Stander on Hidalgo-Clyne’s drop-goal attempt that denied victory for the home side in additional time. With the defeat against Connacht, next Munster were unable to turn things around the following week at Rodney Parade and fell to a second successive defeat in the PRO12. Munster’s only points came through the boot of academy player Rory Scannell after he kicked two penalties, and a dominant second half Dragons performance ensured Anthony Foley’s men came away empty handed. The festive fixture sees Munster play Leinster in Thomond Park and then Ulster are first up in the New Year at Kingspan Stadium, where the southern province face the stiffest of tests against a side so dominant in front of their home support. MUNSTER SEASON SO FAR Opening round wins for Munster saw them among the early pacesetters in the Guinness PRO12 with Anthony Foley’s side in third place in the league table after round nine.

OPPOSITION

CLUB STATS //Location Limerick, Ireland //Founded 1879 //Ground Thomond Park Irish Independent Park //Capacity Thomond Park 25,600 Irish Independent Park 9,251 //Last Game Leinster Rugby(H) Sun 27th Dec 2015 at 17:15 //Next Game Zebre Rugby (A) 29/30/31 Jan 2016 TBC

STAFF // Coach Anthony Foley //Captain CJ Stander

CONTACT Thomond Park Stadium Limerick, Cork Tel +353 21 432 3563

TICKET OFFICE Tel +353 61421103 MERCHANDISE Tel +353 61318080

www.munsterrugby.ie

@Munsterrugby MunsterRugby

munster_rugby

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