UR Match Day Programme v Ospreys

ULSTER
Offical Match Day Programme
v OSPREYS
Sat 8 Oct 2022, 7.35pm
Kingspan Stadium

In this Issue
7
Our Official
Mascots
10 Supporting
Horatio’s Garden
14
Player Q&A:
Ben Moxham
16
2022/23 Men’s
Senior Squad
Welcome back to Kingspan Stadium,
the home of Ulster Rugby, where tonight the
Ulster men will host Ospreys in Round 4 of
the BKT United Rugby Championship.
Both Ulster and Ospreys have enjoyed mixed fortunes in the opening three
rounds with a mixture of scintillating rugby, impressive wins and narrow losses.
With every point proving crucial in the URC, both teams will be keen to improve
their standing with a victory tonight. The supporters at
Kingspan Stadium will no doubt be in for a treat with a host of
household name internationals in action.
Earlier this week the Danske Bank Ulster’s Schools competitions were
launched at Kingspan Stadium. These competitions are among the most
eagerly anticipated in the domestic rugby calendar, with this year’s crop once
again trying to make their way through to the showpiece finals on the hallowed
turf of Kingspan Stadium. Best of luck to all involved in their
respective competitions.
To the Ulster players and management, we wish you the best of luck tonight
and for the upcoming block of away games, which includes a trip to South
Africa. To Ulster’s committed supporters, enjoy the game and let’s make it
another night to remember at Kingspan Stadium.
22
Last Time
Out
26 Team
Announcements
30 Ospreys
Ones to Watch
33 Half-Time
Exhibition Game
36
46
50
52
Ulster’s Centres
of Attention
Referees’ Society
Update
Ulster Rugby
Academy
Danske Bank Schools’
Cup Launch
10
22
30
52
3

President’s
Welcome
URC URCOFFICIAL URCOFFICIAL URC
We’re back at Kingspan Stadium tonight
for Round 4 of the BKT United Rugby
Championship. With both teams keen
to secure a victory, and keep building
momentum in the league, it’s set to be an
exciting Saturday night in Belfast.
After their first loss of the season in
challenging conditions, Dan McFarland’s
men will be looking to get back to winning
ways. With a high-energy Welsh clash
against Scarlets already under our belt this
season, we can expect a similar battle tonight
with their neighbours, Ospreys, who will be
wanting to back-up their first 2022/23 win
last weekend over Glasgow Warriors.
The last time the Ospreys came to town, we
were playing behind closed doors, so the roar
of the home crowd is something the team
will not be taking for granted. Let’s hope the
weather is kinder to us this weekend!
On a domestic front, this week saw the
official launch of our Danske Bank Schools’
Rugby competitions for 2022/23. An event
was held at Kingspan Stadium, which saw
the holders of five of our schools’ trophies in
attendance. This included the Boys Schools’
Cup holders Methodist College, the Girls
Schools’ Cup champions Erne Integrated
College, Medallion Shield holders Campbell
College, inaugural Schools’ U16 Cup winners
Ballymena Academy, and the U16 High
Schools Cup holders Bangor Academy.
Also in attendance was Richard Caldwell,
representing Danske Bank. This season
marks our 18th in collaboration with Danske
Bank in what’s been a long and successful
partnership. Together, we look forward to
another wonderful season of schools’ rugby
at all levels, with a wide range of trophies
on the line for both male and female players
across the province.
I am also pleased with a positive first round
of AIL games for our Ulster clubs, with seven
wins from twelve fixtures last weekend. My
best wishes to all for Round 2 this Saturday.
Speaking of young talent, my congratulations
go out to the Ulster players involved in
the recent Emerging Ireland wins over the
Griquas and then the Pumas, especially Rob
Baloucoune, Stewart Moore, Dave McCann,
and Jake Flannery, who all crossed the
whitewash in the back-to-back victories.
With a trip to South Africa for Ulster on the
agenda for next week, it’s encouraging to
see all of our players involved in this tour
performing well in the Ireland set-up.
Good luck to Dan McFarland, the players,
and support staff for this evening. It’s set
to be an exciting clash, and I am confident
that the hard work and preparation of this
week will pay dividends – and thank-you to
everyone continuing to support our club,
both here at Kingspan Stadium, at home,
and from around the world.
#SUFTUM
Philip Gregg
President, IRFU Ulster Branch
5

Mascots
Name: Max McShane
Age: 9
From: Lurgan
Favourite Player: Jacob Stockdale
I am looking forward to meeting the
players and walking out onto the
pitch at Kingspan Satdium in front of
all of the supporters.
When I grow up, I’d like to be
a Teacher.
Name: Flynn Jackson
Age: 12
From: Belfast
Favourite Player: Iain Henderson
Playing rugby at school sparked
my interest in the game and I have
since enjoyed following Ulster.
It will be an great fun and honour to
lead the team out against Ospreys.
7

9

Ulster Rugby to Support
Horatio’s Garden
in Season Ahead
Ulster Rugby has announced its support
for charity, Horatio’s Garden, across the
2022/23 season – with the aim of raising
funds for a therapeutic garden for spinal
injury patients at Musgrave Park Hospital.
Patients with spinal injuries at Musgrave Park
Hospital in Belfast are set to benefit from a
new partnership between Ulster Rugby and
Horatio’s Garden, a charity that creates and
nurtures therapeutic gardens in NHS spinal
injury centres across the UK.
Last week marked the launch of the club’s
commitment to help raise the final £100k
needed to build and open the NI garden, with
the fundraising appeal across the province
set to be boosted by an anonymous donor’s
pledge to double all donations made by
Ulster Rugby staff, players, and supporters
throughout the season.
The Spinal Injuries Unit at
Musgrave Park Hospital
in Belfast supports over
1,200 patients from across
Northern Ireland affected
by spinal injury each
year. Once opened, the
garden will have multiple
restorative benefits for
patients and their families.
As part of the partnership, Ulster Rugby
are set to visit the unit, with a calendar of
engagement planned with the charity over
the coming months.
Dr Olivia Chapple, Founder and Chair of
Trustees of Horatio’s Garden set up in
memory of her son said:
“With Ulster Rugby having such a huge
presence across the province, and
being passionate supporters of the local
community too, we couldn’t think of better
partners to help our final efforts to build,
and open Horatio’s Garden Northern Ireland
in 2023. My son, Horatio, who loved sports
would be hugely grateful to the players, staff,
and fans of Ulster Rugby for their support
this season.”
CLICK HERE
Jonny Petrie, Ulster Rugby CEO, said:
“In the year ahead, we look forward to playing
our part in supporting Horatio’s Garden to
create its next garden, which will benefit
the many patients who receive treatment
at Musgrave Park Hospital following a lifechanging
spinal injury.
“From speaking to the team, and hearing
about the impact that previous projects
have already had, it’s an opportunity for
our staff, players, and supporters to make a
real difference to those affected across the
province.”
Dr Suzanne Maguire, a Consultant in Rehabilitation
at the Spinal Cord Injuries Unit said:
“It is my hope having a Horatio’s Garden at
the spinal unit in Musgrave Park Hospital
will transform the lives
of patients during their
time in rehabilitation. The
presence of a garden will
allow people to escape
the clinical environment
and experience the
happiness and freedom
brought about by the
outside world. I am
delighted Ulster Rugby is
supporting the building of such an important
place for spinal patients admitted here from
across NI. The benefits go beyond words.”
Horatio’s Garden Northern Ireland, designed
by nine-time RHS Chelsea gold medallist
Andy Sturgeon will give patients, their loved
ones, and NHS staff a social and recreational
place to spend time together.
It will also offer people the chance to enjoy
horticultural therapy, along with a variety of
creative workshops, live music, and seasonal
events. It will be a home away from home
for patients and their families, helping them
to adjust to living with life-changing injuries
throughout their months in hospital.
To donate to the Horatio’s Garden’s Northern Ireland appeal,
and show your support for everyone affected by spinal injury
11

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Player
Q&A
Favourite moment of career
so far?
My first cap, against Connacht
Any habits or rituals before a
game?
I would always go on the
same walk in the morning, and
definitely music before the
game.
Least favourite drill at training?
Breakdown drills
Best player you have played
with?
Duane Vermeulen
Favourite stadium to visit?
Principality Stadium
Most used emoji?
Favourite TV show/
Film
Peaky blinders
If you had to stuck
on an island with a
teammate, who would
you pick and why?
Nathan Doak, I’d say
we’d have great craic.
Zero survival
skills between us
however…
Apart from rugby, what other
sports do you like?
Football
One thing you can’t live
without?
My phone
Most used app on your phone?
Instagram
Ben Moxham
ulster.rugby 15

Utility Back
20/08/1992
185cm
93kg
26
5
Will
Addison
Hooker
26/05/1993
180cm
103kg
97
John
Andrew
Wing
19/08/1997
193cm
93kg
47
2
Rob
Baloucoune
Lock
27/07/1995
205cm
120kg
Frank
Bradshaw-Ryan
Fly Half
13/06/1994
183cm
87kg
77
7
Billy
Burns
Lock
10/09/1989
201cm
116kg
42
AUS 16
Sam
Carter
Scrum Half
01/05/1990
178cm
86kg
103
11
John
Cooney
Fly Half / Centre
26/03/1998
178cm
92kg
22
Angus
Curtis
Scrum Half
17/12/2001
185cm
85kg
25
Nathan
Doak
Fly Half
07/06/1999
183cm
91kg
Jake
Flannery
Wing
11/03/1991
183cm
90kg
207
10
Craig
Gilroy
Lock
21/02/1992
199cm
116kg
132
68
Iain
Henderson
C
Hooker
27/04/1990
185cm
105kg
218
26
Rob
Herring
Centre
07/09/1998
188cm
98kg
62
3
James
Hume
Lock
28/01/2000
201cm
117kg
8
Cormac
Izuchukwu
Back Row
13/01/1996
196cm
106kg
38
Greg
Jones
Full Back
20/08/1998
170cm
76kg
69
1
Mike
Lowry
Wing
28/01/1997
175cm
85kg
57
Rob
Lyttle
Fly Half
21/03/1989
179cm
89kg
32
30
Ian
Madigan
Centre
03/03/1991
180cm
95kg
150
11
Luke
Marshall
Back Row
13/06/2000
193cm
108kg
15
David
McCann
Centre
06/08/1992
193cm
111kg
161
6
Stuart
McCloskey
Scrum Half
24/06/1999
178cm
95kg
Michael
McDonald
Full Back/Wing
10/08/2000
188cm
89kg
37
Ethan
McIlroy
MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
17
ulster.rugby

Prop
15/12/1992
191cm
130kg
16
Gareth
Milasinovich
Hooker
15/09/1996
183cm
112kg
2
Declan
Moore
Prop
01/03/1991
178cm
123kg
78
10
Marty
Moore
Centre
08/08/1999
184cm
91kg
33
Stewart
Moore
Wing/Centre
09/09/1991
191cm
100kg
20
Ben
Moxham
Back Row
22/04/1991
188cm
106kg
56
30
Jordi
Murphy
Full Back
15/07/1999
181cm
90kg
Shea
O’Brien
Lock
10/09/1992
196cm
110kg
160
Alan
O’Connor
Prop
30/11/1995
185cm
117kg
89
1
Eric
O’Sullivan
Prop
23/09/1998
184cm
121kg
81
3
Tom
O’Toole
Centre
03/04/2002
193cm
93kg
Jude
Postlethwaite
Back Row
08/09/1997
188cm
109kg
28
Marcus
Rea
Back Row
21/09/1993
193cm
114kg
79
Matty
Rea
Back Row
04/11/1998
180cm
99kg
1
Sean
Reffell
Prop
06/01/1999
183cm
116kg
11
Callum
Reid
Wing
24/08/2000
188cm
92kg
6
Aaron
Sexton
Scrum Half
20/06/1993
175cm
78kg
83
Dave
Shanahan
Hooker
11/01/2001
183cm
103kg
6
Tom
Stewart
Wing/Full Back
03/04/1996
191cm
102kg
86
35
Jacob
Stockdale
Back Row
01/08/1995
188cm
113kg
107
2
Nick
Timoney
Prop
19/11/1990
192cm
128kg
1
NZ 1
Jeffery
Toomanga-Allen
Lock
06/11/1995
198cm
115kg
128
8
Kieran
Treadwell
Back Row
03/07/1986
193cm
118kg
17
SA 60
Duane
Vermeulen
Prop
12/03/1991
178cm
117kg
159
Andrew
Warwick
MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
19
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21

Last Time Out
A tense finish as Leinster hold-out to beat
Ulster, 20 points to 13, on a wet night at
Kingspan Stadium.
Luke Marshall, Ulster born and bred, led
the charge last weekend, together with his
young son, as he hit his 150th cap for the
province.
There was an expectant crowd at Kingspan
Stadium as the top two in the new season
BKT United Rugby Championship played it
out in some terrible conditions.
After two bonus point wins for the home
team, it was another Interpro derby
following the win over Connacht two
weeks ago at home.
A poor scrum, which Ulster chose to take,
having won the freekick meant Leinster
pushed Ulster down into their own 22. After
some Leinster pressure and some slick
passing, it led a try in the corner for their
number 6, Ryan Baird, in the 7th minute.
Ross Byrne produced a kick right between
the posts from a difficult touchline angle to
add the 2 points.
Fri 30 Sep
13 - 20
From a kickable penalty option to go for
the lineout seemed to be the right option
in the 15th minute as the Ulster forwards
showed a great show of strength and
persistence to try to get themselves over
the line however, we were held up over
the line
From the ensuing drop out by Leinster it
ended up being an Ulster penalty in front
of the posts which John Cooney gladly
took advantage of. 3-7 in the 18th minute
of the game.
A reversal of fortune for the Leinster
forwards as a lineout in the 20th minute of
the game led their number 2 Dan Sheehan
to get over the line. Byrne added the extras
making it 3-14.
In the 26th minute, the skies opened, but
the game continued.
With the weather saw a change in
strategy as more high balls began to
come into the game.
The weather may have been cold and
wet but the heat in the game was fiery as
Leinster won a scrum penalty leading to a
little bit of to and fro amongst the forwards,
breathing a bit of life into the Kingspan
faithful as they began to raise their voices
once more.
However, cheers of optimism turned to
groans of discontent as Leinster managed
to win another penalty which Ross Byrne
added to his perfect kicking record for the
evening making it 3-17 going in at half time.
Half Time: Ulster 3 – Leinster 17
A lot of defensive work for Ulster led to an
offside penalty to allow Leinster to get the
first points of the second half, making it
3-20 in the 46th minute
The high balls continued but this time it
was Ulster’s turn to see how Leinster would
respond. A scrum inside the Leinster 22
allowed Ulster the chance to get back in
this game. But with a key turnover from
Van der Flier, it led to a kick and chase
putting Ulster back into their own territory
Further pressure from the men in blue
couldn’t be turned into points followed a
wayward lineout throw 5 metres from the
Ulster white line.
It was time for the men in white to show
their resilience and character and that
they did. Following a period of pressure
lifting the crowd, it led to a yellow card for
Leinster’s number 15 Jimmy O’Brien to put
belief back into the home team once again.
They showed real heart and converted the
one-man advantage immediately with a
John Andrew try with Cooney added the
conversion. 10-20 at the start of the final
quarter of the game
Momentum had well and truly shifted as
the crowd were standing up for the Ulster
men after a well worked back move led to
winger Aaron Sexton sliding in the corner.
They were made to sit down after the TMO
ruled it out.
The chance of a comeback was still on
when John Cooney stepped up to kick a
penalty in the 72ndminute to make it 13-20.
The last flicker of hope was given with a
scrum to Ulster on the halfway line in the
dying seconds however it wasn’t to be as
the game finished with a 7-point victory to
Leinster after a strong finish by Ulster.
A chance to redeem this result comes next
Saturday with another home game, this
time against the Ospreys.
Full Time: Ulster 13 – Leinster 20
23

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RUGBY
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25

1
2
3
1
2
3
4
Eric O’Sullivan
5
John Andrew
C
Marty Moore
4
Gareth Thomas
5
Dwei Lake
Tom Botha
6
Alan O’Connor
8
7
Sam Carter
6
Rhys Davis
8
Huw Sutton
C
7
11
Rob Lyttle
Nick Timoney
Duane Vermeulen
John Cooney
Jordi Murphy
9
10
OFFICIALS
Referee: Ben Blain
AR 1: Paul Haycock
AR 2: Andrew Fogarty
TMO: Andrew McMenemy
11
Keelan Giles
Will Griffiths
Dan Lydiate
9
Reuben Morgan Williams
Jac Morgan
10
Replacements
16 Declan Moore
Ian Madigan
12
Replacements
16 Scott Baldwin
Stephen Myler
12
17 Andrew Warwick
18 Tom O’Toole
19 Frank Bradshaw-Ryan
20 Marcus Rea
Stuart McCloskey
13
17 Nicky Smith
18 Rhys Henry
19 Jack Regan
20 Morgan Morris
Michael Collins
13
21 David Shanahan
22 Billy Burns
23 Aaron Sexton
15
Luke Marshall
14
21 Rhys Webb
22 Jack Walsh
23 Joe Hawkins
15
Owen Watkins
14
Craig Gilroy
Luke Morgan
ulster.rugby
Mike Lowry
Max Nagy
27

A FRESH
TAKE ON
REFRESHMENT
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ZERO ALCOHOL.
29

Rhys Webb
Ones to Watch
09/12/1988 1.83 91 kg
Keelan Giles
The international Scrum-half has been a key player
for the Ospreys for well over a decade, also spending
time in Toulon for the 2018-20 seasons in between.
Last weekend Webb marshalled the back line well and
was very much a key play-maker in their 32-17 victory
over Glasgow Warriors.
29/01/1998 1.73 m 76 kg
Player of the Match, Giles scored two tries against
Glasgow Warriors in Swansea last weekend. One of
which was a chased kick from Webb into the 22 from his
own 10-metre line, where Giles outpaced seven Glasgow
players to snatched the ball and score at the posts. His
pace, paired with his ability to read the bounce of the
ball was a stand-out moment of the game.
Dan Lydiate
18/12/1987 1.93 m 115 kg
Tonight’s Captain has been with the Ospreys since 2014,
has made 68 international appearances and featured
several times for the British and Irish Lions during their
2013 tour of Australia.
The versatile Back-row is a powerful ball-carrier, but is
known for his relentless tackling, particularly the ‘choptackle’,
which halts any ball carrier.
NAME Position DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT
Anscombe Gareth Fly-half 10 May 91 1.83m 87kg
Aubrey Matthew Scrum-half 4 Jun 97 1.73m 81kg
Beard Adam Lock 7 Jan 96 2.03m 117kg
Botha Tom Prop 30 Aug 90 1.78m 110kg
Collins Michael Centre /Fullback 3 Jun 93 1.86m 99kg
Cross Sam No.8 26 Aug 92 1.9m 101kg
Cuthbert Alex Wing 5 Apr 90 1.99m 104Kg
Davies Bradley Lock 9 Jan 87 1.98m 122kg
Davies Cai Back-row 23 Nov 00 1.9m 114Kg
Davies Rhys Lock 9 Nov 98 1.97m 116Kg
Edwards Dan Fly-half 5 Jul 03 1.77m 75kg
Evans Cai Fly-half 23 Jun 99 1.85m 84Kg
Evans Dan Fullback 15 Nov 88 1.83m 93kg
Fackrell Ellis Prop 6 Nov 03 1.85M 111Kg
Florence Tom Centre 19 Mar 03 1.88m 95kg
Francis Tomas Prop 27 Apr 92 1.85m 120kg
Giles Keelan Wing 29 Jan 98 1.73m 77kg
Griffiths Will Lock 25 Dec 98 1.93m 105kg
Hawkins Joe Centre 11 Jun 02 1.83m 98Kg
Henry Rhys Prop 8 Sep 98 1.73m 114kg
Hickey Will Back Row 31 Oct 01 1.91m 108kg
Hopkins Iestyn Fullback 4 Apr 02 1.73m 88kg
Houston Harri Wing 27 Nov 03 1.75m 80kg
Jones Alun Wyn Lock 19 Sep 85 1.95m 118kg
Jones Lewis Lock 19 Jul 02 2m 102kg
Knott Osian Centre 7 Jan 00 1.89m 102kg
Lake Dewi Back-row 16 May 99 1.85m 110kg
Lloyd Lewis Hooker 5 Sep 96 1.85m 110kg
Lydiate Dan Back-row 18 Dec 87 1.93m 115kg
Morgan Harri Scrum-Half 16 Mar 00 1.78m 84kg
Morgan Jac Back-row 27 Jan 00 1.80m 102kg
Morgan Luke Wing 16 May 92 1.75m 81kg
Morgan-Williams Reuben Scrum-Half 3 Feb 98 1.78m 84kg
Morris Morgan Back-row 28 Aug 98 1.83m 102kg
Morse Morgan Back-row 18 Jan 05 1.80m 102kg
Myler Stephen Fly-half 21 Jul 84 1.80m 95Kg
Nagy Max Wing 13 Jun 99 1.93m 95Kg
Nash Harvey Scrum-Half 1.78m 79kg
North George Wing 13 Apr 92 1.93m 109kg
Parry Sam Hooker 17 Dec 91 1.85m 114kg
Phillips Garyn Prop 14 May 01 1.84m 184Kg
Protheroe Mathew Wing /Fullback 10 Oct 96 1.8m 78kg
Regan Jack Lock 9 May 97 1.99m 114Kg
Roots Ethan Back-row 10 Nov 97 1.88m 110kg
Smith Nicky Prop 7 Apr 94 1.83m 116kg
Taione Elvis Hooker 25 May 83 1.8m 112Kg
Thomas Gareth Prop 2 Aug 93 1.88m 116kg
Thomas-Wheeler Tiaan Fullback 19 Nov 99 1.9m 100kg
Tipuric Justin Back-row 6 Aug 89 1.88m 102kg
Warren Ben Prop 2 Apr 00 1.85M 118Kg
Walsh Jack Fly-half 11 Jan 00 1.75m 98Kg
Watkin Owen Centre 12 Oct 96 1.88m 100kg
Webb Rhys Scrum-Half 9 Dec 88 1.83M 91Kg
Williams Keiran Centre 12 Apr 97 1.78m 96kg
ulster.rugby
31

Half-Time | Exhibition Games
Newforge Taggers
1 Christopher Campbell 5 Adam Smyth
9 Ryan Craig
2 David Wharry
6 Jack McKeown
10 Jordan Kerr
3 Andrew Bates
7 Barbara Norris
11 Ross Stewart
4 Ryan Myles
8 Andrew Hornsby 12 Jasmine Barrett
Coaches: Tim Craig, Jackie Wharry, Lauren McAteer
Ballyclare Hares
Memorial End
1 Fintan McErlean
2 Daniel Osler
3 Leon Hawthorne
4 Christopher Hawthorne
5 Paul Field
6 James Dorman
7 Matthew Davidson
8 Sarah Gilmore
9 Alfie Moore
10 Daniel Purse
11 Owen Pickett
12 Kaden James
Coaches: Gary Dorman, Kris James, Emma Gault
33

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35

Guest article:
Rod Nawn
which to select. I just hope I can be part of
that!”
McCloskey will surely be one of the first
names on the team sheet for this weekend’s
important fixture against the Ospreys, and
it’s an opposition he feels will pose more
threats than in recent seasons.
“In previous years the Wales internationals
were very often left out when we took them
on, and in that big win last Saturday over
Glasgow the top guys were there. George
North, Rhys Webb, Gareth Anscombe
started. Up front, where their set-piece is so
good - Tomas Francis, Scott Baldwin, Adam
Beard, Alun Wyn Jones and Dan Lydiate
were all available.
“And Justin Tipuric may well play so we
will all have to be at our best on Saturday
evening,” he says.
for his country, and national coach Andy
Farrell called him into the tour squad which
so memorably won the series against New
Zealand in the summer.
Ulster’s Centres
of Attention
Stuart McCloskey, when pressed, accepts
he is probably playing the best rugby of
his career.
Today he hopes he can demonstrate
his excellent form of late against what
he regards as a strong Ospreys outfit.
Last week’s reverse at home to Leinster
disappointed the supporters but the hurt
was felt most in the dressing room by
players and coaches.
“As individuals and collectively we didn’t
get to grips with Leinster,” says McCloskey,
“and the weather meant we didn’t get to
show what we have been doing in attack.
Yes, the mood afterwards was quiet, but
every game teaches you lessons.
“We will take those on board and there’s
a strong belief in this group that we can
achieve one of my personal ambitions for
the season – winning the URC league title.
Each year under Dan McFarland we have
improved, and this is certainly the strongest
squad in my eight years with Ulster.
“There is competition in every position
now,” he says, “just look at the backline for
instance. To name a few, we have Jacob
Stockdale, Robert Baloucoune, James
Hume, Ethan McIlroy, Stewart Moore and
Will Addison, and the real bonus of Luke
Marshall returning from his injury problems.
“Aaron Sexton, Craig Gilroy and Rob Lyttle
are just some of the others who have real
quality, for me that’s a great pool from
He admits that, as one of the more
experienced players, he feels a real
responsibility to the team, and he’s a
physically imposing inside centre with an
often under-rated range of skills. There was
a time when he was too glibly described as
a ‘battering ram’ but though that used to
frustrate him, the stats show he’s a prolific
and inventive passer, while his powerful runs
and stunning off-loads get the Kingspan
Stadium crowd on its feet.
First capped by Ireland in 2016 against
England, he’s played a further five times
“I know where I stand with the coach, we
talk often, and I understand what he wants
from me. A lot was made of the game with
Leinster and Robbie Henshaw and I vying
for that inside centre role with Ireland, but
in a match, we had minimal contact with
each other, and he’s a great player.
“That I’m in the conversation for Ireland
with Robbie, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki
and so on is good. There was a time when I
might have felt frustrated about not getting
more opportunities but all I can do is play as
well as I can for Ulster, primarily.
“I want to win a title
with Ulster this year
and, obviously, I’d like
to make the World Cup
squad for France next
autumn,” he says.
McCloskey’s route to the Ulster senior squad
hasn’t followed the conventional route of
the professional era. At Bangor Grammar
he didn’t particularly catch the eye and he
played no age-grade representative rugby.
ulster.rugby
37

He smiles as he recalls that in one schools
game he and John Andrew were in direct
opposition – at scrumhalf!
“We laugh about it now that he’s one of our
top hookers, but when I was younger, I was
considered small, and I played a lot at scrum
or out-half.
“But I did want to play at the best level, and I got
the chance to join Dungannon where I remember
our backline included Paddy Jackson, Peter
Nelson and Chris Farrell - not bad!”
At a strapping six feet four inches Stuart has
grown in many ways and though other clubs
have come calling he has never come close
to leaving Ulster. “It’s my team, my club and
I know this sounds a cliché, but I just love
playing rugby and I want to do that with this
great group of players,” he says with real
conviction.
“And this is home, my own young family is
here, we’re building a new home, so I’m not
preparing to go anywhere.”
The genial McCloskey has worked with
several coaches at Ulster, all of whom he
says have genuinely helped him improve,
on and off the pitch. He credits Neil Doak,
when he was in charge, of having a huge
influence in his early days in the senior setup.
“And it’s great he’s back and involved
with the club again, he was great for me.”
Jared Payne, now working in France,
concentrated so intensely on defence, and
the recently departed Dwayne Peel gave him
new attacking insights, and he says that the
relationship with both became that of friends.
He’s delighted that new defence specialist
Jonny Bell has re-joined the coaching group,
returning to Ulster where he was a European
Cup winner, an Ireland international and, like
McCloskey, a centre of huge rugby intelligence.
It’s seven years since Bell left Ulster to take on a
new challenge with Gloucester, then struggling
in the English Premiership. He helped turn the
side into one of the most entertaining in the
country and a force in Europe.
He’s absolutely delighted to be back
‘home’ after further senior coaching roles
at Glasgow Warriors and at Worcester,
for whom he has a lasting affection and is
saddened by that club’s current crises.
“There are some exceptionally good people
and players at Worcester, the problems
there have had a devastating effect on
everyone on the staff. I’ve good friends
there and to see them out of a job, without
a club, is heart breaking.”
Bell announced himself to the Ulster public as
a player in the winning Schools’ Cup colours
of Coleraine Inst’ in 1992, his performance
at full-back – and a spectacular length-ofthe-pitch
try – helping to thrust him into the
Ireland side within two years.
“That’s a long time ago,” says Bell, the most
engaging and modest of men but always
demanding of himself as a player and of
those he now coaches. “I loved playing, of
course, but when I was retired in 2005 it
was good for me that I was lucky enough to
get a teaching job at Campbell College, to
be outside the Ulster playing environment
for a while.
“Inevitably, I suppose, I engaged in coaching
the school team and that certainly gave me
a lot of satisfaction.”
He returned to the Ulster environment fully
as Assistant Coach in 2011 and though it
was a challenging time for the club on the
pitch he earned himself a reputation for
his creative approach, particularly to the
defensive demands of the game.
Four years later the opportunity at
Gloucester came along and his attention to
detail, his famed organisational skills, and
“This is home,
my own young
family is here,
we’re building
a new home,
so I’m not
preparing to
go anywhere.”
ulster.rugby
39

the most engaging of personalities helped
transform the fortunes at Kingsholm. He
was appointed interim Head Coach there in
2017, an indication of just how he’d brought
his thoughtful, dedicated approach to a
sport he so clearly loves.
In 2020 he and his wife Emma, settled and
happy in Cheltenham, decided to accept the
offer of Attack Coach at Glasgow Warriors,
demonstrating just what a versatile and
regarded coach he was at the highest level
of the game.
“It was a big change for Emma and our
young family, moving from the edge of
the English Cotswolds to a townhouse in
Glasgow but the Covid pandemic came
along and life for everyone was challenging.
“The move really didn’t work out for us as
a family and in 2021 Worcester Warriors
offered me the Defence Coach role at
Sixways. The club was not in a great place
but there was potential, and there was the
bonus that Emma and the children could
return to live in Cheltenham.”
The Bells were to be on the move yet
again very soon! “When Jared announced
early this year he was leaving Ulster for
Montpellier I had a long discussion with
Emma. If I was going to throw my hat in the
ring for the Defence job at Ulster it could
mean three moves in as many years.”
Ironically he had only very recently sold
the original family home in Belfast, but
within weeks he was offered the Ulster job
to his delight.
“We were so pleased on various levels.
I felt I might be able to offer something
to the club I regarded as mine, and from
the family’s point of view they were back
close to relatives and friends and we were
fortunate to find good schools and a lovely
new home.”
He was warmly received back in the Ulster
coaching box, and he has been struck, very
genuinely, by the humility and work ethic of
all the staff in Belfast.
“Everyone is driven, which is great for any
coach, and Dan McFarland has done such a
fantastic job in the last few years, in many
respects. To work with him, to see his clarity
in getting his message across is a privilege.
“As a coaching group we are all encouraged
to contribute new ideas, and as a collective I
honestly believe this is an excellent group of
really good and talented people,” says Bell.
“Assistant Coach Dan Soper is loved by the
players, and his record of developing players
is well-known, while Roddy Grant with the
forwards, and Craig Newby, the Skills Coach,
has such experience as an outstanding
player in New Zealand, Japan and at the top
level in England.”
There is a group of players that Bell first
coached in his first stint at Ulster who are still
key to the side. “For instance, Rob Herring,
a very young Michael Lowry, Ethan McIlroy
and James Hume were clearly driving their
own and others’ high standards,” he recalls
with obvious pleasure.
The return from injury of Luke Marshall has
particularly delighted the new Defence
Coach. “Luke has been through the mill with
injuries and it’s great to see him back in that
midfield, as combative and as enterprising
as ever.
“I honestly believe that his best years may be
ahead of him and given the players around
him that can only be a good thing for the
club. He’s always sacrificed himself for the
team, and that character still shines through.”
Bell has nothing but praise too for McCloskey
and the pair seem to be on the same page
on the training pitch and on matchdays.
“Stuart is a leader. He doesn’t need to talk
a lot in the changing room or on the pitch,
but he’s a really top player with a good
personality, a role model for any younger
players. He too has so much more to give to
Ulster and Ireland.”
To meet Jonny Bell is a real life-enhancing
experience: he’s thoroughly professional
in his work but his instinctive ability to see
opportunity for others, to raise spirits is
contagious.
Welcome home, Jonny!
ulster.rugby
41

HELP TO SUPPORT
HORATIO’S GARDEN NORTHERN IRELAND
Andy Sturgeon’s design for Horatio’s Garden
Horatio’s Garden Northern Ireland is
coming to The Spinal Cord Injuries Unit at
Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast.
As the official charity partner of
Ulster Rugby, we need your help to raise
the final £100,000 needed to bring
Horatio’s Garden Northern Ireland to life!
Every £1 you donate will be doubled by an
anonymous donor, so by giving generously,
you’ll be helping to change the lives of
thousands of people affected by spinal
injury from right across Northern Ireland.
TO DONATE TODAY, PLEASE SCAN THE
QR CODE BELOW OR TEXT ‘RUCK’ TO
70450 TO DONATE £5. THANK YOU.
Texts cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate
message and you’ll be opting in to hear more from us. If you
would like to donate but don’t wish to hear more from us, please
text RUCKNOINFO instead.
Horatio’s Garden is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registered Charity Number 1151475/SC045386.
ulster.rugby www.horatiosgarden.org.uk | Follow @horatiosgarden on
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ulster.rugby 45

The Ulster Society
of Rugby Football
Referees
We welcome Ben Blain (SRU) and his team
of officials to the Kingspan Stadium for this
evenings BKT URC match against Ospreys.
With the competitive rugby season
now underway, Ulster Rugby’s Referee
Development Manager, Richard Kerr, would
like to remind all club and school coaches
about the IRFU’s policy on refereeing matches.
Richard explains, “It is vitally important that
everyone involved in coaching or managing
teams at clubs and schools throughout the
province adhere to the IRFU’s policy.
“It states all rugby matches played under
the Laws of the Game (including U19
Variations) are refereed by Members of
the Branch Referee Association/Society. or
IRFU Affiliate Referees (appointed by their
club/school).”
To clarify, any match played at Under 13
level or above should be facilitated by a
qualified Affiliate Referee, or an officially
appointed USRFR referee.
Unfortunately, the Ulster Society of Rugby
Football Referees are not in a position to
appoint officials to every single match that
takes place each week.
This is where the Affiliate Referee
scheme allows teachers and coaches, and
indeed any interested person, to referee
these matches after completing a basic
refereeing qualification.
Please refer to the IRFU Affiliate Referee
policy for further details.
In the past, anyone interested in becoming
an Affiliate Referee had to attend an in
person workshop every four years. The
process has now changed, and Richard
is keen to remind people that the course
is now accessed online, via the IRFU’s
Gainline platform.
IRFU’s Gainline Platform
Whilst there is a small fee to complete the
course, the benefits of completing it online
are huge.
The course can be completed in a person’s
own time and at a time and place that suits
them. Another benefit of the online course
is that individuals, as well as their club
and/or school can keep an exact record of
whether they are qualified or not, via the
Gainline platform which every registered
individual will have access to.
There are two parts to the course:
Step One - Modules
Laws of the game
Concussion Awareness for General Public
Step Two – Complete the IRFU Affiliate
Referee course
Once completed and certification is achieved,
the qualification lasts for two full years.
Richard would specifically highlight the
importance of the Concussion module and
remind anyone completing the course,
and indeed the wider rugby public, that a
referee has the power to remove a player
under Law 3.24 ‘Recognise and Remove’.
Another exciting development with
the Affiliate Referee course is that the
minimum age requirement for completing
the course has been reduced to 16.
This will enable any club or school to appoint
suitably qualified and able individuals to
referee matches within their own club/
school at a level appropriate to them.
Richard comments: “This is an exciting
development within our refereeing
structures in Ireland. Whilst the onus will
very much be on each individual club
or school to manage all of their Affiliate
Referees carefully, particular attention
should be paid to the policy around 16-18
years olds.”
“Moving forward, this can only benefit the
overall quality and quantity of referees in
the province and I am hopeful that many
young referees will consider joining the
USRFR when they turn 18.”
To assist Affiliate Referees with some
practical skills and some further
information, the Ulster Rugby Development
Department plan to hold workshops.
The next course is in Omagh on Monday
24 October at 6pm. REGISTER HERE
If anyone is interested in refereeing,
or you wish to take your refereeing
a step further and join the USRFR,
please contact
Richard Kerr
Referee Development Manager
richard.kerr@irfu.ie
07493 868 388
ulster.rugby
47

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Academy
Ulster Rugby
Ben
Carson
Centre
24/02/2002
183cm
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Ruben
Crothers
Back Row
28/01/2002
189cm
98kg
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Second Row
16/03/2004
197cm
100kg
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Humphreys
Out-Half
14/11/2001
185cm
81kg
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McKee
Scrum-Half
20/03/2001
182cm
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Lorcan
McLaughlin
Back-Row
03/04/2002
189cm
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McNabney
Back Row
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ulster.rugby
51

Danske Bank Ulster Schools’
Rugby Competitions Launched
Last season’s Danske Bank U16 High Schools’
Cup was won by Bangor Academy, who beat
Castlederg 20 points to 5 in their Kingspan
showdown back in March. Representing
Bangor Academy in today’s event was captain
Jonah Topping, who served as vice-captain
during last year’s successful cup run. The
Ulster Schools’ Committee was represented
by Barney McGonigle, who welcomed those
in attendance which included Campbell
College Assistant Coach Sam McBurney,
Ballymena Academy Director of Rugby John
Nicholl, Erne Integrated College Coach Rory
Hill, and Bangor Academy Head of Rugby
Stephen Montgomery.
Ulster Schools’ Committee Chairman Richard
Clingan said:
“We’re delighted to officially launch this
season’s schools’ competitions and continue
our long affiliation with Danske Bank.
“Our first competitions of the season, the
U16 Schools’ Cup and Plate, are already
under way and have produced some superb
rugby so far, and we eagerly await the Cup
final on Wednesday 19 October.
“We also expect another exciting campaign
in the Danske Bank Boys Schools’ Cup, as
the competition returns to a group stage
format. All teams that have previously taken
part in the competition are involved this
year and Bangor Academy will take part for
the first time, meaning a total of 35 teams
will participate.”
Richard Caldwell, Managing Director, GB &
Corporate Strategy at Danske Bank, said:
“It’s a privilege to be back at Kingspan
Stadium for the launch of the 2022/23
season of Ulster Schools’ rugby.
“This marks the 18th year of our partnership
with Ulster Rugby, and forms a central
part of our support for local communities
throughout Northern Ireland. Each year,
we watch on with pride as the competition
grows in popularity – and, with an exciting
new format offering even more competitive
opportunities, we can’t wait for another
season of high-quality schools’ rugby.”
The launch of the 2022/23 Danske Bank
Ulster Schools’ Rugby competitions took
place at Kingspan Stadium on Tuesday 4
October.
In attendance were representatives from five
of last season’s trophy winners.
The defending champions of the Danske
Bank Boys Schools’ Cup, Methodist College,
were represented by 1st XV captain, Josh
Stevens, who started in last season’s final.
The Belfast school staged an impressive
comeback to overturn a 17-7 deficit against
Campbell College and win 20-17 in the
traditional St Patrick’s Day event at Kingspan
Stadium.
The Danske Bank Girls Schools’ Cup was
settled last season by a clash of local rivals
as Erne Integrated College beat Enniskillen
Royal Grammar School 9-8. Representing
Erne IC at today’s launch event was captain
Hope Milligan, who played in their cup win.
Campbell College are the current holders of
the Danske Bank Medallion Shield, and were
represented by last season’s winning captain
Ethan Kennedy. They got their hands on the
silverware after beating Ballymena Academy
23-5 in March’s final which was played in
torrid conditions at Queen’s Sport.
Ballymena Academy had already secured
a trophy by that stage last season, as they
emerged as the winners of the inaugural
Danske Bank Schools’ U16 Cup after beating
Methodist College 29-17 in the showpiece at
Kingspan. The school was represented in the
launch event by their captain on that day of
the final last November, Stevie Bristow.
ulster.rugby
53

Wooden Spoon ulster
an evening with david campese
Thursday 17 November 2022 | 7pm for 7.30pm start
Venue: Europa Hotel, Great Victoria St, Belfast BT2 7AP
Includes:
• Three course meal
• Entertainment
• Raffle & Auction
AWAY DAYS
WITH ULSTER
Cost: £75 per person / £750 for a table of 10
Also available: complimentary drink, meet and greet with David Campese –
AY DAYS
price on application
Willie John McBride as well as current and past Ulster Rugby players will be
SHOP ONLINE
in attendance!
www.ulsterrugbyshop.com
2022/23 ALTERNATE KIT
Click and Collect Available
OUT NOW
For more information and to secure your place contact Peter Wood on:
KINGSPAN SHOP OPENING HOURS
Mob: 07799711914 or Email: peterwood444@btinternet.com
9am-5pm Tuesday to Friday
WWW.ULSTERRUGBYSHOP.COM
9am-4pm Saturday
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55

RAVENHILL PARK GARDENS
ABBEY AUTOLINE FAMILY STAND
Catering
SPIRIT OF ‘99
PROMENADE 1
EAST TERRACE
A&L GOODBODY LOUNGE / VIP BOXES
The Food Village will be in operation,
serving a variety of cuisines, while the
Cool FM Crew will provide the soundtrack
for the evening.
All five public bars will also be in operation,
with live entertainment in the Clubhouse Bar.
Kukri Store
The Kukri Store will be open from gates
open until 30 minutes after full-time.
THE 1924
PROMENADE 2
Audio
ONSLOW PARADE
TURNSTILES
FOOD
VILLAGE
TURNSTILES
Audio descriptive match commentary to
enhance the match experience for people
affected by sight or hearing loss will be
available.
Earpieces can be collected from the admin
building reception prior to the game, or
you can book your equipment by calling on
(028) 9049 3222.
Kingspan Stadium is now fully cashless,
with all bars and catering outlets
operating via card payments only.
Live music will be available pre & post-match in the Clubhouse Bar
ADMIN’
BUILDING
2022/23 FIXTURES
H Connacht Fri 17 Sep W 36-10 URC
A Scarlets Sat 24 Sep W 39-55 URC
H Leinster Fri 30 Sep L 13-20 URC
H Ospreys Sat 8 Oct 7.35pm URC
A Emirates Lions Sat 15 Oct 1.00pm URC
A Cell C Sharks Sat 22 Oct 5.15pm URC
A Munster Sat 29 Oct 5.15pm URC
H Zebre Parma Fri 25 Nov 7.35pm URC
A Leinster Sat 3 Dec 7.35pm URC
A Sale Sharks Sun 11 Dec 1.00pm HCC
H La Rochelle Sat 17 Dec 5.30pm HCC
A Connacht Fri 23 Dec 7.35pm URC
H Munster Sun 1 Jan 5.15pm URC
A Benetton Sat 7 Jan 1.00pm URC
A La Rochelle Sat 14 Jan 5.30pm HCC
H Sale Sharks Sat 21 Jan 8.00pm HCC
H DHL Stormers Fri 27 Jan 7.35pm URC
A Glasgow Warriors Fri 17 Feb 7.35pm URC
A Cardiff Sat 4 Mar 7.35pm URC
H Vodacom Bulls Sat 25 Mar 7.35pm URC
H Dragons Fri 14 Apr 7.35pm URC
H Edinburgh Fri 21 Apr 7.35pm URC
*UK/IRE Time
Respect
Policy
Incident hotline
07790
200 200
We are
passionate in
our support
We are silent
during kicks
at goal
We respect the
match officials’
decisions
We drink
responsibly
We do not tolerate
abusive or discriminatory
language
We respect opposition
players, management
& supporters
We are mindful
of our language
57

Thank You!
Ulster Rugby wish to thank all of our sponsors
and partners for their continued support.
Main Sponsor
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Official Partners
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