Ulster 2015/2016

by Standulstermen Sun 24 May 2015, 2:15 pm

First topic message reminder :

Thought i would give ol' GC a helping hand and try and get Ulster types looking inward at what has been a tricky season and looking forward to next season and how we should improve. Dont have time to put down all my own theories but will do so later. This thread is a matawalu free zone btw!

by Standulstermen Thu 18 Jun 2015, 9:50 pm

November at least aukster.

I hope the boys have a fire lit under the ass for both games truth be told. We owe them more than one but we have to beat them up and deny them position. A lot will depend on how much rugby we try to play. Is burger still knocking around for them?

by **rodders** Fri 19 Jun 2015, 9:06 am

Burger was motm in the AP final wasn't he?

I fancy Sarries to win the tournament this year - I think we'll really struggle against them as our game doesn't match well against their blitz defense and counter punch attack.

Bath had the same problem and have a similar attack as us i.e. using phases of screen runners and the ball out the back. Once Sarries do their analysis they pick out where the ball is going and can smash the target behind the gain line and force penalties and turn overs.

The sides that beat Sarries do it by dominating them physically, especially up front and for me only Toulon and Clermont can do that.

Sorry but I'm not confident on our chances on topping the pool but if Toulouse don't find their a game then maybe can qualify in second.

by BelfastDickVet Sun 21 Jun 2015, 11:55 pm

So Allen Clarkes Ireland C boys won the........ Cough......... Cough...... Very competitive Tbilisi Cup, 1) I hope he doesnt get to use that success as a means of retaining his place at Ulster, & 2) do you lot think we will see Frankie Taggart more in an Ulster shirt, if Clarke deems him good enough to play for Ireland, then surely he is good enough for teams like the dragons, Edinburgh etc.

by Pete330v2 Mon 22 Jun 2015, 9:38 am

I was just thinking that as I was reading the rugby news this morning. How Allen Clarke's 'success' is a bit like the emperor's new clothes that hopefully will be seen as such by all involved at Ulster.

by **Notch** Mon 22 Jun 2015, 11:01 am

We weren't that good in it though- it wasn't really a huge success. Everyone expected us to win the thing regardless of who the coaches were, as we have much more resources than any other side in it. Three wins was the starting point for us, and we'd have expected to get bonus points too. There were a lot of rough edges in the performances I saw, a lot of errors that didn't cost us due to the quality of the opposition not being high.

by **Notch** Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:14 pm

Clarke himself says it well; we had three good halves in three games

http://www.the42.ie/emerging-ireland-three-good-halves-head-coach-2175230-Jun2015/?utm_source=shortlink

by Don Alfonso Tue 23 Jun 2015, 11:42 am

Dave Ryan away to Agen. Did he line out for us once, even?

by Pete330v2 Tue 23 Jun 2015, 2:05 pm

I don't remember seeing him even once Don.
Mind you, it doesn't say much seeing as we didn't see Lutton until the end of the season so it's hard to tell if Ryan was just tom-kite or Clarke didn't like him either Smile

by The Great Aukster Tue 23 Jun 2015, 5:25 pm

Ryan didn't play at all for Ulster, and only sparingly for the Ravens. Not too sure those at Malone were that impressed either Wink

He was signed on a two year contract and is leaving a year early even with Fitzpatrick retiring so that shows how highly regarded he is - he must have an exceptional agent!

Only for Herbst being so reliable Ulster would have been in trouble and need to sign decent cover or hope Warwick can switch sides.

by Don Alfonso Tue 23 Jun 2015, 5:32 pm

Hopefully Lutton gets a fair crack of the whip now.

I see Jonny Bell has now finished. Does that mean we're without a defence specialist until Kissy joins us?

Could ship a lot of points in September/October/November...

by Don Alfonso Tue 23 Jun 2015, 5:40 pm

Barakat has coached defence. For the Junior Waratahs...

by Guest Wed 24 Jun 2015, 10:08 am

Barakat would be a Les Kiss signing. Both worked with Waratahs at the same time. He might make a good assistant defence coach and help take the pressure of Kiss in his role as head coach. With Barakats history he might also be heavily involved in the academy and be instrumental in helping develop talent. Either way I think he might be a very good addition to the coaching set up.

by Don Alfonso Tue 30 Jun 2015, 11:45 am

Wullie's back and training!

http://www.ulsterrugby.com/News/LatestNews/TabId/149/ArtMID/793/ArticleID/3707/Willie-Faloon-Its-great-to-be-back.aspx

Straight in, first thing he does is big up the new boss. Smart fella. Please let this "sharp", "technical" training he talks of from Kiss bear some fruit. We have been talented but inaccurate this whole season gone.

Although I have a massive fondness for McLaughlin, and he did himself proud in getting us to the HC final, he managed to make Diack apathetic and uninterested, and Faloon leave. He really didn't deal with that second tier of talent we had very well at all.

by marty2086 Tue 30 Jun 2015, 12:18 pm

Don Alfonso wrote:Wullie's back and training!

http://www.ulsterrugby.com/News/LatestNews/TabId/149/ArtMID/793/ArticleID/3707/Willie-Faloon-Its-great-to-be-back.aspx

Straight in, first thing he does is big up the new boss. Smart fella. Please let this "sharp", "technical" training he talks of from Kiss bear some fruit. We have been talented but inaccurate this whole season gone.

Although I have a massive fondness for McLaughlin, and he did himself proud in getting us to the HC final, he managed to make Diack apathetic and uninterested, and Faloon leave. He really didn't deal with that second tier of talent we had very well at all.

I don't think you can blame McLaughlin on Faloon leaving, he had Henry ahead of him as undisputed first choice and he in turn had SOB ahead of him for Ireland so was likely to play more games than he missed

by Don Alfonso Tue 30 Jun 2015, 3:57 pm

Why would he come back then - what's changed?

by marty2086 Tue 30 Jun 2015, 4:07 pm

Don hes only signed on for a year and Henrys likely to go to the World Cup, given Faloon feels hes improved as a player and SOB has hardly been the picture of health in the last two seasons it should mean more opportunity for him

by Don Alfonso Wed 01 Jul 2015, 10:01 am

All true.

by Chunky Norwich Mon 13 Jul 2015, 2:16 pm

How do you get charged with drink driving twice and not get given a jail sentence?

Ulster rugby player Roger Wilson was yesterday banned from driving and fined for refusing to give police a breath specimen.

The former Ulster player of the year and Northampton Saints man (33) pleaded guilty at Ards Magistrates Court to driving near Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, while unfit through drink or drugs, driving without insurance, and two counts of failing to provide a breath specimen to police while under suspicion of drink-driving, all on March 22.

Wilson, of Burghley Mews, Belfast, was previously convicted of drink-driving in 2008, when he was caught driving at approximately twice the legal limit. With the latest offence, the court heard that police received a report around 4.50pm on the day in question from a member of the public who said a vehicle in the Ards area was being driven on the wrong side of the road.

Police caught up with the car, which they found stationary and containing two men, with the professional rugby star in the driver's seat.

The front of the vehicle had been damaged and a tyre ripped to the rim.

Officers noted Wilson's speech was slurred and said he had displayed delayed reactions.

When police asked him to disembark the vehicle, he was unsteady on his feet.

Wilson refused three times to give an evidential breath sample at the roadside, and then again in Bangor custody suite.

His lawyer told the court his reputation had been tarnished by the affair, and that the Ulster Rugby organisation had taken a stern view of his behaviour and docked him two weeks' wages.

Representatives from the body were in court but were not asked to give evidence.

Wilson's lawyer said his client had been at home drinking with a friend, and that he accepted his behaviour that day was "nothing but foolishness". He added that the player had genuinely believed he was insured under Ulster Rugby's company car scheme.

District judge Eamon King said it was "a big problem" that Wilson had a previous conviction.

He disqualified the player from driving for three years on the alcohol charge, and imposed a £250 fine with a £15 offender's levy.

He gave him fines of £250 and £50 for failing to give specimens, and fined him £250 and imposed a six-month concurrent ban on the insurance charge.

The judge also signed Wilson up for a drink-driving course.

And he even asked: "The only question I have for Mr Wilson is, 'How did Ulster lose that game against Glasgow'?"

by **George Carlin** Mon 13 Jul 2015, 2:23 pm

Charged with Foolishness, eh?

by Pete330v2 Tue 14 Jul 2015, 10:47 am

[quote="Chunky Norwich"]How do you get charged with drink driving twice and not get given a jail sentence?

Ummm perhaps because being found guilty twice doesn't result in a custodial sentence?
Do you think that might be it?

However, if you stalked a person this closely and not a rugby club you'd definately be placed under a restraining order.

by Chunky Norwich Tue 14 Jul 2015, 12:13 pm

Pete330v2 wrote:
Chunky Norwich wrote:How do you get charged with drink driving twice and not get given a jail sentence?

Ummm perhaps because being found guilty twice doesn't result in a custodial sentence?
Do you think that might be it?

However, if you stalked a person this closely and not a rugby club you'd definately be placed under a restraining order.

Stalked a person? It was in the Belfast telegraph you lunatic.

by Pete330v2 Tue 14 Jul 2015, 12:24 pm

I didn't realise the Belfast Tele had such a large following in Wales. Oh no it's only read by those who stalk Ulster looking for the next insult. Lunatic? If it keeps me on the opposite end of the scale from your sanity then yes I am.

by Chunky Norwich Tue 14 Jul 2015, 2:49 pm

Pete330v2 wrote:I didn't realise the Belfast Tele had such a large following in Wales. Oh no it's only read by those who stalk Ulster looking for the next insult. Lunatic? If it keeps me on the opposite end of the scale from your sanity then yes I am.

Twitter. Try it.

Free your mind.

by Pete330v2 Tue 14 Jul 2015, 3:18 pm

Chunky Norwich wrote:
Pete330v2 wrote:I didn't realise the Belfast Tele had such a large following in Wales. Oh no it's only read by those who stalk Ulster looking for the next insult. Lunatic? If it keeps me on the opposite end of the scale from your sanity then yes I am.

Twitter. Try it.

Free your mind.

Tried it, found it dull and anything but mind-freeing.

Perhaps you should free your own mind Chunky and stop stalking Ulster rugby.

Free your spirit angel

by Chunky Norwich Tue 14 Jul 2015, 3:25 pm

Ulster are in the same league as my team. Kind of hard to avoid them. Believe me, I'd have it diffeently if I could.

by **rodders** Tue 14 Jul 2015, 3:27 pm

Chunky Norwich wrote:How do you get charged with drink driving twice and not get given a jail sentence?

I'm guessing being a relatively well known and well connected sportsman and businessman probably helps?

by Pete330v2 Wed 15 Jul 2015, 10:06 am

rodders wrote:
Chunky Norwich wrote:How do you get charged with drink driving twice and not get given a jail sentence?

I'm guessing being a relatively well known and well connected sportsman and businessman probably helps?

He actually got the standard smack on the wrist given to a repeat offender which is a minimum 3 year ban. This applies to the second offence in a ten year period. Personally I would remove a licence permanently in such a case but hey ho...

by clivemcl Thu 16 Jul 2015, 9:12 am

He may not have got a sentence but he's been shamed very publicly and lost a lot of peoples respect.

I for one will be happy to see him go the very second we have a number 8 on the books his equal. I've no time for wealthy reckless sports stars.

by The Great Aukster Thu 16 Jul 2015, 9:39 am

Wilson had previous "reckless" behaviour the first time he was on Ulster's books. It's what young men unfortunately do and if everyone who made a mistake was scrapped, Ulster (and every other team) would need a dozen new players every year.

The christian attitude would be to offer him support and forgiveness, and I suspect that's what Logan will do.

by clivemcl Thu 16 Jul 2015, 9:52 am

Of course there is a place for forgiveness, but Roger is no kid. He's 33. With prior!

There's no getting away from the fact that he made a choice to do something incredibly dangerous. If his speech was slurred and he was stumbling - that suggests he had more than 2/3 pints.

There's a time and place to put your arm around someone's shoulder - but there's also a time and place to tell someone that he's an idiot until he accepts that he IS and idiot and should try to stop being an idiot.

I'd actually be more forgiving if somebody HAD been hurt or worse. But when the opportunity is there to strongly reprimand someone for the good of themselves and others - it should be done.

Two weeks wages to Roger will hardly hurt much.

Not to slander Logan in particular, but the reality is, there are a sizeable number of people in this world who might chat with Roger and say something like...

'We've all been there and done it, its just rotten luck you got caught'.

by The Great Aukster Thu 16 Jul 2015, 10:17 am

Obviously you don't know Shane Logan at all.

by clivemcl Thu 16 Jul 2015, 10:27 am

Correct. I don't know him.

So how would you say he would deal with Wilson personally?

by **rodders** Thu 16 Jul 2015, 10:34 am

f this was in England or Wales this wouldn't be seen as a big deal - players drive whilst out of their brains on booze and drugs all the time over there.

by Pete330v2 Thu 16 Jul 2015, 12:29 pm

I know it's a point that people do like to crusade about, and rightly so but deaths and injuries caused by drink-drivers are minimal compared to deaths and injuries caused by bloody awful drivers who should never be allowed near a driving licence let alone a vehicle. I know of 3 guys who lost their books, all were caught the morning after being out for a session. 2 of them lost their jobs over the head of it yet I know that they were more capable drivers, even though they were over the legal limit than most of the senior citizens heading out to get the morning papers on those sunday mornings or boy racers who think they are rally stars of the future. Road safety would improve if it wasn't seemingly everyone's right to have a licence.

Roger is still a silly boy. He has previous in this field but I would say he needs help with this rather than being keelhauled over it.

by SirBurger Thu 16 Jul 2015, 3:57 pm

rodders wrote:f this was in England or Wales this wouldn't be seen as a big deal - players drive whilst out of their brains on booze and drugs all the time over there.

Just interested, but do you actually think that is true?

I personally don't have a clue and know you see the occasional story about a player (e.g. Cipiriani), but I would be very surprised if players are regularly taking recreational drugs and then driving.

by Cyril Thu 16 Jul 2015, 8:55 pm

SirBurger wrote:
rodders wrote:f this was in England or Wales this wouldn't be seen as a big deal - players drive whilst out of their brains on booze and drugs all the time over there.

Just interested, but do you actually think that is true?

I personally don't have a clue and know you see the occasional story about a player (e.g. Cipiriani), but I would be very surprised if players are regularly taking recreational drugs and then driving.

I think rodders may be joking. Elsewhere he has encouraged POC to put his testes on Robshaw's head.

by clivemcl Thu 16 Jul 2015, 9:43 pm

Pete330v2 wrote:I know it's a point that people do like to crusade about, and rightly so but deaths and injuries caused by drink-drivers are minimal compared to deaths and injuries caused by bloody awful drivers who should never be allowed near a driving licence let alone a vehicle. I know of 3 guys who lost their books, all were caught the morning after being out for a session. 2 of them lost their jobs over the head of it yet I know that they were more capable drivers, even though they were over the legal limit than most of the senior citizens heading out to get the morning papers on those sunday mornings or boy racers who think they are rally stars of the future. Road safety would improve if it wasn't seemingly everyone's right to have a licence.

Roger is still a silly boy. He has previous in this field but I would say he needs help with this rather than being keelhauled over it.

Exactly the kind of downplay I was talking about. But hey guess what! Everyone has heard these stories. Nobody can claim not to know the risks.

If you are going to work the next morning.... here's the key ...

Don't get really drunk.

It's a simple choice. I don't buy this 'I didn't think I'd still be over' line. Not these days. Everybody knows.

But hey, this is coming from one guy who seems to be immune to the widespread idea that getting trollied equals fun. So I'm probably biased. Or actually impartial. One of the two. You decide!

by The Great Aukster Thu 16 Jul 2015, 11:52 pm

clivemcl wrote:Correct. I don't know him.

So how would you say he would deal with Wilson personally?

I wouldn't presume to ascribe any personal opinion to him - he is perfectly capable of communicating that himself.

My limited experience of him is that he is someone who is the antithesis of the small-minded tabloid stereotyping being presented here. He is a committed christian who will despair of human frailty but not shy away from the consequences of dealing with it. If someone has a problem he will try to help first rather than expediently cut them loose for someone else to deal with.

by Guest Fri 17 Jul 2015, 2:21 am

Wilson has been punished twice at least. Once by Ulster rugby (fined 2 weeks pay) and once by the Court (3 year ban plus fines). Added to that is the personal cost to reputation and relationships. Is that not enough? Ulster Rugby could sack him, which would mean Wilson's career ending abruptly and in disgrace. True that it would be self-inflicted, but I'm just not convinced how beneficial it would be to the player, or the public, to end a fine playing career in such a devastating manner.
The punishment should fit the crime, but we should allow room for grace. A little introspection sometimes helps with that Erm

by clivemcl Fri 17 Jul 2015, 9:02 am

I'm a big fan of grace. And of course you are all correct. I react angrily to stuff like this and take a while to look at it calmly.

That said I never called for him to be sacked. Just to be 'retired' if we found somebody else.

But I agree now, rehabilitation and guidance would be better.

He's still reckless idiot though! Maybe less so now after it all. We can only hope.

One thing though... I'll be keeping a keen eye this coming season on then fans on here. No witch hunts allowed. I'll be expecting calls for grace and guidance across the books!

Wonder did Anscombe use up his full quota?

by No 7&1/2 Fri 17 Jul 2015, 9:27 am

Think it should be 1 of 2 options for the club. You either throw your whole weight behind him (support getting him help etc) or sack him. I don't think having the outrage that he'd do something like this but continuing to play him to suit the club short term is particularly a great example.

by marty2086 Fri 17 Jul 2015, 3:13 pm

Ulster Rugby PRO12 fixtures 2015/16

Friday 4th Sept, 19:35, Ulster v Ospreys, Kingspan Stadium, BBC NI
Saturday 12th Sept, 15:00, Scarlets v Ulster, Parc Y Scarlets, Sky Sports
Friday 2nd Oct, 18.05, Ulster v Benetton Treviso, Kingspan Stadium, BBC NI
Friday 16th Oct, 19.45, Edinburgh v Ulster, BT Murrayfield, Sky Sports
Friday 23rd Oct, 19:35, Ulster v Cardiff Blues, Kingspan Stadium, BBC NI
Friday 30th Oct, 18:00, Munster v Ulster, Thomond Park, BBC NI
Sunday 8th Nov, 14:30, Newport Gwent Dragons v Ulster, Rodney Parade, BBC NI
Friday 27th Nov, 19:35, Leinster v Ulster, RDS, BBC NI
Friday 4th Dec, 19:35, Ulster v Edinburgh, Kingspan Stadium, BBC NI
Saturday 26th Dec, 18:00, Connacht v Ulster, Sportsground, BBC NI
Saturday 2nd Jan, 15:00, Ulster v Munster, Kingspan Stadium, Sky Sports
Friday 8th Jan, 19:35 Ulster v Newport Gwent Dragons, Kingspan Stadium, BBC NI
29/30/31 Jan WKEND, Benetton Treviso v Ulster, Stadio Monigo
12/13/14 Feb WKEND Ulster v Glasgow Warriors, Kingspan Stadium
19/20/21 Feb WKEND Ulster v Scarlets, Kingspan Stadium
26/27/28 Feb WKEND Cardiff Blues v Ulster, BT Sport Arms Park
4/5/6 Mar WKEND Ulster v Zebre, Kingspan Stadium
25/26/27 Mar WKEND Glasgow Warriors v Ulster, Scotstoun
1/2/3 Apr WKEND Ulster v Connacht, Kingspan Stadium
15/16/17 Apr WKEND Zebre v Ulster, Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
29/30 Apr/1 May WKEND Ulster v Leinster, Kingspan Stadium
6/7/8 May WKEND Ospreys v Ulster, Liberty Stadium

20/21/22 May WKEND Play Offs
27/28/29 May WKEND Final

Something to get excited over now!

by Don Alfonso Fri 17 Jul 2015, 3:29 pm

Another tough finish with Leinster and Ospreys being the last games.

by Chunky Norwich Fri 17 Jul 2015, 3:36 pm

Friday fun.

by Guest Fri 17 Jul 2015, 5:05 pm

Happy enough with that fixture list. Start and end with Ospreys. Glad we get them at home in the first game before travelling over to trounce Scarlets for a 5 pointer.
Tough enough end of season, but easier than last seasons.

by marty2086 Mon 20 Jul 2015, 12:31 pm

Noticed on the Ulster site, the Ravens are no longer listed as that and instead as the Ravens. Is that a re/unbranding of the team?

Also McComb and McComish are no longer listed as players, have they been shipped on?

by Don Alfonso Mon 20 Jul 2015, 6:28 pm

yeah - it's no longer officially Ravenhill, I suppose. So the A team is no longer the Ravens.

And yeah - those two are gone, as far as I'm aware.

by Don Alfonso Mon 20 Jul 2015, 6:30 pm

Having said that, I can't see Wilson or Williams listed either.

Maybe we have two brilliant new international quality 8s coming in...?

by **rodders** Tue 21 Jul 2015, 9:15 am

Looks like Brian McLaughlin has had enough of Ulster Branch taken his expertise elsewhere - Armagh RFC by the sounds of it.

by **George Carlin** Tue 21 Jul 2015, 9:34 am

clivemcl wrote:
Pete330v2 wrote:I know it's a point that people do like to crusade about, and rightly so but deaths and injuries caused by drink-drivers are minimal compared to deaths and injuries caused by bloody awful drivers who should never be allowed near a driving licence let alone a vehicle. I know of 3 guys who lost their books, all were caught the morning after being out for a session. 2 of them lost their jobs over the head of it yet I know that they were more capable drivers, even though they were over the legal limit than most of the senior citizens heading out to get the morning papers on those sunday mornings or boy racers who think they are rally stars of the future. Road safety would improve if it wasn't seemingly everyone's right to have a licence.

Roger is still a silly boy. He has previous in this field but I would say he needs help with this rather than being keelhauled over it.

If you are going to work the next morning.... here's the key ...

Don't get really drunk.

Jaysus. So that's where I've been going wrong all these years. chin

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