Ulster squad additions

by BelfastNI Fri 08 Jun 2012, 6:52 am

First topic message reminder :

Trimble has started following Jacques Botes on Twitter if that means anything...?
#Geoffisbetterthantwitter

by **Notch** Fri 22 Jun 2012, 9:32 pm

Yeah, it could be a mini-masterstroke.

I do think that's what we don't have when Ferris isn't around. Go forward once we stall after going through multiple phases, when the ball starts to slow down. That's a situation we've struggled to deal with in attack. If he can punch holes around the fringes on a consistent basis he'll be a worthwhile signing.

Like you say,it's all down to his fitness, his desire to reach and maintain that level of fitness and then him just needing a bit of luck with injuries. I remember he started well at Munster then got injured and it all went horribly wrong. He did this when he first came to Munster;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwhqRql-apk

Then he disappeared.

by **Notch** Fri 22 Jun 2012, 9:35 pm

He has tremenjous power, is what I'm saying. He will deliver if he gets fit, stays fit and takes a professional approach.

Had he done all that with Munster he would have done very well. His failure to do so is good grounds for pessimism but this is his last great chance with a coach who knows him from way back.

by **rodders** Fri 22 Jun 2012, 9:50 pm

He's a big lump alright and to be honest apart from Ferris we don't have a big ball carrier in the backrow. I think he'll prove a good addition. Looks like we've recruited fairly well overall.

SUFTUM guinness

by Rava Fri 22 Jun 2012, 9:59 pm

Like I said, we weren't too sure about Wannenberg. This guy is potentially a much better player Very Happy

. Fitness wont be a factor In my opinion. I'm a happy chappie tonight.

As for the other two signings, I don't expect much this season but hope that Heaney has learned enough in the English Championship to put himself up for a permanent contract. He has the potential.

by MBTGOG Fri 22 Jun 2012, 10:29 pm

Good signing. Plenty of upside though could easily be a bust. I think the fact he can add something very different to the rest of the pack makes him a very interesting addition.

Something that hasn't been mentioned is his offloading ability so if others can get on his wavelength and read his intentions we could see quite a few tries of his runs around the fringes.

by Rava Fri 22 Jun 2012, 11:03 pm

MBTGOG wrote:Good signing. Plenty of upside though could easily be a bust. I think the fact he can add something very different to the rest of the pack makes him a very interesting addition.

Something that hasn't been mentioned is his offloading ability so if others can get on his wavelength and read his intentions we could see quite a few tries of his runs around the fringes.

Exactly mate.

by Rory_Gallagher Fri 22 Jun 2012, 11:33 pm

Rava - I thought you rated Wilson highly (not sure why) and I think you agreed with me in the past that he will be the most consistent component of our back row. Plus he seems to be Mr Consistent for the Saints. Do you really see Williams overtaking him by Christmas? I think Wilson will be the man in possession of the shirt. He might even challenge for international honours.

by Rava Sat 23 Jun 2012, 5:07 am

A bit of competition never did anyone any harm. The Wilson/Williams argument will keep Rory Very Happy

by JayMaster3000 Sat 23 Jun 2012, 9:28 am

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Rava - I thought you rated Wilson highly (not sure why) and I think you agreed with me in the past that he will be the most consistent component of our back row. Plus he seems to be Mr Consistent for the Saints. Do you really see Williams overtaking him by Christmas? I think Wilson will be the man in possession of the shirt. He might even challenge for international honours.

I can't see Williams over taking Wilson. Rodger Wilson has been unreal for Northampton, just a great player and a great signing. Saying that I don't think he'll get any international call ups. Three reasons - 1) Declan Kidney is coach, and he's more conservative than that A-hole David Cameron. 2) He's kicking on a few years now but Leo Cullen is still around so... and 3) Wilson is from Ulster. If Gilroy, Trimble or Tuohy was from any other province they would have a lot more caps.

by Backrower678 Sat 23 Jun 2012, 2:59 pm

JayMaster3000 wrote:
Rory_Gallagher wrote:Rava - I thought you rated Wilson highly (not sure why) and I think you agreed with me in the past that he will be the most consistent component of our back row. Plus he seems to be Mr Consistent for the Saints. Do you really see Williams overtaking him by Christmas? I think Wilson will be the man in possession of the shirt. He might even challenge for international honours.

I can't see Williams over taking Wilson. Rodger Wilson has been unreal for Northampton, just a great player and a great signing. Saying that I don't think he'll get any international call ups. Three reasons - 1) Declan Kidney is coach, and he's more conservative than that A-hole David Cameron. 2) He's kicking on a few years now but Leo Cullen is still around so... and 3) Wilson is from Ulster. If Gilroy, Trimble or Tuohy was from any other province they would have a lot more caps.

On point 3 there Jay its nonsense, nothing annoys me more than the old line of Ulster players dont get selected for Ireland as they play for Ulster. Trimble for instance burst onto the scene a few years ago, got his shot at International rugby and was proven to be lacking. He went away worked on his game and has became a very good out and out winger, but he has had Bowe infront of him, Horgan and Hickie also to name a couple who were proven at international level and still produced the goods too. Last season he was in unreal form in the league and HC, but an injury prevented him from taking part in the 6 Nations. The season that just finished he continued the league form, was ok in the HC and got his shot at the Irish jersey but he was pretty poor by HIS standards during it and the rest of his season wasn't too great either. No wonder DK didn't pick him in the 1st test against the All Blacks. Gilroy has only been around 2 seasons his time will come, don't worry about that i see him starting ahead on Trimble at Ulster next year to be honest and Tuhoy has had the 2nd row partnership of POC and DOC to breakdown to try and squeeze his way in. I agree with you that he should have more caps as he offers something different that they didn't but injuries have prevented him too.

Anyways back to the signings, pretty decent work hopefully the Oz 7 will turn out like Adam D'arcy and be a real gem unearthed by Humphs again. Ive no reason to doubt him as we have not had a bad signing under him IMO.
(allthough with the performance of Cane this morning for the All Blacks Humohs and Logan should have broke the bank to get Mccaw in) Wink

by Sin é Sat 23 Jun 2012, 4:07 pm

Backrower - for all you know, Gilroy could have been pulled from the squad by Ulster Rugby. They pulled Jackson from the U20s (and he would almost certainly have been a starter) so that he would be around for the preseason.

I say this because everyone assumed that Kearney Junior was ignored and it has only lately come to light that he is had an operation.

by Rory_Gallagher Sat 23 Jun 2012, 4:10 pm

Ulster wouldn't be allowed to pull Gilroy out from the full irish squad Sin. Nor would they. Don't make stuff up please.

by marty2086 Sat 23 Jun 2012, 4:15 pm

Sin é wrote:Backrower - for all you know, Gilroy could have been pulled from the squad by Ulster Rugby. They pulled Jackson from the U20s (and he would almost certainly have been a starter) so that he would be around for the preseason.

I say this because everyone assumed that Kearney Junior was ignored and it has only lately come to light that he is had an operation.

Jackson was pulled because it was thought there was greater benefit of him having a full preseason at Ulster than playing at U20 level I suppose they could have thought there would be no benefit of him going to NZ and playing against the best players in the world but then again most players in hindsight would have been better staying home Rolling Eyes

by **Notch** Sat 23 Jun 2012, 5:48 pm

Ulster have no power to pull players out of the full Ireland squad. You're being ridiculous.

by Don Alfonso Sat 23 Jun 2012, 5:49 pm

Sin é wrote:They pulled Jackson from the U20s (and he would almost certainly have been a starter) so that he would be around for the preseason.

I thought that he was pulled because they were worried his fragile confidence would take another knock? Was that not what you said elsewhere? Hmmmm...

Disappointed in Nick Williams, but there are definitely moves afoot to address the issue of depth, which is a relief. It might be better to have a roll of the dice and have Doyle and Williams than Botes.

Worried about having Jacko and NOC, although I thought Olding looked good on Friday, albeit at 13 rather than 10. And Farrell, by whom I had been distinctly underwhelmed.

Herring, Doyle, Henderson, Nelson, Heaney – let McLaughlin and Anscombe loose on them.

by Backrower678 Sat 23 Jun 2012, 7:24 pm

Sin é wrote:Backrower - for all you know, Gilroy could have been pulled from the squad by Ulster Rugby. They pulled Jackson from the U20s (and he would almost certainly have been a starter) so that he would be around for the preseason.

I say this because everyone assumed that Kearney Junior was ignored and it has only lately come to light that he is had an operation.

Dont need to reply to this as others have posted what i would say

by Sin é Sat 23 Jun 2012, 7:55 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Ulster wouldn't be allowed to pull Gilroy out from the full irish squad Sin. Nor would they. Don't make stuff up please.

They were allowed pull Jackson (who is a few months younger than Gilroy).

I can see why they wouldn't want him to go as he would have been competing with Trimble for a place and would probably only get one game like Zebo did, so limited benefits- Zebo won't be back for Munster start of pre-season. Munster's preseason started last week.

by Rory_Gallagher Sat 23 Jun 2012, 7:59 pm

Sin, they were allowed to pull Jackson out of the U20s. That isn't the senior team.

by **Notch** Sat 23 Jun 2012, 8:00 pm

From the U20s. There's a pecking order. The U20s are behind the provinces which are behind the national team. Kidney gets precisely what he wants.

by Sin é Sat 23 Jun 2012, 8:10 pm

Notch wrote:From the U20s. There's a pecking order. The U20s are behind the provinces which are behind the national team. Kidney gets precisely what he wants.

Gilroy wouldn't be first choice for Ireland in NZ and no doubt Kidney would see the benefit of giving him a full preseason with his new coach in Ulster (particularly if he wants to take a look at him during the Autumn internationals) and another worthwhile candidate to go instead of him.

by **Notch** Sat 23 Jun 2012, 8:11 pm

Yep. HIS DECISION. Not Ulsters.

by Sin é Sat 23 Jun 2012, 8:14 pm

Notch wrote:Yep. HIS DECISION. Not Ulsters.

More like working together. Kidney isn't autocratic like Humphs.

I wish you'd all stop bitching about Gilroy not going. I suppose I should be thankful that some of the bitching stopped about Kearney Junior not going because he was having an op (some bitching about not being told he had an op though Very Happy

)

by marty2086 Sat 23 Jun 2012, 8:18 pm

Sin é wrote:
Notch wrote:Yep. HIS DECISION. Not Ulsters.

More like working together. Kidney isn't autocratic like Humphs.

I wish you'd all stop bitching about Gilroy not going. I suppose I should be thankful that some of the bitching stopped about Kearney Junior not going because he was having an op (some bitching about not being told he had an op though )

Ulster requested that Jackson didnt go and the IRFU and U20s management met and decided he could stay behind and Im sure theyre regretting now with the way his replacement played Wink

by **Notch** Sat 23 Jun 2012, 8:34 pm

Sin é wrote:
Notch wrote:Yep. HIS DECISION. Not Ulsters.

More like working together. Kidney isn't autocratic like Humphs.

He can be as autocratic or not autocratic as he likes. You're still just speculating with no basis in fact.

by toml Sun 24 Jun 2012, 12:29 pm

Notch wrote:
Sin é wrote:
Notch wrote:Yep. HIS DECISION. Not Ulsters.

More like working together. Kidney isn't autocratic like Humphs.

He can be as autocratic or not autocratic as he likes. You're still just speculating with no basis in fact.

Speculating or bullshitting? Stupid point. Gilroy wasnt picked

by Don Alfonso Sun 24 Jun 2012, 8:19 pm

Humph is an evil, moustache-twiddling facist dictator. Deccie is a kindly uncle who has nothing but hugs and sweeties for everyone.

Of course, Humph is much, much better at his job than Deccie. Is there a lesson there? I don't know - Humph ordered me not to think about it.

by WillyGilly Sun 24 Jun 2012, 9:09 pm

Ulster could do with a bad season this time around just in case the IRFU get ideas. Not that they would like.

by Rory_Gallagher Sun 24 Jun 2012, 10:26 pm

by clivemcl Mon 25 Jun 2012, 3:14 pm

Apparantly we are signing a NZ scrum-half on a short term contract.

Came from one of the few reliable posters on UAFC.

by red_stag Mon 25 Jun 2012, 3:21 pm

clivemcl wrote:Apparantly we are signing a NZ scrum-half on a short term contract.

Came from one of the few reliable posters on UAFC.

Cheers GeoffV2

by **Notch** Mon 25 Jun 2012, 3:21 pm

Yes, I read all about our signing of Jacques Botes over there; a very reliable crowd!

Heh, even that not withstanding I wouldn't be surprised at all. Imagine if Pienaar is away with South Africa until mid October and I've also read Paul Marshall needs an operation on his elbow when he gets back from the NZ tour.

I think we will start the season with next to no-one at 9. I'm very annoyed about it.

by Pete330v2 Mon 25 Jun 2012, 3:40 pm

That particular poster on the UAFC is usually the man with the crystal ball on there so it may be accurate enough. We would be needing cover without our guardian St Ruan without a doubt but if we're going to be missing Small P I'd be very annoyed myself.

by **Notch** Mon 25 Jun 2012, 3:44 pm

I do think there's a good chance we'll be without both for the first four/five rounds of the Pro 12. Not ideal when you consider the inexperience of Paddy Jackson at 10.

On the other hand he'll have to step up and take charge, which could be good. But I hope for a kind draw because we could very well start with 9. Michael Heaney 10. Paddy Jackson.

I do feel the provinces get shafted a bit at the start of the season, but thats just the way it goes. Going to have to find a way to cope better than last seasons disaster. We could end up with two scrum-halves on four month contracts in the 23!

by clivemcl Mon 25 Jun 2012, 3:48 pm

Is Marshall in NZ? Laugh

I forgot about that!

What a joke, he could have had the surgery weeks ago!

Would short term need to be IQ though? I though an NIQ short term could only be allowed to replace an NIQ if it were injury. Is it allowed just because one of our NIQs is on international duty?

And will it be a big name, or a nobody?

by **Notch** Mon 25 Jun 2012, 3:50 pm

Why are you asking? I don't know clive. The person who started the rumour probably doesn't know.

by clivemcl Mon 25 Jun 2012, 3:52 pm

Ha! I'm just looking for speculation!

by clivemcl Tue 26 Jun 2012, 10:05 am

If Marshall is going to be out and Pienaar away, we most definatly need another scrum-half. And a fairly decent one.

I'm still unsure as to whether an NIQ replacement is allowed for any reason other than injury.

Heaney is short term too isnt he? Is it possible that the NZ guy is IQ too, and its a case of seeing which one we want to keep on?

Like I say though, If Jackson is starting along with an average scrum-half, we could see a similar run of games like during the World Cup last season.

Rolling Eyes

by toml Tue 26 Jun 2012, 2:23 pm

Rumour has it our new shirt is being unveiled this week by T-bowe.
White with a red v like the st George dragons.

by Pete330v2 Tue 26 Jun 2012, 2:48 pm

toml wrote:Rumour has it our new shirt is being unveiled this week by T-bowe.
White with a red v like the st George dragons.

Yup, apparently he was at Ravers for a piccy before heading off to Boston.
I'm for buying a new shirt this season so I'll be very interested to see how I'm going to look for the next 5 seasons Smile

by **Notch** Tue 26 Jun 2012, 3:25 pm

You can see Tommy and a bit of the new shirt here;

http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/10602.php

There was also a photo shoot I understand, so should be some pics of the new shirt up soon.

by Kingshu Tue 26 Jun 2012, 4:00 pm

looks like bt have been added to the sponsor list, I hope the shirt doesn't go the way of the Welsh teams lots af small sponsors all over it.

Better to have one or two paying a premium for the space that lots paying less. (should be same money but shirt is less cluttered and sposors name more shows better)

I'd like them to bring i rules similar to football, of only one main sponsor on front taking up no more than a certain % of space and similar for secondary sponsor on sleeve, + manufacturers brand.

The regions shirts all look clutteed and a bit of a mess to me,

by Rava Tue 26 Jun 2012, 4:36 pm

Kingshu wrote:looks like bt have been added to the sponsor list, I hope the shirt doesn't go the way of the Welsh teams lots af small sponsors all over it.

Better to have one or two paying a premium for the space that lots paying less. (should be same money but shirt is less cluttered and sposors name more shows better)

I'd like them to bring i rules similar to football, of only one main sponsor on front taking up no more than a certain % of space and similar for secondary sponsor on sleeve, + manufacturers brand.

The regions shirts all look clutteed and a bit of a mess to me,

Rumour has it the revamped stadium will be "named" BT Park.

by **Notch** Tue 26 Jun 2012, 7:19 pm

That makes me feel a bit sad. Ravenhill is a ground I've been to all my life, and it is Ravenhill in my mind. It'll be a sad day for me when the naming rights go.

by WillyGilly Tue 26 Jun 2012, 10:15 pm

Gastons signed for London Irish. Best of luck to him. I guess with Bowe coming back his oppertunites where going to be even more limited. Always thought of him as decent prospect.

by Rory_Gallagher Tue 26 Jun 2012, 11:10 pm

I think that is a good choice. I have forgotten just how good he was in his first season. Nearly as good as Gilroy.

by clivemcl Wed 27 Jun 2012, 8:40 am

Hope Gaston makes an impact with LI. As for BT Park, thats not great. But I guess thats life. We will still call it Ravenhill forever though won't we?

by Pete330v2 Wed 27 Jun 2012, 8:54 am

BT Park?

Na it'll always be Ravenhill and they'll never get us to call it anything else.

Corporate divvies!!

by marty2086 Wed 27 Jun 2012, 1:50 pm

Que the jokes coming in from other supporters

Not worried just hope it doesnt mean the players are going to phone it in now drumroll

by Kingshu Thu 28 Jun 2012, 9:53 am

Lets be honest we all said we would always refer to Lansdowne Road as lansdowne, but after a few years people are calling it the Aviva, yo usee it on threads etc and even in talking to people.

Given a few years and media coverage, papers refering to BT Park and not Ravenhill, and people will start refering to it as BT park in normal conversesion.

I noticed just as an aside that one of the Scottish football rules was that team names couldn't include sponsorship, I hope the same was appied to the Pro 12, as I'd hate to see BT Ulster V O2 Leinster etc etc.

NEC Harlaquins?? remember, don't know how it would impact Benetton Treviso are they offically just called Treviso now?

The selling of the stadium name does generate extra income, but I believe it is selling part of your soul, and tradition, that makes a Team.

Wonder how Cardiff Blues fans would feel if after getting back to the Arms park they learned it was to be renamed the M+S Stadium?

Munster did right in keeping the name Thomand Park, Leicester sold the names of stands but not the Stadium. We shouldn't have to either.

by **Notch** Thu 28 Jun 2012, 10:19 am

Agre with all of that.

by Sponsored content