Ulster squad additions

by geoff998rugby Thu Mar 08, 2012 12:58 pm

First topic message reminder :

All things relating to Ulster squad changes

by MrsP Fri Apr 20, 2012 2:32 pm

Mickado wrote:
MrsP wrote:
Don Alfonso wrote:Saw that. I'd say there'll be some noise tonight for him, Terblanche, Kyriacou and, most of all, B McL.

It'd be nice to see Danielli, Faloon and Whitten take a turn about the pitch as well,after the game.

Anyone any thoughts on a good chant for McGlocks to say thank you?

What about,

"Stand uuuuuup for Mc-lock-o-lin,
Stand uuuuup for Mc-Lock-o-lin..."

?

Other tunes are available...

Not when we have got 4 and a half hours till kick off and 10,000 Ulster fans to teach it to!

by **Notch** Fri Apr 20, 2012 2:33 pm

Our first choice backrow would be Ferris, Henry and Wilson

But we badly need a physical player for the Pro 12. McComish, Birch, Diack is a pretty desperate second choice backrow.

Iain Henderson could play there but we need to make more signings in that area. At least one more good player.

by Rava Fri Apr 20, 2012 2:34 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:I'm assuming that is for the HEC. What about the Pro 12?

Ferris Wilson Henry Wink

by **Notch** Fri Apr 20, 2012 2:35 pm

Looks like tonights game could well be a sellout. Ulster Rugby facebook says they expect a small number of tickets to be available at the gate but to arrive early to avoid disappointment and they recommend booking by phone.

We're definitely over 10,000 now anyway MrsP. I'm guessing from what they say that the trade from walk-ups could take us to a capacity crowd.

by Rory_Gallagher Fri Apr 20, 2012 2:36 pm

Henderson played 8 at school mostly. He can certainly play there. Though we definitely need another option. At least we will get to see how Birch progresses in an Ulster shirt. He will probably be getting a ton of game time next season.

Rava you cheeky man boxing

by Rava Fri Apr 20, 2012 2:37 pm

Rory, seriously, with the current available it will most likely be

Henry Wilson Birch

by WillyGilly Fri Apr 20, 2012 2:37 pm

Diack Birch McCombish

by Rory_Gallagher Fri Apr 20, 2012 2:38 pm

I would say Ferris won't feature in both, he just doesn't seem worth risking in the Pro 12, along with the HEC and Ireland games. I guess the two back row partnerships would be:

Pro 12:
6) Henry
7) Birch
8) Wilson

HEC:
6) Ferris
7) Henry
8) Wilson

All the next options are pretty average..

by Rory_Gallagher Fri Apr 20, 2012 2:39 pm

Rava wrote:Rory, seriously, with the current available it will most likely be

Henry Wilson Birch

Yeah that is what I thought too! But as I said, the next options are really not that good.

by WillyGilly Fri Apr 20, 2012 2:39 pm

We definetly need someone else

by MrsP Fri Apr 20, 2012 2:42 pm

Notch wrote:Looks like tonights game could well be a sellout. Ulster Rugby facebook says they expect a small number of tickets to be available at the gate but to arrive early to avoid disappointment and they recommend booking by phone.

We're definitely over 10,000 now anyway MrsP. I'm guessing from what they say that the trade from walk-ups could take us to a capacity crowd.

I was allowing for a few Leinster fans in my calculations!

by Rava Fri Apr 20, 2012 2:42 pm

WillyGilly wrote:Diack Birch McCombish

We would only be picking this in exceptional circumstances.

Like Leinster away or something ........ Run

by Mickado Fri Apr 20, 2012 2:43 pm

MrsP wrote:
Mickado wrote:
MrsP wrote:
Don Alfonso wrote:Saw that. I'd say there'll be some noise tonight for him, Terblanche, Kyriacou and, most of all, B McL.

It'd be nice to see Danielli, Faloon and Whitten take a turn about the pitch as well,after the game.

Anyone any thoughts on a good chant for McGlocks to say thank you?

What about,

"Stand uuuuuup for Mc-lock-o-lin,
Stand uuuuup for Mc-Lock-o-lin..."

?

Other tunes are available...

Not when we have got 4 and a half hours till kick off and 10,000 Ulster fans to teach it to!

Touché!

by Rory_Gallagher Fri Apr 20, 2012 2:47 pm

Rava wrote:
WillyGilly wrote:Diack Birch McCombish

We would only be picking this in exceptional circumstances.

Like Leinster away or something ........

Sure didn't we have that against Leinster on boxing day? If I remember that was when Birch really impressed everyone, but Diack was pretty shocking. The Leinster backrow was pretty good too, pretty sure Jennings was starting that game.

by Don Alfonso Fri Apr 20, 2012 2:48 pm

WillyGilly wrote:How late on in the season 2 years ago did we sign Wannenburg? Given the Rush fiasco it must have been pretty late.

That is a bit reassuring.

by **Notch** Fri Apr 20, 2012 2:49 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Henderson played 8 at school mostly. He can certainly play there. Though we definitely need another option. At least we will get to see how Birch progresses in an Ulster shirt. He will probably be getting a ton of game time next season.

Rava you cheeky man

I think we should utilise Henderson and Neil McComb in the backrow at times anyway. We have six locks in our squad and three of them are quite mobile- Tuohy has secured a spot in his best position but the other two are a journeyman squad member and a young Academy player- they can slot into the backrow too.

by Rava Fri Apr 20, 2012 2:54 pm

I think Henderson could be a candidate for Number 8 as an Easter/Waldrom type of player.

by Rory_Gallagher Fri Apr 20, 2012 2:55 pm

If I was Ulster, I would be looking at one of the young aussie 7s to sign. There are literally a ton of good options there to choose from, they must have the best depth for 7s in the world. Gill, Hooper, Faingaa.. some really good talent there.

by Rory_Gallagher Fri Apr 20, 2012 2:56 pm

Rava wrote:I think Henderson could be a candidate for Number 8 as an Easter/Waldrom type of player.

Henderson has real pace though. Runs brilliant lines as well. Watching him at 8 at school was brilliant!

by **rodders** Fri Apr 20, 2012 3:03 pm

MrsP wrote:
Notch wrote:Looks like tonights game could well be a sellout. Ulster Rugby facebook says they expect a small number of tickets to be available at the gate but to arrive early to avoid disappointment and they recommend booking by phone.

We're definitely over 10,000 now anyway MrsP. I'm guessing from what they say that the trade from walk-ups could take us to a capacity crowd.

I was allowing for a few Leinster fans in my calculations!

Two more Ulster fans on their way! Yahoo

by MrsP Fri Apr 20, 2012 3:18 pm

MrsP wrote:
Mickado wrote:
MrsP wrote:
Don Alfonso wrote:Saw that. I'd say there'll be some noise tonight for him, Terblanche, Kyriacou and, most of all, B McL.

It'd be nice to see Danielli, Faloon and Whitten take a turn about the pitch as well,after the game.

Anyone any thoughts on a good chant for McGlocks to say thank you?

What about,

"Stand uuuuuup for Mc-lock-o-lin,
Stand uuuuup for Mc-Lock-o-lin..."

?

Other tunes are available...

Not when we have got 4 3 and a half hours till kick off and ~~10,000~~ 10,002 Ulster fans to teach it to!

by **Notch** Fri Apr 20, 2012 3:23 pm

When you look at our flankers without Ferris and Henry, right now we have McComish and Birch. Neither of them is particularly physical. I would like us to sign- well, basically, a guy who can play 6/8. But the main requirement for me is physicality in the tight phases and ball carrying. McComish and Birch are already good link players.

If the Irish system was sensible we would draft in Rhys Ruddock or Kevin McLaughlin, but no-one wants to leave Leinster right now. It's a shame we have to get an NIQ when we could offer an irish backrower more gametime. In a perfect world, I would like to see Kevin McLaughlin move to Ulster.

by **Notch** Fri Apr 20, 2012 3:24 pm

rodders wrote:
MrsP wrote:
Notch wrote:Looks like tonights game could well be a sellout. Ulster Rugby facebook says they expect a small number of tickets to be available at the gate but to arrive early to avoid disappointment and they recommend booking by phone.

We're definitely over 10,000 now anyway MrsP. I'm guessing from what they say that the trade from walk-ups could take us to a capacity crowd.

I was allowing for a few Leinster fans in my calculations!

Two more Ulster fans on their way!

Woohoo! Do you think there will be many Leinster fans, Mickado?

I know the guy who writes Harpin' On Rugby is going. I like that blog a lot.

by brennomac Fri Apr 20, 2012 3:27 pm

Notch, happily let u have Ruddock, have to say he has been a big disappointment for me in past year or so, seems to have made no progress and I'd have McLaughlin, Jennings and Ryan easily ahead of him. For such a big guy, there's an alarming lack of physicality - he doesn't put himself about enough. Maybe a year as understudy to Ferris would do him some good.

McLaughlin, on the other hand, is the exact opposite to Ruddock, done well in the past year and on the fringes of the Irish team. Last year, I thought Dom Ryan was superb and a real star in the making, then he got a bad injury, and is now clawing his way back. Will be very interested to see how he does tonight against Ulster.

by Rory_Gallagher Fri Apr 20, 2012 3:28 pm

Notch wrote:When you look at our flankers without Ferris and Henry, right now we have McComish and Birch. Neither of them is particularly physical. I would like us to sign- well, basically, a guy who can play 6/8. But the main requirement for me is physicality in the tight phases and ball carrying. McComish and Birch are already good link players.

If the Irish system was sensible we would draft in Rhys Ruddock or Kevin McLaughlin, but no-one wants to leave Leinster right now. It's a shame we have to get an NIQ when we could offer an irish backrower more gametime. In a perfect world, I would like to see Kevin McLaughlin move to Ulster.

From what I have seen, I think Birch looks pretty physical for a 7. Looks good with ball in hand, strong at the breakdown, and has put in some good hits. He definitely didn't deserve his yellow against Connacht, it was a legitimate steal in my eyes. I do agree though it would be great if we had got Ruddock or McLaughlin, and still had a place for an NIQ. I still think we need another 7.

by **rodders** Fri Apr 20, 2012 3:30 pm

Hey is the Kukri store open this evening? Does anyone know the opening times?

by **Notch** Fri Apr 20, 2012 3:40 pm

Yes it is rodders, it's always open on match night. That's when they do most of their trade. They have three shops in total they open on match nights. Will probably be open all next week.

Agree on the yellow Rory, very unfortunate decision for him. Was a great piece of jackaling.

by MrsP Fri Apr 20, 2012 3:41 pm

I would guess the shop would be open tonight rodders but I can't find the stuff that was on the FB page a few days ago. They had something like 25% off adult stuff and BOGOF on kids stuff.

Give UR a ring, they'll know for sure.

by **Notch** Fri Apr 20, 2012 3:42 pm

I was in the Kukri store yesterday morning. I believe they have extended their opening hours this week and next.

by **rodders** Fri Apr 20, 2012 3:44 pm

Good stuff!

by Kingshu Fri Apr 20, 2012 4:20 pm

I remember for the Ulster football final it was Antrim V Tyrone,

Antrim hadn't gotten to a final in years (last one was 89 All Ireland hurling final) and the number of brand new Antrim tops that year in the final was amazing (so many bandwagon fans) and every Antrim game I go to since most supporters are wearing the 09 season top.

Do you think the same will happen Ulster, lots of new tops purchased for the semi final? and it's this years top that you'll see on the terrace for years to come?

It's a nice cash boost for Ulster.

My only shame is I never got an Antrim top in my life and wasn't going to in 09 in case I was accused of being a bandwagoner (went to Antrim games for a few years before Ulster final), same thing has happened again, been going to Ulster games for years and years but have never bought a top, now kinda want one for semi final but will look like a bandwagoner.

PS reason I've never got, an Ulster, Antrim or Celtic top even tough I support all these teams is I never though I'd get the wear out of them for the price. You have to be careful with sports tops in certain areas and it seams a little to much hassel to me. Would be nice for games but I usually go out after and it limits where you can go.

by MrsP Fri Apr 20, 2012 4:33 pm

Kingshu,

Could be but who cares? I actually love to see all the different versions of Ulster shirts at matches. I can't begin to think how many different ones we have in this house alone!

by **Notch** Fri Apr 20, 2012 4:38 pm

I don't own an Ulster top. Too expensive for something you might wear once a fortnight. However even I've bought into the hype and got myself a nice Ulster T-Shirt. Big pay day for Kukri and Ulster.

The boost in business was anticipated when they were negotiating the kit deal. As far as I understand it, if Ulster progress in Europe they activate clauses in their contract with Kukri which mean they get a lot more sponsorship money.

by Kingshu Fri Apr 20, 2012 4:53 pm

I remember reading that Notch in BBC said it could be biggest Rugby sponsorship deal in Ireland. Yehaa maybe if we make the final the new money could mean we get Kaino Whistle

I'll see if I have the funds, never normally get sport shirts, have Ireland one from 02 and beer stains etc make it have its own storey. At 10 it's time for retirement and get a new one. Jealous of my brothers really old one now, as at least he doesn't look like a bandwagoner.

by geoff998rugby Fri Apr 20, 2012 5:01 pm

Few updates - two of the fluffy variety but two serious.

Found out why Diack is not as good as he should be - unlike most (all ?) of the other Safffer born players - he likes a drink Shocked

Andrew Trimble brought a new house sicx months ago and is going for a minimalist approach. Last seen in his living room, no curtains, TV on the wall sitting on the floor. Can we have a whip round for a chair lads Laugh

On a more serious note.
Dublin insisted Tom Court played TH last week, Ulster wanted to play Declan Fitzpatrick. Ulster want Declan to play TH against Edinburgh but he is strugling to get up to the required fitness level. Ulster wanted him to have 2 games before Edinburgh to get him there because of Dublin it is only one. Dublin interference has compromised our preperation for the Edinburgh game. According to the agreement between Province and HQ they are not supposed to do that steam

The other more serious point it seems clear that the rest of the team are getting seriously hacked off with iHumph. Basically they are fed up carrying him defensively. All tries for the last two weeks have been laid at his door.
If Jackson steps up to the mark he will start against Edinburgh.

What concerns me is team spirit and where does this leave us next year.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Fri Apr 20, 2012 5:03 pm

MrsP wrote:
Don Alfonso wrote:Saw that. I'd say there'll be some noise tonight for him, Terblanche, Kyriacou and, most of all, B McL.

It'd be nice to see Danielli, Faloon and Whitten take a turn about the pitch as well,after the game.

Anyone any thoughts on a good chant for McGlocks to say thank you?

What about,

"Stand uuuuuup for Mc-lock-o-lin,
Stand uuuuup for Mc-Lock-o-lin..."

?

Jeebus, now she's writing the songs! Is there no end to this woman's talents?! Wink

by geoff998rugby Fri Apr 20, 2012 5:04 pm

More news we have 14 players leaving this summer from the squad + academy.

So name them - Whitten, Kyriacou, Wannenberg, Faloon, Terblanche everyone knows

I can add Cronin and Barker (who appears to have gone awall)

I am speculating Porter and McKinney.
Still leaves 5 - I'll look back on the old Acedemy list to see if any obvious names spring to mind.

On a positive note the senior forward players really rate Henderson they reckon he is the real deal

by MrsP Fri Apr 20, 2012 5:31 pm

You don't have Danielli on your list Geoff!

by MrsP Fri Apr 20, 2012 5:39 pm

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:
MrsP wrote:
Don Alfonso wrote:Saw that. I'd say there'll be some noise tonight for him, Terblanche, Kyriacou and, most of all, B McL.

It'd be nice to see Danielli, Faloon and Whitten take a turn about the pitch as well,after the game.

Anyone any thoughts on a good chant for McGlocks to say thank you?

What about,

"Stand uuuuuup for Mc-lock-o-lin,
Stand uuuuup for Mc-Lock-o-lin..."

?
Jeebus, now she's writing the songs! Is there no end to this woman's talents?!

Awh shucks again Asbo.

First you call me a Little Gem and now this.

Ulster squad additions - Page 8 3933776953

Mind you, some would ask if there was no beginning to them!

by Artful_Dodger Fri Apr 20, 2012 5:50 pm

geoff998rugby wrote:More news we have 14 players leaving this summer from the squad + academy.

So name them - Whitten, Kyriacou, Wannenberg, Faloon, Terblanche everyone knows

I can add Cronin and Barker (who appears to have gone awall)

I am speculating Porter and McKinney.
Still leaves 5 - I'll look back on the old Acedemy list to see if any obvious names spring to mind.

On a positive note the senior forward players really rate Henderson they reckon he is the real deal

Barker? I thought he was out with a back injury - its a shame cause I really rated his performances since he arrived, with him going we've a lot less depth in the second row, as it will now be McComb in the 22 if Stevenson, Tuohy or Muller get injured.

by Don Alfonso Fri Apr 20, 2012 6:23 pm

I would rate Barker ahead of McComb - shame he's going.

14 players going... Is the aim to eventually have full time contracts solely for the first Xv?

Not surprised that there might be resentment about iHumph. He's probably lucky McKinney won't be here next season...

On that note, I have to put my hands up - I relayed a scurrilous rumour that Marshall was kept for his club game last weekend. In hindsight, clearly Jacko got the nod at 12 because he can kick goals. Which iHumph cannot.

by MrsP Fri Apr 20, 2012 11:12 pm

I have to say I thought Porter did well when he came on tonight.

Jackson was great!

Hope Henry isn't as badly hurt as he looked (he was on crutches at half time)Paddy Wallace and Pedrie too!

by **Notch** Sat Apr 21, 2012 10:14 am

I'm really annoyed if Porter leaves. He is an excellent player who hasn't been given anywhere near the opportunities he deserves. Given game time, he will develop into an very good scrum half.

by FitzStephen Sat Apr 21, 2012 10:37 am

Agreed. And he can kick. Really good option to have on the books certainly when I've never been overly impressed with McIlroy who is next in line?

by Shauna784 Sat Apr 21, 2012 10:56 am

Rumours going around about another NIQ player still to be signed

by WillyGilly Sat Apr 21, 2012 11:13 am

Well duh? We have 2 NIQs leaving why on earth wouldn't we bring another one in.

by Shauna784 Sat Apr 21, 2012 11:17 am

The aim of that was to see if anyone had any speculation as to who it would be, not just state the obvious!

by **Notch** Sat Apr 21, 2012 12:52 pm

Shane Logan said in an interview last night in the match programme they hoped to be in the position to announce a new signing in the next few weeks. Have heard the sum total of zero rumours mind you. If they are close to signing someone, they are doing a much better job of keeping it out of the press than they did with the coaching fiasco...

by Rava Sat Apr 21, 2012 3:09 pm

Notch wrote:Shane Logan said in an interview last night in the match programme they hoped to be in the position to announce a new signing in the next few weeks. Have heard the sum total of zero rumours mind you. If they are close to signing someone, they are doing a much better job of keeping it out of the press than they did with the coaching fiasco...

I'd say the PR department took a hammering over that Notch and we will only hear about the next signings when they are completed.

by clivemcl Mon Apr 23, 2012 8:34 am

There has been some reference to an NIQ signing from Ulster rugby. No mention of anything concrete. But the media speculates that they are only beginning to speak about it to build up interest for an impending announcement. Up till now, you couldnt have been certain there was even a signing to be made because UR have said nothing. Now they are seemingly trying to build up some suspense.

Perhaps an wee boost before the semi?

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