BKT-URC Ulster Rugby Match Day Programme v DHL Stormers

ULSTER
Offical Match Day Programme
v DHL
Stormers
Fri 27 Jan 2023, 7.35pm
Kingspan Stadium

In this Issue
Welcome back to Kingspan Stadium,
the home of Ulster Rugby, where this evening, the Ulster men
are taking on South African side - and reigning URC champions -
DHL Stormers in Round 13 of the United Rugby Championship.
After a fantastic 22-11 victory over Sale Sharks in the final pool game of the
Heineken Champions Cup last Saturday night, a win that secured a place in the last 16,
the Ulster men will be gearing up for another exciting test tonight. With a squad that is
littered with international talent, we expect the Stormers to provide yet another
tough encounter for Ulster.
Tonight also sees the return of the Kingspan Try-Cycle Challenge, an interactive computer
game over at the Fan Zone, which attracted the crowds during last week’s game against
Sale Sharks, with many participants going head-to-head to reach the top of the leader
board. The aim is simple – take on a friend and pedal stationary bikes to travel as many
metres as possible across a rugby pitch in 30 seconds. The winners will be those who
reach the top of the leader board at the end of the season, winning some amazing prizes
including a new bike from Giant Bicycles or an away game trip with the Ulster Rugby
team including travel and accommodation. Make sure you visit the Fan Zone tonight and
take on the Challenge.
We have no doubt that tonight’s game will be another entertaining showdown with the
supporters hopefully cheering the Ulster men on to another victory. Enjoy the game!
7
10
16
17
22
24
28
32
Our Official
Mascots
Dan McFarland
Q&A
Spot The
Difference
2022/23 Men’s
Senior Squad
Referees’ Society
Update
Last Time
Out: Sale Sharks
Match Day
Squads
DHL Stormers
Ones to Watch
35 Half-time
Exhibition Games
40
44
50
Player Interview:
Tom Stewart
Thank You
Ilse van Staden
The balm before
The Stormers
54 Training
Gallery
55
Guess Who
10
22 24
44
55
3

President’s Welcome
URC URCOFFICIAL URCOFFICIAL URC
Hello everyone and welcome to Kingspan
stadium for our match this evening against
DHL Stormers in Round 13 of the BKT United
Rugby Championship.
It’s the South African side’s first visit to
Belfast and we will be hoping to get a first
win against them under our belts.
Many fans will remember the heartbreak of
last year’s URC semi- final match in Cape
Town where the Ulstermen narrowly lost.
Tonight, we’ll be hoping to make it two home
wins in a row after last Saturday’s fantastic
win in the Heineken Champions Cup against
Sale Sharks.
It was a game with last 16 qualification on
the line and the atmosphere was incredible.
The players said how important the fans
support was in driving the team to victory
and we’ll hopefully create another brilliant
loud atmosphere tonight.
The result of the massive effort was a last
16 match with our interprovincial rivals
Leinster at the Aviva Stadium on the first of
April and its always a huge clash between
two quality provinces.
A win tonight would put us in a good position
in the URC with a break in fixtures coming up,
so it would be good to end this challenging
block of matches with a win.
Away from the men’s game, it’s great to see
that 10 Ulster women have been called up
by Ireland Head Coach Greg McWilliams for
the upcoming inaugural Celtic Challenge
competition.
The Combined Provinces team fixtures will be
hosted at Kingspan Stadium in February and
is another excellent indicator of the growth of
women’s rugby.
The Kingspan will also be hosting the AIL
Junior Cup final tomorrow between Clogher
Valley RFC and Enniskillen RFC. These games
show the strength of our domestic game and
tomorrow promises to be an exciting final
with Clogher hoping to defend their title.
I hope everyone enjoys the match tonight
and let’s make another great night together.
#SUFTUM
Philip Gregg
President, IRFU Ulster Branch
5

Mascots
Name: Nathan McClelland
Age: 11
From: Tandragee
Favourite Player: Jacob Stockdale
I can’t wait to lead out the players
and see them all up close.
Jacob Stockdale is my favourite
player because he’s so skillful and can
easily get past the defence.
I also enjoy football and golf.
Name: Conor Murray
Age: 12
From: Lisburn
Favourite Player: Rob Herring
I’m excited to have the opportunity
to meet the players up close, and to
experience the thrill of running out
of the tunnel at the beginning of a
game.
I play rugby at Ballyclare RFC and
at Methody.
7

9

Dan McFarland
Q&A
Favourite Breakfast?
Low GI toast and marmalade
with coffee
What is one thing you should cut
down on?
Over planning
Favourite stadium to visit?
Clermont
Is there a manager from another
sport that you admire?
Loads… but Bill Belichick is top
Who is the GOAT (Greatest Of
All Time) rugby player in your
opinion?
Mike Gibson
Who is the hardest worker in
training?
Mikey Lowry or Tom Stewart
What player in the squad do you
think could be a head coach in
the future?
Greg Jones or Will Addison
What would the ideal first date
for you be?
Way too long ago to think about
What is the greatest day of your
life so far?
There are two equal… births of
Alexandra and Tomas
Favourite local beauty spot?
Top of Slieve Donard in a
hurricane... never felt more relief
in reaching anywhere!
If you didn’t play or coach in
rugby, what other career might
you have had?
I’d be a teacher
Would you rather score a match
winning try or make a match
winning tackle?
Try
Are you reading any books at
the moment?
Dead Lions by Mick Herron
(I like to escape when I can!)
Which of the squad would make
a good son in law and which one
would you really not want?
That’s weird but I’ll do it for an
imaginary daughter! Good – Tom
O’Toole (kind, a little mad and
really respectful)... Bad – I can’t
even picture most of them as
sons-in-law, too frightening!
11

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15

Spot the Difference
Can you spot the 5 differences?
MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
Dan
McFarland
Iain
Henderson
Head Coach
Joined Ulster
in 2018 and is
contracted to
remain with at
the province
until at
least 2025.
Captain
Lock
21/02/1992
199cm
116kg
135
68
Dan
Soper
Roddy
Grant
Jonny
Bell
Craig
Newby
Assistant Coach
Forwards Coach
Defence Coach
Skills Coach
LIVE STATS
Visit ulster.rugby
ulster.rugby
Answers on back page
17

Utility Back
20/08/1992
185cm
93kg
26
5
Will
Addison
Hooker
26/05/1993
180cm
103kg
104
John
Andrew
Wing
19/08/1997
193cm
93kg
50
4
Rob
Baloucoune
Lock
27/07/1995
205cm
120kg
1
Frank
Bradshaw-Ryan
Fly Half
13/06/1994
183cm
87kg
86
7
Billy
Burns
Lock
10/09/1989
201cm
116kg
52
AUS 16
Sam
Carter
Scrum Half
01/05/1990
178cm
86kg
112
11
John
Cooney
Fly Half / Centre
26/03/1998
178cm
92kg
24
Angus
Curtis
Scrum Half
17/12/2001
185cm
85kg
36
Nathan
Doak
Fly Half
07/06/1999
183cm
91kg
3
Jake
Flannery
Wing
11/03/1991
183cm
90kg
208
10
Craig
Gilroy
Hooker
27/04/1990
185cm
105kg
225
31
Rob
Herring
Centre
07/09/1998
188cm
98kg
69
3
James
Hume
Lock
28/01/2000
201cm
117kg
11
Cormac
Izuchukwu
Back Row
13/01/1996
196cm
106kg
41
Greg
Jones
Full Back
20/08/1998
170cm
76kg
78
1
Mike
Lowry
Wing
28/01/1997
175cm
85kg
63
Rob
Lyttle
Fly Half
21/03/1989
179cm
89kg
34
30
Ian
Madigan
Centre
03/03/1991
180cm
95kg
157
11
Luke
Marshall
Back Row
13/06/2000
193cm
108kg
21
David
McCann
Centre
06/08/1992
193cm
111kg
170
9
Stuart
McCloskey
Scrum Half
24/06/1999
178cm
95kg
1
Michael
McDonald
Full Back/Wing
10/08/2000
188cm
89kg
46
Ethan
McIlroy
Prop
15/12/1992
191cm
130kg
20
Gareth
Milasinovich
MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
19
ulster.rugby

MEN’S SENIOR SQUAD
Hooker
15/09/1996
183cm
112kg
3
Declan
Moore
Prop
01/03/1991
178cm
123kg
86
10
Marty
Moore
Centre
08/08/1999
184cm
90kg
43
Stewart
Moore
Wing/Centre
09/09/1991
191cm
100kg
24
Ben
Moxham
Back Row
22/04/1991
188cm
106kg
60
30
Jordi
Murphy
Full Back
15/07/1999
181cm
90kg
Shea
O’Brien
Lock
10/09/1992
196cm
110kg
170
Alan
O’Connor
Prop
30/11/1995
185cm
117kg
98
1
Eric
O’Sullivan
Prop
23/09/1998
184cm
121kg
86
4
Tom
O’Toole
Centre
03/04/2002
193cm
93kg
Jude
Postlethwaite
Back Row
08/09/1997
188cm
109kg
34
Marcus
Rea
Back Row
21/09/1993
193cm
110kg
83
Matty
Rea
Back Row
04/11/1998
180cm
99kg
3
Sean
Reffell
Prop
06/01/1999
183cm
117kg
14
Callum
Reid
Wing
24/08/2000
188cm
94kg
7
Aaron
Sexton
Scrum Half
20/06/1993
175cm
78kg
86
Dave
Shanahan
Hooker
11/01/2001
183cm
103kg
15
Tom
Stewart
Wing/Full Back
03/04/1996
191cm
102kg
93
35
Jacob
Stockdale
Back Row
01/08/1995
188cm
113kg
116
3
Nick
Timoney
Prop
19/11/1990
192cm
128kg
5
NZ 1 SAM 3
Jeffery
Toomanga-Allen
Lock
06/11/1995
198cm
115kg
135
10
Kieran
Treadwell
Back Row
03/07/1986
193cm
118kg
28
SA 65
Duane
Vermeulen
Prop
12/03/1991
178cm
116kg
167
Andrew
Warwick
Prop
15/03/1994
183cm
113kg
6
SCO 21
Rory
Sutherland
21
ulster.rugby

The Ulster Society of
Rugby Football Referees
We welcome Mike Adamson (SRU) and his
team of officials to Kingspan Stadium for
this evening’s BKT URC match against the
DHL Stormers.
In this weeks referee corner, we catch up
with Andrew Davis (Lurgan RFC) and ask
him how he juggles work, home life and of
course blowing the whistle.
Why did you decide to take up refereeing?
I was coaching both mini and youth rugby
and enjoyed being able to help support the
younger players understand the game better.
What is your day job and how do you juggle
family life?
I work as a General Manager for a great
local company which supplies doors and
ironmongery into the construction industry. I
have a lovely wife and now that my kids have
grown up I have more time to get involved
in refereeing. However, it is very important
to leave some free weekends so that I can
spend some time with family and friends and
the USRFR are very supportive of that.
What is your training regime like?
I try to get involved with the pre-season
training provided each year by the USRFR
and IRFU Referee Department and then
ref enough games to keep match fit once
the season starts. If I am a bit stiff or sore
after a game, I go for a jog or a swim or
even do some Pilates.
U.S.R.F.R
How do you prepare for a game?
I check my kit the night before and contact the
home team to make sure the game is going
ahead. I also double check the regulations
for the game I am doing as it can range from
youth, schools, women’s to adult men. Whilst
the Laws of the game are generally always
the same, every competition has a different
set of regulations!
What is your favourite thing about
refereeing?
I enjoy the game management and
establishing a relationship with the captains.
Earning their trust it makes my job easier.
What is the most memorable game or team
you have refereed so far?
Ards 3rd XV - I usually like to have a chat
with the scrum-half before the game and
when I was checking the studs I casually
asked who’s playing nine and Andy Matchett
put up his hand. I just laughed and said I
don’t think I can tell you anything you don’t
already know. It was a privilege to ref him
and he never once questioned a decision.
Who is your favourite referee and why?
I like Joy Neville; she makes really clear
decisions and earns the respect of the
players and spectators alike.
What advice would you give to someone
thinking about taking up refereeing?
Speak to another ref and ask lots of
questions. The initial training and first season
is quite intensive so be prepared to commit
the time.
If you’re interested in refereeing, contact:
Richard Kerr
Referee Development Manager
richard.kerr@irfu.ie
07493 868 388
*Restrictions apply.
23

Last Time Out
Ulster recorded a thrilling 22-11 victory
over Sale Sharks at Kingspan Stadium last
Saturday night, a result which secured
a place in the Heineken Champions Cup
playoffs for the fourth time in the past
five seasons.
Ulster put in a performance to remember
when they needed it most. The province
knew the match with Sale Sharks had last
16 qualification on the line and that it was
a must win.
The Ulster men clearly had redemption on
their minds after the 39-0 defeat in the
return fixture at the AJ Bell Stadium.
On a very windy night in Belfast, Sale
started more brightly than the home side,
with Rob du Preez kicking an early penalty
to put points on the board.
Ulster then got their game going and piled
on the pressure in Sale’s ‘22. A few moves
collapsed due to some handling errors but
the home side’s pressure paid off as referee
Pierre Brousset sent Sale prop Bevan Rodd
to the sin bin for a penalty.
Ulster - with a man advantage - kept the
foot on the gas and scored the first try of the
game as Rob Lyttle darted his way across to
score. Nathan Doak was unable to score the
conversion which left the scoreline at 5-3 to
the home side.
The away side responded a few minutes later
as Rob du Preez converted a Sale penalty.
Late Ulster pressure in the half paid off
as Sale conceded a penalty at the scrum
which allowed Nathan Doak to nail a
penalty to ensure Ulster went into the
break in the lead.
Half-Time: Ulster 8 - 6 Sale Sharks
Ulster came out for the second half looking
to extend their lead in the match but were
dealt an early blow as Nathan Doak was
sent to the sin bin for a knock on.
Sale kept pushing and got their reward as
they scored following a lineout, captain Ben
Curry getting over the tryline for the away
side.
Rob du Preez was unable to add to the points
and this left Sale with a slender 8-11 lead.
Ulster then rallied and took the home crowd
with them. After being held up over the
Sale try line, the resulting drop-out was
collected by Duane Vermeulen and the
stands shook as the big Springbok powered
his way through the middle of the field and
bulldozed into Sale players.
Ulster pushed forward and thought they had
scored a try but Sale’s defence celebrated
as the TMO couldn’t confirm whether it had
been touched down.
The home crowd continued to drive Ulster
on and the breakthrough came via Ulster’s
maul weapon. A lineout close to Sale’s line
resulted in hooker Rob Herring breaking
off to dive over the line to send Kingspan
Stadium into rapture.
Cooney nailed his conversion to send the
home side 15-11 up.
With some nerves being felt over Ulster’s
recent late defeats, the home side kept
their second half assault going with Duane
Vermeulen powering over to score Ulster’s
third try of the match.
A win that was long overdue and reward
for the battling performance shown with
qualification on the line.
Full-Time: Ulster 22 - 11 Sale Sharks
“It’s brilliant. It gives us the
chance to play a Round of 16
game, which is what our aim was.
“We knew that once we
were back at home in front
of our fans – and I thought
the atmosphere was electric
tonight – the guys would pull
everything out. It was a tough
physical game, as it always is
against teams like Sale, but the
team did very well.
“I’ve never been in doubt about
the character of this squad,
the effort has been 100% the
whole time, and that showed
again tonight. We showed a
degree of physicality tonight.
We were able to produce quick
ball and I thought our defence
was excellent and obviously
the forwards really stood up
when they were asked to.
“The bench was magnificent
too when they came on -
there was a lot of experience
in there and they gave us
some additional punch later
in the game. I thought the
backs were excellent today,
our two wingers in particular
excelled in very very difficult
conditions.”
Dan McFarland
Head Coach
WATCH
HIGHLIGHTS
25

BALLYGOWAN – OFFICIAL HYDRATION
PARTNER OF ULSTER RUGBY
NOW
MADE FROM
1 %
RECYCLED
PLASTIC
*
1 %
IRISH
1 %
RECYCLABLE
27

1
2
3
1
2
3
4
Eric O’Sullivan
6
Alan O’Connor
8
5
Tom Stewart
C
Sam Carter
Jeff Toomaga-Allen
7
OFFICIALS
Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU)
AR 1: Andrew Cole (IRFU)
AR 2: Paul Haycock (IRFU)
TMO: Andrew McMenemy (SRU)
6
4
Ali Vermaak
Ben-Jason Dixon
8
5
JJ Kotze
7
Marvin Orie
Brok Harris
C
11
Ben Moxham
Harry Sheridan
Duane Vermeulen
Nathan Doak
Nick Timoney
9
10
11
Cornel Smit
Junior Pokomela
Evan Roos
Stefan Ungerer
Willie Engelbrecht
9
10
Replacements
16 John Andrew
Billy Burns
12
Replacements
16 Scarra Ntubeni
Jean-Luc du Plessis
12
17 Rory Sutherland
18 Andrew Warwick
19 Kieran Treadwell
20 Jordi Murphy
Stewart Moore
13
17 Kwenzo Blose
18 Sazi Sandi
19 Ruben van Heerden
20 Marcel Theunissen
Sacha Feinberg-
Mngomezulu
13
21 John Cooney
22 Ian Madgian
23 Ethan McIlroy
15
James Hume
14
21 Herschel Jantjies
22 Kade Wolhuter
23 Juan de Jongh
15
Ruhan Nel
14
Rob Lyttle
Suleiman Hartzenberg
ulster.rugby
Mike Lowry
Clayton Bloometjies
29

31

Marvin Orie Lock
Ones to Watch
South Africa international and Stormers lock, Marvin
Orie, is captaining the side in Steven Kitshoff’s
absence.
Orie is an integral part of the Stormers side and he
has made 110 tackles in the URC this season, more
than any other teammate and 8th overall in the
tournament. He also uses his 6ft 6inch height to
attack lineouts.
ulster.rugby
Evan Roos Back Row
One of the most exciting young number 8’s in world
rugby.
23-year-old Roos is playing his way back from an injury
layoff after a breakthrough season last year. Roos picked
up an incredible four individual awards last season, as the
Stormers became champions, winning the URC player
of the season, player’s player of the season, next gen
player of the season and the fans player of the season.
Roos counts Ulster no.8 and Springbok teammate Duane
Vermeulen as somebody he loves learning from as he
seeks to grow as a player both for club and country.
Reuben van Heerden Lock
The Stormers have freshened up their squad with the
signing of lock Reuben van Heerden from Exeter Chiefs.
The second rower is 6ft 6inches and is experienced after
playing for the Vodacom Bulls, the Cell C Sharks and Exeter
Chiefs.
Van Heerden will be hoping to make his debut against
Ulster and give Stormers head coach John Dobson a
selection problem going forward.
NAME POSITION AGE HEIGHT WEIGHT
Ali VERMAAK Prop 36 1.78 m 110 kg
Brok HARRIS Prop 37 1.86 m 121 kg
Frans MALHERBE Prop 31 1.90 m 138 kg
Kwenzo BLOSE Prop 25 1.87 m 111 kg
Lee-Marvin MAZIBUKO Prop 25 1.80 m 110 kg
Leon LYONS Prop 24 1.88 m 118 kg
Neethling FOUCHÉ Prop 30 1.87 m 119 kg
Sazi SANDI Prop 24 1.81 m 122 kg
Steven KITSHOFF Prop 30 1.83 m 123 kg
André-Hugo VENTER Hooker 21 1.87 m 106 kg
Chad SOLOMON Hooker 28 1.79 m 103 kg
JJ KOTZÉ Hooker 22 1.87 m 106 kg
Joseph DWEBA Hooker 27 1.80 m 108 kg
Siyabonga NTUBENI Hooker 31 1.73 m 105 kg
Adré SMITH Lock 25 2.04 m 120 kg
Ben-Jason DIXON Lock 24 1.98 m 110 kg
Connor EVANS Lock 21 1.98 m 113 kg
Ernst VAN RHYN Lock 25 1.92 m 117 kg
Gary PORTER Lock 26 2.01 m 115 kg
Marvin ORIE Lock 29 1.98 m 112 kg
Ruben VAN HEERDEN Lock 25 2.00 m 120 kg
Salmaan MOERAT Lock 24 2.00 m 122 kg
Deon FOURIE Back row 36 1.78 m 101 kg
Evan ROOS Back row 23 1.92 m 108 kg
Hacjivah DAYIMANI Back row 25 1.88 m 103 kg
Junior Sipato POKOMELA Back row 26 1.90 m 112 kg
Keke MORABE Back row 21 1.88 m 114 kg
Marcel THEUNISSEN Back row 23 1.92 m 102 kg
Nama XABA Back row 25 1.85 m 103 kg
Paul DE VILLIERS Back row 20 1.81 m 96 kg
Simon MILLER Back row 21 1.98 m 110 kg
Willie ENGELBRECHT Back row 30 1.91 m 109 kg
Godlen MASIMLA Scrum-half 30 1.77 m 80 kg
Herschel JANTJIES Scrum-half 26 1.67 m 75 kg
Imad KHAN Scrum-half 19 1.79 m 77 kg
Paul DE WET Scrum-half 26 1.76 m 83 kg
Stefan UNGERER Scrum-half 29 1.83 m 93 kg
Damian WILLEMSE Fly-half 24 1.87 m 91 kg
Jean-Luc DU PLESSIS Fly-half 28 1.79 m 87 kg
Kade WOLHUTER Fly-half 21 1.82 m 93 kg
Manie LIBBOK Fly-half 25 1.79 m 80 kg
Sacha MNGOMEZULU Fly-half 20 1.85 m 90 kg
Alapati LEIUA Centre 34 1.85 m 100 kg
Chris HOLLIS Centre 24 1.91 m 107 kg
Cornel SMIT Centre 25 1.83 m 95 kg
Dan DU PLESSIS Centre 28 1.93 m 103 kg
Juan DE JONGH Centre 34 1.77 m 89 kg
Mnombo ZWELENDABA Centre 22 1.88 m 95 kg
Ruhan NEL Centre 31 1.91 m 101 kg
Suleiman HARTZENBERG Centre 19 1.87 m 91 kg
Angelo DAVIDS Winger 23 1.78 m 84 kg
Leolin ZAS Winger 27 1.84 m 95 kg
Seabelo SENATLA Winger 29 1.79 m 89 kg
Clayton BLOMMETJIES Fullback 32 1.83 m 89 kg
Tristan LEYDS Fullback 25 1.83 m 74 kg
33

Half-Time Exhibition Games
Memorial Stand End
Finn Valley
Kit: Green & Black
Monaghan
Kit: Blue & Green
1 Ruari Irwin
7 Lee McGrenaghan
1 Callum Singleton
7 Jack Smith
2 Jack Blee
8 Jamie Laverty
2 Chloe Flanagan
8 Joseph Wilkin
3 Dylan Mcmenamin
9 Jonathan Rhys
3 Daimhain Brett
9 Matthew Hudson
4 Louis Mcgee
10 Adam Foy
4 Sean McMeel
10 Nathan McGuinness
5 Tajus Kasparaviciene
11 Isaac Stevenson
5 Finn Curley
11 Rhys Roddy
6 Aaron Porter
12 Alfie Thompson
6 Harry Ronaghan
12 William Moore
PROUD
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PARTNER
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1 of 5 £20 SPAR Vouchers?
All you have to do is,
CLICK HERE
and complete the form.
Good luck!
*Competition closes at midnight Monday 30th January 2023. Winners will be selected at random and contacted via email.
1 Ralph Middleton
2 Oliver Brown
3 Rossa Kincaid
4 Louis Boyle
5 Sam Clarke
6 Owen Kazaca
City of Derry
Kit: Green & Black
AbbeyAutoline Family Stand End
7 Milo Clenaghan
8 Rohan Taylor
9 Tom Spratt
10 Jack Hutchinson
11 Noah Sheen
12 Robbie Lynch
1 Alex White
2 Archie Doogan
3 Callum Warwick
4 Charlie Canning
5 Charlie Neill
6 Codey Malcolm
Lurgan
Kit: Black Red & Yellow
7 Daniel Mackey
8 Ethan Cushnahan
9 Jack Ferguson
10 Reuben Wellwood
11 Rory McFetridge
12 Thomas McGurnaghan
35

NOW AT THE FAN ZONE
Go head-to-head with a friend and take on the
Kingspan TRY-CYCLE Challenge interactive game!
The faster you pedal within 30 seconds, the further
you’ll travel across the rugby pitch and towards the
top of our leaderboard! You can take on the challenge
at every Ulster Rugby home game and the winners
will be those who top the leaderboard at the end of
the season, winning some amazing prizes!
WIN
A NEW BIKE
from Giant Bicycles
AN ULSTER AWAY TRIP
with travel and accommodation
37

NATHAN DOAK
A DAY IN
THE LIFE
ulster.rugby 39

Tom
Stewart
Hooker
11/01/2001
183cm
103kg
15
DHL Stormers tonight, how big a test will
they be?
It’s a huge game. South African teams always
pose a threat, they have a big pack and
play with width. After we beat the Lions in
October, we want to back that up and ahead
of the break we want to get the win. We also
want to get one back on them after they beat
us twice last season.
Both sides will be without some international
players, will that change anything?
Without our internationals there is still a lot
of quality across the board. This is a test. This
Stormers side will always bring a big challenge.
How important has this block of games been
for you personally because you have broken
into the squad and cemented yourself as a
senior player?
For me especially, getting back-to-back
rugby is massive because I hadn’t any
exposure to that before. I have been happy
about getting minutes and staying injury
free, so it’s about getting to the end of this
block and getting those minutes. It’s been
great for my development.
How does it feel being our top try scorer?
It’s obviously nice to touch down off the back
of the mauls. They might not be the most
spectacular of scores but it’s always nice to
get one down across the whitewash. It’s a
team try in my eyes!
Who would you look up to in
the squad?
Alan O’Connor. His attitude,
preparation, mantra in
games and he just never
stops. In a game if
something doesn’t go
right, he’s prepared for
that scenario.
Guinness Six Nations
is coming up, is that
something you’ll be
keeping an eye on?
I will always watch Ireland, I like to keep an
eye on our boys and see how they are getting
on and especially in a World Cup year.
Is an Ireland call up one of your ambitions?
I think every young boy who grows up
through rugby pathways and Ulster have
that ambition to pull on a green jersey. For
me that goal is alive and I hope I can put
that jersey on and run out for Ireland.
After this there will be a break in fixtures.
What will you do with the time off?
A lot of rest and chilling out. I’ll maybe go
away somewhere and switch off from rugby.
It’s been a long tough block and your body
needs a bit of a rest.
ulster.rugby
41

Next month sees the start of the Heineken
Champions Cup, when Ulster welcome current
Champions, La Rochelle to Belfast.
The champions’ strong season finished with
an incredible final in Marseille. La Rochelle
(Stade Rochelais) snatched the title from
Leinster Rugby’s grasp in the most dramatic
circumstances.
Replacement Arthur Retiere went over in the
dying seconds as Stade Rochelais secured their
maiden European trophy with a 24-21 win over
Leinster at a bouncing Stade Vélodrome.
A yellow card for Thomas Lavault with just over
15 minutes to play looked to have ended the
TOP 14 side’s hopes of a recovery, but Retiere
provided the crucial moment as he ducked
under a tackle and squirmed over in what would
be the final play of an enthralling game.
On their journey to the final, La Rochelle had
some impressive wins:
La Rochelle 20 - 13 Glasgow Warriors
Bath Rugby P - P La Rochelle
La Rochelle 39 - 21 Bath Rugby
Glasgow Warriors 30 - 38 La Rochelle
Rounds of 16
Bordeaux-Begles 13 - 31 La Rochelle
La Rochelle 31 - 23 Bordeaux-Begles
Quarter-Final
La Rochelle 31 - 19 Montpellier
Semi-Final
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ulster.rugby 43

Ilse van Staden bows out
Having been capped 31 times for Ulster
Women since making her debut in 2012, Ilse
van Staden has announced her retirement
from provincial duties. The prop played in
all three fixtures in this season’s Vodafone
Women’s Interprovincial Championship
before calling time on her Ulster career.
Ilse, congratulations on reaching
retirement. Although you made the
announcement after the Interpro series,
when did you decide this would be your
last run of games of Ulster, and ultimately
why did you make the decision to retire?
I started talking about stepping away from
Ulster during the 2021 Interpros, but after
our draw against Connacht I decided to
give it another rattle. I had the discussion
with Head Coach Neill Alcorn during the
first training camp we had over summer. I’m
going out while I’m still playing good rugby
and I’m physically fit. I’m one of the lucky
ones when it comes to being able to retire
on my terms.
I just feel that it’s the right time for me to
take a step back. I am closer to 40 than I
would like to admit, and have a young family,
as well as running a business and a full-time
ulster.rugby
day job. I realised that it’s time to focus bit
more on the home front.
At the end of the Leinster game, both
teams formed a tunnel and gave you a
round of applause – how emotional was
that moment for you?
The past two weeks has been a tad
emotional. I had to try and put a lid on the
emotions going into that Leinster game.
The tunnel from both teams at the end was
a special moment and something I will be
forever grateful for.
Looking back to your first cap in 2012, did
you ever think you’d still be lining out for
Ulster over a decade later, and what has
it meant to you to represent your adopted
province so many times?
Back in 2012 when I first lined out for Ulster,
I was lining up alongside some big names.
Stacy Lee Kennedy, Grace Davitt and Amy
Graham, who all played for Ireland. It was a
massive privilege to be able to run out for
Ulster and I definitely didn’t dream that I
would be doing it for more than a decade.
Like many of the other South Africans who
have played in Ulster, I have found a place
for myself here in Northern Ireland and I do
believe that being an Ulsterwoman is one of
the best feelings in the world. Thank you to
the people of Ulster who have welcomed
me and embraced me as their own.
What have been the highlights of your
time representing Ulster over the years?
My first cap back in 2012 against Munster,
and then I was part of that 2012 team that
beat Connacht. My first run out at Kingspan
Stadium in 2016 again against Munster was
also special. My first try against Leinster in
last year’s game is also up there.
Since 2012, how have things changed for
women and girls’ rugby in Ulster, and what
changes would you hope to see in future?
Since I started playing with Ulster in 2012,
there is a much bigger focus on the visibility
of the women’s game in Ireland as a whole.
I would have never dreamed to play rugby
to a live TV audience when I started playing.
But women’s rugby in Ulster is on the up
and there is so much to get excited about,
as exposure brings an investment of skills
and opportunity. The other area that has
changed dramatically is the way we prepare
ourselves. There is a solid S&C programme
in place as well as access to video analysis
and a big focus on improving core skills.
The current squad has some really bright
young talented players coming through,
so what sort of impact do you think they
can have in the years to come?
I’m really excited by the wealth of young
talent that’s coming through at Ulster.
The skill and rugby knowledge of these
youngsters is truly amazing, and the scary
thing is they are only going to get better.
It’s already evident by seeing 10 Ulster girls
included in the Celtic Challenge Squad,
where they again get another opportunity
to grow their game.
Finally, Ilse – in terms of rugby, what’s
next? Will you still play at club level? And
would you ever consider passing on your
knowledge by taking up coaching?
I’m still going to be playing AIL for my club
side Cooke RFC, so they are not rid of me
just yet, and then I’ll transition into coaching.
Even in retirement, my aim will always be to
help the young players be better versions of
themselves and if I can have a small role in
that will be enough.
45

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16/03/2004
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ulster.rugby 49

Written by:
Rod Nawn
The Calm Before The Stormers
Oh what a night, late in January ’23!
Was last Saturday the evening that Ulster
emerged from a worrying torpor, when the
players and coaches were vindicated in
their consistent belief that the nightmarish
results in December were not mirroring the
quality of the team?
Six days ago, many things combined
to transform the mood of supporters
who’d never fallen out of love for the club
but who’d had their confidence in this
particular group sorely tested, and the visit
of Sale Sharks in the Heineken Champions
Cup might see the end of what’s become a
regular extended European campaign.
Those same supporters almost filled
Kingspan Stadium last weekend, from
somewhere, found its voice, that famous
‘Ravenhill Roar’ and it created what in
modern parlance be termed a ‘vibe’ of
wholehearted backing. The 22-11 defeat
of Sale, after a nervy first forty minutes,
was completed with the urgings from the
terraces and in the stands maintained
through to the final whistle.
It’s often too glibly said, by players and by
officials throughout the top-class game,
that the home crowd can be ‘the 16th man’.
Somehow, before and after the match,
the sincerity of the remarks regarding the
volume and importance of a resurgent
support rang true.
The team certainly was relieved by a
winning return to its home ground, for so
long a fortress in league and in European
combat, but the performance in the second
half was one where the errors almost
vanished, where the self-confidence was
palpably restoring itself in front of our eyes.
Another contributory factor to the more
upbeat expectations against Sale was the
previous week’s display in a gut-wrenching,
last-minute defeat by European champions
La Rochelle in France. In the most dreadful
conditions, the players dominated Ronan
O’Gara’s decorated team for much of the
eighty minutes. A lead hard won through
a penalty was defended with a resolution
some might have begun to doubt.
Defensively, the side was tactically aware
and intelligent, while, when opportunity
arose to threaten, the players applied
themselves with an intelligence which
reflects their own individual and collective
ability. No wonder Dan McFarland was
rightly proud of his squad: the Head
Coach is a demanding leader and says it
as he sees it, but the thought he and his
coaches had put into almost avenging
Ulster’s unconvincing display at ‘home’ to
La Rochelle at the Aviva last month was
eye-catching.
So, when Sale pulled up in Belfast last
weekend, hopes that Ulster was on its way
to recovering its mojo were rising that
another memorable night under the lights
at Ravenhill Park was possibly in prospect.
The team began its return to home ground a
little tentatively, but its intention to take the
initiative against the English Premiership’s
second-placed club clear to see. Yes,
there were handing errors, mistakes at the
breakdown, and the number of turnovers
forced by the visitors would have had fans
and coaches momentarily despondent.
Rob Lyttle’s superbly executed try after
Billy Burns missed out three opposition
defenders to find his winger in space,
collecting a bouncing ball and navigating a
way to the right corner.
In that moment there was a hint that the
attacking verve and confidence which had
gone missing in some recent games were
restored, that an evening of European
success was in view.
Perhaps known just before kick-off that
Clermont had fallen to the Stormers and
opened up a channel to that qualifying
eighth spot in the Champions Cup pool
added incentive. In a competition format
which needs to be scrutinised, Ulster was
a beneficiary in going into its final group
clash ‘alive’, and a single win in four outings
could secure a place in the thankfully onelegged
Round of 16 weeks down the line.
Prolonging the European journey each
season is something the club and its
fans now expect and, even, demand. The
second half last Saturday saw Ulster really
restoring faith: and Rob Herring and Duane
Vermeulen tries were the result of tried and
tested forward drives which have always
had an acute awareness of what these
players can do best.
So, is tonight’s return to the United Rugby
Championship against the aforementioned
Stormers, the reigning champions, going
to reinforce the sense that a messy
and sometimes despairing period for
the home side is going to cement the
rediscovered confidence? That this season
can realistically draw the team closer to
silverware?
ulster.rugby
51

The South Africans have been zig-zagging
across the hemispheres to fulfil their URC
and Champions Cup obligations and have
faced exhausting and penalising travel
programmes.
This league competition too needs more
examination and revision. The South
Africans have their obvious challenges
but the sub-groups of the URC mean the
Irish Provinces are clearly disadvantaged
in comparison to a pool which pitches
Edinburgh and Glasgow into battle with
the two Italian sides, one of which is a
perennial underperformer.
These things matter because qualification
for the two European competitions is
involved at the end of the URC season, and
there is an issue with the format and the
scheduling which denies Ireland, Wales and
Scotland of key players during the Autumn
and Six Nations programmes and national
training camps.
But tonight an Ulster team, minus its five
players in Six Nations preparations, with a
solid and talented core will be determined
to build on the advances of the last two
games by taking on the inaugural URC
champions. It will do so aware of how
quickly fortunes – and opinions – can
change, how form can be an elusive
partner, and how small the margins are
when professional operations meet.
The Stormers have already signalled that
the trials of recent weeks requires certain
players be stood down this week, and that
is as disappointing for the supporters inside
Kingspan Stadium as it is understandable
given Head Coach John Dobson’s duty of
care to a fatigued squad.
The South Africans will still be laden with
internationals, and there are key areas
of this contest where the home team will
have to be at its most focussed and alert.
Young out-half Kade Wolhuter showed in
the home defeat of Clermont last weekend
that he has an unerring and long-range
talent from the tee, so Ulster discipline
has rarely been more important as Project
Reset continues.
Sadly, Ulster supporters will not see
Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff, who
arrives at the Province on a three-year
deal after the World Cup, his recovery for
a compressed ‘local’ schedule begins with
a visit to the Sharks a week today. A short
break then it’s away again to the Bulls, and
two weeks later the Sharks – again – are the
opponents in Cape Town.
Hopefully familiar names like Herschell
Jantjies, the athletic Dan du Plessis and
teenage winger Suleiman Hartzenberg will
be included in a backline with a reputation
for clinical counter attack and try-scoring.
Up front there are some experienced
heavyweights who’ll examine Ulster’s
forward eight. Flanker Evan Roos has
been in excellent form, a real threat at the
breakdown, while props Ali Vermaak and
Brok Harris may be in their thirties but are
scrum specialists.
It will be an experienced side with many
youngsters blooded in recent times and
Dobson does have an impressive squad
which he rotates often and his effective
use of his bench was illustrated only last
weekend with his shrewd try-scoring
introduction of Jantjies and Roos and of
Jean-Luc du Plessis at No.10. The second
half saw Clermont swept away.
Ulster will do their homework, but
concentrate most on what they’re capable
of bringing to the URC table against the
champions at a critical time for the club.
The Stormers are in pursuit of Leinster in
second spot, Ulster seven points further
back but in a potentially important playoff
fourth place.
Tonight we have a battle of wits on and off
the pitch but in its current mood Ulster can
take the victory and send the Stormers off
on another tiring long-haul trip home.
And that fabled ‘Roar’? Let’s hear it lift
the rafters!
ulster.rugby
53

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57

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ABBEY AUTOLINE FAMILY STAND
Catering
SPIRIT OF ‘99
PROMENADE 1
EAST TERRACE
A&L GOODBODY LOUNGE / VIP BOXES
The Food Village will be in operation,
serving a variety of cuisines, while the
Cool FM Crew will provide the soundtrack
for the evening.
All five public bars will also be in operation,
with live entertainment in the Clubhouse Bar.
Kukri Store
The Kukri Store will be open from gates
open, until 30 minutes after full-time.
THE 1924
PROMENADE 2
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ONSLOW PARADE
TURNSTILES
FOOD
VILLAGE
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Audio descriptive match commentary to
enhance the match experience for people
affected by sight or hearing loss will be
available.
Earpieces can be collected from the admin
building reception prior to the game, or
you can book your equipment by calling on
(028) 9049 3222.
Kingspan Stadium is now fully cashless,
with all bars and catering outlets
operating via card payments only.
Live music will be available pre & post-match in the Clubhouse Bar
ADMIN’
BUILDING
2022/23 FIXTURES
H Connacht Fri 17 Sep W 36-10 URC
A Scarlets Sat 24 Sep W 39-55 URC
H Leinster Fri 30 Sep L 13-20 URC
H Ospreys Sat 8 Oct W 47-17 URC
A Emirates Lions Sat 15 Oct W 37-39 URC
A Munster Sat 29 Oct W 14-15 URC
H Zebre Parma Fri 25 Nov W 36-15 URC
A Leinster Sat 3 Dec L 38-29 URC
A Sale Sharks Sun 11 Dec L 39-0 HCC
H La Rochelle Sat 17 Dec L 29-36 HCC
A Connacht Fri 23 Dec W 20-22 URC
H Munster Sun 1 Jan L 14-15 URC
A Benetton Sat 7 Jan L 20-22 URC
A La Rochelle Sat 14 Jan L 7-3 HCC
H Sale Sharks Sat 21 Jan W 22-11 HCC
H DHL Stormers Fri 27 Jan 7.35pm URC
A Glasgow Warriors Fri 17 Feb 7.35pm URC
A Cell C Sharks Sat 25 Feb 12 noon URC
A Cardiff Sat 4 Mar 7.35pm URC
H Vodacom Bulls Sat 25 Mar 7.35pm URC
A Leinster Sat 1 Apr 5.30pm HCC
H Dragons Fri 14 Apr 7.35pm URC
H Edinburgh Fri 21 Apr 7.35pm URC
*UK/IRE Time
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