ICC-Ulster Rugby Match Day Programme v Toulouse

ULSTER
Offical Match Day Programme
v STADE
TOULOUSAIN
Sat 13 Jan 2024, 8pm
Kingspan Stadium

In this Issue
5 Mascots
6 President’s Welcome
9
Guinness Rugby Writers
of Ireland Awards
12 Referees’ Corner
14 Last Time Out
20 Squad Stats
27 Half-Time
Exhibition Games
28 Teams
32
34
Picture Gallery:
Training Session
A View From
The Stands
40 Toulouse
Players to Watch
42 Spot the Difference
44
Player Interview:
Billy Burns
48 100 Years and Counting
32
40
53 Ulster’s Greatest Day
54
Guest Article: Ulster
determined not Toulouse!
57 Guess Who
61 Fixtures
65
What’s On At
Kingspan Stadium
65
44
3

Mascots
Name: Finn Parker
Age: 10
From: Comber
I love coming to watch Ulster play
and I am very exciting to run out
onto the pitch with the team.
One day I hope to be one of the
players running out in front of the
crowd.
Mike Lowry is my favourite player
and one day I hope to play full-back
for Ulster, just like him!
Kingspan Welcome
Name: Thomas McGarry
Age: 8
Location: Lurgan
Welcome once again to Kingspan
Stadium, the home of Ulster Rugby, for
tonight’s Investec Champions Cup fixture
against Toulouse and the first home game
of 2024.
The prospect of Toulouse coming to town
is always one of the biggest draws in
European club rugby and we’re all hugely
looking forward to tonight’s big game -
along with the capacity crowd that will be
packed into Kingspan Stadium!
In recent weeks the Ulster men have been
on an excellent run of form, beginning
with a superb victory over fellow French
powerhouses Racing 92 followed by backto-back
interprovincial derby wins over
Connacht and Leinster. The success over
Racing 92 means tonight’s game is a crucial
one in Ulster’s bid to secure a place in the
Champions Cup knock-out stages again.
Prior to taking your seats or place in the
terrace tonight, we would encourage
you to check out the Kingspan Try-Cycle
challenge in the fan zone. There are some
fantastic prizes to be won, including an
away trip with the Ulster team.
What better way to see in the first home
match of the new year - it is sure to be a
fantastic occasion, and hopefully another
unforgettable victory at Kingspan Stadium.
SUFTUM!
Siobhan O’Dywer
Global Head of Marketing
Kingspan
I am very excitied to run out to a full
stadium with all of the team.
Iain Henderson is my favourite player.
I really like how strong he is and I also
enjoy watching him play for Ireland.
When I grow up I want to be either a
designer or an ice-cream man.
5

A warm welcome to this Round 3 match
in the 2023/24 Investec Champions Cup
and a Happy New Year to all as we reach
the business end of the tournament’s
pool stage.
Complementing the landmark introduction
of Investec as the competition’s new title
partner, the opening rounds delivered a
compelling series of world-class and indeed
out of the ordinary matches. Now the intensity
goes up another notch with coveted places
in the knockout stage at stake.
With the top four clubs in each pool
guaranteed qualification, there’s an
important added incentive for the
contenders: the clubs finishing first and
second in their respective pools will have
home venue advantage in the all-important
first knockout stage, the Round of 16. For
those clubs that finish fifth in each pool,
the journey does not end there as they
qualify for the Round of 16 of the EPCR
Challenge Cup.
Everything is to play for.
So, after what promises to be even more
tension-fuelled action this month, we’ll
have a clearer idea of the pathway to the
showpiece Finals weekend at London’s
state-of-the-art Tottenham Hotspur
Stadium next May for which over 45,000
tickets have already been sold.
We are delighted to be joined on the
journey to London by Investec, by our
premium partner, Heineken, and by our
official partners, DHL, IHG Hotels & Resorts
and Georgia Rugby Marketing Hub, as well
as our official supporters, Tissot, Gilbert
and Kappa, and also by our official airline
partner in South Africa, Qatar Airways.
TNT Sports, ITV and RTÉ in the UK
and Ireland, beIN SPORTS and France
Télévisions in France, and SuperSport
in South Africa, continue to provide
comprehensive and innovative broadcast
coverage, while S4C in Wales and FloRugby
in the USA and Canada, are showcasing
the matches to more viewers than ever
across the globe.
We hope that you enjoy the match today
and take this opportunity to send our best
wishes to you, the fans, your club’s players
and staff, and of course to our match
officials, as we anticipate the celebrations
and the occasional heartache that go with
the territory when qualification for the
Investec Champions Cup knockout stage
is on the line!
Yours in rugby,
Dominic McKay
EPCR Chairman
7

Tonight, Ulster welcome Stade Toulousain
to Kingspan Stadium for their final home
game in the group stages of the Investec
Champions Cup. Recent matches between
the two sides have been incredibly close, with
the French side winning the last encounter
in April 2022 by 50-49 over two legs. With
Ulster having won their last three games,
including an away victory over Leinster,
and Toulouse having scored seven tries in a
45-0 demolition of Lyon last Saturday, both
sides have reason to look forward to the
game with confidence.
I am pleased to welcome Toulouse President
Didier Lacroix, coach Ugo Mola, his staff
and players and all the travelling French
supporters to Belfast. I hope they enjoy their
stay in our city as much as we have always
enjoyed our time in Toulouse.
It is fantastic to note that tonight’s match is
a sell-out, so a big thank-you goes to all our
home supporters. No doubt you will have
the stadium rocking as you Stand Up For
The Ulster Men.
On Saturday 30 January 1999, Ulster became
the first Irish Province to win the European
Cup when they defeated Colomiers 21-6 at
Lansdowne Road. To help celebrate the
25th anniversary of that achievement, I am
delighted that many of the players and staff
who were involved have been able to join us
in the stadium this evening.
Many of our supporters will know of the
Perennials RFC. Composed of former players
of various ages and abilities, they play for the
love of the game and over the last thirty-five
years, have raised over £500,000 for local
charities. In recognition of this achievement,
Geoff Goldsborough, one of the founder
members of the Perennials, was awarded
the British Empire Medal in the New Year’s
Honours List. Our sincere congratulations go
to Geoff for this deserved award.
The highlight of the pre-Christmas club games
was Ballyclare’s 15-5 away win over Kilfeacle
& District in the semi-final of the Energia All-
Ireland Junior Cup. The final, against Dublin
side Bective Rangers is scheduled to be
played on Saturday 27 January at Dundalk
RFC. Our best wishes go to Ballyclare as
they seek their first win in the competition.
Also on the club front, I am delighted to
report that on Thursday night Clogher Valley
RFC was voted the Guinness Rugby Writers
of Ireland Club of the Year. They were
recognised for their achievements of winning
Ulster League Championship One, winning
the play-offs for promotion to Division 2C of
the All-Ireland League and winning the All-
Ireland Junior Cup for the second successive
year. Additionally, Clogher Seconds won
both their league and the Crawford Cup.
Congratulations to all at Clogher.
Denis Gardiner
President, IRFU Ulster Branch
David Humphreys & Clogher Valley Recognised
at Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Awards
Ulster hero, David Humphreys, and
Clogher Valley’s Senior Men’s team
were amongst those honoured for their
achievements at the Guinness Rugby
Writers of Ireland awards in Dublin.
It was a great celebration of Irish Rugby
sporting success last night down in Dublin,
with our very own Ulster legend David
Humphreys being inducted into the Guinness
Rugby Writers of Ireland Hall of Fame.
An acclaimed player and manager,
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 1st June 2024 David Nucifora will
then oversee the Paris Olympic Sevens
final preparation programme, while David
Humphreys will assume full responsibility
as IRFU Performance Director.
There was further success in the night for
the Ulster Branch, with Tyrone-based club,
Clogher Valley being named Guinness
Rugby Writers of Ireland Club of the Year.
This accolade came on the back of their
achievements which include promotion
to Division 2C of the Men’s All Ireland
League last season, a feat that sees the
club compete in Senior All-Ireland rugby
for the first time ever. The club has also
seen success having claimed the Ulster
League and the All-Ireland Junior Cup and
their second XV winning their respective
league and Crawford Cup.
9

11

Referees’ Corner
Robbie, tell us how did you take up the whistle?
“A teammate was coaching Cambridge House,
and asked if I would become an Affiliate Referee
to referee some of his home games. So, in
January 2013 I completed the Affiliate Referee
course (which was in person back then), where
the Referee Development Manager at the time
approached me about doing the full USRFR
course. So, I joined USRFR in September 2013
and haven’t looked back since!”
One of the most compelling reasons for former
players to take up refereeing is their intimate
understanding of the game. Years spent
honing their skills, understanding tactics, and
experiencing the intensity of matches provides
them with a deep knowledge base that proves
invaluable when making split-second decisions
on the field. Robbie, played for Ballymena 2nds
and made 8 AIL appearances which gave him
huge experience.
Yet, many former players find the transition
immensely rewarding. It offers them a chance
to develop new skills, contribute to the growth
of the game, and be part of the broader rugby
community in a meaningful way.
We welcome Matthew Carley (RFU) and his
team of officials to Kingspan Stadium for this
evening’s Investec Champions Cup fixture
against Stade Toulousain.
As always Ulster Rugby would like to remind
spectators to respect the decisions of the
match officials at all times.
In this evening’s match programme, we
highlight one of the pathways into refereeing,
following the journey of former Ballymena
RFC player Robbie McGreer.
For many players, the end of their playing
career shouldn’t signify the end of their
involvement in our sport. Instead, it opens new
avenues and opportunities to stay connected,
contribute, and continue their passion for
rugby in different capacities. For some that
looks like a pathway into coaching the next
generation of players, but for others it’s the
pathway to take up the whistle.
Robbie McGreer is a current member of the
Ulster Society of Rugby Football Referees and
was promoted onto the IRFU National Referee
Panel in 2019.
What was your most memorable moment as
a player?
“Well, probably playing in the All Ireland U20
final against Lansdowne in 2007 which we lost
in the last play, 10-7. And playing in the Past
Players cup, against Portadown, at half time
we were down 24-0 and in the second half we
made a comeback to win 24-31.”
Two of the key skills that a referee requires
are communication and management. Former
players are able to use their on-field experience
to give them a nuanced understanding of
the players’ perspectives, allowing them to
empathise and relate, building that respect
that is our game is built on.
However, the journey from player to referee
is not without its challenges. Adapting to
the different demands and expectations of
officiating requires a shift in mindset. While
players are accustomed to executing moves and
strategies, referees must focus on maintaining
control, ensuring the game is played within the
Laws, and making impartial judgments under
intense pressure.
What has been your biggest learning moment
since taking up the whistle?
“The Scrum. As a fullback (and even a covering
9) I knew very little about the nuances of front
rows and their play. A high level of situational
awareness is needed to get the set up and any
of my decisions correct. Every day as a referee
is a school day!”
If interested in refereeing, please contact:
Richard Kerr
Referee Development Manager
richard.kerr@irfu.ie | 07493 868 388
What was your first game with the whistle
like Robbie?
“It was Ballymoney 3 v Portadown 3. I was only
supposed to referee the middle 40 minutes
(i.e. from min 20 – 60), but I survived that and
ended up being allowed to stay on for the last
20 minutes. So, I must have done alright!“
USRFR, have an expertly structured and
supportive induction training programme, led
by our Referee Development Manager, Richard
Kerr. The process has evolved massively, even
since 2013. Richard and Lee Evans (USRFR
Trainee Referee coordinator) ensure that all
Trainee Referees have a mentor present for
their first few games.
If you take up the whistle, you will get great
support and on-pitch development – from
Trainee Referee workshops, mentoring, video
analysis and evaluation all geared to shaping
you into the best match official you can be.
Robbie, finally what would you say to any
players thinking of taking up the whistle?
“Do it! It’s the best seat in the house, there is a
fantastic fraternity of referees who are always
up for socialising. The USRFR is basically
another club within Ulster Rugby.”
Could you be the next USRFR new referee?
If you are interested in taking up the whistle,
or indeed just want to find out more about
refereeing, please reach out to our Referee
Development Manager, Richard Kerr.
U.S.R.F.R
13

powering over from a maul. Young fly-half,
Sam Prendergast converted the try to give
the home crowd something to shout about.
The home side were clearly on the front
foot and they scored their second try of
the half after a chip from Gibson-Park
pinged off the crossbar into the hands of
Prendergast, who fired the ball out wide
for the run of Russell on the Leinster left
wing. Prendergast’s conversion meant the
home side had edged ahead of the rain
soaked contest.
Last Time Out
Ulster secured a famous victory at the
RDS Arena against URC leaders and
Interprovincial rivals, Leinster, in Round 9
of the BKT United Rugby Champiopnship.
Ulster climbed to fourth in the BKT URC
table after a physical battle in the rain
against Leinster. The home side have a
strong record at their ground and the win
was Ulster’s third ever win in 22 matches at
the venue.
Mon 1 Jan
21 - 22
Dan McFarland’s men attacked right from
the off, being aggressive in their attack.
With the wind and rain causing havoc
throughout, it was clear from the start
that the wet ball would cause issues in
possession, with the ball squirting out at
times in the opening exchanges.
Ulster made the first breakthrough of the
contest, in-form flanker, Nick Timoney,
showing great acceleration and power to
break after a expert chip through from
Billy Burns.
Timoney held onto the ball despite the
onrushing defence and powered over. John
Cooney added the extras with a fine kick.
Stunned by the quick start, Ulster didn’t
let up on the home side. Ulster wrestled
possession back from the home side and
attacked through patient passing in the
Leinster half. Billy Burns showed his kicking
prowess once more, sending through a
well-executed grubber kick over to Jacob
Stockdale, who found himself in acres of
space. Stockdale gathered the ball off
the ground well and despite the efforts
of the Leinster defence, it wasn’t enough
to stop the prolific winger from finishing
in style. Cooney’s conversion went wide
of the posts.
The home side got back into the contest
through their veteran prop, Cian Healy,
Before the end of the half, Ulster made a
clinical counter-attack. Burns was at the
heart of the play again, his cross-field kick
was inch perfect, and flanker, Nick Timoney,
had found himself as the free man. out on
the left wing. That try made it five tries in
three matches for the powerful back-rower.
Cooney’s kick was excellent and Ulster went
into half-time with the lead.
Half-Time: LEI 14 - 19 ULS
The second half got off to a dogged start
as the weather conditions got even worse.
Some excellent defensive kicking from
Jacob Stockdale eased the pressure on
the Ulster defence at times, with Leinster
targeting the high ball to attack with, as
they had the wind behind them.
Ulster had chances to pile on the pressure
in the home 22, but costly errors at the
lineout gave up possession at times. In an
Ulster attack, Burns’ kick found replacement
Lowry on the wing who tried to run free but
the move came to nothing and was pulled
back for a penalty to Ulster.
Cooney nailed the kick and added three
vital points.
Leinster’s home crowd started to roar their
team back into things and a charge down
from McCarthy on Cooney’s box kick had
the home side in the ascendency. Leinster
hooker, Dan Sheehan, landed the blow after
a driving maul from a lineout. Replacement
Harry Byrne converted from a tricky angle
to leave it at a one-point fight.
Ulster would be on the back-foot and made
a stubborn display at the back to keep out
the URC leaders.
Centre, Luke Marshall, read a pinged pass
from Gibson-Park to ease pressure and
Ulster won a penalty deep in their 22 after
Mike Lowry received the ball under pressure
in the dying minutes.
A scrum infringement left Leinster with the
chance to kick for the corner but Byrne
missed touch with his kick and Ulster had
a win to celebrate for their efforts in the
wind and rain.
A confidence boosting win at a tough
place to play, as Dan McFarland’s men
made it their third win in succession in all
competitions. Ulster can look ahead to a
mouth-watering clash with French giants,
Toulouse, in Round 3 of the Champions Cup
at Kingspan Stadium.
Full-Time: LEI 21 - 22 ULS
WATCH HIGHLIGHTS
15

NEXT
GAME
ulster.rugby/matchtickets
17

Jacob Stockdale
You started the year with another try
against Leinster, that must have felt sweet?
Yes but it physically didn’t feel sweet with it
being wet, windy and cold. It was awesome
to get the win down there, we went down
there with a set game plan, Billy’s kicking
was class and a big reason why we won
the game.
How excited are you to face Toulouse?
Massively excited, our biggest game of
season, knowing the stadium is sold out
for the biggest game of the season is very
exciting. For players and squad as a whole
we are looking forward to it. European
rugby nights with a star-studded French
side are always an opportunity to savour.
We are going in with a bit of momentum,
is there a buzz about training this week?
There has been but those wins mean very
little if you don’t back it up. We can beat
big teams when we perform so we need
to ensure that happens.
Did you think you would knock that ball
forward when scooping it off the floor for
your try?
It was bobbling around a bit, because
the pitch was wet it stopped dead and
I thought I could scoop it up on the
run. Lukey (Marshall) was calling for it
outside me but there was no chance he
was ever getting the ball.
You also had to use your left boot
and number of times while defending,
how tough are those kicks while under
pressure?
They are difficult, Leinster put pressure
on kickers really well, and a couple of
them I didn’t catch them as good as I
wanted to. It’s a good learning curve for
me to put myself in the right position and
get a perfect set-up before I hit. I did hit a
couple of the mark so I was pleased with
those.
Did you mean to the end the match that
way? (Putting the ball into touch)
No if I’m being completely honest! It was a
tricky kick to see in the air, my plan was to
catch it and run it out, but it was moving
around so much it came off my shoulder
and out. Will Addison and I looked at each
other for a second thinking of the rules
but there was a delayed reaction before
we celebrated!
There is a bit of media noise about you at
the moment, how do you manage to block
that out?
My technique is to ignore it, I’m off social
media so don’t look at that and I don’t
google myself to see what people are
saying. It’s about focusing on what I have
to do in my own bubble. Aim is to come
into training and do the best I can.
We are hitting 100 years of playing at
Ravenhill/ Kingspan Stadium, do you
have a favourite memory of playing at
the stadium?
My 50th cap in 2019 against Racing 92, two
tries and MOTM so a dream day to be honest.
How much do you know about our 1999
European Cup win as we celebrate 25
years since the victory?
I know very little as I was 3 or 4 at the
time! I know from talking to guys who were
involved that the crowd were phenomenal
on the day and that it felt like a big home
game when down in Dublin.
19

Utility Back
20/08/1992
185cm
93kg
32
5
Will
Addison
Hooker
26/05/1993
180cm
103kg
113
-
John
Andrew
Wing
19/08/1997
193cm
94.5kg
63
4
Rob
Baloucoune
Fly Half
13/06/1994
183cm
87kg
104
7
Billy
Burns
Centre
24/02/2002
183cm
101kg
1
-
Ben
Carson
Scrum Half
01/05/1990
178cm
86kg
128
11
John
Cooney
Back Row
28/01/2002
184cm
99kg
3
-
Reuben
Crothers
Fly Half/Centre
26/03/1998
178cm
88kg
25
-
Angus
Curtis
Scrum Half
17/12/2001
185cm
85kg
55
-
Nathan
Doak
Back Row
03/11/1990
193cm
126kg
8
-
Dave
Ewers
Fly Half
07/06/1999
183cm
91.5kg
11
-
Jake
Flannery
Prop
13/06/1994
185cm
123kg
2
-
James
French
Lock
21/02/1992
199cm
118kg
146
80
Iain
Henderson
Hooker
27/04/1990
185cm
105kg
234
39
Rob
Herring
Centre
07/09/1998
188cm
97kg
86
3
James
Hume
ULSTER RUGBY MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
Lock
28/01/2000
201cm
117kg
17
-
Cormac
Izuchukwu
Backrow
13/01/1996
196cm
105kg
42
-
Greg
Jones
Prop
10/02/1992
183cm
120kg
6
Steven
Kitshoff
Full Back
20/08/1998
170cm
77kg
91
1
Mike
Lowry
Centre
03/03/1991
180cm
98.5kg
162
11
Luke
Marshall
Back Row
13/06/2000
193cm
109.5kg
33
-
David
McCann
Centre
06/08/1992
193cm
112kg
180
15
Stuart
McCloskey
Hooker
08/01/2002
183cm
107kg
-
-
James
McCormick
Wing
10/08/2000
188cm
88kg
53
-
Ethan
McIlroy
Scrum Half
20/03/2001
183cm
85kg
-
-
Conor
McKee
Prop
01/03/1991
178cm
122kg
91
10
Marty
Moore
Centre
08/08/1999
184cm
92kg
60
-
Stewart
Moore
Wing
09/06/2001
191cm
101.5kg
31
-
Ben
Moxham
Fullback
15/07/1999
181cm
89kg
1
-
Shea
O’Brien
Lock
10/09/1992
196cm
114kg
188
-
Alan
O’Connor
Prop
30/11/1995
183cm
117kg
109
1
Eric
O’Sullivan
SA
ULSTER RUGBY MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
Prop
23/09/1998
184cm
122kg
95
12
Tom
O’Toole
21

Centre
03/04/2002
193cm
101kg
5
-
Jude
Postlethwaite
Back Row
08/09/1997
188cm
109kg
41
-
Marcus
Rea
Back Row
21/09/1993
193cm
115kg
91
-
Matty
Rea
Back Row
04/11/1998
180cm
100kg
5
-
Sean
Reffell
Prop
16/01/1999
183cm
116.5kg
18
-
Callum
Reid
Wing
24/08/2000
188cm
92kg
9
-
Aaron
Sexton
Scrum Half
20/06/1993
177cm
77kg
89
-
Dave
Shanahan
Back Row
21/09/2001
195cm
116.5kg
15
Harry
Sheridan
Hooker
11/01/2001
183cm
102kg
33
2
Tom
Stewart
Wing
03/04/1996
191cm
102kg
110
37
Jacob
Stockdale
Back Row
01/08/1995
188cm
109kg
134
3
Nick
Timoney
Lock
06/11/1995
198cm
115kg
151
11
Kieran
Treadwell
Prop
12/03/1991
178cm
116.5kg
181
-
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
1
Lorcan
McLoughlin
Back Row
28/02/2003
193cm
115kg
3
James
McNabney
Prop
01/11/2001
185cm
125kg
-
George
Saunderson
Hooker
17/06/2004
177cm
97kg
1
Zac
Solomon
Hooker
01/01/2003
187cm
101kg
-
Henry
Walker
Prop
06/08/2002
186cm
125kg
2
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
23

Next Fan Zone:
The Eel Pie
Twickenham
Sat 20 Jan
from 10.30am
Organised by
ULSTER RUGBY SUPPORTERS’ CLUB
SOUTH WALES
Enjoy the
big match
in style
ulster.rugby/hospitality
25

Half-Time
Exhibition Games
Nevin Spence Memorial Stand End
Ballymoney
Kit: Blue & Navy
Omagh
Kit: Green & White
1 AJ Campbell
2 Elijah Caldwell
3 John Og Darragh
4 Max Irwin
5 Ben Linton
6 Scott McCandless
7 Luke McCormick
8 Robert Morrison
9 Donovan Paul
10 Noah Sloan
11 Peter Spratt
12 Adam Wright
1 Jack Giles
2 Alfie Wilson
3 Seth Rainey
4 Alex Bradley
5 Mark McCombe
6 Tom Burns
7 Sam Knox
8 Tilson McCaffery
9 Harry Aiken
10 Luke McWilliams
11 Ryan McCaul
12 Robert Black
AbbeyAutoline Family Stand End
Rainey
Kit: Black & Red
Clogher Valley
Kit: Navy & Green
1 Charlie McKeown
2 Charlie Collins
3 Jay Gibson
4 Joseph Patton
5 Jude Loughran
6 Conlaodh McCallan
7 Ollie Mallon
8 David Neville
9 Brody McAtamney
10 Kevin Johnston
11 Adam Harris
12 Tommy Burke
1 Nathan Martin
2 Isaac Sheenan
3 Isaac Irwin
4 Hugo Boyd
5 Dylan Boyd
6 Lucas Hayes
7 Annie Mae Henderson
8 Nia Morris
9 Oliver McMahon
10 Abraham Ferran
11 Harvey McAdam
12 Jamie McCullagh
27

1
2
3
1
2
3
Steven Kitshoff
Tom Stewart
Tom O’Toole
Cyril Baille
Peato Mauvaka
Dorian Aldegheri
4
5
4
5
Kieran Treadwell
Iain Henderson
C
Richie Arnold
Emmanuel Meafou
6
8
7
6
8
7
Dave Ewers
Nick Timoney
Sean Reffell
François Cros
Alexandre Roumat
Anthony Jelonch
9
John Cooney
Referee: Matthew Carley
Assistants: Sara Cox &
Jack Makepeace
TMO: Ian Tempest
9
Antoine Dupont
C
10
10
11
Billy Burns
11
Thomas Ramos
Jacob Stockdale
12
Matthis Lebel
12
Stuart McCloskey
Pita Ahki
Replacements
16 John Andrew
13
Replacements
16 Julien Marchand
13
17 Andrew Warwick
17 David Ainu’u
18 Marty Moore
James Hume
18 Nepo Laulala
Dimitri Delibes
19 Alan O’Connor
19 Joshua Brennan
20 Matty Rea
21 Nathan Doak
15
14
20 Jack Willis
21 Paul Graou
15
14
22 Luke Marshall
22 Santiag Chocobares
23 Will Addison
Mike Lowry
Rob Baloucoune
23 Setareki Bituniyata
Blair Kinghorn
Juan Cruz Mallia
29

1 Billion
PET bottles
recycled into our
manufacturing
processes by 2025
1bn
Ambitious
Target
Areas
Energy,
Carbon,
Circularity,
Water
4
Kingspan’s Commitment
to Sustainability
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31

TRAINING
in Pictures
33

A View from the Stands
by Brian O’Hara, Season Ticket Holder
Is there such a thing as a ‘crunch/must
win’ match? For the coaching staff it is a
pretty safe bet that every match is vital.
It’s just that some are more vital than
others. The recent match against Racing
92 was definitely one of those!
After three straight defeats Ulster were
at that time on the verge of a mid-season
slump. That was certainly the predominant
feeling amongst us fans. There had been
a lot of positives within those defeats,
we had seen some brilliant attacking
play, and some excellent tries. This had
unfortunately been countered by spells
of mistakes at crucial times and too many
penalty infringements, gifting points to
opponents when we were in a winning
position. In my view, the match against
Bath had been particularly disappointing
in this respect.
So, there we were, facing a top French
side feeling that a win, or at the very least
a big performance, was a must to turn our
season around. Like me, I imagine most
fans approached that match hoping for the
best, but also fearing that it was not going
to be easy. How quickly those fears were
dismissed! From the first whistle, what a
performance we witnessed from our guys.
The Parisians did not know what hit them,
and this time around we continued to build
on our excellent start and avoided the sin
of conceding needless penalties or points.
Nor did we at any time go ‘off the boil’,
maintaining the tempo and aggression
throughout. Some may say that it was still
far from perfect, but the intensity, energy
and desire to win was back throughout
the 80 minutes and it was a joy to watch!
This was the Ulster we love, sending fans
home feeling good and with smiles on their
faces. And what a difference that team
performance made to the atmosphere in
the stadium. It was electric from the start
and continued to build through the match.
It has been a while since the crowd were
so vocal and fired up. Was that the result
we needed to turn our season around?
Absolutely!
And so then to Connacht the following
week. Another crunch match, but now that
we had been reminded just how well Ulster
can play, it was one to be relished rather
than feared. Time to pay back the hurt of
that early season defeat? On the plus side,
we did get the win that was needed to
maintain the momentum from the previous
week, but overall it was another of those
stuttering Ulster displays. It was good in
parts, particularly the first half where we
started with real energy, scoring in the
opening minutes, and another try coming
on the 18 minute mark. Unfortunately, the
second half was disappointing with some
mistakes at critical times really letting
Connacht back into the game. A one-point
victory was too close for comfort, but to
their credit our guys maintained their energy
and aggression to the end and secured the
win. The high hopes and expectations were
probably not fully realised, but the wet and
windy conditions were very difficult, which
led to a scrappy match, and both teams
made lots of mistakes. The atmosphere at
Kingspan Stadium was, understandably,
not as intense as the previous week, but
Ulster supporters made enough noise to
let the team know we were with them to
the bitter end.
Was the feel-good factor back at last
for Ulster supporters? Well, I certainly
enjoyed my Christmas dinner a lot better
with those two good victories behind
us. However, the next match was, to my
mind, the ‘least looked forward to’ match
of the season. Am I alone in feeling that
visits to the RDS (or Aviva) are too often
grimly predictable; laced with hope but
seldom expectation? Ulster were on an
upward path but to keep the momentum
could we get some sort of result against
an incredible Leinster team whose losses
on home turf are almost negligible? Well,
as it turned out the answer to that was an
emphatic yes! What a match we witnessed
and what great rugby was played in
atrocious weather conditions!
A start to die for - two tries in the first
eight minutes, and brilliant tries they were
too, exploiting an identified weakness
in Leinster’s defence (line speed isn’t
everything if big gaps/spaces are left
behind). Well done coaches on this game
plan. Billy Burns had the ball on a string
and his kicking was superb (more of this
please, Billy!) Leinster came back strongly
because that is what they do, never beaten
until the last whistle, and it was down to
a single point at the end. But the single
point was in our favour in a match that
will live long in the memory. It would be
possible, but unfair, to name a number of
outstanding performances by Ulster men
that evening. In truth the whole team
performed at a level which, if maintained,
should ensure that we finish in the top four
spots in the BKT-URC table.
This current Ulster squad has considerable
talent and potential. We have a good
blend of experience and youth; big names
and internationals leading the way and a
lot of young talent coming through. If
we can build on these last three victories,
I believe we can look forward with
confidence. The road will not be easy, but
we have turned our season around and
the feel-good factor for supporters has
truly returned following that momentous
Leinster result.
Let’s hope the players can continue
such good form and as supporters, we
will endeavour to play our part from the
stands and terraces.
SUFTUM
STADIUM
TOURS
Book today
ulster.rugby/tours
Brian with grandson, Sonny and son-in-law, Jodie.
35

37

ulster.rugby/buytickets
39

STADE TOULOUSAIN
Players to Watch
NAME POSITION DOB HEIGHT WEIGHT
Cyril BAILLE Prop 15/09/1993 1.82 m 117 kg
David AINU'U Prop 20/11/1999 1.78 m 125 kg
Dorian ALDEGHERI Prop 04/08/1993 1.80 m 119 kg
Joël MERKLER Prop 25/10/2001 1.94 m 135 kg
Toulouse’s last trip to Kingspan Stadium resulted
in Ulster being knocked out of the Champions
Cup, after being defeated by a single point on
aggregate and seven points on the night.
So far this season, Toulouse beat Cardiff 52-7
in Round 1 at home and then followed it up
by defeating Harlequins 19-47 at Twickenham
stoop in Round 2.
Blair Kinghorn
Formerly of Edinburgh Rugby, the
Scottish International joined Toulouse
after the Rugby World Cup in the
autumn of 2023.
Kinghorn is one of the most exciting
Scottish backline players around and
left his home club as their youngest
ever centurion.
Kinghorn’s ability to play full-back, flyhalf
and on the wing, offers a versatility
added to by a proficiency from the tee
that has seen him pass 100 international
points.
Immediately making an impact at
Toulouse, Kinghorn opened his tally by
scoring an impressive try on his debut.
Home Ground: Stade Ernest Wallon
Last Season: Semi-finalists
Head Coach: Ugo Mola
Nolann Antoine Le Dupont Garrec
Seen by many as the most talented
player in world rugby, Dupont, is the
talisman for his club and for the French
national side, which he captains.
Dupont won the 2021 World Player of
the year award and has been named
the player of the tournament at three
Six Nations championships, more than
any other French player in history.
We need no reminder of his last visit to
Belfast where he showcased the best
of his skills, darting through to send his
side through and knock Ulster out of
the Champions Cup in 2022.
Dupont leads the Champions Cup for
line breaks and offloads and will no
doubt be hoping to show his quality
once again.
Malachi HAWKES Prop 06/12/2002 1.79 m 123 kg
Maxime DUPRAT Prop 06/06/1998 1.83 m 125 kg
Nepo LAULALA Prop 06/11/1991 1.84 m 128 kg
Rodrigue NETI Prop 26/04/1995 1.85 m 124 kg
Guillaume CRAMONT Hooker 29/12/2000 1.82 m 107 kg
Ian BOUBILA Hooker 17/01/2002 1.82 m 110 kg
Julien MARCHAND Hooker 10/05/1995 1.81 m 110 kg
Péato MAUVAKA Hooker 10/01/1997 1.80 m 112 kg
Clément VERGÉ Lock 13/09/2001 2.00 m 116 kg
Emmanuel MEAFOU Lock 12/07/1998 2.03 m 145 kg
Joshua BRENNAN Lock 28/11/2001 1.99 m 114 kg
Piula FAASALELE Lock 22/01/1988 1.96 m 120 kg
Richie ARNOLD Lock 01/07/1990 2.08 m 127 kg
Thibaud FLAMENT Lock 29/04/1997 2.03 m 115 kg
Alban PLACINES Back row 23/04/1993 1.89 m 110 kg
Alexandre ROUMAT Back row 27/06/1997 1.98 m 108 kg
Anthony JELONCH Back row 28/07/1996 1.95 m 106 kg
François CROS Back row 25/03/1994 1.90 m 108 kg
Jack WILLIS Back row 24/12/1996 1.90 m 110 kg
Mathis CASTRO-FERREIRA Back row 13/01/2004 1.92 m 105 kg
Théo NTAMACK Back row 29/05/2002 1.91 m 103 kg
Antoine DUPONT Scrum-half 15/11/1996 1.74 m 86 kg
Baptiste GERMAIN Scrum-half 21/11/2000 1.74 m 82 kg
Paul GRAOU Scrum-half 25/07/1997 1.77 m 90 kg
Kalvin GOURGUES Fly-half 27/03/2005 1.84 m 93 kg
Romain NTAMACK Fly-half 01/05/1999 1.86 m 86 kg
Valentin DELPY Fly-half 22/08/2003 1.85 m 89 kg
Paul COSTES Centre 04/04/2003 1.83 m 90 kg
Pierre-Louis BARASSI Centre 22/04/1998 1.88 m 102 kg
Pita AHKI Centre 24/09/1992 1.89 m 101 kg
Santiago CHOCOBARES Centre 31/03/1999 1.88 m 95 kg
Simon RENDA Centre 07/06/2000 1.85 m 100 kg
Sofiane GUITOUNE Centre 27/03/1989 1.86 m 97 kg
Arthur RETIÈRE Winger 01/08/1997 1.73 m 80 kg
Dimitri DELIBES Winger 17/03/1999 1.90 m 94 kg
Lucas TAUZIN Winger 21/05/1998 1.87 m 98 kg
Matthis LEBEL Winger 25/03/1999 1.85 m 91 kg
Setareki BITUNIYATA Winger 12/08/1995 1.94 m 112 kg
Ange CAPUOZZO Fullback 30/04/1999 1.78 m 82 kg
Blair KINGHORN Fullback 18/01/1997 1.90 m 101 kg
Juan Cruz MALLÍA Fullback 11/09/1996 1.82 m 92 kg
Thomas RAMOS Fullback 23/07/1995 1.78 m 86 kg
41

Spot the Difference
Can you spot the 5 differences?
Answers: Go Power on Billy Burns’ back, ball at Billy’s foot, John Cooney’s number,
Marty Moore celebrating in the crowd, Referee’s jersey. 43

Billy, What how are are your you reflections doing after on that last New week’s Year’s defeat Day win at Bath? away
to Leinster where you stole the show?
We started well, a good first 45 minutes but we couldn’t follow
I’m
that
good,
through.
and the
I feel
squad
the
are
score
in a good
didn’t
place.
reflect
The
the
RDS
match,
is always
it felt
a
tough place to go. Conditions were terrible, but that was a huge win
tighter than that but towards the end of the match we gave
for us. It was a game that we prepared really well for. Games around
away too many unforced errors, coughed the ball up and put
that Christmas/New Year’s period can be tricky to get into the right
mindset for, but those inter-pro games are class! We’re looking forward
now to the weekend.
Of all of those assists on New Year’s Day, which was your favourite?
The first one off the lineout, because it was something we planned
to do. An incredible finish from Nick (Timoney). He did so well! All
of the kicks were part of a plan, in some regard, but that one off the
back of a set-piece. To score from the first-phase launch-play felt
great. I enjoyed that one the most.
What is it like as a fly-half when the team is on the backfoot, in defensive
mode? What goes through your head?
It is all about how you can manage the field and get back into the right
position. A bit like a game of chess, you always want to be in their half. The
other team can’t score if they don’t have the ball. It’s all about how you
move your way up the pitch and plot ways of doing that.
For the amount of territory that we didn’t have against
Leinster, the boys put in an incredible shift defensively.
We’ll take a lot of confidence from that.
We’ve had some great games against
Toulouse in the past, how are the team
feeling about the challenge ahead this
Saturday in front of a full house?
We’re buzzing! These are the
games that you want to play
in. A sell-out crowd, at home!
Toulouse are a team that are
playing some incredible rugby.
You watch their games and
it’s almost like an 80-minute
highlight reel.
At home we back ourselves
against anyone. We’re
prepared and hope to do
something special.
You’ve got to enjoy
these weeks leading
up to nights like this.
Playing in these big
European games is
amazing and this
one will shape how
we progress in the
competition. I try
to soak up every
minute. Saturday
night will be a
cracker!
Billy Burns
We’ve shown before that we can stand-up to this Toulouse team, such
as back in 2022.
Definitely. We’ve had both good and bad experiences against them.
It is going to take a huge shift from us. But we can mix it with the best
and so we’ll give it a good shot.
Playing against one of the World’s best players, Antoine Dupont. How
do you feel about that?
He’s the best in the business, isn’t he?! You watch any Toulouse’s big
games and Dupont is always involved in the big plays. You hear it all
the time from sports professionals, that you ‘want to play against the
best’. He’s definitely one of them! We’ll have a plan to minimise his
involvement, but it’ll be an honour and a privilege to line-up against
him and the talent they have across the field.
We owe them one after that one-point aggregate win that put us out of
the competition in 2022, don’t we?
We do yes! That was a tough one to take, especially after our win away
against them. We’re a different team now, and they’re a slightly different
team as well. We will show up on Saturday night to give them a crack!
Personally, you’ve been shown a lot of support in recent weeks, what
does it mean to spoken of so highly?
It’s very nice, but if I’m honest, I try not to give the reviews
too much attention – both good and bad. The nice
comments do give me confidence, but ultimately
to be considered as playing well, you’ve got
to back that up week-on-week. That is
something that I try and do - not have it
just be a flash in the pan.
With our home ground celebrating
100 years this week, what would
be your favourite memory playing
here?
Our victory against Racing 92
here, back in January 2019, in
front of the squad of ’99.
We had a couple of players
come in late due to injury.
I just remember it was a
Saturday afternoon and
the stadium was packed.
It was buzzing. That
memory always stays
with me.
Fly Half
13/06/1994
183cm
87kg
104
7
45

47

100
Years and
The match itself finished in a fitting 14-6
victory for Ulster.
A report in the Sunday Independent said
that the new Ravenhill ground ‘will fill a
long-felt want in Belfast, and the surface,
despite the frost, snow and rain during the
week, was in splendid condition’.
International Opponents
Ulster would welcome a number of
international teams such as New Zealand,
South Africa and Australia to Ravenhill
through the decades.
When welcoming international
representative sides, Ulster initially
struggled with the strength of their
international opposition, who would have
been touring at the time.
Counting
Friday 12 January marks 100 years to
the day since the first competitive Ulster
Rugby match was played at Ravenhill in
Belfast, now known as Kingspan Stadium.
The home of rugby in Ulster has a rich
story, steeped in the history books of
Irish Rugby, and has seen generations of
fans, players, teams and countries mark
countless special moments at the ground.
The Early Ravenhill
Before the 1920s, Ulster Rugby and Ireland
teams would have played matches at the
Royal Agricultural Society Grounds in
Belfast. The game’s increasing popularity
then meant that an alternative ground
was needed to meet the public demand
for rugby.
In 1922, an advert was put up in the local
Belfast newspapers for ‘about six acres of
land, suitable for football field, situated
Malone Road, Lisburn Road, or Ormeau
Road districts.’ An area of nine acres was
eventually found in the Ravenhill area and
bought for £2380 in 1923. Not a bad deal!
Belfast architects, Henry Hobart and
Samuel Heron, were chosen to design the
new rugby stadium.
Plans were submitted to build a
grandstand and a concrete boundary
wall. Original designs show two changing
rooms, bathrooms, groundsman lodgings,
committee room, office, tea room, bar, press
room and ladies’ cloakroom. Everything
you could ever need right?
The hottest ticket in town…
In a world before Ticketmaster or being
sent a ticket link over email, matches were
advertised in the local newspapers.
The game to usher in the new era? An
Interprovincial derby against Leinster
on Saturday 12 January 1924 (kick-off,
2.45pm).
Ticket prices then were 1p for a Ground
ticket, two pence for the Promenade and
three to be in the Grandstand.
Soon after, Ravenhill would play host to
Ireland v England on the 9 February 1924.
Ireland lost 3-14 on the day but it marked a
momentous occasion for a packed house.
In 1926, the Memorial Arch was erected
at the stadium, to honour those who lost
their lives in the First World War.
The Memorial Arch remains an important
landmark at the ground to this day, as fans
walk under it while making their way to
the stands
Ulster would welcome a number of
international teams to Ravenhill through
the years, and recorded a famous draw
against the mighty All-Blacks in 1935.
New Zealand rocked up to Belfast for the
22nd game of their tour and were held to
a 3-3 draw at Ravenhill. It would be the
first time an Irish side were able to match
the team seen as the best in the world.
Rugby matches were suspended during
World War II, however Ravenhill hosted
games during that time to raise money for
the Red Cross charity.
American troops also used the ground for
baseball and American Football in 1942 to
raise money for the war effort.
Ireland’s first Grand Slam, in the then Five
Nations Championship, was won with
a tight 6-3 victory over Wales on the 13
March 1948 at a packed Ravenhill.
That Ireland team featured nine Ulstermen
and was spearheaded by the legendary
out-half, Jack Kyle, who would go on to
be crowned the greatest ever Irish rugby
player by the IRFU in 2002
Ulster recorded their first knock-out blow
against a Southern Hemisphere team, when
they defeated Argentina in November 1974
with a score of 23-13.
Ulster’s legendary captain and British and
Irish Lions leader, Willie John McBride, led
the team that day at Ravenhill to a landmark
win and occasion.
Ulster’s next
major home scalp
would take place
ten years later,
in 1984, when
the province
f a m o u s l y
defeated the
all-conquering
Australia side,
who would
defeat England,
Scotland, Wales
and Ireland on
their tour.
49

European Success
Ulster’s infamous 1999 European Cup win
was perhaps seen as the greatest day in the
club’s history. Ulster defeated French side,
Colomiers, by 21-6 at Lansdowne Road on
the 30 January, 1999.
Penalties on the day by Simon Mason and
a drop goal from legendary out half, David
Humphreys, were enough on the day to
secure the Heineken Cup.
Ulster fans travelled down to Dublin in
their masses, with players noting the sea
of red and white at Lansdowne that day.
David Humphreys summed up the day by
saying “I would have hated to be been in
the French side that day. They were playing
a side that refused to contemplate defeat
and a crowd so psyched up, so noisy, so
passionate that it must have scared them
to death.”
Ravenhill played it’s role in the win too,
with two barnstorming ties en route to
the final.
Modern Era
In 2008 the stadium underwent it’s first
modern revamp, as construction started on
the now Premium Stand, to provide more
corporate options for the modern club.
The ground’s next phase of redevelopment
came in 2012, after funding from
the Northern Ireland Executive and
Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.
Three new stands were built in a phased
approach, with capacity rising from 11,400
to 18,200.
In a major coup for the province, the IRFU
were awarded the chance to host the 2017
Women’s Rugby World Cup, with Kingspan
Stadium being selected to host the World
Cup Final.
The final was contested by England and
New Zealand, with the All-Blacks winning
by 41-32, despite going into the first half 7
points behind the Red Roses.
In the next stage of the stadium’s
development, Ulster Rugby installed a
new state-of-the-art 3G artificial playing
surface at Kingspan Stadium in 2023.
The move to 3G offers the province
a more consistent playing surface for
both training and home games for the
professional squad.
The new pitch will also allow Ulster Rugby
to continue to host the necessary games
to grow and develop the grassroots game.
The stadium also introduced a new
‘Ravenhill Suite’ hospitality lounge which
offers a new space at the top of the Family
Stand for up to 35 guests to enjoy on a
match night.
The stadium now hosts the Ulster Rugby
squad’s professional training base,
consisting of a 7,000 square foot gym,
meeting rooms and medical facilities.
Two years later, the club announced
a 10-year stadium naming rights deal
with Kingspan, which would change the
ground’s name to Kingspan Stadium.
51

Ulster’s Greatest Day
Later this month, Ulster Rugby will
celebrate the 25th anniversary of
becoming the first Irish province to lift
the European Cup.
Under the leadership of Harry Williams,
Ulster triumphed over the top contenders
in French rugby to secure European club
rugby’s most coveted prize. The journey
to victory included topping a challenging
pool featuring Toulouse, Edinburgh, and
Ebbw Vale, securing Ulster the advantage
of playing at home in the knockout stages.
In the quarter-finals at Ravenhill, European
powerhouse Toulouse was decisively
defeated, followed by a thrilling semi-final
where Stade Francais also succumbed.
The culmination of this remarkable journey
took place in Lansdowne Road, where a
sea of 50,000 red-and-white supporters
witnessed Ulster's triumph over Colomiers
on a scoreline of 21-6.
1998/99 European Cup
Pool Stages
Ulster 38-38 Edinburgh Reivers
Toulouse 39-3 Ulster
Ebbw Vale 28-61 Ulster
Ulster 29-24 Toulouse
Ulster 43-18 Ebbw Vale
Edinburgh Reivers 21-23 Ulster
Quarter-Final
Ulster 15-13 Toulouse
Fri 11 Dec 1998, Ravenhill
Semi-Final
Ulster 33-27 Stade Francais
Sat 9 Jan 1999, Ravenhill
Final
Ulster 21-6 Colomiers
Sat 30 Jan 1999, Lansdowne Road
The jubilant scenes at the final whistle in
Dublin were mirrored the next day, as the
streets of Belfast city centre overflowed
with crowds, celebrating the triumphant
team parading the trophy atop an opentop
bus.
We are delighted that the 1999 European
Cup winning squad can join us as guests
today at Kingspan Stadium for what will
hopefully be another unforgettable night
in the history of Ulster Rugby.
Watch 1999 Final Highlights
53

Ulster
Determined
Not Toulouse!
Guest Article: Rod Nawn
Ulster have an enviable record against
these French giants. Since the famous 1998
victories en route to the European Cup
triumph at Lansdowne Road the following
January, the sides have met thirteen times
in all, and honours are shared.
Six times Ulster have come out on top, six
times Toulouse have won while one game
was a memorable 35-35 draw in 2000. The
matches have on most occasions been
thrillingly open affairs, each team’s attacks
to the fore and the visitors this evening
famously bases their whole game on the
notion of offence.
As McFarland said this week Toulouse are a
‘less conservative’ team under Ugo Mola than
recent opposition Racing 92, who employed
a more cautious opening approach before
that famous defeat by Ulster last month here
in Belfast.
by the players as the coaches worked hard
and long in the pre-season to create more
enterprising rugby.
The change may have been nuanced at
times, but players appear to have been given
full backing to take responsibility to read
the game and be unafraid of attempting
the unexpected. Mind you, the very basics
of the game are the solid pillars upon which
this season’s tactical and strategic changes
have been built, so conviction up front, at
set pieces and at the breakdown are still
principles from which nobody should waver.
It is significant that the uplift in form has
coincided with skipper Iain Henderson’s
reintegration into the squad after his
World Cup efforts in France. His towering
intelligence seems to infuse those around him
with a confidence he has in abundance and is
reflected in the consistently heavy workload
he instinctively undertakes, his organisation
of the lines-out and his encouragement of
enterprise and flexibility.
He is as, or more, important to his team than
Dupont is to his, and forward or back the
respect he commands is overt and genuine.
One of the great European rivalries is
renewed this Saturday evening when
Ulster’s Investec Champions Cup campaign
sees another visit from one of the genuine
giants of French rugby.
Toulouse are one of the truly great
bastions of the game, their history littered
not just with trophies but with the names
synonymous with momentous periods in
club and international competition.
On five occasions, a record, Europe’s
biggest prize has gone to Stade Ernest-
Wallon and the club won the Top 14,
surely the most demanding of leagues,
last year. So Ulster are being tested this
evening by a club swathed in honours
and a proud history which continues to
be further decorated.
Even the briefest perusal of the list of
players who have been central to the
strand of success will have fans of rugby
smiling in awe. This is the club of Villepreux,
Castaignede, Bru, Skrela, Califano, of Noves,
Clerc, Poitrenaud, Spanghero, Lievremont
and a veritable galaxy of France’s most
glittering talents.
Today the production line of quality
performers is as prolific as ever, the
club’s legendary youth development
department offering up successors to
that list of superstars.
None of the current squad stands out more
than its international scrum-half Antoine
Dupont, a player so gifted that he will very
soon depart the club scene, and miss the
Six Nations, to lead his country’s bid to win
Olympic Sevens gold in Paris this summer.
So, those in a sold out Kingspan Stadium
this weekend will be witnessing one of the
world’s greatest players in one of his last
appearances in the fifteen-a-side format
for several months. Ironically, as Ulster
Head Coach Dan McFarland admiringly
noted, it will be a priority of his side to
somehow contain the influence of this
uniquely skilled pivot on the expansive
3G surface.
Ulster had the ability to adapt their own game
this season, sometimes falling frustratingly
short of intentions with much more emphasis
on using an exceptionally good backline
more often and more quickly.
The worrying form of late autumn was
then despatched with successive wins over
Racing, Connacht and another superbly
judged success over Leinster at the RDS on
New Year’s Day. Now the supporters are in
buoyant mood.
A win tonight might well secure qualification
for the last sixteen, something which looked
unlikely after an opening round game at Bath
which saw Johann van Graan’s new charges
eventually win by a flattering scoreline.
Of course, there will still be a visit to Harlequins
next week to navigate but the form of the
side, the change in emphasis this season to a
more free-flowing style has been embraced
Billy Burns and John Cooney had a
magnificent day against Leinster and will
be paired again to possibly face Dupont and
Thomas Ramos, the international full-back
who has stepped capably into the boots of
the injured Romain Ntamack.
55

Burns has been quite properly hailed for his
ingenuity in Dublin and the astute use of the
boot in open play to create three superb tries.
Dupont’s kicking exploits in play are legend
and it will be one of the most appealing
contests to see if the Cooney-Burns axis
performs as it can against Toulouse’s star
combination at half back.
The visitors arrive off the back of a weekend
thumping at home of Lyon in the Top 14,
where an inconsistent start to the campaign
now sees Toulouse right in the mix to retain
its title. Seven tries in all were scored in a
45-0 win, and Ramos’s instinct for attack
was rewarded with two tries, while winger
Matthis Lebel, hooker and club captain Julien
Marchand also crossed the whitewash.
of carefully devised game plans and the
ability to express themselves in critical
situations.
Nick Timoney’s effect on the breakdowns
is an important aspect of his play and he
must again be in Andy Farrell’s thinking
for the upcoming Six Nations. So too
Jacob Stockdale, scoring and running
freely now, and James Hume’s return
from injury could be timely in terms of his
international ambitions.
?
?
?
?
Guess Who?
?
?
Prop Dorian Aldegheri’s credentials are
well known, while Thibaud Flament is in
the heart of the scrum and a no-nonsense
disrupter in the setpiece and in the loose.
Intriguingly, Joshua Brennan is regularly
in the matchday squad and his athletic
presence is perhaps more subtle than that
of his Irish international father, Trevor, who
has made his home in Toulouse after seeing
out his own playing career in France.
Jack Willis is one of a few eye-catching recruits
from abroad, the England international
breakaway. Another is Blair Kinghorn, the
Scotland full-back, who moved mid-season
from Edinburgh and is an attacking threat
from any position behind the scrum.
Ulster, though, will not approach this – or
any other - game with any trepidation. On
any given day they have proved a match
and more for some of the best sides in the
northern and southern hemispheres.
The confidence running through the veins of
the players is built on successful application
Will Addison’s injury nightmares do seem
to be behind him and he is approaching his
gliding, penetrating best, and the consistent
displays of Stuart McCloskey have been key
in recent weeks for Ulster and will assure
him of a spot in the Irish squad.
Up front Steven Kitshoff’s arrival has
definitely brought World Cup winning
robustness and prop forward technique,
and Rob Herring, Tom Stewart, Marty
Moore, Andy Warwick and Tom O’Toole are
just some of McFarland’s front row options
as Ulster becomes a more convincing
challenger in the Champions Cup and in
the URC.
Two years ago Ulster won in France against a
star-laden Toulouse to apparently ease open
the door to the last eight. But Toulouse’s
return visit to Belfast saw the advantage
wiped out and Ulster went down to a single
point aggregate defeat.
Clashes with Toulouse are rarely incidentfree,
and the skillsets of each team will
mean tonight’s will be a compelling watch
from the terraces and seats of what will be
a raucous Kingspan Stadium crowd.
?
?
?
?
It is a contest to make the mouth water and
a chance for Ulster to confirm its recent
impressive displays are the platform for
genuine assaults in Europe and in the league.
Can you name the 4 players?
Allez the Ulstermen!
Answers: (Top to bottom) Alan O’Connor, Sean Reffell, Will Addison, Jacob Stockdale.
57

59

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 W 21-14 URC
H Emirates Lions Fri 17 Nov W 24-17 URC
A Glasgow Sat 25 Nov L 33-20 URC
H Edinburgh Sat 2 Dec L 24-27 URC
A Bath Rugby Sat 9 Dec L 37-14 ICC
H Racing 92 Sat 16 Dec W 31-15 ICC
H Connacht Fri 22 Dec W 20-19 URC
A Leinster Mon 1 Jan W 21-22 URC
H Toulouse 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
61

Could you support
Horatio’s Garden Northern Ireland?
Opening this winter at
Musgrave Park Hospital in
Belfast, Horatio’s Garden
Northern Ireland will
nurture the wellbeing of
people after spinal injury
from across the province.
Donate to Ulster Rugby’s
official charity partner
2023/24 today at
horatiosgarden.org.uk
Horatio’s Garden is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registered charity number 1151475/SC045386.
Registered Office: Horatio’s Garden, 2 Throope Down Office, Blandford Road, Coombe Bissett, Salisbury, SP5 4LN
01722 326834 | horatiosgarden.org.uk | info@horatiosgarden.org.uk | @horatiosgarden
63

PROUD TO BE OFFICIAL WATER
& HYDRATION PARTNER OF
ULSTER RUGBY
What’s On
at Kingspan Stadium | ULS v TOU
Gates open at 6.00pm on Saturday night,
and the Ulster Rugby Fan Zone will be
buzzing very shortly after.
As soon as you arrive, look out for our
Welcome Team who will greet you with
free Ulster Rugby flags to get you in
the spirit. Arrive early, as flags may run
out. Then, head over to the Fan Zone to
sample a variety of cuisines while the
Cool FM crew sets the tone with their
pre-match playlist.
Grab a free Heineken 0.0 sample from
the Heineken team at the pop-up stall
opposite the Heineken Quarter bar before
kick-off.
All five stadium public bars will be
open from 6.00pm with live music from
Sunshine in the Clubhouse Bar both pre
and post-match.
*Please note the Food Village, Kukri Store and
public bars only accept contactless payments.
Supporters in the AbbeyAutoline Family
Stand - keep an eye out at half-time for
an Ulster player alongside Sparky and
Abbey the Bee, who will be tossing mini
rugby balls into the crowd!
Around 15 minutes after full-time,
members of the Ulster playing squad will
be available for selfies and autographs
at the players' entrance at the back of
the Grandstand.
65

SPIRIT OF ‘99 THE 1924
Thank You!
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
KUKRI
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
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.
Domestic Sponsors
Official Partners
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
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
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