Ulster squad additions

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All things relating to Ulster squad changes

It was me because I could see no reason why not.
I think who the 10 is is the worst kept sceret in town.
Mind you Tommy Bowe wasn't announced a good 2 months after I was told it was a done deal so who knows.

I am beginning to wonder now to be honest - maybe they will do both together.

geoff998rugby wrote:They dont deserve the game, they will cause trouble, its not a rugby city, Ulster should only play in Belfast, other towns are more deserving.

There's probably a fair bit of truth in that but its a bit of a one eyed view based a lot on stereotypes and ignorance.

There's plenty of rugby fans and players up here too. Theres 2 rugby clubs within a few miles of my house, one in the AIB. Thats not even taking into account Limavady, Coleraine, Letterkenny and Strabane. Then you have 2 rugby playing Grammar Schools plus the high schools and integrated Colleges which have teams and supply some of the underage players at the clubs. UU and the NWRC have teams I believe too.

Thats before even looking at the non traditional rugby fans.

Is Belfast a traditional rugby City either? I'm not so sure half the population are rugby supporters there either.

I'm not going to start singing the praises of Derry/Londonderry and a lot of the bad rep is deserved but as the second City I think the odd Ulster game isn't much to ask for the City or the NW region.

It was the IRUPA dinner last night i think. Kearney got player of the year is all I know

It is only a friendly but to read some posts you would think it is the end of the world .

What is so disapointing is the tone of many posts.
Clearly you don't have to scratch very deep to find a bigot

Any more details on the game Geoff?

I presume they will need to erect some kind of temporary terracing at CoD RFC?

If a few thousand turned up there it would be chaos!

Also don't know if anyone saw the piece in BBCNI last night. Moss Dineen of CoD spoke how Ulster really want to to spread out and get support of the community and grass roots across the whole province the way Munster do.

It was great to hear that Ulster have a plan on that front.

Standulstermen wrote:It was the IRUPA dinner last night i think. Kearney got player of the year is all I know

Gilroys QF try got try of the year!

geoff998rugby wrote:They dont deserve the game, they will cause trouble, its not a rugby city, Ulster should only play in Belfast, other towns are more deserving.

No shortage of total dross I'm afraid

Mate, why even bother with that website? Maybe I'm a hypocrite because I have a half-century of posts there but it's terrible. There are a few sound posters who have been around forever but the vast majority are a waste of space. A lot of the time the consensus on that forum is like the Ulster version of muntersfans.com; one-eyed, begrudging, smug and often hysterical.

Ulster are going to Derry, and it's to be applauded. Spreading the game around the province and trying to draw support from a wider base is to be supported. Anyone who can't see that isn't worth your time

Notch, I would add that many 'fans' aren't actually rugby fans at all and are just on the board for a sectarian troll fest. It's the same with most political websites, even good ones like Slugger O'Toole, and I imagine is even worse on Rangers and Celtic fan sites. I have a one friend in particular who loves Scottish football about four times a year just so he can abuse me!

I can't even begin to say how delighted I am that they are playing this match in Derry/Londonderry. It is a real positive step from the Ulster branch and something that NI football side should have done along time ago. I would suspect that the match might be played at CoD- where else is viable? From a very personal point of view, and I say this hoping if anyone lives in the area I do not offend them, I would not feel comfortable going to the Brandywell. I also can't imagine the mass of Northern Ireland flags or red on yellow Ulster flags would be particularly welcome in that area despite the fact they do not carry the same sectarian symbology at Ravenhill as they do, say at Windsor Park.

Anyway, a great move from the Ulster branch. I had heard previously from an friend inside the branch that they had previously tentatively approached the Donegal GAA to see about a match at MacCumhail Park but were rebuffed. Maybe if this Derry match is a success that might happen in the future, but given the Ulster GAA's record as compared to their southern brethren, I highly doubt it.

Hookisms and Hyperbole wrote: From a very personal point of view, and I say this hoping if anyone lives in the area I do not offend them, I would not feel comfortable going to the Brandywell.

Thats a fair shout, although derry city do have protestant supporters who go there regularly.

The flip side is you may get the reverse at some other venues like Institute FC.

I would imagine most people should feel comfortable at Judges road but the question marks for me would be about the infrastructure including transport and parking.

I haven't been to league games there in long time but I'd doubt if they'd have any more than a few hundred there at most.

Notch you are right it is a terrible site and I long since stopped posting.
I also know some very good posters, with good contacts, who no longer post.
The father of one of the players used to post for example, like many of us he has stopped.

It used to be decent site with useful information - those days are long gone.

However there are still a couple, and one in particular, who have genuine inside knowledge.

Whoever he is who puts all the Ulster vids up deserves a massive

Standulstermen wrote:2nd city, geographically as far from Belfast as possible. At least half the population largely uninterested in rugby. Sounds positive to me. Any more rumours on a backrow Geoff?

geoff998rugby wrote:Other than he is NIQ I am afraid not.

What I can say is other than the FRU article I have seen or heard nothing to suggest it is Williams.

I will, probably, not get a chance to ask around until late next week unfortunately.

So it's definitely a man then?

rodders wrote:

I would imagine most people should feel comfortable at Judges road but the question marks for me would be about the infrastructure including transport and parking.

I haven't been to league games there in long time but I'd doubt if they'd have any more than a few hundred there at most.

Rodders, I wouldn't be expecting the masses to be out (depends a lot on who would be playing) so I would expect there wouldn't be too many problems with parking etc. I'm sure they will bring in a temporary stand and probably aim for accommodating a couple of thousand people.
It will be a good start and hopefully will show the people of the area the attractions of the game.

You know the ground well I'm sure Rava? Do you think it could hold 1'000 people?

rodders wrote:You know the ground well I'm sure Rava? Do you think it could hold 1'000 people?

No bother at all Rodders.

Great stuff Rava, I bow to your infinitely superior Knowledge and judgement on these matters sir!

The other thing actually about Derry that has always surprised me is that for a nationalist/republican city there is very little interest in GAA. The place is a soccer city first and foremost. I think on one hand having it in the Brandywell might be a good opportunity to bring in fans who have not really been exposed to rugby given their culture and sporting upbringing. I imagine (I could be wrong) if it was ay CoD there might not be the same opportunity.

That's true Hook, there is very little interest in GAA here, much more so in the rural areas in the outskirts of the county.

Here its pretty much all Soccer or Rugby but most of the rugby population end up moving away for University and work. I would say Rugby is pretty popular within the nationalist population too.

Its a strange place....

On your other point I would say CoD probably won't attract too many from a non rugby background but you never know if its promoted well.

Lads, just been speaking to NO'C's dad's cousin!!


He wouldn't tell me if he was signing because he doesn't know.

He did say his Grandmother is quite poorly though. . He had been travelling home quite a bit to see her.

Best wishes to NOC's gran!

The Irish Independent were reporting yesterday that he was due to return.

Ulster Rugby today confirmed that Simon Danielli has decided to retire from rugby due to a back injury which has plagued the winger throughout this last season.

http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/10528.php

for the man. This season aside he has been a great player for us and an absolute gentleman to meet.

Rava wrote:Lads, just been speaking to NO'C's dad's cousin!!


He wouldn't tell me if he was signing because he doesn't know.

He did say his Grandmother is quite poorly though. . He had been travelling home quite a bit to see her.

His grandparents are members at my golf club and she is pretty poorly. I haven't seen her about in a long while, though I see Perry (his grandfather) the odd time. I'm pretty sure he was the first Catholic captain of our club, or so I was told. Could be wrong about that. Perry is a old fashioned gentleman too. I still wouldn't want Niall O'Connor back at Ravenhill though! Tell you guys what, come down some Saturday to Castlerock to sit in the golf club during the rugby season. When NOC was there towards the end the Limavady guys in the clubhouse stated it was an anti-Limavady conspiracy he wasn't getting picked and that he was much better than Humphries. He also should have been capped for Ireland as he was more talented than Sexton. I kid you not

Thanks for the memories Simon! Really sorry to hear that. He was a great servant for us...a proper honorary Ulster man .

Good Luck Simon, great servant to Ulster.

On the subject of the Brandywell would anyone want to play there? It's not in great condition. Had the "pleasure" of visiting for work once and would not be in a hurry to return!

City of Derry is quite a nice little club but might struggle with car parking. It also tends to be quite wet does it not, when I last played there (Early September) it was a more like a bog than a rugby field!

Hookisms and Hyperbole wrote: When NOC was there towards the end the Limavady guys in the clubhouse stated it was an anti-Limavady conspiracy he wasn't getting picked and that he was much better than Humphries. He also should have been capped for Ireland as he was more talented than Sexton. I kid you not

They're spot on too......

Hookisms and Hyperbole wrote:When NOC was there towards the end the Limavady guys in the clubhouse stated it was an anti-Limavady conspiracy he wasn't getting picked and that he was much better than Humphries. He also should have been capped for Ireland as he was more talented than Sexton. I kid you not

That's real hyperbole- kind of thing you get your name from

O'Connor is actually more talented than he showed when he was with Ulster. He was capable of much more than he's achieved- never going to be the next Larkham, or even the next Sexton or Humphreys, but he has his moments.

I won't have any reservations about seeing him coming on when we're playing in pissing wind and rain and playing territory next year.

How about this a dual tribute to Danielli and O'Connor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1juI8sve_U

trustedwomble wrote:
City of Derry is quite a nice little club but might struggle with car parking. It also tends to be quite wet does it not, when I last played there (Early September) it was a more like a bog than a rugby field!

Thats why I never made a rugby comeback....bog rolling isn't my bag man....

I see Simon will be staying in the provinces and be a regular spectator at home matches.

As I have said before as nice a person as you could ever hope to meet - an absolutely gent

Notch wrote:

Hookisms and Hyperbole wrote:When NOC was there towards the end the Limavady guys in the clubhouse stated it was an anti-Limavady conspiracy he wasn't getting picked and that he was much better than Humphries. He also should have been capped for Ireland as he was more talented than Sexton. I kid you not

That's real hyperbole- kind of thing you get your name from

O'Connor is actually more talented than he showed when he was with Ulster. He was capable of much more than he's achieved- never going to be the next Larkham, or even the next Sexton or Humphreys, but he has his moments.

I won't have any reservations about seeing him coming on when we're playing in pissing wind and rain and playing territory next year.

How about this a dual tribute to Danielli and O'Connor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1juI8sve_U

Was that Diack from the scrum?? Wow, he's seriously leaned up since then!

Top man is our Simon. And his triceps are something to behold.

geoff998rugby wrote:I see Simon will be staying in the provinces and be a regular spectator at home matches.

As I have said before as nice a person as you could ever hope to meet - an absolutely gent

Agreed. I remember getting his autograph a number of years ago. He was such a good guy!

Best of Luck to Simon Danielli tremendous player for us on and off the field.

I saw him eating sushi at Edinburgh airport last year. Seemed like a top bloke. Not sure what he ordered though .

rodders wrote:I saw him eating sushi at Edinburgh airport last year. Seemed like a top bloke. Not sure what he ordered though .

Cool story rodders

rodders wrote:

Hookisms and Hyperbole wrote: When NOC was there towards the end the Limavady guys in the clubhouse stated it was an anti-Limavady conspiracy he wasn't getting picked and that he was much better than Humphries. He also should have been capped for Ireland as he was more talented than Sexton. I kid you not

They're spot on too......

I heard a similar story this week from a guy in my work. Perspective is everything i guess.

Best of luck to Simon. Had a quick glance at his try scoring record on the website. rather impressive.

I had a dream about him Danielli once (oi! not that kind of dream!)

I was having dinner in a restaurant he owned in Bangor.

Does he own a restaurant by any chance? Or where on earth did this come from in my sub-concious? Geordan Murphy and Castrogiovanni have a restaurant. maybe thats it. Except this one was in bangor, not London...

Anyone concerned that Ulster are letting their first choice flyhalf jet off to Cape Town for five games in eighteen days and consequently miss part of the pre-season training?

OK Clive thats just weird ...

I mean I still have his Sushi leftovers on my mantlepiece but you have to draw the line somewhere man .

The Great Aukster wrote:Anyone concerned that Ulster are letting their first choice only flyhalf jet off to Cape Town for five games in eighteen days and consequently miss part of the pre-season training?

Fixed it for you Aukster ..... Not until you mentioned it actually......

Yes, I am.

That said, the more gametime he gets the better. He's learning with every game.

So long as he is fit to start the season from our first competitive game we're okay.

Notch wrote:Yes, I am.

That said, the more gametime he gets the better. He's learning with every game.

So long as he is fit to start the season from our first competitive game we're okay.

I am more worried that the u20s is perhaps not the best place to gain good enough 'experience'. I know the U20s has its place, but to me it is weighed heavily in favour of New Zealand, South Africa and England. This is not natural skill levels in the South Africans and English case, but pure physicality. I played on a representative tour in South Africa and my opposition number looked like he ate boys like me for breakfast everyday. Too many English players are gym monkeys. They run hard and straight, but too many are excellent from 15-18, but when they are caught up with physically they are shown to be very average players.
Is it any wonder our players don't physically develop until their mid-20s? It takes years of gym work to get them to that stage, but at least they have the basic rugby skills needed. Jackson for me is a long, long way off the international game and consistent EC standard physically. At times against Edinburgh Denton made him look like a little boy on the pitch. He would be far better off with a pre-season with Ulster, working on his conditioning and with the team he will have such a pivotal role with next season.

It didnt hurt Ford last year playing in the JWC but can game time hurt? Surely he didnt get enough game time this season so going into the season with games under his belt even at u20 cant hurt?

As for his physicality didnt he stand up to O'Callaghan on Saturday night and tackle him in full flow?

I am delight Paddy is going.

He will still be back for pre season friendlies.
He has the chance to captain his nation on the World stage in Grade rugby - he should not be denied the chance.

Henderson will be there also and he may well in our first game of the season XXIII as well

geoff998rugby wrote:He has the chance to captain his nation on the World stage in Grade rugby - he should not be denied the chance.

Thats true- it's an honour and it would be churlish to deny him it.

It's good that he has the responsibility of Captaining the team. There is going to be a huge amount of scrutiny on him from now on.

It didnt hurt Ford last year playing in the JWC but can game time hurt? Surely he didnt get enough game time this season so going into the season with games under his belt even at u20 cant hurt?

Ford thrived in the under 20s JWC last season. Testing himself against some of the best young talent going including Weir or Scotland and Anscombe of NZ was good for his development. He has been given this summer off to do some serious conditioning though.

Too many English players are gym monkeys.

I think the issue isn't that the English players are gym monkeys but more that the previous English age group selectors tended to go for the genetic freaks who were merely massive from an earlier age. That has changed somewhat in recent years with more in the way of skill demanded recently as the English system has been overhauled. Hence Ford who has bulked up half a stone this season and is still only 12 and a half stone captaining the team and being at the heart of their play.

I fail to see how learning to cope with defending against physically players is going to hamper the development of a young diminutive 10 anyway. Neither Ford or Jackson are ever going to be massive so will always be at a disadvantage, they may as well learn to cope now.

geoff998rugby wrote:I am delight Paddy is going.

He will still be back for pre season friendlies.
He has the chance to captain his nation on the World stage in Grade rugby - he should not be denied the chance.

Henderson will be there also and he may well in our first game of the season XXIII as well

Dont forget Farrell Nelson and Olding going too wont see as much gametime though Im sure

Is it going to be on tv here?

formerly known as Sam wrote:

It didnt hurt Ford last year playing in the JWC but can game time hurt? Surely he didnt get enough game time this season so going into the season with games under his belt even at u20 cant hurt?

Neither Ford or Jackson are ever going to be massive so will always be at a disadvantage, they may as well learn to cope now.

I totally agree. And, to be fair, I think thats something Jackson has coped well with since he came in against Leinster.

marty2086 wrote:

geoff998rugby wrote:I am delight Paddy is going.

He will still be back for pre season friendlies.
He has the chance to captain his nation on the World stage in Grade rugby - he should not be denied the chance.

Henderson will be there also and he may well in our first game of the season XXIII as well

Dont forget Farrell Nelson and Olding going too wont see as much gametime though Im sure

Is it going to be on tv here?

It's usually on Sky Sports. Actually the games are so close together (5 in 18 days) that the entire squad is utilised. Normally every player starts at least one game. So they'll still get a chance. Farrell will probably start I think. He had a good 6N as did Henderson.

Hookisms and Hyperbole wrote: I played on a representative tour in South Africa and my opposition number looked like he ate boys like me for breakfast everyday. Too many English players are gym monkeys. They run hard and straight, but too many are excellent from 15-18, but when they are caught up with physically they are shown to be very average players.
Is it any wonder our players don't physically develop until their mid-20s? It takes years of gym work to get them to that stage, but at least they have the basic rugby skills needed.

Hookie why do you think that is if you don't mind me asking? Why are we so far behind physically at that level and even up to early-mid twenties?

I have a few theories but one in particular I won't be sharing here. Personally I think School boy rugby isn't physical enough and players don't get the same advice on resistance training, diet etc. that their counterparts in England and Wales are getting from the clubs. The flip side is they are better drilled and coached with basic skills like rucking, contact skills etc.

My experience of underage rugby is a looonnnng time ago and never played representative level so I'd be interested to hear your thoughts?