BKT-URC Ulster Rugby Match Day Programme v Edinburgh

ULSTER
Offical Match Day Programme
v Edinburgh
Fri 21 Apr 2023, 7.35pm
Kingspan Stadium

In this Issue
Welcome back to Kingspan Stadium, the home of Ulster Rugby,
where this evening, the Ulster men are facing Edinburgh Rugby
in the final regular season round of the United Rugby Championship.
Last week’s match against Dragons RFC was an exciting and hard-fought encounter and
we’re expecting no different from this hugely talented Edinburgh Rugby side tonight.
The Ulster men have performed exceptionally well in recent weeks, but they will have to
put on another stellar performance to come out on top in this contest.
In other exciting news, the Kingspan Try-Cycle Challenge is also back tonight.
This interactive computer game, located at the Fan Zone, enables participants
to go head-to-head to be in with a chance of winning some amazing prizes.
The aim of the game is simple – take on a friend and pedal stationary bikes to travel as
many metres as possible across a rugby pitch in 30 seconds. The winners will be those
who reach the top of the leaderboard and could win some amazing prizes including a
bike from Giant Bicycles or an away trip with the Ulster Rugby team including travel and
accommodation at the end of the season. Good luck to all those taking part.
Let’s cheer the Ulster men on to another victory this evening!
Enjoy the game!
7
10
16
17
22
26
Our Official
Mascots
Player Interview:
Kieran Treadwell
Spot The
Difference
2022/23 Men’s
Senior Squad
Last Time Out:
Dragons
Match Day
Teams
30 Edinburgh
Ones to Watch
33 Half-Time
Exhibition Games
36
40
44
49
52
57
Nevin Spence
Memorial Stand
Referees’ Society
Update
In Memoriam
Player Q&A:
Stuart McCloskey
Guest Article
Guess Who
10
22 36
44
57
3

President’s
Welcome
URC URCOFFICIAL URCOFFICIAL URC
Hello everyone and welcome to Kingspan
Stadium for our Round 18 BKT United
Rugby Championship fixture against
Edinburgh. It’s the final regular match of
the season before we face a quarter-final
in the play-off stage and how good would
it be to continue our winning momentum
going into it.
So much is on the line tonight, as a win would
see us secure second place in the table and
a potential semi-final at Kingspan Stadium
if we progressed through the quarter final.
We need the full voice of a packed stadium
to drive our boys on, against a tough
opponent, that we have had plenty of close
encounters within recent seasons.
Last week we saw off a spirited display
from Dragons RFC with the help of a hat
trick from Tom Stewart, to send us into
second position. Our interprovincial rivals
Munster gave us a helping hand by beating
DHL Stormers which means we have the
advantage heading into our match tonight.
I want to congratulate Tom on his
outstanding achievement in breaking the
BKT URC record for try-scoring after he
reached 16 tries this season. A wonderful
accomplishment from a young man with
such a bright future.
On the international scene, I want to wish
the Ireland women’s team all the best as
they take on England this weekend in the
TikTok Six Nations Championship. It’s been
great to see our Ulster women involved in
the campaign.
I want to wish those taking part in the Ulster
Carpets Youth Finals all the very best as
they get to compete at Kingspan Stadium
tomorrow. It’s always a memorable day for
youth rugby across the province and what
an experience it is for young players to play
on the same pitch as the senior level players.
Off the pitch everybody at Ulster Rugby
are thinking of the Spence family as we
approach what would have been Nevin’s
33rd birthday.
On Wednesday 26 April we will officially
unveil The Nevin Spence Memorial Stand
to ensure his legacy will be forever
remembered at Kingspan Stadium.
As always thank you to the Ulster faithful
for all your support during this season as we
reach a defining period. Let’s make tonight
an atmosphere to remember!
#SUFTUM
Philip Gregg
President, IRFU Ulster Branch
5

Mascots
Name: Conor Grimes
Age: 10
From: Collon
Favourite Player: John Cooney
I love rugby and playing scrum-half is
my favourite.
I can’t wait to meet all of the players
and run out onto the pitch with them.
When I grow up I want to be a farmer.
Name: George Rankin
Age: 11
From: Ballyclare
Favourite Player: John Cooney /
Rob Baloucoune
I get very excited when it’s match
day and I get to watch Ulster play.
Joining them to run onto the pitch
will be extra special.
7

9

Kieran Treadwell
Ahead of the final round in this
season’s regular BKT-URC fixtures, we
caught up with lock, Kieran Treadwell.
How are you feeling going into the game
against Edinburgh?
I feel good and confident but it’s going to be
dangerous. They will play a loose game and
we got a lifeline with Munster beating DHL
Stormers, so we are in a good position and
need to take it with both hands and finish
second. That’s where we want to be.
What is your experience with this
Edinburgh side?
They are a good side, they had a bad run of
form during the season but recently they
have strung together some good results
in Europe and beat the Ospreys well at the
weekend. We must stop their key men, focus
on our game and reach our best standards.
What did you take from the game against
Dragons?
There were a few places where we have
made massive learnings after a couple of
days in training. One of our defensive sets
we knew it wasn’t up to standard, we know
what our standards are and it wasn’t up to it.
In attack we weren’t ruthless, few dropped
balls, passes and against good teams you
won’t get opportunities and you need to
make it stick.
We could secure second, how are the
squad feeling about that challenge?
Its always in the back of your mind, you can
only play the games in front of you, we need
to get the five points and then we will put
ourselves in the right place for these playoff
games coming up. We want to be better
than last week.
When you review the
season how do you
reflect on it?
Sport is full of highs
and lows, the beauty
of rugby is having
a chance to rectify
things. We had a run
where we thought
we should have won
or didn’t perform
to the best of our
ability.
Season Stats
Games Played
10
Tries
1
When we focus on ourselves and what our
best rugby looks like- that is our mark. It’s
not about comparing ourselves to others,
we need to be as good as we can possibly
be.
Are the squad aiming for silverware?
Definitely, we have the team to do
it, the support staff and the time for
talking is done. It’s about performing
and being ruthless.
How much of a difference does the
home support make?
It’s massive. We have had a few away
games recently so it’s fantastic to
play at home and you feel it when
the crowd is buzzing.
You can really feel it when we are
in the trenches on the 5m line
or about to score, you can feel it
driving the team on.
Carries
67
Tackle Success
94%
Turnovers
3
11

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15

Spot the Difference
Can you spot the 5 differences?
MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
Dan
McFarland
Iain
Henderson
Head Coach
Joined Ulster
in 2018 and is
contracted to
remain with at
the province
until at
least 2025.
Captain
Lock
21/02/1992
199cm
116kg
139
72
Dan
Soper
Roddy
Grant
Jonny
Bell
Craig
Newby
Assistant Coach
Forwards Coach
Defence Coach
Skills Coach
LIVE STATS
Visit ulster.rugby
ulster.rugby
Answers on back page
17

Utility Back
20/08/1992
185cm
93kg
26
5
Will
Addison
Hooker
26/05/1993
180cm
103kg
109
John
Andrew
Wing
19/08/1997
193cm
93kg
52
4
Rob
Baloucoune
Lock
27/07/1995
205cm
120kg
1
Frank
Bradshaw-Ryan
Fly Half
13/06/1994
183cm
87kg
92
7
Billy
Burns
Lock
10/09/1989
201cm
116kg
56
AUS 16
Sam
Carter
Scrum Half
01/05/1990
178cm
86kg
118
11
John
Cooney
Fly Half / Centre
26/03/1998
178cm
92kg
24
Angus
Curtis
Scrum Half
17/12/2001
185cm
85kg
42
Nathan
Doak
Fly Half
07/06/1999
183cm
91kg
4
Jake
Flannery
Wing
11/03/1991
183cm
90kg
211
10
Craig
Gilroy
Hooker
27/04/1990
185cm
105kg
227
33
Rob
Herring
Centre
07/09/1998
188cm
98kg
75
3
James
Hume
Lock
28/01/2000
201cm
117kg
13
Cormac
Izuchukwu
Back Row
13/01/1996
196cm
106kg
42
Greg
Jones
Full Back
20/08/1998
170cm
76kg
84
1
Mike
Lowry
Wing
28/01/1997
175cm
85kg
64
Rob
Lyttle
Fly Half
21/03/1989
179cm
89kg
36
30
Ian
Madigan
Centre
03/03/1991
180cm
95kg
159
11
Luke
Marshall
Back Row
13/06/2000
193cm
108kg
26
David
McCann
Centre
06/08/1992
193cm
111kg
172
12
Stuart
McCloskey
Scrum Half
24/06/1999
178cm
95kg
1
Michael
McDonald
Full Back/Wing
10/08/2000
188cm
89kg
51
Ethan
McIlroy
Prop
15/12/1992
191cm
130kg
22
Gareth
Milasinovich
MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
19
ulster.rugby

MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
Hooker
15/09/1996
183cm
112kg
3
Declan
Moore
Prop
01/03/1991
178cm
123kg
86
10
Marty
Moore
Centre
08/08/1999
184cm
90kg
50
Stewart
Moore
Wing/Centre
09/09/1991
191cm
100kg
28
Ben
Moxham
Back Row
22/04/1991
188cm
106kg
63
30
Jordi
Murphy
Full Back
15/07/1999
181cm
90kg
Shea
O’Brien
Lock
10/09/1992
196cm
110kg
177
Alan
O’Connor
Prop
30/11/1995
185cm
117kg
103
1
Eric
O’Sullivan
Prop
23/09/1998
184cm
121kg
88
8
Tom
O’Toole
Centre
03/04/2002
193cm
93kg
2
Jude
Postlethwaite
Back Row
08/09/1997
188cm
109kg
38
Marcus
Rea
Back Row
21/09/1993
193cm
110kg
83
Matty
Rea
Back Row
04/11/1998
180cm
99kg
3
Sean
Reffell
Prop
06/01/1999
183cm
117kg
15
Callum
Reid
Wing
24/08/2000
188cm
94kg
8
Aaron
Sexton
Scrum Half
20/06/1993
175cm
78kg
86
Dave
Shanahan
Hooker
11/01/2001
183cm
103kg
22
Tom
Stewart
Wing/Full Back
03/04/1996
191cm
102kg
98
35
Jacob
Stockdale
Back Row
01/08/1995
188cm
113kg
123
3
Nick
Timoney
Prop
19/11/1990
192cm
128kg
12
NZ 1 SAM 3
Jeffery
Toomaga-Allen
Lock
06/11/1995
198cm
115kg
141
11
Kieran
Treadwell
Back Row
03/07/1986
193cm
118kg
33
SA 65
Duane
Vermeulen
Prop
12/03/1991
178cm
116kg
172
Andrew
Warwick
Prop
15/03/1994
183cm
113kg
11
SCO 22
Rory
Sutherland
21
ulster.rugby

Last Time Out
Ulster secured a six try bonus point win at
Kingspan Stadium to go second in the BKT
United Rugby Championship table.
Ulster continued their impressive BKT URC
form as they saw off a competitive Dragons
side at Kingspan Stadium. Ulster knew the
stakes were high heading into the match,
knowing a win would see them leapfrog the
DHL Stormers who played Munster the same
weekend. With the prospect of a top two
finish ensuring a home semi-final in the playoffs
should they progress, Dan McFarland
named a strong side to take on the 15th
placed Welsh side.
In a cagey opening affair, Ulster received an
early injury blow with Grand Slam winning
prop Tom O’Toole having to come off
injured. It was the home side who made
the first breakthrough of the match, with
academy product Dave McCann finishing
off a slick move on the left wing with Stuart
McCloskey to open the scoring. The Belfast
man now had a try to celebrate his new 2
year contract with the province.
John Cooney, who also signed fresh terms
Fri 14 Apr
40 - 19
last week, nailed his conversion to send the
Ulstermen into an early 7 point lead.
The Dragons breathed fire into their side very
quickly however, replying a couple of minutes
later through their number 10 Angus O’Brien
after a great run from Taine Basham. The fly
half then converted his own try to level the
scoring.
The returning Craig Gilroy thought he had
put the finish to a wonderful Ulster attacking
move on the 20 minute mark however the
Kingspan Stadium crowd were left to fume
over the TMO check on a Duane Vermeulen
tackle in the build up which meant the try was
chalked off.
Ulster didn’t let that setback get in their way
as they scored their second try of the match
through the on fire hooker Tom Stewart.
The try came through Ulster’s dangerous
lineout maul, which is proving to be an almost
unstoppable force for most sides. John
Cooney was unable to convert the tricky kick.
Ulster tasted blood and looked to hit the
Welshmen again with lineout pressure. The
Dragons were down to 14 men after a yellow
card was shown to Elliot Dee for breaking
down a maul illegally.
Stewart soon after grabbed his second try
of the match from yet another lineout maul...
breaking the URC try scoring record in a
season as a result. Cooney added the extras
to send Ulster into a 12 point lead at the break.
Half-Time: 19-7
Ulster began the second half on the front
foot as they looked to extend their lead
further. Ulster received a blow when pacy
full back Mike Lowry had to come off after
a meaty collision.
Moments later Tom Stewart finished off a
wonderful attacking move involving Ethan
McIlroy and Jacob Stockdale to secure
his second hat trick in successive URC
matches. An incredible achievement for the
hooker who had now scored his 17th try of
the season. Cooney slotted it past the posts
to send Ulster into a 26-7 lead.
The spirited Dragons then hit back quickly
with two tries shortly after another, with
hooker Elliott Dee scoring from a Dragons
maul and Rhodri Williams showing great
pace to burst through Ulster’s line for his
first try of the match. The score at the hour
mark was now 26-19.
Ulster’s healthy lead had been cut down to 7
points in the space of 4 minutes. Ulster Head
Coach Dan McFarland then rang the changes,
with Stewart Moore coming on to make his
50th appearance in an Ulster jersey.
In the 67th minute Ulster regained more of
their lead through Nick Timoney who had
came on from the bench. The reliable flanker
showing good pace to power over for
Ulster’s fifth try. Cooney converted to make
the score 33-19 to the home side.
Ulster fought through a potentially pivotal
moment as they thwarted a Dragons
attack near their own tryline by winning an
important penalty. From there, the home
side kicked on to pile on the pressure and
were rewarded for their efforts with a
penalty try close to the 80 minute mark.
The referee gave the penalty try and showed
a yellow card to Dragons winger Ashton
Hewitt for illegally blocking a pass to Nathan
Doak in the Dragons 22.
That brought an end to proceedings for Ulster,
who did what they had to do. A bonus point
win that will be remembered for more try
scoring brilliance from Tom Stewart but one
that also saw them leapfrog DHL Stormers
and put pressure on the South African side
ahead of their game against Munster.
Full-Time: 40-19
WATCH
HIGHLIGHTS
23

BALLYGOWAN – OFFICIAL HYDRATION
PARTNER OF ULSTER RUGBY
NOW
MADE FROM
1 %
RECYCLED
PLASTIC
*
1 %
IRISH
1 %
RECYCLABLE
25

1
2
3
1
2
3
4
Andrew Warwick
6
Alan O’Connor
8
5
Rob Herring
C
Kieran Treadwell
Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
7
OFFICIALS
Referee: Andrea Piardi
AR 1: Eoghan Cross
AR 2: Sam Holt
TMO: Matteo Liperini
Pierre Schoeman
6
4
Glen Young
C
8
5
Dave Cherry
Luan De Bruin
7
Sam Skinner
11
Jacob Stockdale
David McCann
Duane Vermeulen
John Cooney
Nick Timoney
9
10
11
Duhan van der Merwe
Jamie Ritchie
Viliame Mata
Henry Pyrgos
Hamish Watson
9
10
Replacements
16 Tom Stewart
Billy Burns
12
Replacements
16 Stuart McInally
Blair Kinghorn
12
17 Callum Reid
18 Gareth Milasinovich
19 Sam Carter
20 Harry Sheridan
Stewart Moore
13
17 Boan Venter
18 WP Nel
19 Pierce Phillips
20 Connor Boyle
Cammy Hutchison
13
21 Nathan Doak
22 Luke Marshall
23 Craig Gilroy
15
James Hume
14
21 Ben Vellacott
22 Mark Bennett
23 Nathan Sweeney
15
James Lang
14
Rob Baloucoune
Darcy Graham
ulster.rugby
Mike Lowry
Emiliano Boffelli
27

29

Viliame Mata No. 8
Ones to Watch
The Olympic Gold-winning Fiji 7s back-row joined
Edinburgh in September 2016 and has been a fanfavourite
ever since.
Now a centurian for the club, Mata continues to
deliver, with a very impressive 597 metres made
in this season’s URC and a couple of tries to his
name too.
ulster.rugby
Dave Cherry Hooker
Former Scotland U20 star, Cherry joined Edinburgh in
the summer of 2018 and proved his worth immediately
with a series of impressive performances.
Cherry ran a great support line last week to add
another try to his tally this season.
An impressive ball carrier off the back of a maul,
Cherry is well know for breaking off and making
ground, but with 95% tackle success this season, will it
be his defensive skills that Ulster need to be wary of?
Darcy Graham Wing
Last week’s BKT-URC Player of the Match, Graham,
scored a brace of tries in a fantastic returned from injury
comeback.
The 25-year-old, my be small in stature, but packs a
punch. Graham has scored 11 tries in this season’s BKT-
URC, despite only playing 8 games dues to injury.
Capped more than 30 times for Scotland, Graham will
be looking to make an impact, as the 2023 Rugby World
Cup approaches.
NAME POSITION AGE HEIGHT WEIGHT
Angus WILLIAMS Prop 29 1.80 m 117 kg
Boan VENTER Prop 26 1.87 m 124 kg
Elliot MILLAR-MILLS Prop 30 1.78 m 121 kg
Harrison COURTNEY Prop 26 1.84 m 110 kg
Jamie JACK Prop 26 1.78 m 115 kg
Lee-Roy ATALIFO Prop 35 1.80 m 134 kg
Luan DE BRUIN Prop 30 1.83 m 128 kg
Murray MCCALLUM Prop 27 1.88 m 118 kg
Nick AUTERAC Prop 30 1.83 m 120 kg
Pierre SCHOEMAN Prop 28 1.84 m 118 kg
Wp NEL Prop 36 1.82 m 120 kg
Adam MCBURNEY Hooker 26 1.83 m 103 kg
Dave CHERRY Hooker 32 1.83 m 107 kg
Stuart MCINALLY Hooker 32 1.90 m 110 kg
Glen YOUNG Lock 28 2.01 m 118 kg
Grant GILCHRIST Lock 32 2.02 m 120 kg
Jamie HODGSON Lock 25 1.97 m 116 kg
Marshall SYKES Lock 23 2.00 m 112 kg
Pierce PHILLIPS Lock 30 2.03 m 119 kg
Ben MUNCASTER Back row 21 1.90 m 110 kg
Connor BOYLE Back row 23 1.83 m 91 kg
Hamish WATSON Back row 31 1.85 m 102 kg
Jamie RITCHIE Back row 26 1.93 m 109 kg
Luke CROSBIE Back row 26 1.98 m 110 kg
Nick HAINING Back row 32 1.93 m 115 kg
Sam SKINNER Back row 28 1.96 m 116 kg
Viliame MATA Back row 31 1.96 m 116 kg
Ben VELLACOTT Scrum-half 28 1.67 m 78 kg
Charlie SHIEL Scrum-half 25 1.78 m 83 kg
Henry PYRGOS Scrum-half 33 1.78 m 83 kg
Charlie SAVALA Fly-half 23 1.93 m 96 kg
Jaco VAN DER WALT Fly-half 29 1.82 m 92 kg
James LANG Fly-half 28 1.83 m 95 kg
Cammy HUTCHISON Centre 24 1.83 m 99 kg
Chris DEAN Centre 29 1.88 m 103 kg
Mark BENNETT Centre 30 1.83 m 91 kg
Matt CURRIE Centre 22 1.91 m 95 kg
Wes GOOSEN Centre 27 1.80 m 92 kg
Damien HOYLAND Winger 29 1.78 m 91 kg
Darcy GRAHAM Winger 25 1.76 m 84 kg
Duhan VAN DER MERWE Winger 27 1.94 m 106 kg
Emiliano BOFFELLI Winger 28 1.91 m 91 kg
Jack BLAIN Winger 23 1.91 m 102 kg
Blair KINGHORN Fullback 26 1.94 m 100 kg
Henry IMMELMAN Fullback 27 1.89 m 98 kg
31

Half-Time Exhibition Games
Memorial Stand End
Instonians
Kit: Blue & White
Enniskillen
Kit: Maroon & Navy
£2
2 Finlay Acheson
3 Evan Stewart
8 Bobby Cinamond
9 Tyler Tsang
2 Ollie Magee
3 Jack Cuthbertson
8 Torin Noble Sholes
9 Sam Little
1 Joseph Fairbanks
7 Harry Grant
1 Zach Payne
7 William Armstrong
EACH
4 Tom Monaghan
5 Olatemi Amsoun
6 Robbie Bell
10 Finn Coulter
11 Oliver Jones
12 Brolyn Doherty
4 Jake Johnston
5 Tylan Whittaker
6 Finn Falls
10 William Mitten
11 Harrison Kee
12 Donnacha Breen
AbbeyAutoline Family Stand End
1.35L
1 Brody Adams
Larne
Kit: Red, White & Green
7 Matthew Drummond
1 Michael Keogh
Inishowen
Kit: Navy, Blue & White
7 Tori Cantwell
2 Joel Brennan
8 Matthew McMaster
2 Ronan Doherty
8 Eibhea McElany
17th-23rd
APR
3 Ellie Hobbs
4 Elsie O'Dornan
5 Kyle Haveron
6 Robbie Lyle
9 Matthew Morton
10 Jay Robinson
11 Curtis Hughes
12 Mark Magee
3 Dominic Rees Donaghy
4 Aaron Havlin
5 Jack Harkin
6 Reuben Craig
9 Daniel McDermott
10 Conor Gallagher
11 Davin Doherty
12 Alex Caldwell
Less Than 1/2 Price
Tropicana Orange Smooth / Original 1.35L Less Than 1/2 Price £4.59 £2.00 . Maximum 6 per transaction. All offers, unless
otherwise stated, are subject to availability, while stocks last at participating SPAR stores in Northern Ireland .
Prices and availability may fluctuate due to external factors beyond our control.
33

NOW AT THE FAN ZONE
Go head-to-head with a friend and take on the
Kingspan TRY-CYCLE Challenge interactive game!
The faster you pedal in 30 seconds, the further you’ll
travel across the rugby pitch and towards the top of
our leaderboard! You can take on the challenge at
every Ulster Rugby home game and the winners will
be those who top the leaderboard at the end of the
season, winning some amazing prizes!
WIN
A NEW BIKE
from Giant Bicycles
AN ULSTER AWAY TRIP
with travel and accommodation
35

Nevin Spence Memorial Stand Unveiled
To mark the 10-year anniversary since the
tragic passing of Nevin Spence, Ulster Rugby
confirmed its plans to dedicate the Memorial
Stand in his honour earlier this season – with
the official renaming now having taken place
ahead of what would have been Nevin’s 33rd
birthday on 26 April.
New branding, which features the former
player’s signature, for the Nevin Spence
Memorial Stand will be on display for the
first time for supporters attending this
weekend’s game.
Emma Spence, who sadly lost her father,
Noel, and brothers, Nevin and Graham, in an
accident on 15 September 2012, said of the
club’s tribute:
“When we lost Nevin, Ulster Rugby said he
would never be forgotten, and the club has
been very true to their word. From teammates
he played with, coaches, physios, and staff
to supporters from near and far, the warmhearted
and unconditional support has been
a real lifeline to our family.
“There are very few words that can express
the genuine gratitude we feel at Nevin being
given the honour of having the Nevin Spence
Memorial Stand named after him. Nevin lives
on when his name is spoken, and now through
the stand that will happen.
“The stadium was like a second home to Nevin
when he played for Ulster. Now his signature
is on the stand, and that is significant.
Handwriting is very personal, and a signature
is unique, and unique is a word that sums up
Nevin. There will never be another Nevin.”
Friend and teammate, Luke Marshall, hopes
the stand will be a lasting legacy for Nevin:
“The Nevin Spence Memorial Stand will keep
Nevin’s memory alive in the years to come.
Fans will come to Kingspan Stadium and know
who he was because of the stand, and will
share memories together of his playing days.”
Ulster Rugby CEO, Jonny Petrie, added that
Nevin had a significant impact on the game
during his career, which is important for the
club to recognise:
“We want to keep the memory alive of Nevin,
Noel and Graham at Ulster Rugby, as Nevin
left a big impression on both the domestic
and professional game in the province.
“It is important for us as a club to be able to
do something physical here in the stadium
for players, coaches, staff, and supporters, as
well as the Spence family. It is the right thing
that the stand will now be known as the Nevin
Spence Memorial Stand.”
The renaming of the stand is part of plans to
progress how Nevin is remembered by the
club at Kingspan Stadium.
“The Nevin Spence Centre has had thousands
of visitors since it first opened in 2015, and
now we want to elevate Nevin’s name through
the Nevin Spence Memorial Stand, and take
the next step in how we remember him,”
continued Petrie.
“We have exciting plans to refresh the
education and heritage offering at Kingspan
Stadium, with the newly dedicated stand at
the heart of these redevelopments.”
ulster.rugby
37

*Restrictions apply.
39

The Ulster Society of
Rugby Football Referees
We welcome Andrea Piardi (FIR) and his
team of officials to the Kingspan Stadium
for this evenings BKT URC Round 18
fixture against Edinburgh.
As always, Ulster Rugby would like to
remind all spectators to respect the
decisions of the match officials at all
times.
As the domestic rugby season comes
to an end, the Ulster Society of Rugby
Football Referees would like to encourage
anyone who may be thinking about
stepping away from playing, to consider
taking up refereeing.
There are so many ways to give back to the
game when you finish playing. Refereeing
is one of them and Ulster Rugby needs
more referees.
The following link features two individuals
who took up refereeing in the last year.
C
CLICK HERE
If you are interested in finding out more
about the excellent work of the USRFR or
indeed anything about refereeing, please
contact:
Richard Kerr
Referee Development Manager
richard.kerr@irfu.ie | 07493 868 388
Ulster Carpets
Youth Cup Finals
Sat 22 Apr | Kingspan Stadium
U14s
U16s
Ballynahinch v Virginia
12pm
Co. Cavan v Rainey OB
1.30pm
U18s
Coleraine v Banbridge
3pm
U.S.R.F.R
41

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43

In Memoriam
At this evening's game - the final home game of the regular season - we will
remember all those connected with Ulster Rugby who have passed away over the
course of the season.
Here is a list of names submitted by supporters. We remember all those named and
indeed all our loved ones who have passed away in the last year.
Marion Sadlier
Jack Chapman
Paul Bond
Ivan Coffey
Maura McArdle
Carl Monteith
Andrew Macpherson
Lisa McCullough
Cyril Woods
Eleanor Henry
Darren O’Neill
Chris Quigg
Alfie Redpath
Stephen Brown
James Robinson
Leslie Irwin
Stew McDowell
Ross Aiken
Albert Elliott
John Gowdy
Jim Curran
Paul Doran
Alexander Jenkins
Keith James
Denis Adair
Ian Rolston
Sam Stewart
Siobhan McCartney
Peter McKibbin
Peter Gardner
Rosemary McGrattan
Agnes Johnston
Thelma Andrews
Bill Penney
Sydney John
David Hugh Neill
Bill Lamont
Gary Kirkpatrick
Colin Prime
Johnson Everest
Pat Kelly
Jack Holt
John A Wall
Phil Richardson
Robert Hagan
Geoffrey Parr
Thomas Cherry
Liz Brown
David John Lynch
John McCart
Sam Alexander
Paul Teggart
Ivan Stockdale
Charles Stewart
Dr James Kincade
Bradley McCracken
Trevor Davis
William Kells
Beth Woods
Simon Langton
Everard Russell
Leona Harper
Frankie O’Donnell
Billy Lavery
Russell Coey
Richard Singleton
Herbert McCracken
Jim Carlisle
Bertie Styles
Ronnie Lamont
William Patterson
Vincent Kane
ulster.rugby
45

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Take on the Hillsborough Half, 10K or
5K in support of our charity partner,
Horatio’s Garden!
Stuart McCloskey
Q&A
Favourite try you’ve scored
for Ulster?
Ospreys at home. I think it was
back in 2016
Favourite 2022/23 Ulster kit
(White/Blue/Yellow)?
Blue kit
Favourite moment of your
career so far?
Beating Toulouse away
Any habits or rituals before
a game?
Too many superstitions to list
Least favourite drill at training?
Any fitness drills
Ready to pursue a
personal challenge
to help raise the
final £100,000
needed to open
Horatio’s Garden
Northern Ireland?
Where?
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
When?
Sunday 30th July 2023
What?
Half Marathon, 10K or 5K race
How?
Tap the links below to register
and find out more:
Half Marathon | 10K | 5K
Best player you have played
with?
Charles Piutau
Apart from rugby, what other
sports do you like?
Golf
One thing you can’t live
without?
Coffee
Most used app on your phone?
Chess.com
If you were stuck on a desert
island with a teammate, who
would you pick and why?
Treadz (Kieran Treadwell),
because he’s a good host
49

Academy
Ulster Rugby
Ben
Carson
Centre
24/02/2002
183cm
101kg
-
Reuben
Crothers
Back Row
28/01/2002
189cm
98kg
-
Joe
Hopes
Second Row
16/03/2004
197cm
100kg
-
James
Humphreys
Out-Half
14/11/2001
185cm
81kg
-
THE ULTIMATE
URC EXPERIENCE
JOIN FOR FREE
Personalised team
experience
Exclusive offers
& competitions
Premium opinion
articles & analysis
Match highlights &
exclusive video content
James
McCormick
Hooker
08/01/2002
181cm
110kg
-
Conor
McKee
Scrum-Half
20/03/2001
182cm
85kg
-
Lorcan
McLaughlin
Back-Row
03/04/2002
189cm
105kg
-
James
McNabney
Back Row
28/02/2003
193cm
113kg
George
Saunderson
01/11/2001
Prop
189cm
123kg
-
Harry
Sheridan
Second Row
21/09/2001
194cm
122kg
8
Rory
Telfer
Full-Back/Wing
29/08/2003
183cm
87kg
-
Scott
Wilson
Prop
06/08/2007
186cm
122kg
-
ulster.rugby 51

Written by:
Rod Nawn
Are the stars at last aligning?
Home advantage in the BKT URC quarterfinals
was already secured by Ulster
before some uplifting news from South
Africa last weekend.
The bonus incentive, of a semi-final at
Kingspan Stadium if all went well in the
‘quarters’, came in the defeat of reigning
champions the Stormers by a determined
Munster in Cape Town.
With just this week’s final round of games in
the regular season to navigate, the gateway
to two more big days in Belfast opened and
psychologically that will have done no harm
to the mood in Dan McFarland’s squad – nor
in the ticket sales department!
While for supporters there is the possibility
– and it is, of course, just that – of cheering
the side through two more matches in an
exacting campaign to a Final. Closer still to
the lure of silverware for the first time in
17 years.
Tonight, after Ulster takes on Edinburgh
here at home, and the Stormers meet
Benetton on the Cape, the hopes of all in
Belfast will be realised, or not! An Ulster win
and all is academic, the path is cleared. A
defeat, however unpalatable a thought, and
a Stormers victory would cede that coveted
runner-up spot to the current champions
who start this evening a point adrift of
McFarland’s charges.
But all the above is pure speculation,
scenarios which spark debate, fuel goodnatured
arguments: in short it is the daily
currency of sport. What would any match
be if it wasn’t embellished by anticipation,
expectation and sometimes rueful
apprehension?
But all that will be swept aside in Belfast this
evening and a partisan home crowd will be
urging its favourites to continue the recent
run of good results and significant trybonus
wins. Not all the performances have
been perfect, and McFarland knows that
there will be a need to be more consistent
in certain areas of the pitch as the decisive
play-offs beckon.
Not that there haven’t been moments
to relish: hooker Tom Stewart’s almost
unimaginable try-scoring haul in this
calendar year was special for him, naturally,
but a credit to the work of the forwards and
Ulster’s polished maul.
The defensive work of the team as a whole
has shown a marked improvement in recent
months as Jonny Bell’s influence has been
cemented, and a wonderfully exhausting
but disciplined period of defiance on its
own line against the Bulls last month will
live long in the memory – and delighted the
coaching box.
John Cooney and Nathan Doak have had an
intriguing contest for the scrum-half spot
without either letting their standards drop,
and each has contributed massively from
the kicking tee. That both have extended
their stays in Belfast might have surprised
some but is testament to their shared
belief that their ambitions for the team and
themselves can be realised at Ulster.
Jacob Stockdale and Robert Baloucoune
have returned to the white jersey in recent
weeks, and in positive style, while Craig
Gilroy’s inclusion last week for the defeat of
the Dragons demonstrated that he has lost
none of his impish, fleetfooted spirit as he
approaches the end of his time at Ulster.
Rob Lyttle, another winger who has made
a major contribution to the Ulster cause in
recent seasons, also leaves this summer and
he would be a great acquisition, should he
intend to ply his trade elsewhere.
Luke Marshall’s impressive comeback from
serious injuries has cheered everyone, his
vibrant, all-action style undiluted by his
many setbacks. With Stuart McCloskey now
very much an international with a World
Cup in view, James Hume and Stewart
Moore finding good form at the right time,
the midfield cupboard seems well-stocked
for this and many seasons to come.
Skipper Iain Henderson might just be
available for the latter stages of the playoffs,
and what a boost that would be, and in an
otherwise well-balanced forward pack
only last weekend’s injuries to props Eric
O’Sullivan and Tom O’Toole will be causing
some concern to McFarland.
ulster.rugby
53

So, a glance at those names demonstrates
that the Kingspan crowd could see a
more competitive match than form would
suggest, and there just might be room
in the visiting matchday panel for
hooker Adam McBurney, very recently of
this parish.
So, it’s the final game of the URC league
– but not the last for Ulster, with a place
in the playoffs secured. The mood inside
Kingspan Stadium can be justifiably
cheerful, another season where the
side proved itself more than merely
competitive but good to watch.
Under McFarland and his assistant Dan
Soper, forwards coach Roddy Grant, skills
guru Craig Newby and Bell, only one
tangible proof of the improvement and
innovation they have brought is missing:
silverware.
Will it be this season? Can Ulster negotiate
the quarter-finals safely, and then the
stiffer challenge still in the potential
semi? Supporters should and do believe
that this could be a special year for an
exceptional group of players and staff.
Leinster? McFarland would really love
another crack at the side he admires so
much and whose demise he has overseen
more than once.
That’s a story for another day.
It’s possible that the ebullient Jeffery
Toomaga-Allen could step into the front row
this evening and his displays to date have
been technically and physically impressive,
and his joyous demeanour in the heat of
battle has made him a crowd favourite at
Kingspan Stadium.
The staple talents of the admirable Rob
Herring, Andy Warwick, Kieran Treadwell,
Alan O’Connor, Nick Timoney and Duane
Vermeulen will want to play in every match
which remains of this roller-coaster season.
John Andrew, Sam Carter, David McCann
and several others with senior experience
have parts to play.
This evening’s visitors from Edinburgh
have had a tumultuous year, and the club is
refashioning its coaching ticket after Mike
Blair called time on his Head Coach tenure
last month. He may still stay in the set-up
when a permanent successor is appointed.
The respected Steve Diamond, so successful
at Sale, would appear to be in interim
charge, and in any case the side, hoping to
end the season on something like a high,
arrives in Belfast after thrashing the Ospreys
last weekend. It was a first URC win in nine
outings, and something like a true reflection
of the potential in the squad.
Duhan van der Merwe, Blair Kinghorn, Pierre
Schoeman, WP Nel, Stuart McInally in his
last game for the club, Hamish Watson,
Henry Pyrgos and others are proven
Scottish internationals, a contingent which
includes the national skipper Jamie Ritchie.
ulster.rugby
55

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Answer on back page
57

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KINGSPAN SHOP OPENING HOURS
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WWW.ULSTERRUGBYSHOP.COM
9am-4pm Saturday
59

RAVENHILL PARK GARDENS
3G Pitch
Catering
Gate A
ABBEY AUTOLINE FAMILY STAND
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 W 47-17 URC
A Emirates Lions Sat 15 Oct W 37-39 URC
A Munster Sat 29 Oct W 14-15 URC
H Zebre Parma Fri 25 Nov W 36-15 URC
A Leinster Sat 3 Dec L 38-29 URC
A Sale Sharks Sun 11 Dec L 39-0 HCC
H La Rochelle Sat 17 Dec L 29-36 HCC
A Connacht Fri 23 Dec W 20-22 URC
H Munster Sun 1 Jan L 14-15 URC
A Benetton Sat 7 Jan L 20-22 URC
A La Rochelle Sat 14 Jan L 7-3 HCC
H Sale Sharks Sat 21 Jan W 22-11 HCC
H DHL Stormers Fri 27 Jan W 35-5 URC
A Glasgow Warriors Fri 17 Feb L 17-11 URC
A Cell C Sharks Sat 25 Feb W 24-31 URC
A Cardiff Sat 4 Mar W 20-42 URC
H Vodacom Bulls Sat 25 Mar W 32-23 URC
A Leinster Sat 1 Apr L 30-15 HCC
H Dragons Fri 14 Apr W 40-19 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
61

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Ulster Rugby wish to thank all of our sponsors
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ulster.rugby 63

Answers
Guess Who
Ben Moxham
Spot The Difference
Referee missing, David McCann’s
number, ball moved, Tom Stewart’s
scrum-cap, Nick Timoney moved.
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