Ulster Rugby vs Munster

LEADING THE FIELD

Welcome to Kingspan Stadium, the home of Ulster Rugby, for another exciting Friday evening Guinness PRO12 clash. We are delighted to welcome you to this fantastic state-of-the-art ground for another night of top class rugby and the perfect start to the weekend. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the squad and management of Munster Rugby as well as their travelling supporters and to offer Kingspan’s sincere condolences to the Foley family and the Munster team on the untimely loss of Anthony who has been an inspiration to all. With both sides coming off ERCC wins and a mere three points separating them in the PRO12 table, the scene is set for another hard fought and exciting evening at the Kingspan. On behalf of everyone at Kingspan, I would like to wish the squad and management of both sides every success this evening. In such a competitive league every point matters and we know that each of you will play your part by standing up for your team and enjoy another night of top class entertainment.

Pat Freeman Divisional Managing Director

CONTENTS

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME GUINNESS PRO12 WELCOME

3 4 7 8

TONIGHT’S MACOTS

TRIBUTES

IAIN HENDERSON Q&A

13 17 21

FAREWELL TO DAVID BOYD

VOLUNTEER FOCUS

ULSTER SQUAD PROFILES

24 28 29 33 34 39 40 44 49 53 55 57 58 59 60 51

ULSTER TEAM

DOUBLE SIDED POSTER

MUNSTER TEAM

MUNSTER SQUAD PROFILES

OPPOSITION

WIEHAHN HERBST

ROD NAWN GUEST ARTICLE CENTRA HALF TIME RUGBY

URSC CLUB NEWS OUR CLUB NEWS

ULSTER RUGBY VALUES STADIUM INFORMATION

MATCH PREVIEW

FIXTURES

THANK YOU

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PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

In particular I am pleased to welcome Munster President Gerry O’Shea and the Munster team and officials. Tonight’s opponents, Munster, have been through a traumatic time following the tragic death of Anthony Foley in Paris two weeks ago. A lot has been written about Axel since – suffice to say that Munster and Ireland have lost a legend at far too young an age. Axel achieved much in his playing and coaching career and he, more than any, epitomised the spirit and passion that is Munster Rugby. He will be sorely missed, particularly by his wife Olive, sons Tony and Dan and the family circle. The thoughts and prayers of all in Ulster Rugby are with them and our colleagues and friends from Munster. I had the privilege to attend Anthony’s funeral service in Killaloe last week and anyone who heard the heartfelt eulogy by Olive in a church, where the atmosphere was one of raw emotion, could not help but be moved. To give such a eulogy when in such grief was a brave and courageous decision but, as one would expect from a Foley, it was superbly delivered. It was also a very brave decision by Munster to agree to play their European Champions Cup match against Glasgow last week, one week after Axel’s death. There will be no better tribute to Anthony Foley’s memory than the superb performance and victory that the Munster team delivered over Glasgow. It is also fitting that we also have as our guests tonight a team from St. Munchin’s College, Limerick, which is Anthony Foley’s old school. Their players and coaches are very welcome. Ulster, as a mark of respect, are erecting a plaque commemorating Anthony Foley in the away dressing room in Kingspan Stadium. This is a reciprocal gesture as Munster erected a plaque in the away dressing room in Thomond Park four years ago to commemorate Nevin Spence. That said, sentiment and sympathies will be set aside once the game starts – it is an inter-pro after all - and I have no doubt that it will be a full blooded battle from start to finish. Finally, I hope everyone enjoys the game tonight as well as the facilities at Kingspan Stadium and remember - “Stand Up For The Ulstermen”. John McKibbin President IRFU (Ulster Branch) It gives me great pleasure as President of the IRFU Ulster Branch to welcome everyone to Kingspan Stadium for this evening’s Round 7 match in the Guinness PRO12 Championship. PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

IRFU ULSTER BRANCH 2016/17 OFFICERS John McKibbin President Graffin Parke Senior Vice President Stephen Elliott Junior Vice President Denis Gardiner Honorary Secretary Michael Boyd Honorary Treasurer Greg Irwin Competitions Secretary EXECUTIVE TEAM Shane Logan Chief Executive Chris Webster Domestic Rugby Manager Audrey Robinson Financial Controller Fiona Hampton Head of Sales & Marketing Les Kiss Director of Rugby

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

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Chairman’s Welcome

condolences to the family of Anthony Foley and to all of those at Munster Rugby and beyond who were touched by his tremendous character. and commitment. In addition to his physical qualities, he was blessed with footballing intelligence and displayed overwhelming passion and strength of leadership in the red of Munster and the green of Ireland.

As ever with a Munster man, he embodied everything that we wish to see in our rugby players. An icon of Munster, he inspired his fellow team-mates to achieve great feats. After he left the

highest of standards. Nobody could have asked for a greater leading man.

He embraced a spirit of the game that we all cherish so much. Sadly, the world of rugby will be emptier for his absence. It is a great loss for Munster, Ireland and the wider international rugby community. Gerald Davies, Chairman, PRO12 Rugby CEO’s Welcome

Nothing could have prepared anyone to deal with the sudden loss of Anthony Foley and the thoughts of everyone from PRO12 Rugby and our clubs are with his family, his friends and all those who had a connection with such an inspiring man. Last week we saw a tremendous show of unity from the rugby family from across the world as they paid their respects to Anthony at grounds around Europe. My condolences go out to his wife, Olive, and his two young boys, Tony and Dan, and at least we can see how they will be able to draw on

tribute with their actions in Limerick last weekend. I know there will be many of our clubs who played away from home last weekend who still want to pay their respects this week and that will be greatly appreciated by their supporters. Round 7 brings us to our second ‘Big Weekend’ and after we saw a record total of tries scored in Round 6 we hope that our teams will put on another display of attacking rugby to celebrate the great career and life of Anthony Foley. Enjoy the game. Martin Anayi, CEO, PRO12 Rugby

“If I’m going to be remembered, I’d like to be seen as a stubborn player, someone who never gave in. Once there’s something to chase, I’ll chase it.”

Anthony Foley 1973-2016

May he rest in peace.

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TONIGHT’S MASCOTS

MASCOTS

MATTHEW FETHERSTON (12) Matthew is from Holywood and attends Campbell College. He plays rugby at school and also enjoys football, cycling and tennis. His favourite player is Rory Best, because he’s a hooker and so is Matthew. He thinks Rory is ‘the best’. When he grows up he would like to play football for Manchester United or rugby for Ulster.

CONOR CAUGHEY (8) Conor is from Newtownbutler and attends St. Mary’s Primary School. He plays mini- rugby at school and also enjoys gaelic, soccer and working on his Grandad’s farm. Conor’s favourite player is Tommy Bowe, because he is from Monaghan, where his Mammy is from! When Conor grows up he would like to be a farming contractor.

Inspiring Individuals

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RIP AXEL

Les Kiss worked with Anthony Foley during their respective backroom stints with the Ireland squad and they formed a very close friendship… "It's a hard thing to sink in. Axel Foley, a legend of Munster and Irish rugby. A good friend and great coach. I loved working with him and to think I'm not going to see him again is surreal. I still can't believe it. He was absolutely capable of having a future coaching in the Ireland set up, he was in it for the long term and wanted to make a fundamental difference to Irish rugby. “He was a very talented coach, I worked with him as a forwards and as a defence coach and he knew the game inside out. He

Sports journalist Rod Nawn watched on along with the rest of us when the devastating news of Anthony Foley’s untimely passing came through the airwaves… “The epitome of Munster grit and heft, Anthony Foley, passed away in Paris before his team were due to face Racing 92 two weekends ago. ‘Axel’, who wore the red jersey of his Province over 200 times, who captained the side to its first Heineken Cup win in 2006, and who had inevitably morphed into the Head Coach’s role at Thomond Park. “An unforgiving and formidable opponent, he was the steel which bound the Irish pack for a decade, on over

60 occasions, but Foley was respected in a

coached the game like he played it, in an uncompromising manner and with a demand on his forwards - it was a privilege working with him. “I was always aware of his stature within the game, but when bad things happen, people always reflect and take a

hugely deep way across the rugby and sporting world. Tyrone Howe was Sky Sports’ studio guest for Ulster’s match and suddenly it was to him that the heart- breaking task of responding to the news from Paris fell.

ANTHONY FOLEY 1973 - 2016 closer look at someone. The service that he has given to Munster Rugby in particular and to Irish Rugby is without question, unbelievable. The stature of the man was fantastic, you don’t win Heineken Cups and lead from the front and not have that special something about you.

“They’d been team-mates in green, ferocious opponents in white and red, but bound by a mutual respect for each other and their characters. Howe did many fabled things on the wing for Ulster and Ireland but never has he represented his Province and his sport more splendidly than when, with such eloquent humanity - and battling back tears - he told the audience of the humorous, generous family man who’d suddenly, senselessly been taken at just 42 years of age. “On BBC Radio Ulster Jim Neilly broke the devastating news from Paris, and then Gavin Andrews and his studio guests paid their respects with a wonderfully articulate conviction

“The fact that he was willing to invest further into the game upon his retirement from playing, and help the next generation of young men come through the ranks, is an honourable quality. My time coaching with him was special and I will miss him.” Les Kiss Ulster Rugby Director of Rugby

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and sincerity, given their regard and friendships with Axel. We had tuned in to watch and listen to a rugby match, we were brought thumpingly to earth with a sombre reality check, a reminder of how fragile life is, how it must be cherished and prioritised. “Our broadcasters, and subsequently our fine print journalists, demonstrated that they are no one- dimensional interlocutors, that they are essentially ordinary people with the extraordinary capacity and range to bring us our entertainment through sport and to acknowledge instantly, and with humanity, the really important things and values in our lives. “In Anthony ‘Axel’ Foley’s untimely, incomprehensible passing, our media did him proud, and in the process unconsciously demonstrated that it recognises that sport – and in this case a rugby game – is an often rewarding indulgence which knows its place in the order of things.” RIP Axel Rod Nawn Sports Journalist, broadcaster & rugby fan Ulster Rugby Chief Executive Shane Logan released the following statement upon learning of the sad passing of Anthony Foley... “I, like many others, was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the news of the tragic passing of Anthony Foley. “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Ulster Rugby are with Anthony's family and friends at this very sad time. “He was a legendary figure of the game of rugby union and represented everything that is great about our sport. His exploits on the pitch were well-documented but he was equally impressive off the pitch and was hugely popular in rugby circles. “He will be missed dearly by his family, friends, and the wider rugby community.” Shane Logan Ulster Rugby Chief Executive

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IAIN HENDERSON Q&A

NICK NAME? Bill or Hendy FAVOURITE SUBJECT AT SCHOOL? Maths

IF YOU COULD BE A PROFESSIONAL IN ANOTHER SPORT, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Darts – for the social side MOST EXCITING THING YOU HAVE DONE? Rode the Barry’s ghostrain! FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION? Cork – really good memories MOST EXPENSIVE ITEM YOU HAVE BOUGHT? My dog HOW DO YOU RELAX ON YOUR DOWN TIME? Walk my dogs FAVOURITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME? The Grinch IF A FILM WAS MADE ABOUT YOUR LIFE, WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY YOU? Dan Aykroyd IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESSERT ISLAND, WHICH PLAYER WOULD YOU LEAST LIKE TO BE STRANDED WITH? Marshy – standard DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? Two Weimaraner dogs called Lola and Bailey, they are very active! WHAT ARE YOUR LEAST AND MOST FAVOURITE TRAINING ELEMENTS? Favourite – competitiveness Least – fitness WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PLAYING FOR ULSTER? The fans IF YOU WEREN’T A PROFESSIONAL RUGBY PLAYER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING AS A PROFESSION? Actuary IF YOU COULD INVITE ANY FAMOUS PERSON ROUND FOR TEA WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU MAKE THEM? Johnny Cash – Lasange

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT IAIN FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER @HENDERSONIAIN

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FAREWELL TO DAVID BOYD

This month saw the end of an era as David Boyd, who has contributed so much to rugby in Ulster as both a volunteer and as an employee, retired from his post as Ulster Rugby's Stadium Manager.

GOODBYE & GOOD LUCK

David had previously held the position of Domestic Rugby Manager, beginning some 15 years ago, and took up his new role in 2013 to oversee the redevelopment of the stadium at Ravenhill. Prior to joining Ulster Rugby as an employee, David had spent decades cheering the team on from the terraces and was heavily involved in volunteering at Ballyclare RFC as a coach and administrator of mini and youth rugby. He was also the Team Manager of the Ulster U18 Youth squad for a number of years. Speaking at his retirement function, David reflected: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as an employee of Ulster Rugby. Being Domestic Rugby Manager had its challenges, at one stage I had 53 staff who were reporting into me, but it was extremely rewarding. “Seeing how under-age rugby, female rugby and disability rugby, which were virtually non-existent, have developed over the past 15 years has been really pleasing. I have made many friends right across the Province, and further afield, I’ve learnt a great deal and I have many fond memories.” When asked for a single highlight, David has little hesitation in giving his answer… “The U19 World Championships, which were held here in Belfast in 2007. We had 24 full international teams here for 4 weeks. They played 60 games of rugby in the space of 3 weeks and at 6 different venues. “There are six current All Blacks who played in that tournament, Ulster favourite Wiehahn Herbst represented South Africa, and there were many more, such as Wales and Lions fullback, Leigh Halfpenny. “It was two years of very hard work, it was a massive undertaking and it involved a great team effort. The real challenge was that we had to deliver the event alongside our existing work, within both the professional and domestic structures.”

With the redevelopment of the stadium a few years ago, the opportunity arose for David to take over as Stadium Manager, and it’s a role he has relished. “It was a very rewarding and enlightening time for me. It’s a stadium that we are all very proud of and I think it compares favourably with the stadiums of other rugby teams in Europe. The stadium opening in May 2014 and the hosting of the PRO12 final in May 2015 were undoubtedly the highlights of my time as Stadium Manager.” Commenting upon his retirement, IRFU (Ulster Branch) President, John McKibbin, said: “David was highly regarded by Committee members and colleagues, as well as club and school representatives. He was well-known and liked at clubs across the Province and has contributed a great deal to rugby in Ulster as both a volunteer and as an employee. We wish him well in his retirement.”

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VOLUNTEER FOCUS DAVID BLACK

In our Volunteer Focus series, we will profile some of the outstanding rugby volunteers and highlight the tremendous work carried out by them throughout the Province.

In this profile we will focus on David Black, Mini Rugby Convenor at Ballynahinch RFC. David has been involved in volunteering at Ballynahcinch RFC for the past 2 years and has held the position of Mini Rugby Convenor for the last 15 months. In his role, David is the administrative lead for mini rugby within the club. This includes coach development, child welfare, communication to parents, pitch space allocation, building a volunteer base and supporting all those involved in mini rugby within the club. Commenting on what motivated him to get involved in volunteering, David said: "Volunteering gives me an opportunity to combine my passions for rugby and youth development. I love to see players developing both in terms of skills and confidence. I continue to be inspired by the efforts of coaches, volunteers and the young players every week. I take great satisfaction

from volunteering and I often think of the time an 8-year-old boy shook my hand and thanked me after I refereed a game - small things like that make it all worthwhile." Ballynahinch RFC has seven senior teams competing weekly, with the 1st XV competing in the Ulster Bank All Ireland League Division 1B. The club also has a senior ladies team and boasts a successful youth setup for both boys and girls, as well as a large mini section. For a club of this stature within a County Down market town, there is a huge reliance on volunteers to ensure the club can operate efficiently. If you would like to get involved in volunteering at your local club or would like to be featured in our Volunteer Focus series please contact Kerry Spence, Ulster Rugby Volunteer and Policy Development Officer on volunteer@ulsterrugby.com .

VOLUNTEER FOCUS

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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

— —

17 —

7 3

TOMMY BOWE

CALLUM BLACK

RORY BEST

Wing 22.02.84 190cm 100kg 137 67 Flanker 08.05.91 191cm 112kg — SA 28 Back Row 27.01.95 190cm 108kg 1 —

Prop 25.02.86 180cm 116kg 113 — Centre 05.04.87 184cm 95kg 183 11

Hooker 15.08.82

178cm 106kg 189 97

MARCELL COETZEE

DARREN CAVE

PETER BROWNE 2nd Row 25.10.87 201cm 116kg 20 —

LORCAN DOW

JOHN DONNAN 2nd Row 16.02.93 197cm 115kg

ROBBIE DIACK

No. 8 12.11.85 195cm 110kg 180 2

— —

ULSTER SQUAD 2016/17 24 CRAIG GILROY Wing 11.03.91 183cm 90kg 138 8 WIEHAHN HERBST Prop 07.05.88 180cm 120kg 39 — IAIN HENDERSON 2nd Row 21.02.92 199cm 117kg 64 23 ROB HERRING Hooker 27.04.90 185cm 102kg 104 1

CHRIS HENRY

Back Row 17.10.84

191cm 105kg 150 24

BRETT HERRON

Fly half 13.11.95 184cm 92kg 3 —

www. ULSTERRUGBY .com

CONOR JOYCE

PADDY JACKSON

ROSS KANE

Back Row 05.07.93

Out half 05.01.92 180cm 87kg 111 16

Prop 26.02.86 182cm 114kg 52 — Prop 14.10.94 180.5cm 116kg 8 —

192cm 106kg 4 —

ANGUS LLOYD

RICKY LUTTON

LOUIS LUDIK Full back 10.08.86 182cm 92kg 45 —

Scrum half 02.10.92 175cm 80kg 1 — Prop 01.02.92 177cm 111kg 30 — Centre 03.03.91 181cm 97kg 6 — Back Row 07.04.90 193cm 108kg 2 —

ULSTER SQUAD 2016/17

PAUL MARSHALL

LUKE MARSHALL

ROB LYTTLE

Centre 03.03.91 181cm 97kg 88 8 Centre 06.08.92 193cm 113kg 46 1

Scrum half 26.07.85 172cm 80kg 178 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 16

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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

Back Row 05.10.89 182cm 105kg 39 1 Scrum half 10.03.84 187cm 90kg 125 SA 88

Utility back 31.10.91 183cm 102kg 5 NZ 16

— —

SEAN REIDY

CLIVE ROSS

DAVE SHANAHAN

Back Row 14.06.89 193cm 105kg

Scrum half 20.06.93 174cm 90kg 8 —

ULSTER SQUAD 2016/17

37 —

JOHNNY SIMPSON

JACOB STOCKDALE

KIERAN TREADWELL 2nd Row 11.06.95 198cm 121kg 3 —

Wing 04.03.96 195cm 96kg 8 —

Prop 19.08.90 184cm 110kg

— —

ANDREW TRIMBLE

DAN TUOHY 2nd Row 18.06.85 197cm 115kg 134 11

FRANCO VAN DER MERWE 2nd Row 15.03.83 198cm 117kg 60 SA 1

Wing 20.10.84 185cm 97kg 208 66 Prop 12.03.91 179cm 110kg 54 —

ANDY WARWICK

ROGER WILSON

SAM WINDSOR

Back Row 21.09.81 190cm 106kg 214 1

Fly half 07.12.87 185cm 94 kg 2 —

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15

1

CALLUM BLACK

CHARLES PIUTAU

14

2

ROB HERRING (C)

TOMMY BOWE

13

3

WIEHAHN HERBST

LUKE MARSHALL

12

4

DARREN CAVE

DAN TUOHY

ULSTER RUBGY

11

5

FRANCO VAN DER MERWE

CRAIG GILROY

6

10

ROBBIE DIACK

PADDY JACKSON

7

9

SEAN REIDY

RUAN PIENAAR

REPLACEMENTS 16 17 18 19 J ANDREW K McCALL A WARWICK C ROSS

20 21 22 23

C JOYCE P MARSHALL B HERRON J STOCKDALE

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ROGER WILSON

TODAY’S OFFICIALS

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15

1

DAVE KILCOYNE

ANDREW CONWAY

14

2

DARREN SWEETNAM

NIALL SCANNELL

MUNSTER

13

3

JOHN RYAN

JACO TAUTE

12

4

DONNACHA RYAN

RORY SCANNELL

11

5

BILLY HOLLAND

RONAN O'MAHONY

6

10

PETER O'MAHONY (C)

IAN KEATLEY

7

9

TOMMY O'DONNELL

DUNCAN WILLIAMS

REPLACEMENTS 16 17 18 19 V O'BRIEN B SCOTT S ARCHER D O'SHEA

20 21 22 23

R COPELAND A GRIESEL A WOOTTON D GOGGIN

8

JACK O'DONOGHUE

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SAMMY ARNOLD

STEPHEN ARCHER

JOHN ANDRESS

Centre 08.04.96 180cm 94kg

Prop 29.01.88 188cm 119kg

Prop 20.01.84 188cm 109kg

DUNCAN CASEY

TYLER BLEYENDAAL

CIAN BOHANE

Hooker 14.11.90

Centre 31.05.90 185cm 95kg

Centre 26.07.91 188cm 102kg

178cm 105kg

ANDREW CONWAY

ROBIN COPELAND

MARK CHISHOLM

Fullback 11.07.91 180cm 89kg

Back Row 23.10.87 193cm 112kg

Lock 18.09.81 198cm 113kg

KEITH EARLS

JAMES CRONIN

DAVE FOLEY

MUNSTER 2016/17

Back 02.10.87 178cm 90kg

Prop 23.11.90 180cm 113kg

Lock 16.05.88 198cm 112kg

DAVID JOHNSTON

IAN KEATLEY

BILLY HOLLAND

Flyhalf 28.02.94 180cm 91kg

Flyhalf 01.04.87 180cm 91kg

Back Row 03.08.85

191cm 108kg

DAVE KILCOYNE

JEAN KLEYN

JOHN MADIGAN

Prop 14.12.88 183cm 112kg

Lock 26.08.93 203cm 120kg

Lock 01.09.94 198cm 124kg

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PETER McCABE

SEAN McCARTHY

CONOR MURRAY

Lock 12.02.93 198cm 118kg

Scrumhalf 20.04.89 188cm 94kg

Prop 05.03.92 183cm 116kg

KEVIN O’BYRNE

DAVE O’CALLAGHAN

TOMMY O’DONNELL

Hooker 16.06.91 180cm 107kg

Back Row 21.05.87 185cm 107kg

Back Row 12.01.90 193cm 107kg

MUNSTER 2016/17

JACK O’DONOGHUE

TOMÁS O’LEARY

PETER O’MAHONY

Back Row 17.09.89

Back Row 08.02.94 188cm 97kg

Scrum Half 22.10.83 180cm 87kg

191cm 106kg

COLM O’SHEA

DARREN O’SHEA

RONAN O’MAHONY

Centre 19.01.91 180cm 92kg

Wing 28.05.89 180cm 88kg

Lock 12.12.92 206cm 120kg

DONNACHA RYAN

JOHN RYAN

FRANCIS SAILI

Lock 11.12.83 198cm 114kg

Prop 02.08.88 183cm 117kg

Centre 16.02.91 180cm 99kg

RORY SCANNELL

MIKE SHERRY

NIALL SCANNELL

Centre 22.12.93 175cm 96kg

Hooker 18.06.88 183cm 105kg

Hooker 08.04.92 185cm 109kg

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DARREN SWEETNAM

JACO TAUTE

CJ STANDER

Back Row 05.04.90 185cm 114kg

Fullback 05.05.93 185cm 88kg

Fullback 21.03.91 188cm 102kg

DUNCAN WILLIAMS

ALEX WOOTTON

SIMON ZEBO

Scrumhalf 17.04.86 175cm 80kg

Fullback 07.07.94 188cm 99kg

Fullback 16.03.90 188cm 94kg

MUNSTER 2016/17

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MUNSTER RUGBY: ALL EYES ON BELFAST

As part of Guinness PRO12's BIG WEEKEND of interprovincial action, Munster travel to Kingspan Stadium this evening… On the pitch it promises to be an exciting affair with Ulster's Charles Piutau claiming some of the most eye-catching performances of the season so far, while Munster have produced power up front and displayed class in the backs. The battle at 10 will make for interesting viewing. Paddy Jackson has scored 40 PRO12 points in the current campaign and his opposite number is also an expert from a kicking tee. Jackson slotted a last gasp drop-goal to secure victory for Ulster over Exeter while a man-of-the-match performance by another number 10, Tyler Bleyendaal, guided Munster to a 38-17 win over Glasgow in which he scored the opening try and landed five from five off the tee. Both sides boast a number of impressive PRO12 performers. In terms of the pack, CJ Stander has made the most carries of this season's Championship (82) while Billy Holland has made the most tackles (90). Out wide the fleet-footed Darren Sweetnam has made no less than 10 clean breaks. Nor is there any shortage of players to cause Munster serious headaches on the Ulster side. The experienced and assured head of scrum-half Ruan Pienaar will astutely assess options at breakdown while the Ulstermen's backline features the Championship's record try scorer in the form of Tommy Bowe. Bowe has scored more PRO12 tries than any other player with 64, while his team mate Andrew Trimble is in third on the all-time list with 44. Ulster's unbeaten start to the season finally came to an end in Round 6 where they met a resurgent Connacht side who, following a slow start, have returned to the form that netted them their first PRO12 title last season. Munster, despite their immense Champions Cup performance on Saturday, will still be keen to avenge their last PRO12 outing where basic errors in both defence and attack made it all too easy for Leinster to record a 25-14 win in round 6. Despite tripping up at the Aviva Stadium, the men in red have not lost back-to-back fixtures in the Championship since April with Ulster not losing successive PRO12 encounters since February. The size of Munster's task this weekend is evident in the host's home record of late - Ulster winning their last seven matches in Belfast in all tournaments. That said, Munster are unbeaten in their last four meetings with the Ulstermen and should Munster win or draw this weekend, they would go three games without defeat in Belfast for the first time since the Second World War. Either way, it's sure to be a hugely contested affair with no more than four points separating the sides in the last five encounters.

CLUB STATS Location Limerick, Ireland Founded 1879 Ground Thomond Park 25,600 Irish Independent Park 9,251 Capacity 20,570 Last Game Leinster Rugby (A) 25 - 14 (L) Saturday 8th Oct 2016, 14:05 Next Game Ospreys (H) Friday 4th Nov 2016, 19:35 Recent Form W W W L

OPPOSITION

CONTACT Thomond Park Stadium Limerick, Cork Tel +353 21 432 3563 TICKET OFFICE Tel +353 61421103

MERCHANDISE Tel +353 61318080

www.munsterrugby.ie

munster_rugby @Munsterrugby MunsterRugby

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WIEHAHN HERBST ROAD TO RECOVERY

It hasn’t been an easy few months for South African prop Wiehahn Herbst who returns to the starting line up tonight following back to back injuries…

WIEHAHN HERBST

“My first injury started in January last season when I injured my toe ligaments,” explains Herbst. “I was in a moonboot for three weeks and during that time I worked a lot with Kev (Geary) and Ciaran (Sloan). They put me through the ropes, rehabbing me hard and we tried to get back for the end of the season but unfortunately I just didn’t make it. "So, at the start of this season, everything was going well and I was ready to go, then in the second week when we were doing some wrestling training, I tore my adductor muscle, which set me back another 12 weeks. So the surgeon had to reattach that and when rehab started. They noticed something was up so I had to go through a Lloyd Release procedure. Last week was 13 weeks post op, and I can’t thank Kev and Chris (McNicholl) enough for all their help with running and physio respectively, they have really helped me over the past few months. “While I was out and watching from the side- lines I thought the boys had a great start to the season. They have been doing really well and everyone is playing for each other. There is a

great vibe around the squad. It was disappointing to see the losses against Connacht and Bordeaux but the reaction to Paddy’s (Jackson) drop goal last weekend just proved how much it means to everyone. The boys are playing with so much passion for each other, which is great to see. “It’s been up and down for me over the past few weeks, but I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now, it's great to be back with the team in training and back with the boys again. Last weekend, it was nice to get back out onto the pitch with the Ulster A side, to put any Ulster jersey over my head is a great feeling and a blessing to be back to full fitness. The lungs didn’t quite hold up as I would have expected but it was still good, the body felt good afterwards so I am looking forward to the next opportunity. “My fitness and game time was assessed last week, and it is great to be back training with the senior panel again. I have been waiting to get back out at Kingspan Stadium for a long time, so I was delighted to get the call up for a massive game against Munster!”

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ULSTER RUGBY VISITOR EXPERIENCE

TOUR OF KINGSPAN STADIUM AND THE NEVIN SPENCE CENTRE

Ever wonder what goes on in the stadium when there’s not a match on? Take a behind the scenes tour of Kingspan Stadium and see the players’ gym, match day changing

rooms and ice baths. Sit pitch side in the dugouts and find out some facts from our tour guides.

CREGAGHROAD

ENTRANCE

Visit The Nevin Spence Centre and learn about the history of rugby in Ulster starting in 1854. Explore our digital archive and find out more about schools and club rugby around the province. Meet some of our legends and pick your own DreamTeam.Think you could make Les Kiss’s squad? Try our kicking and tackling challenges!

CAR PARK

ENTRY

EXIT

MOUNTMERRIONAVE

NO

ENTRY

LADASDRIVE

RAVENHILLPARK

ONSLOWPARADE

CREGAGHROAD

The centre is open Monday to Friday with selected Saturdays and is fully accessible. Visits must be booked in advance. Individual, education and group rates available. Please see our website for details.

ULSTERRUGBY.COM/TOURS CALL 02890 493 222 OR EMAIL TOURS@ULSTERRUGBY.COM

Following tumultuous weeks on and particularly off the pitch during the opening rounds of the European campaigns it’s very much back to Guinness PRO12 business over the next 24 hours. RIVALS IN A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN

Ulster fans who, last Saturday, so tunefully and emotionally joined in the farewell salute to one of the game’s finest servants and genuine heroes, must harness the same passion on this very special Kingspan Stadium evening. The arrival of Munster at any point in the season is always something which gets the juices going; the men in red have for over a century offered a very unique Inter-Provincial challenge. Nowadays the matches with Ulster are played within the competitive structures of League and Cup, but they are always rumbustious and highly-charged. This evening the hosts will acknowledge the very best virtues of Munster Rugby: its fervour, its resilience, its implacable rejection of anything less than total commitment to the cause of team and community, and its relish to vanquish all opposition with complete mental and physical application and imagination. Anthony Foley, of Munchins, Shannon, Munster and Ireland represented all those qualities, and as Head Coach of his beloved Province he was not just respected, he was held in an affection few in any walk of life can expect. The tangible and audible evocation of this will be demonstrated in full measure at Kingspan, and hopefully his wife and sons will get some comfort from the swell of pride the game and people beyond it had in Axel, a true legend. His team did him immense credit last Saturday when, after deciding to go ahead with its Champions Cup tie with Glasgow Warriors, it thrilled a capacity Thomond Park crowd already fuelled by an overwhelming emotion of loss. Those players in the Munster family are part of Foley’s giant legacy, but he would want them to do what he wanted of them each and every day: their best. And so Ulster can expect a formidable opposition this evening, and as thoughts delicately turn to the matter in hand, a win in the PRO12, the supporters of both teams who’ll fill Kingspan to the rafters can expect a rousing if emotionally embroidered encounter between a team which has set the pace in the league since September and one which stumbled early on but is now very much in the title-chasing fray. Indeed, it’s a remarkable thought that by Saturday evening any one of the top six teams in the PRO12 could sit atop the pile so congested is the field. Ulster – if it wins - can, though, approach its final game before the Autumn International break in

Edinburgh next Friday assured of an entrenched Top Four spot. Munster will have very different thoughts and skipper Peter O’Mahony – who can never have imagined been thrust back into action this month after a long injury lay-off in such surreal and tragic circumstances - will want to once more summon up the will in his panel which saw Glasgow so spectacularly put to the sword in Limerick last week. A win for the visitors in Belfast could – if Cardiff and Glasgow were to falter at home to the Scarlets and Treviso respectively tonight – launch the men in red to pole position in the table. Coaches Les Kiss, Neil Doak, Allen Clarke, Joe Barakat – on the eve of his departure from Ulster to hopefully great things ‘down under’ – with Niall Malone, will have examined the visitors’ strengths and skillsets in minute detail, they will have factored in all the traditional Munster qualities and the extraordinary hinterland to this game. The Champions Cup win over Exeter in Belfast last Saturday was thrilling in its climax but players, management and fans know that a repeat staccato display will not forever deliver results and vital league points. Moments of brilliance and carnage from Charles Piutau stood out too brightly as rare beacons of invention, and the handling errors in difficult conditions were compounded – less forgivably – by the concession of penalties in the wrong areas of the pitch. Only Paddy Jackson’s super drop goal prevented Gareth Steenson and his impeccable boot leaving his former home with a victory for the Chiefs. Kiwi out-half Tyler Bleyendaal showed how punishing his place-kicking can be, and he also showed that as a playmaker he brings something to the current Munster team it had lacked in the early weeks of the season, a real attacking spark so reminiscent of the glory days. Munster, with CJ Stander, O’Mahony, Donnacha Ryan, Tommy O’Donnell, Dave Kilcoyne, James Cronin, Conor Murray and Simon Zebo – to name but a few shrewd, experienced and talented players – will exploit any such spendthrift offences in the ruck or maul, and Ulster will have watched a replay of the Exeter game through gritted teeth. It will be a match day panel determined to sweep away the negatives in the performances against Connacht and Bordeaux-Begles in defeat, and perhaps more significantly against the Chiefs in dramatic but unconvincing victory.

ROD NAWN

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ARTICLE BY ROD NAWN FREELANCE JOURNALIST AND SPORTS ENTHUSIAST @RODNAWN1

Whatever line-ups respective Directors of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus and Kiss, are able to field given injury, form and perhaps Ireland’s preparations for a busy November, they each will bring the traditional Ulster-Munster passions and their redoubtable talents to the stage. Both Erasmus and Kiss will dig deep into their resources this evening and for next week, Irish calls will mean that Ulster, for instance, will be glad that Rob Lyttle, Jacob Stockdale and Brett Herron have been in the white-hot heat of the PRO12 battles already and shown themselves comfortable at that level. Darren Cave is fast approaching a return to full fitness and the indomitable and sometimes undervalued centre is mentally prepared for an important couple of weeks when his side can confirm that elusive ability to win with flair and, if required, dig deep into the soul and physical preparation to eke out victories from unpromising situations. But, preferably, the players would love to get the decisions right, to show their natural instinct for attack, and the promise of Tommy Bowe being ready for a protracted run of games is one which will have supporters hoping to see the ball spread swiftly, deftly into space and with support. There will be key battles to be won on the Kingspan sward this evening, and each group of players is acutely aware of its responsibilities as professionals, to the fans who crave reward in the shape of silverware, and neither will lack for motivation. But though it is – in many ways – back to business as usual, tonight’s visitors come to Kingspan Stadium to be welcomed with sincere and bounteous warmth. The hosts will pay homage to an opponent who never took a backward step in red or green, but who just a few months ago was good-naturedly sharing his optimism for his team after it stemmed a long losing sequence with victory in Belfast. That evening early this year his players played with grit and gave their all, they mirrored the character of their Head Coach. Ulster will want – indeed need - another PRO12 win but the opposition will still be running on the unlikely energy of grief and loss. ‘Axel’ Foley would not have conjured up such sentiment to empower his side, but he’d want an Ulster-Munster game to represent all those things he relished: fervour, contact, total commitment and pride in the jersey. Both teams can pay him the best honour possible by playing with those virtues.

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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 Under 15 girls rugby teams from...

FAMILY END

CENTRA HALF TIME RUGBY

ENNISKILLEN RFC

CLUB COLOURS LARNE RFC

CLUB COLOURS Burgundy and navy

Red

TEAM

COACHES

TEAM

COACHES Teah Maguire Cathy Currie

Moyà Hill  Sophie Barrett Alanah Brennan  Caitlin Leonard Nikki Johnston Michelle Elliott  Ellen Brownlee  India Daley  Lauren Kilfedder  Nadine Hunter  Cassie Maguire  Chole Moore

Jimmy Moore  John Leonard  Leona Connelly 

Georgia McConnell  Aimee Higgins  Jana McQuillan Layla Holden  Sarah McLean Alisha McNeilly Toni Macartney  Cassey-Jo Hagan 

Faye Hagan Megan Ellis  Gina McAuley Toni-Jean Fleck

MEMORIAL END

CLOGHER VALLEY RFC

CLUB COLOURS ARMAGH RFC

CLUB COLOURS Navy and green

Black and red

TEAM

COACHES

TEAM

COACHES Neil Rafferty Harry Doyle

Karla Wiggins Jessie Hamilton Katie Browne Lucy Stewart Jodie Browne Abby Corry Lea Williamson Megan Roberts Emily Stewart Kacy Robinson Sarah Adams Jane Noble

Paul Stewart Stephen Hetherington Glenda Eagleson

Alyson Henry Jenna Corkey Georgia Roper Zoe Rafferty Eimear O'Connor Caitlyn Lynch Ellie Farley Sophie Ferris Sarah Devlin Maggie Callaghan

Emily Slevin Emily Valley

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BIG BALLOT Each year the URSC presents a Jack Kyle Bursary Award (currently worth £2500) to one of Ulster’s promising youngsters from the Hughes Insurance Ulster Rugby Academy - internationals Craig Gilroy, Iain Henderson & Stuart Olding are but 3 of the players who have benefited from our Bursary in the past. Last year it was scrum half Dave Shanahan. The Jack Kyle Bursary is largely funded by URSC’s annual “Big Ballot” - where fans buy ballot tickets in the hope of winning prizes donated by local sponsors. Among the Big Ballot prizes this year are: > Use of Heineken Box (up to 12 people) at Belfast Giants match of choice. Courtesy of Heineken > Overnight in Fitzwilliam Hotel with breakfast, transport to Ulster v Bordeaux and pair of grandstand tickets for the match. Courtesy of Bank of Ireland > Family Cinema package for 3 months Odyssey Cinemas Courtesy of Odyssey Cinemas > Darren Cave Ulster Rugby Kitbag Courtesy of Darren Cave > Darren Cave IRFU Kitbag Courtesy of Darren Cave > Signed Rory McIlroy golf cap > Signed Justin Rose golf cap > Superman T-Shirt signed by Carl Frampton > Andrew Trimble print. Courtesy of Hannah Fine Prints > Horatio Group Gift Voucher. Courtesy of Molly Brown’s Kitchen & Bar (Horatio Group) > Voucher for Ryan’s Bar & Restaurant > Jennie Hales c/o BodyGen 12 x 1 to 1 sessions and Nutrition and Diet Session > Stevie Love c/o LoveImagesNI Last Stand @ Ravenhill > £30 voucher for Silhouette Boutique > £50 voucher for The Bureau By The Lough or Poco Blu > 4-Ball round of golf at Galgorm Castle Golf Club

URSC MEMBERSHIP 2016/17

100 URSC members had a Meet the Players evening to remember on Monday night as they questioned Marcell Coetzee, Paul Marshall, Darren Cave, Kyle McCall and Louis Ludik. The European campaign so far; the Autumn Internationals; referees; injuries and hardest opponents all featured in the latest discussion. Shirts were signed and selfies taken. Many thanks to the players for their time! MEET THE PLAYERS Thanks too to all Ulster and Exeter fans who paid their respects to Anthony Foley before and during last week’s match – the rugby family is as one in grief at the life of one of its own cut so cruelly short. RIP Axel 1000 HAVE JOINED URSC THIS SEASON... DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND! URSC Membership for the 2016/17 season is NOW OPEN through the URSC shop via PayPal. To renew or join for the first time and thus maximise your benefits for the season, go to membership.ursc.co  Please note , we have rebuilt the membership form and are using a completely new IT system, which we urge members to register as ‘new records’ rather than renewing. Your previous data captured with us has not been shared. If you have any problems or questions, please contact membership@ursc.co.uk It was great to see so many Exeter Chiefs fans over for last week’s match – particularly Richard Cresswell, Chairman of the Exeter Chiefs supporters club and the many members of his tribe! Respect too for the Exeter cyclists who rode from Sandy Park to Kingspan with Exeter Chief Executive Tony Rowe at the wheel of the support bus – well done – brilliant effort. A big thank you to the Ulster peloton that accompanied our visitors for the final miles to Kingspan Stadium and to Malone Rugby Club who hosted the Chiefs fans before and after the match.

SUPPORTERS CLUB NEWS

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DON’T FORGET TO SEND US YOUR SELFIES FOR 25 POINTS

WELCOME TO OUR Club

COMPLETE CROSSWORD & WIN 50 POINTS

HOW TO GET INVOLVED? All Juniors are automatically enrolled into OUR Club, so all you have to do is watch out for the various competitions which will be running on a match night and start winning points. For each activity you participate in, such as emailing a match night selfie or completing a word search you will be awarded points which are collated throughout the season. The top points scorers will be rewarded with exclusive Ulster Rugby prizes. For more information please email ourclub@ulsterrugby.com. R E L A N D P V E N C T D D E Z S R W C D C K Q B T F D N I I B E S C R V W S T A D I U M E T T Q H S E N O C R U S O W T R S K C M E F C O I Y N Y P H S N R M C K H G I M Z H J X I A U A P M B W F B E R I T L T M M R E F T T S B R E H N H A H E I W S L Z O M Q B S U F T U M P E S W Z V K Y F A U T B B L W F U R I A I N H E N D E R S O N G I Z V G P E T E R O M A H O N Y B C P D C B P C V T S P S L R L I M E R I C K Q C T E Z N Z G T J P H Y E I

Whats On PERSONALISE A PIZZA COMPETITION You should have already

received your design a pizza entry form via email. However, they can also be collected from OUR Quarter before the next match. All completed entries will receive 100 OUR can be used at Bella’s Pizza located in the food village at the Zebre or Clermont game. The winning pizza will also be made and presented to the winner at the Zebre game. Closing date for entries is Friday 11th November at 5pm. Club points and a money off pizza voucher, which

SEAN REIDY STADIUM IAIN HENDERSON SUFTUM

SIMON ZEBO TRY IRELAND SCRUM

WIEHAHN HERBST MUNSTER PETER OMAHONY LIMERICK

HELP US GET TO KNOW YOU!

We would love to know more about our members and their skills, achievements and anything else they are proud of. If you have any exciting news that you would like to share with us then please email it through to ourclub@ulsterrugby.com. Your news may even make it onto the OUR Club Wall of Fame or into the next edition of the OUR Club Newsletter.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.ULSTERRUGBY.COM/FANS/OURCLUB