URC_16x9_Programme-MUNSTER

ULSTER
Offical Match Day Programme
v MUNSTER
Fri 10 Nov 2023, 7.35pm
Kingspan Stadium
Rob Herring
230 Appearances

In this Issue
5 Mascots
6 President’s Welcome
10 Referees’ Update
12 Last Time Out
16 Squad Stats
21
Half-Time
Exhibition Games
22 Teams
25 Newly Capped Players
26
Picture Gallery
Open Training Session
12
30
32
David McCann
The Breakdown
Q&A: Nigel Brady
Team Manager
36 Munster
Ones to Watch
38
Rob Herring
230 Appearances
26
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40 Spot the Difference
46
51
A Friday Night &
Inter-pro Delight
Ulster Rugby
Foundation
David Humphreys new
56
IRFU Performance Director
56
32
3

Mascots
Name: Aidan McCullough
Age: 12
From: Belfast
I’ve watched Ulster Rugby my whole
life and they’ve inspired me to start
playing rugby.
Nathan Doak is my favourite player
and, like him, I play scrum-half.
When I grow up, I’d like to be either
a professional rugby player or a
racing driver.
Kingspan Welcome
Welcome back to Kingspan Stadium
for this evening’s BKT United Rugby
Championship Round 4 tie between
Ulster Rugby and Munster Rugby.
Ulster have already enjoyed an eventful
start to the season - edging out Zebre in
Parma in the opening round, impressively
beating Vodacom Bulls in the first home
outing, then just falling short in a spirited
display at Connacht last weekend - and we
have no doubt there will be plenty more
thrills and excitement to follow throughout
the season!
Tonight Ulster welcome reigning URC
champions Munster to Kingspan Stadium,
who have picked off where they left off
after winning the championship title in
Cape Town at the end of May. The Munster
men are undefeated in their three games
so far this campaign and they sit just
behind Connacht at the top of the URC
standings. Both Ulster and Munster will
welcome back some of their international
stars tonight following the Rugby World
Cup, which will add further star power to
what will already be a typically entertaining
and feisty interprovincial showdown.
I would like to make a special mention for
Rob Herring, who is set to become the
all-time Ulster Rugby record appearance
holder when he makes his 230th appearance
for the province. This is an incredible
achievement and one Rob and his family
should be very proud of. Congratulations
Rob, and we hope there are many more
still to come.
Best of luck to the Ulster playing squad
and management tonight. The first home
interpro derby is always eagerly anticipated
by the Ulster supporters, so let’s hope the
huge home crowd will be cheering on the
Ulster men to another memorable victory
at Kingspan Stadium.
Mel Courtney
Managing Director
Kingspan Water & Energy
Name: Cody Law
Age: 11
Location: Maghaberry
I am excited to see the players
close-up and it’ll be really cool to run
onto the pitch with them.
My favourite player is Jacob Stockdale,
but I also like Rory Best because of all
the work he’s done with Cancer Fund
for Children.
When I grow up I’d like to be a
car mechanic.
5

Tonight sees our first home
interprovincial of the 2023/24
season in round four of the BKT
United Rugby Championship
and I am pleased to welcome
everyone to Kingspan Stadium
for what is always a most eagerly
anticipated contest.
Graham Rowntree’s Munster side arrives
as one of only three unbeaten teams in
this season’s URC. Not only that, but we
welcome them as reigning champions,
adding even more spice to tonight’s match.
I am also pleased to welcome the officers
of the Munster Branch who have travelled
north, especially President Mick Carroll and
his wife Jean along with his Vice-Presidents
Brendan Foley and Sean Loftus, and the
travelling Munster supporters who add so
much to the atmosphere inside the stadium.
Ulster, who had a great win against the Bulls
in their last home match, will be keen to
get back to winning ways after their narrow
loss last week in Galway with a very young
side. Several of the youngsters acquitted
themselves extremely well against a
powerful Connacht XV, something which
augers well for the future. The players very
much appreciated the support from the
many Ulster fans who made the trip to the
Sportsground.
On the international front, our
congratulations go to the Ireland Women’s
team who won the World Rugby WXV3
tournament in Dubai. Current members of
the Ulster Women’s XV, Fiona Tuite, Brittany
Hogan and Sadhbh McGrath all got game
time for Ireland during the tournament.
Congratulations also go to former
Ulster captain David Humphreys on his
appointment to succeed David Nucifora as
the new Performance Director of the IRFU
and to Peter Martin, who was appointed to
referee his first match in the URC, taking
charge of the Benetton v Bulls game last
Sunday. This is a great honour for Peter
and deserved recognition of the fine work
being done by the USRFR.
The Ulster Branch also welcomes Keith
Shorten to the role of Head of Commercial
for Ulster Rugby. Keith, who was most
recently Commercial Director of Titanic
Belfast, has a proven track record in the
sports and leisure industries over the past
twenty years.
Despite the atrocious weather and localised
flooding last week, all scheduled matches in
the AIL have been played. While a couple
of Ulster teams have struggled so far,
both Instonians and newcomers Clogher
Valley top their respective sections with
maximum points. Although Cooke, our sole
representatives in the Women’s AIL have
struggled to date, there is only one point
separating them from their two nearest rivals.
In the Domestic Ulster leagues, Malone
Women and Ballyclare lead the way in
the top two sections. Randalstown and
Belfast High School Former Pupils are
narrowly ahead in Championships Two
and Three, while Cooke Women Seconds
and Clogher Valley Women are the leaders
in Women’s Championships A and B. With
so many of these leagues being closely
contested, there is plenty to play for in
the weeks ahead.
To finish, I wish all the very best to Dan
McFarland and his squad in what I expect
to be an enthralling contest tonight.
Denis Gardiner
President, IRFU Ulster Branch
#evYuMr
PROUD TITLE SPONSOR OF THE
BKT UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
7

9

The Ulster Society of
Rugby Football Referees
This week we welcome Frank Murphy and
his team of officials from the IRFU to the
Kingspan Stadium for this evening’s BKT
United Rugby Championship Round 4
Interprovincial match against Munster.
As always, Ulster Rugby would like to remind
all spectators to respect the decisions of
the match officials at all times.
More information on the #respectURgame
can be found on the following link:
This weekend sees many of our domestic
match officials out on duty across Ulster
and beyond at over 100 games, from the
Energia All Ireland Leagues, the Provincial
Leagues, the Women’s’ Championship and
Youth and Schools matches.
As part of our USRFR spotlight, we’d like
to introduce one of our Level 1 referees,
Rob Rees.
Rob, originally hailing from Wales, made
the decision to pick up the whistle in 2020,
and he eventually took to the field in 2021.
What motivated you to become a Ref?
I love the game, its intricate laws, the
nuances of set pieces, rucks, and the
electrifying speed of play. As a keen
observer of the game on TV and from
the sidelines, I found myself admiring the
referees making split-second decisions
and decided to give it a go.
Tell us about your journey so far?
My refereeing journey is very much in its
early stages. However, officiating fixtures
on weekends and mid-week has been
an immensely enjoyable and rewarding
experience. It has not only helped me
maintain and improve my fitness but also
challenged me to be a clear and effective
communicator during the heat of the game.
A real highlight has been the valuable
friendships I’ve formed with fellow referees
in USRFR who are always at the end of a
phone or WhatsApp for debriefs and those
random questions.
My highlights so far have been some intense
and closely contested matches, featuring
talent of all levels. These games have
ensured that I’ve had to maintain laser-like
focus, giving my mind a welcome break
from a busy week!
What inspired you as a Ref?
Of course, being Welsh, the likes of
Nigel Owens and his ability to keep
the game flowing seamlessly. But also
recent Rugby World Cup Final Referee,
Wayne Barnes for his exceptional player
communication skills.
Close to home, in the USRFR I’ve been lucky
to be mentored by Shane Toolan, who really
helped me with my positioning last season,
to name drop one individual ref. But there
are lots of colleagues who are just excellent
at what they do and how they do it. They
offer such inspiration and top tips that help
my own game.
How do you prepare for your games?
To prepare for the weekend, I incorporate
strength and running sessions throughout
the week, reviewing my previous game for
three areas of improvement. I also dedicate
time to study one specific law each week
to enhance my knowledge.
On the Thursday before a fixture, I contact
the home club to confirm kick-off details
and ensure my kit is packed and ready.
So, I know mentally I am ready to go, and
physically I give myself the best shot of
being to keep up with play.
What happens on game day?
I try to arrive at the ground an hour before
kick-off and am always warmly welcomed
by the clubs. Then I head to the referee
room. If there is another ref in there it’s a
great opportunity to socialise or if not, take
a moment to relax and I don my kit.
Once on the field, it’s time for my warmup,
pre-game routines, including checking
players’ studs, collecting team sheets, and
conducting the toss with the team captains.
Fully geared up with my jersey and whistle
in hand, it’s time to give a two-minute
warning to each team before the run out
and kick-off.
After the game there is always some great
hospitality, sometimes a hot dog, other
times a lasagne or pizza!
What would you say to someone
considering taking up the whistle?
Anyone considering taking up the whistle
should give it a try. Serving the game as
a referee is not only a great way to stay
connected with rugby but also a motivating
incentive to maintain fitness.
All members of the Ulster Society of
Rugby Football Referees have the benefit
of the Ulster Rugby Referee Development
Manager to lean on. There is also a much
wider support team who provide valuable
content both online and face-to-face, to get
you up to speed and develop your skills.
The insights and feedback you also get from
dedicated referee coaches and evaluators
on the touchline really helps you to grow.
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
U.S.R.F.R
11

Last Time Out
Ulster narrowly lose out in Galway against
interprovincial rivals Connacht, in Round
3 of the BKT United Rugby Championship.
Dan McFarland’s men travelled to Galway
hoping to carry on their fine start to the
season, following wins against Zebre Parma
and Vodacom Bulls.
In a much changed side, Ulster’s Head Coach
gave first Ulster starts to tighthead prop
James French and flanker Reuben Crothers.
Eric O’Sullivan, John Andrew, Harry Sheridan,
Dave Sheridan, Aaron Sexton, Stewart
Moore, Ben Moxham and Ethan McIlroy also
made their first starts of the season.
The game took off with a fast start, although
Ulster received an early blow as debutant
Crothers had to come off with an HIA after
crashing into Langley-Martin.
Sat 4 Nov
22 - 20
The opening period of the game was a
tight encounter, with Connacht having the
majority of possession. David McCann, who
was on for Crothers, made an outstanding
tackle to stop Blade from piercing through
Ulster’s backline, with the Belfast man
also making a huge turnover ball to clear
Ulster’s lines.
Connacht’s captain, Jack Carty, kicked
Connacht into an early 3-0 lead, only for
Jake Flannery to reply with a penalty kick of
his own minutes later to level the score line.
Ulster had came close to getting their
opening try of the match as Jake Flannery
whipped the ball out to the left wing to the
open Aaron Sexton, who was pushed into
touch by the onrushing Ralston.
The move only fired Ulster’s engines up as
after the half hour mark, back-rower Harry
Sheridan pounced on a loose ball from a
ruck and galloped forward towards the
Connacht tryline, as Sheridan was hauled
to the floor, he managed to pop the ball
out to the supporting run of Jake Flannery
who finished despite Connacht’s desperate
shirt pull.
Flannery converted his own try to send the
Ulstermen into a well-earned 3-10 lead.
Soon after Ulster forced another penalty
and Flannery coolly dispatched a kick for
another three.
With the lead at ten points, Ulster came out
for the second half on the front foot.
An inspired run and offload from James
Hume found Aaron Sexton, who sped away
up the Connacht 22. Sexton was given a
great support line from Dave Shanahan,
who received the ball with work to do. The
scrum half expertly finished the attack off,
feinting and running around the Connacht
defender to dive over the line
The ice cool Flannery nailed his third kick of
the night to put the lead at 3-20.
Ulster were then dealt a heavy blow as James
Hume had to come off with an HIA, after a
fantastic 45 minute display.
The home side replied very soon after, with
Carty kicking to the corner and an attack
from the lineout resulting in Cathal Forde
sprinting over for the home side’s opening
try. Carty sent his kick through the posts for
the extra two.
The Galway crowd had their spirits raised
and the home side were now fully chasing
their next try.
Carty again was at the forefront for
Connacht’s second try, finding Tom Farrell
who found a gap in Ulster’s defensive set.
Carty’s kick was accurate and he rallied the
home support, who sensed a turning point
in the contest.
Ulster had the chance to add three points
from a penalty in the Connacht half but
Flannery was unable to convert, with the
wind curling his strike off target.
There was another proud moment for the
Ulster Academy as lock Joe Hopes came
on for his Senior debut, marking a proud
moment for the Ireland U20 player.
Ulster showed more of the defensive grit
as despite a bombardment of Connacht
pressure, the team managed to hold up
Prendergast’s attempt past the whitewash.
Carty would have a penalty opportunity
minutes later, with the marksman missing
the kick from favourable range.
However, with less than ten minutes on the
clock, the ten was influential again in the
match, as his cross-field kick finding Kilgallen
who sprinted onto the kick to land the killer
blow to Ulster.
Carty’s kick was missed, meaning the lead
was a narrow two heading into the final
minutes but the home side managed to hold
out by winning a penalty and running the
ball into touch for the final whistle.
Ulster fans sang their hearts out in the west
coast wind, and applauded the efforts of the
players as the team made their way around
the ground to thank their support.
Ulster left with their heads held high,
and a losing bonus point for the tight
encounter. McFarland’s men will look to
bounce straight back as they face their
next interpro derby against Munster.
Full-Time: CON 22 - 20 ULS
Ulster’s defence was put under serious
pressure but held out well to ensure they
headed into the break with the ascendency.
Half-Time: CON 3 - 13 ULS
WATCH HIGHLIGHTS
13

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15

Utility Back
20/08/1992
185cm
93kg
28
5
Will
Addison
Hooker
26/05/1993
180cm
103kg
112
-
John
Andrew
Wing
19/08/1997
193cm
94.5kg
55
4
Rob
Baloucoune
Fly Half
13/06/1994
183cm
87kg
97
7
Billy
Burns
Centre
24/02/2002
183cm
101kg
1
-
Ben
Carson
Scrum Half
01/05/1990
178cm
86kg
120
11
John
Cooney
Back Row
28/01/2002
184cm
99kg
1
-
Reuben
Crothers
Fly Half/Centre
26/03/1998
178cm
88kg
25
-
Angus
Curtis
Scrum Half
17/12/2001
185cm
85kg
47
-
Nathan
Doak
Back Row
03/11/1990
193cm
126kg
2
-
Dave
Ewers
Fly Half
07/06/1999
183cm
91.5kg
6
-
Jake
Flannery
Prop
13/06/1994
185cm
123kg
2
-
James
French
Lock
21/02/1992
199cm
118kg
139
77
Iain
Henderson
Hooker
27/04/1990
185cm
105kg
229
39
Rob
Herring
Centre
07/09/1998
188cm
97kg
80
3
James
Hume
ULSTER RUGBY MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
Lock
28/01/2000
201cm
117kg
14
-
Cormac
Izuchukwu
Prop
21/01/1997
183cm
124kg
3
-
Greg
McGrath
Backrow
13/01/1996
196cm
105kg
42
-
Greg
Jones
Prop
10/02/1992
183cm
120kg
-
Steven
Kitshoff
Fullback
20/08/1998
170cm
77kg
88
1
Mike
Lowry
Centre
03/03/1991
180cm
98.5kg
160
11
Luke
Marshall
Back Row
13/06/2000
193cm
109.5kg
31
-
David
McCann
Centre
06/08/1992
193cm
112kg
173
14
Stuart
McCloskey
Hooker
08/01/2002
183cm
107kg
-
-
James
McCormick
Wing
10/08/2000
188cm
88kg
52
-
Ethan
McIlroy
Scrum Half
20/03/2001
183cm
85kg
-
-
Conor
McKee
Prop
01/03/1991
178cm
122kg
86
10
Marty
Moore
Centre
08/08/1999
184cm
92kg
55
-
Stewart
Moore
Wing
09/06/2001
191cm
101.5kg
29
-
Ben
Moxham
Fullback
15/07/1999
181cm
89kg
-
-
Shea
O’Brien
Lock
10/09/1992
196cm
114kg
181
-
Alan
O’Connor
Prop
30/11/1995
183cm
117kg
105
1
Eric
O’Sullivan
SA
ULSTER RUGBY MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
17

Prop
23/09/1998
184cm
122kg
105
12
Tom
O’Toole
Centre
03/04/2002
193cm
101kg
3
-
Jude
Postlethwaite
Back Row
08/09/1997
188cm
109kg
40
-
Marcus
Rea
Back Row
21/09/1993
193cm
115kg
85
-
Matty
Rea
Back Row
04/11/1998
180cm
100kg
3
-
Sean
Reffell
Prop
06/01/1999
183cm
116.5kg
18
-
Callum
Reid
Wing
24/08/2000
188cm
92kg
9
-
Aaron
Sexton
Scrum Half
20/06/1993
177cm
77kg
88
-
Dave
Shanahan
Back Row
21/09/2001
195cm
116.5kg
11
Harry
Sheridan
Hooker
11/01/2001
183cm
102kg
26
2
Tom
Stewart
Wing
03/04/1996
191cm
102kg
102
37
Jacob
Stockdale
Back Row
01/08/1995
188cm
109kg
128
3
Nick
Timoney
Lock
06/11/1995
198cm
115kg
144
11
Kieran
Treadwell
Prop
12/03/1991
178cm
116.5kg
176
-
Andrew
Warwick
Prop
01/05/2003
187cm
115kg
-
Jack
Boal
Prop
10/07/2004
186cm
113kg
-
Jacob
Boyd
ULSTER RUGBY MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
Back Row
26/06/2004
189cm
104kg
-
Tom
Briggs
Prop
17/12/2003
189cm
126kg
-
Cameron
Doak
Wing /Fullback
27/04/2004
181cm
78.5kg
-
Ethan
Graham
Lock
16/03/2004
201cm
108kg
1
Joe
Hopes
Fly Half
14/11/2001
185cm
81kg
-
James
Humphreys
Lock
28/01/2003
203cm
117kg
-
Charlie
Irvine
Wing /Fullback
08/09/2004
184cm
93kg
-
Lucas
Kenny
Wing /Fullback
04/10/2004
174cm
76.5kg
-
Back Row
03/04/2002
189cm
110kg
-
Lorcan
McLoughlin
Back Row
28/02/2003
193cm
115kg
-
James
McNabney
Prop
01/11/2001
185cm
125kg
-
George
Saunderson
Hooker
17/06/2004
177cm
97kg
-
Zac
Solomon
Hooker
01/01/2003
187cm
101kg
-
Henry
Walker
Prop
06/08/2002
186cm
125kg
-
Scott
Wilson
Ben
McFarlane
Back Row
14/12/2004
178cm
93kg
-
Josh
Stevens
Wing /Fullback
29/08/2003
183cm
92kg
-
Rory
Telfer
ULSTER RUGBY ACADEMY
19

Half-Time
Exhibition Games
Memorial Stand End
Ballymena
Kit: Red & Black
1 Bethany Hanson
2 Darcy Wilson
3 Ellie McGarel
4 Grace McCarey
5 Isla Shields
6 Meadow Barr
7 Megan McCarthy
8 Naomi McClelland
9 Phoebe McMullan
10 Skye Walsh
11 Kara Graham
12 Amy Scullion
Enniskillen
Kit: Maroon & Black
1 Poppy Watson
2 Amy Patrick
3 Bella Magee
4 Issy Boyd
5 Eavan Hill
6 Emily Bothwell
7 Georgia Lauze
8 Amelia-Rose Blair
9 Ava Connolly
10 Isabelle Wallace
11 Jessica McGonigle
12 Beth Graham
AbbeyAutoline Family Stand End
Ballymoney
Kit: Navy & Blue
1 Ella Kilpatrick
2 Emma Thompson
3 Taillte Heron
4 Maisy Glass
5 Amy Taggart
6 Molly McFarland
7 Maggie Creith
8 Eva McKinley
9 Ezme Carson
10 Jane Morrison
11 Aleigha Munnis
12 Holly Steele
Virginia
Kit: Black
1 Mairead Brady
2 Megan Woods
3 Verirty McEvoy
4 Freya Lynch
5 Grace Cooney
6 Ava Cooney
7 Taylor Clarke
8 Roisin Alwell
9 Emma Rudden
10 Roisin Fagan
11 Paige Geraghty
12 Juliette McQuade
21

1
2
3
1
2
3
C
C
Eric O’Sullivan
Tom Stewart
Greg McGrath
Jeremy Loughman
Diarmuid Barron
John Ryan
4
5
4
5
Cormac Izuchukwu
Kieran Treadwell
Edwin Edogbo
Fineen Wycherley
6
8
7
6
8
7
David McCann
Nick Timoney
Marcus Rea
Alex Kendellen
Gavin Coombes
John Hodnett
9
Nathan Doak
Referee: Frank Murphy
Assistants: Robbie Jenkinson
Paul Haycock
TMO: Brian MacNeice
9
Craig Casey
10
10
Billy Burns
Jack Crowley
11
11
Jacob Stockdale
12
Seán O’Brien
12
Stuart McCloskey
Alex Nankivell
Replacements
16 Rob Herring
13
Replacements
16 Scott Buckley
13
17 Callum Reid
17 Josh Wycherley
18 Scott Wilson
Stewart Moore
18 Stephen Archer
Antoine Frisch
19 Iain Henderson
19 Tom Ahern
20 Dave Ewers
21 John Cooney
15
14
20 Brian Gleeson
21 Paddy Patterson
15
14
22 Jake Flannery
22 Rory Scannell
23 Jude Postlethwaite
Ethan McIlroy
Rob Baloucoune
23 Ben O’Connor
Shane Daly
Calvin Nash
23

1 Billion
PET bottles
recycled into our
manufacturing
processes by 2025
1bn
Ambitious
Target
Areas
Energy,
Carbon,
Circularity,
Water
4
NEWLY CAPPED
Kingspan’s Commitment
to Sustainability
Zero
Company
waste to
landfill
by 2030
0
Read our
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here
Five
Ocean
Cleanup Projects
ECOALF, Seabin,
Clearbot
to date
5
James French
Prop
Dave Ewers
Back Row
Greg McGrath
Prop
Joe Hopes
Lock
100million
Litres of rainwater
harvested
by 2030
100m
One Legacy
Leaving the planet
in a better place
through our Planet
Passionate
communities
projects 1
Ben Carson
Centre
Reuben Crothers
Back Row
25

SEASON TICKET
HOLDER EXCLUSIVE
OPEN
TRAINING
SESSION
27

Fri 17 Nov, 7.35pm
Sat 2 Dec, 5.15pm
Fri 22 Dec, 7.35pm
Sat 16 Dec, 8pm
Sat 13 Jan, 8pm
ulster.rugby/matchtickets
29

DAVID McCANN
The Breakdown
After a long pre-season, Ulster’s players
had an opportunity to reset after the
disappointing end to the season, after
exiting the BKT URC Play-Offs at the
Quarter-Final stage. Young backrower,
David McCann, is reaping the rewards
of the effort he put into his game over
the off-season, with the Belfast man
impressing across the first three rounds
of the campaign.
A skilful offload to Mike Lowry for a score
against Zebre, a try-saving turnover against
Vodacom Bulls at Kingspan Stadium
and a powerful rear-guard effort against
Connacht in Galway has had Ulster fans
singing his praises.
Featuring at blindside, openside and
number 8 across his three games this
season, McCann’s performances have
been all-action, leading the league in
tackles (47), while his five turnovers won
is second only to Connacht’s Shamus
Hurley-Langton.
The 23-year-old isn’t getting too carried
away and is fully focused on getting better
with each game week. Speaking to media
earlier in the week, McCann said that there
was a lot for Ulster to take from in Galway,
despite a narrow 22-20 defeat adding:
defensively, there was a lot of adversity
for us with changes, even in the warm-up
before the match. We dealt with that well
and unfortunately the result didn’t go our
way. I feel we are building nicely.”
McCann has clearly bulked up in the offseason
and has impressed many with his
turnovers and gritty work in the breakdown
at this early stage of the campaign.
Stealing the ball is something that he
says was worked on during the summer
months with the coaching staff and his
fellow turnover machine, Marcus Rea.
“Honestly, it’s something I have worked
on, and I have asked people who are a lot
better at it than me. The likes of a Marcus
Rea for example, is so good technically,
so picking people’s brains like that and
making good decisions in the moment
too. I wouldn’t be able to survive as
many clear-outs as Marcus, so my game
is more about making decisions, I’m not
as strong over the ball but I’m working
to try and improve.”
With Munster on the horizon this week
under the Friday night lights, McCann
adds that he is more than excited to test
himself against some of the best players
in Ireland.
“You want to be playing against
the best in Ireland and the best
in the world, I’m looking forward
to it and I want to challenge
myself.
“The whole week leading up to
the interpro is exciting, there’s
nothing else you would rather
be doing!”
“I thought it was a step forward for us
Back Row
03/11/1990
193cm
126kg
31

Nigel Brady
Team Manager
Favourite away trip?
Parma, Italy.
Favourite time for home kick-off?
Friday at 7.35pm.
How do you unwind after a game?
Eat!
Favourite 2023/24 Ulster Kit (White
Blue/Saffron)?
Home white kit.
Q&A
Favourite part of your job?
Working in sport.
Most responsible player?
To be fair they are all pretty
responsible.
What player is most likely to forget
their passport?
To be honest the group is rarely late
but you know everyone is there when
Rob Baloucoune has arrived...
Most likely to be a future coach?
Billy Burns.
What advice would you give a front
rower today?
Play half-back!
What is the best advice to give a
player as they take the field for the
first time?
Enjoy every moment of it.
Your office is in a busy part of the
stadium, which player calls in to see
you most?
They all call in when they need me for
something.
Favourite game day meal?
Pizza.
Apart from rugby, what other sports
do you like?
All sports... but not football.
Favourite TV show?
The Office.
If you could host a
dinner party with three
people, dead or alive,
who would you invite?
Arsene Wenger, Tony
Adams and Thierry Henry.
What is one thing you can’t live
without?
Family.
If you were stuck on a desert island
with a player or coach, who would you
pick and why?
Roddy Grant. He would hunt all
the wildlife for me to eat and wrestle
with any potential predators during
the night.
Pre-game ritual?
Double-check logistics and eat a lot.
33

35

MUNSTER
Players to Watch
NAME POSITION DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT
Dave KILCOYNE Prop 14/12/1988 1.85 m 112 kg
Jeremy LOUGHMAN Prop 22/07/1995 1.83 m 120 kg
John RYAN Prop 02/08/1988 1.85 m 121 kg
They have left themselves some act to follow
after last season’s heroics, with a succession
of huge results on the road culminating in
victory over the DHL Stormers in the Cape
Town Grand Final. Will strain every sinew to
defend their title.
Calvin Nash
Munster’s exciting winger, Calvin
Nash has been making headlines.
Last weekend against Dragons, he
not only scored two tries, but beat
11 defenders - the highest the URC
has seen in a single game since
May 2022.
Nash enjoyed his best season for
Munster in 2022/23, scoring seven
tries in 17 starts, helping Munster
secure the URC title.
Nash is starting to get recognition
on the international stage too.
Picking up his first cap for Ireland
in the summer series, pre-World
Cup.
Home ground: Thomond Park
Last season: Champions
Coach: Graham Rowntree
Gavin Coombes
Back-Rower, Gavin Coombes, is
another Munster man who puts in
consistent performances for his
province. The powerful forward
was named in the URC’s Elite XV
last season and has a knack of
scoring important tries
Coombes missed the start of the
2022/23 season due to a groin
injury, but went on to score 14 tries
in 22 appearances, helping his side
win the URC title.
New Players: .
Seán O’Brien (Exeter)
Alex Nankivell (Crusaders)
John Ryan (Chiefs)
Cian Hurley (Academy)
Patrick Campbell (Academy).
Josh WYCHERLEY Prop 22/07/1999 1.83 m 108 kg
Keynan KNOX Prop 06/04/1999 1.85 m 115 kg
Roman SALANOA Prop 28/10/1997 1.83 m 123 kg
Stephen ARCHER Prop 29/01/1988 1.88 m 119 kg
Chris MOORE Hooker 10/08/2000 1.85 m 110 kg
Diarmuid BARRON Hooker 06/08/1998 1.83 m 105 kg
Niall SCANNELL Hooker 08/04/1992 1.85 m 111 kg
Scott BUCKLEY Hooker 13/06/2000 1.78 m 105 kg
Fineen WYCHERLEY Lock 11/12/1997 1.96 m 112 kg
Jean KLEYN Lock 26/08/1993 2.03 m 123 kg
RG SNYMAN Lock 29/01/1995 2.06 m 131 kg
Tadhg BEIRNE Lock 08/01/1992 1.96 m 115 kg
Thomas AHERN Lock 22/02/2000 2.03 m 119 kg
Alex KENDELLEN Back row 03/03/2001 1.88 m 105 kg
Cian HURLEY Back row 25/04/2000 1.96 m 106 kg
Gavin COOMBES Back row 11/12/1997 1.98 m 110 kg
Jack DALY Back row 12/08/1998 1.83 m 107 kg
Jack O'DONOGHUE Back row 08/01/1994 1.91 m 110 kg
Jack O'SULLIVAN Back row 01/10/1998 1.89 m 100 kg
John HODNETT Back row 10/01/1999 1.85 m 105 kg
Peter O'MAHONY Back row 17/09/1989 1.91 m 108 kg
Conor MURRAY Scrum-half 20/04/1989 1.88 m 94 kg
Craig CASEY Scrum-half 19/04/1999 1.65 m 76 kg
Neil CRONIN Scrum-half 06/12/1992 1.73 m 83 kg
Paddy PATTERSON Scrum-half 30/11/1998 1.75 m 75 kg
Jack CROWLEY Fly-half 13/01/2000 1.85 m 90 kg
Joey CARBERY Fly-half 01/11/1995 1.83 m 86 kg
Alex NANKIVELL Centre 25/11/1996 1.88 m 98 kg
Antoine FRISCH Centre 01/06/1996 1.88 m 99 kg
Rory SCANNELL Centre 22/12/1993 1.79 m 96 kg
Sean O'BRIEN Centre 12/05/1998 1.87 m 101 kg
Shane DALY Centre 19/12/1996 1.91 m 92 kg
Andrew CONWAY Winger 11/07/1991 1.80 m 91 kg
Calvin NASH Winger 08/08/1997 1.78 m 90 kg
Liam COOMBES Winger 01/05/1997 1.91 m 90 kg
Simon ZEBO Winger 16/03/1990 1.88 m 95 kg
Mike HALEY Fullback 28/06/1994 1.91 m 95 kg
Patrick CAMPBELL Fullback 22/07/2002 1.78 m 88 kg
37

Welcome back to Ulster, how has your
first week back been?
It’s been good! First week back and on
the new pitch has been good. Training has
been great, it’s been good to feel an energy
about the club again and I’m excited for it.
What have you made of the team so far
after the opening three rounds?
Do you feel sorry for Darren Cave
and Andrew Trimble (both on 229
appearances), leaving them behind?!
I see Cavey most mornings on the school
run. I’ve been wanting to bring it up but
I haven’t had the heart! I know he will
probably say a few things to me after it’s
done but I don’t think Trimby will be too
annoyed.
I think it’s been good watching, they have
been going well, especially with the two
bonus point wins. At the weekend even
though we lost I thought we showed a lot
of improvement in our defence and the
guys looked buzzing for the games. It was
disappointing to lose but we lost against
a good Connacht side.
What a game to come back to!
Yes, there’s no better game to come back
into than Munster at home, a Friday night
game under the lights. The crowd will be up
for it and an interpro is as hard as it gets. The
reigning champions too, so bring it on.
And you also have a huge personal
milestone as you are about to break the
appearance record, how does that make
you feel knowing you are out clear as the
record holder?
I’m sure later on I will look back at it
and think about it. Sounds cliché but it’s
another game on Friday and as tough
as it gets. I’ll put that aside and focus on
playing the best I can.
Name a few of your favourite memories?
My debut back in 2012, against Glasgow,
some of the big home games especially in
Europe. Nights under the lights at Kingspan
Stadium, the crowd buzzing are the memories
that last with you. Those are the memories
that last with you and hopefully there will be
many more with some silverware. The games
where my family has been there, running on
with Millie for my 200th appearance was
another special night. Too many to count!
Tell us about your World Cup experience
with Ireland?
It was brilliant. The squad we had was
together for a while and we took it to a
different level out there, had great craic,
the coaching staff were great. It was a
great vibe throughout the tournament.
Johnny Sexton spoke to us before the
tournament to say you won’t see or feel
an atmosphere like you will in a World Cup
ever, he was right. From the first game in
Bordeaux, it got better and better, each
week there seemed to be more Irish. It
was disappointing as I thought we were
playing the best rugby, we believed we
could go all the way and to get knocked
out in the quarters was heart-breaking
really. For my first proper World Cup it
was all I could ever want for and more.
With the team performing at such a
high level, do you feel a different player
coming back into Ulster?
I definitely feel I have improved as a player,
being in that environment, the small things
you focus on. I think before we have been
together for so long, we trained the way
we played. There were world-class players
in every session, I feel I’m coming back a
better player, refreshed and ready to go.
39

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41

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43

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45

A Friday Night and
Inter-Pro Delight!
Guest Article: Rod Nawn
as their own.
Johann Muller, the late Pedre Wannenburg,
John Afoa and Stefan Terblanche had been
shrewdly recruited, but the home-grown
Andrew Trimble, Paddy Wallace, Darren
Cave, Craig Gilroy, Rory Best, Chris Henry
and Stephen Ferris had developed into
‘starters’ and all became Irish internationals.
Included on the bench that afternoon at
Twickenham were Ulster’s very own Nigel
Brady, Paddy McAllister, Willie Faloon, Paul
Marshall and Ian Humphreys, and if Leinster
won the day and the trophy, McLaughlin
had more than fulfilled his brief. These
were players who would make the Province
hugely impressive and a power in league
and in Europe.
Today McFarland’s coaching team has a
rather different challenge. While Ulster
in 2009 hadn’t the resources, facilities
and infrastructure to be consistently in
contention, the current management has
been confronted with an amazing and
unwelcome spate of injuries.
Newcomer James French was just one of
the casualties in Galway, and the Academy’s
breakaway Reuben Crothers survived just
a minute before a concussion forced his
withdrawal, and centre James Hume has
also spent this week going through the
appropriate protocols.
The perennially unfortunate Will Addison
picked up a hamstring problem before kickoff
in Connacht and it was a credit to an
already unexpected line-up to stretch into a
17 point lead. Jake Flannery might not have
expected to started in a new partnership
with scrum-half Dave Shanahan but their
performances and scoring contributions
raised hopes of a third successive win to
launch the URC campaign.
The Academy latest batch of prospects was
well represented in the 80 minutes, locks
Harry Sheridan and Joe Hopes getting
valuable senior game time, and centre Ben
Carson called off the bench in Hume’s stead.
David McCann is now a member of the senior
panel and showed just what a maturing,
hardcore talent he is becoming, and
injury had prevented the promising Jude
Postlethwaite, Angus Curtis and Cormac
Izuchukwu travelling, just as it had kept Rob
Baloucoune, Jacob Stockdale, Dave Ewers,
Kieran Treadwell, Luke Marshall and John
Cooney back In Belfast.
For many fans an Inter-Pro at home on an
autumn Friday night under the Kingspan
Stadium lights really is the essence of big
match rugby.
Well, tonight’s visit of reigning United
Rugby Championship champions Munster
to Belfast provides all the ingredients for an
intense struggle on the new 3G surface and
an atmosphere quite specific to a contest
between two old Provincial foes.
Of course, the current campaign is well
underway and, as the memories of ‘what
might have been’ in the World Cup in France
recede, games like this evening’s really do
light the fuse for a season in the URC and
Champions Cup which will be as intriguing
as it is compressed.
Ulster Head Coach Dan McFarland says
that in last weekend’s annoying reverse
by Connacht he had 19 players unavailable
to him through injury and Ireland’s player
management programme, and this week
has been clear that selections might
again appear unfamiliar in the future as he
navigates through an unprecedented and
increasing injury list.
McFarland has said he’ll be unafraid to
give senior chances to Academy players
he believes deserve the chance to stake
a longer-term claim to inclusion, and it is
obvious that he is preparing supporters for
a year when the vision of his side’s future
will be as important as the persistent drive
for wins.
Success comes in many forms, and it is not
always reflected in current results and those
with temperate memories will remember
how successfully and imaginatively new
Head Coach Brian McLaughlin was charged
in 2009 with developing young, Ulsterborn
talent.
Operations Director David Humphreys
identified McLaughlin, an outstanding
coach at schools and age-group level,
as the respected, effective figure who
could revitalise Ulster fortunes, adeptly
integrate young native players with proven
international-class performers such as
Ruan Pienaar.
Nine consecutive home wins in Europe, a
semi-final in the then PRO12 league, and a
superb surge to the final of the European
Cup Final in 2012, with talents emerging at
the core of a team fans could identify with
True, the contingent which played in
Ireland’s Word Cup campaign are either
immediately available for Munster’s visit
or, in the case of Stuart McCloskey, Rob
Herring and captain Iain Henderson, back
in full training.
Surely they will all be bled into action
carefully, but with the lack of experienced
props, for instance, some less familiar names
could be in matchday squad contention.
McFarland would certainly have chosen to
field some of those who were called upon
last week, and he’ll regret the meagre return
from the two-point reverse against one of
his old clubs, but he will see understandable
positives from how relative newcomers to
the ‘big time’ slotted into the team.
47

Munster arrives at Kingspan Stadium this
chill November evening, just one point off
top spot in the table behind Connacht, still
unbeaten and it is significant that they drew
too from their Academy and younger players
to see off the Dragons so comfortably.
Lock Edwin Edogbo scrummed down in the
second row, belying his 20 years, and prop
Mark Donnelly, flankers Brian Gleeson and
Ruadhan Quinn will have their appetites
for more top-flight involvement. That’s
certainly true of 21-year-old Tony Butler
who stepped into the No.10 jersey so calmly.
Joey Carbery had started the season in his
best version of himself but, sadly, he’s ruled
out tonight and it’s likely that a certain Jack
Crowley will aim to shape Munster’s game
against, probably, Billy Burns.
Munster Head Coach Graham Rowntree
led the club to the URC title last season
with some spectacular displays at the
critical play-off stage and the Englishman
has scattered any early misgivings about
his appointment by harnessing traditional
Munster virtues to some new ploys which
have convinced the demanding fans at
Thomond Park and in Cork.
So, Ulster sits in handily in the standings
thanks to two wins, in Zebre and against
the Bulls at home. Nothing is won at this
stage of the campaign, but Ulster will want
to get some winning momentum, and
maintain it, when taking on Inter-Pro rivals
of pedigree, and a team which at New Year
left with the victory and perhaps the nadir
of McFarland’s side’s confidence and selfbelief
before surging to second place in the
regular season table.
Hopefully home fans will see some of the
World Cup returnees play some part this
evening, that they see a team taking familiar
shape and playing the expansive game so
many believe the 3G surface will favour its
free-running backs.
Let’s anticipate with real fervour the clash
of two titans of Irish rugby, let’s savour the
colour and song Munster followers always
bring to Belfast and its hostelries!
In a few weeks there will be something of a
true form guide to all clubs’ prospects, but it
would give everyone in the Ulster firmament
good reason to be cheerful if a convincing
defeat of a side which will undoubtedly be
in the mix come June suffered a setback
this evening.
But most of all, let’s get some noise back
in Kingspan Stadium and some rugby to
entertain!
49

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ULSTER RUGBY
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The Ulster Rugby Foundation aims to help
more people, of all ages and abilities, to get
involved in our sport across the province. We
believe that rugby has the power to have a
lasting and positive impact on participants
and our local community.
Vision
To inspire lifelong participation in rugby,
in order to provide significant health, wellbeing
and local community benefits.
Mission
To raise and distribute funds in support of
amateur rugby development and lifelong
participation in rugby.
All funds raised will go directly towards
promoting participation and providing
playing opportunities in the amateur game.
These opportunities use rugby as a vehicle
through which we help people unlock their
potential and have positive impact on
individuals’ lives.
51

2023/24 2023/24 FIXTURES FIXTURES
2023/24 FIXTURES
A Zebre Parma Sat 21 Oct W 36-40 URC
H Vodacom Bulls Sun 29 Oct W 26-19 URC
A Connacht Sat 4 Nov L 22-20 URC
H Munster Fri 10 Nov 7.35pm URC
H Emirates Lions Fri 17 Nov 7.35pm URC
A Glasgow Sat 25 Nov 7.35pm URC
H Edinburgh Sat 2 Dec 5.15pm URC
A Bath Rugby Sat 9 Dec 3.15pm ICC
H Racing 92 Sat 16 Dec 8.00pm ICC
H Connacht Fri 22 Dec 7.35pm URC
A Leinster Mon 1 Jan 5.15pm URC
H Stade Toulousain Sat 13 Jan 8.00pm ICC
A Harlequins Sat 20 Jan 1.00pm ICC
A Ospreys Sun 18 Feb 3.00pm URC
H Dragons Sat 2 Mar 7.35pm URC
A Hollywoodbets Sharks Sat 23 Mar 1.00pm URC
A DHL Stormers Sat 30 Mar 5.15pm URC
H Cardiff Fri 19 Apr 7.35pm URC
H Benetton Fri 26 Apr 7.35pm URC
A Scarlets Sat 11 May 3.05pm URC
H Leinster Sat 18 May 7.35pm URC
A Munster Sat 1 Jun 5.15pm URC
53

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2023/24 today at
horatiosgarden.org.uk
Horatio’s Garden is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registered charity number 1151475/SC045386.
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55

IRFU announce
David Humphreys as new
Performance Director
The IRFU has today announced that former
Ulster player and Ireland international,
David Humphreys, who captained the
province to the first Irish European Cup
success in the 1998/99 season and won the
Celtic Cup in 2004 and the Celtic League
in 2005/2006, has been appointed to the
role of Performance Director, succeeding
David Nucifora.
Speaking about his appointment David
Humphreys adds;
“I was fortunate to have a wonderful
playing career with Ireland and I am
extremely grateful for the opportunity
to play a part in another chapter of Irish
rugby’s history. This role is the fulfilment
of a lifelong ambition and I look forward
to building on the successful systems put
in place by David Nucifora, who has been
a driving force behind Irish rugby for ten
years. The chance now to further develop
the pathways in the men’s and women’s
game hugely excites me and I am really
looking forward to working with all the
coaches, provinces, players, and backroom
teams to ensure that Irish rugby continues
to go from strength to strength”.
The IRFU Performance Director has
ultimate responsibility for the delivery
of integrated high-performance systems
for the benefit of Irish rugby, with worldclass
elite player development pathways,
world-class coaching, world-class support,
all delivering consistent and sustained
performance by the National Teams
through excellence and innovation. They
also oversee a diverse team ranging from
high-performance coaches, medical staff,
referees, analytics, and player development
alongside the operational running of the
High-Performance Centre on the Sport
Ireland campus.
David Humphreys had a stellar career
with Ulster and Ireland, winning 72 caps
for Ireland and scoring 560 points. He
captained Ulster Rugby to the first Irish
European Cup success in the 1998/99
season and won the Celtic Cup in 2004
and the Celtic League in 2005/2006. David
served as Director of Rugby for Ulster
and spent six years in a similar role with
Gloucester Rugby. David then took on a
role as a High- Performance Consultant
with Georgia Rugby and is currently the
Director of Performance Operations
with the England & Wales Cricket Board,
which includes responsibility for central
contracting. He is also a renowned rugby
analyst doing commentary and writing
opinion pieces in the Irish media. A qualified
solicitor, he was educated at Ballymena
Academy, Queen’s University Belfast, and
Oxford University.
David Humphreys will join the IRFU in
March as Performance Director Designate,
working alongside David Nucifora to
facilitate a smooth and orderly transition.
From 1 June 2024 David Nucifora will then
oversee Ireland’s Paris Olympic Sevens
final preparation programme, while David
Humphreys will assume full responsibility
as IRFU Performance Director.
A full media briefing will be held when
David Humphreys officially takes up his
position in 2024.
57

Thank You!
SPIRIT OF ‘99 THE 1924
HEINEKEN
QUARTER BAR
CLUBHOUSE
BAR
CLUBHOUSE
KITCHEN
Ulster Rugby wish to thank all of our sponsors
and partners for their continued support.
PROMENADE 1
PROMENADE 2
Main Sponsor
ABBEY AUTOLINE
FAMILY STAND
RAVENHILL
SUITE
FAMILY TERRACE
NEVIN SPENCE MEMORIAL TERRACE
SCRUM
BAR
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SHOP
LINEOUT
BAR
NEVIN SPENCE MEMORIAL STAND
FAN ZONE /
FOOD VILLAGE
Kit Sponsor
Official On-kit Sponsors
EAST TERRACE
BACKLINE
BAR
A&L GOODBODY LOUNGE
CORPORATE BOXES
Official Sponsors
Catering
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.
Audio
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.
Domestic Sponsors
Official Partners
Live music will be available pre & post-match in the Clubhouse Bar
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
59

61