Ulster Rugby 2017-18

by marty2086 Wed 5 Jul - 10:42

First topic message reminder :

Director of Rugby Les Kiss
Head Coach Jono Gibbes
Assistant Coach Dwayne Peel
Scrum Coach Aaron Dundon
Skills Coach Niall Malone

Players In
John Cooney from Connacht
Schalk van der Merwe from Southern Kings
Jean Deysel from Sharks
David Busby promoted from Academy
Aaron Cairns promoted from Academy
Ross Kane promoted from Academy
Rob Lyttle promoted from Academy
Tommy O'Hagan promoted from Academy
Jack Owens promoted from Academy

Players Out
Franco van der Merwe to Cardiff Blues
Roger Wilson retired
Conor Joyce to Jersey Reds
Mark Best to Jersey Reds
Jonny Murphy to Rotherham Titans
Ruan Pienaar to Montpellier
John Donnan released
Lorcan Dow released
Ricky Lutton released
Stephen Mulholland released

Ulster Rugby 2017/18 Senior Playing Squad

Rodney Ah You (18 ULS, 3 IRE)
John Andrew (27 ULS)
Rory Best (198 ULS, 104 IRE)
Callum Black (128 ULS)
Tommy Bowe (150 ULS, 69 IRE)
Peter Browne (31 ULS)
David Busby (2 ULS)
Aaron Cairns (1 ULS)
Darren Cave (193 ULS, 11 IRE)
Marcell Coetzee (4 ULS, 28 SA)
John Cooney (0 ULS, 1 IRE)
Jean Deysel (0 ULS, 4 SA)
Robbie Diack (193 ULS, 2 IRE)
Craig Gilroy (149 ULS, 10 IRE)
Iain Henderson (74 ULS, 32 IRE)
Chris Henry (165 ULS, 24 IRE)
Wiehahn Herbst (54 ULS)
Rob Herring (120 ULS, 1 IRE)
Brett Herron (7 ULS)
Paddy Jackson (123 ULS, 25 IRE)
Ross Kane (11 ULS)
Louis Ludik (54 ULS)
Robert Lyttle (8 ULS)
Luke Marshall (104 ULS, 11 IRE)
Paul Marshall (195 ULS, 3 IRE)
Kyle McCall (36 ULS)
Stuart McCloskey (58 ULS, 1 IRE)
Johnny McPhillips
Peter Nelson (37 ULS)
Alan O'Connor (39 ULS)
Tommy O'Hagan
Stuart Olding (62 ULS, 4 IRE)
Jack Owens (1 ULS)
Callum Patterson
Jared Payne (78 ULS, 20 IRE)
Charles Piutau (23 ULS, 16 NZ)
Matthew Rea
Sean Reidy (58 ULS, 2 IRE)
Clive Ross (52 ULS)
David Shanahan (13 ULS)
Jonny Simpson (4 ULS)
Jacob Stockdale (24 ULS, 2 IRE)
Kieran Treadwell (21 ULS, 2 IRE)
Andrew Trimble (217 ULS, 70 IRE)
Schalk van der Merwe
Andrew Warwick (74 ULS)

by Guest Tue 29 Aug - 22:32

The thought of Kiss as defence coach fills me with dread. He isn't up to it. Hopefully Gibbes take over, and Kiss gets the boot. Harsh, but that's what I believe.

Great to see Rory back as captain. That's a real relief for me. The only other captain we have is Coetzee, and I think Coetzee will make a better captain than Best. That's not a slight on Best. He's a very good captain, but Coetzee is the next Muller. You heard it here first Smile

by clivemcl Tue 29 Aug - 22:32

The way I see it, and only speculation...
Les is the theoretical, analytical role. Looking at broader elements or problems or areas of improvement. But he then hands over to Gibbes in terms of what the coaching should look like to address those broader elements. But on the whole, It very much sounds like they will have a lot of dialogue and chit chat as a team. But as Les reluctantly states in this supporters Q&A, he still has final say (7mins or so).

https://www.facebook.com/ulsterrugby/videos/1465466800199081/

At time of this Q&A, Les and Gibbes didnt refute the titles of Director of Rugby and Head Coach.

by marty2086 Thu 31 Aug - 11:48

Gilroy has suffered a fracture in his lower back, expected to be out for 6 to 8 weeks. Are we officially in crisis now? Whistle

by Don Alfonso Thu 31 Aug - 11:55

At wing? Piutau, Trimble, Bowe, Stockdale from next week, Lyttle back at some stage in September - nah, not at all, really. Gilroy is a fine player, but far from crucial.

Now, if something happens to Cooney or Lealifano, I might start reading up about the Giants and the rules of ice hockey.

by marty2086 Thu 31 Aug - 12:04

Don Alfonso wrote:At wing? Piutau, Trimble, Bowe, Stockdale from next week, Lyttle back at some stage in September - nah, not at all, really. Gilroy is a fine player, but far from crucial.

Now, if something happens to Cooney or Lealifano, I might start reading up about the Giants and the rules of ice hockey.

Ice Hockey has rules? I thought they just flew around the ice looking for a fight boxing

by marty2086 Thu 31 Aug - 12:04

(1-8): Kyle McCall, Rob Herring, Wiehahn Herbst, Robbie Diack, Alan O'Connor, Jean Deysel, Chris Henry (captain), Marcell Coetzee;
(9-15): John Cooney, Christian Lealiifano, Louis Ludik, Stuart McCloskey, Tommy Bowe, Andrew Trimble, Charles Piutau.

Replacements (16-23): John Andrew, Callum Black, Rodney Ah You, Matthew Rea, Sean Reidy, David Shanahan, Peter Nelson, Darren Cave

by marty2086 Thu 31 Aug - 12:07

For all the players we're missing that's a decent looking team, second row is looking weak though. Diack is adequate but gives off an aura of bleh! there

Hopefully Herrings had a boot up the backside but an exciting academy produced back row in the squad, a rare occurrence

by clivemcl Thu 31 Aug - 12:13

Herring got married in the summer there as did Hendy. Players have been known to improve a bit after settling down. Who knows. Can't believe Herring has been with us 6 years! Diack was here before that wasn't he? These guys may not be as great as Pienaar, but they have really bought into Ulster and should be commended!

by Redman Thu 31 Aug - 12:16

Is Paul Marshall injured or has Gibbs clocked that he can't be trusted?

Fairly happy with that team. Only slight surprise is no Pete Browne on the bench given how weak we are looking in the 2nd row.

by marty2086 Thu 31 Aug - 12:21

I take it Deysel is the second row cover, he played there for the Sharks in the past

by Redman Thu 31 Aug - 13:49

Hope his stamina is upto it. I guess Kiss/Gibbs (KIBBS for short) may still feel they need the cover in the backrow given Henry and Coetzee's injury problems in the past.

by Don Alfonso Thu 31 Aug - 14:10

Hasn't Rea covered second row? I think it's the younger one who's the out-and-out back rower.

by marty2086 Fri 1 Sep - 10:32

Read an interesting piece yesterday, apparently Steenson was interviewed and said no province has ever contacted him about coming back home to play.

Seemed to suggest it is something he would have liked, seems strange that he's never at least been approached to gauge interest especially from Ulster

by Pete330v2 Fri 1 Sep - 11:14

Gilroy out for 3 months with a stress fracture in his back.

by Pete330v2 Fri 1 Sep - 11:15

marty2086 wrote:Read an interesting piece yesterday, apparently Steenson was interviewed and said no province has ever contacted him about coming back home to play.

Seemed to suggest it is something he would have liked, seems strange that he's never at least been approached to gauge interest especially from Ulster

Have you a link to that Marty?

by marty2086 Fri 1 Sep - 11:44

Afraid not Pete, it was on SportsJoe somewhere

Think it was from their podcast

Said the only time anyone from Ireland contacted him was Kiss back in '09(I assume he meant '13) during a Lions tour

by Pete330v2 Fri 1 Sep - 12:15

marty2086 wrote:Afraid not Pete, it was on SportsJoe somewhere

Think it was from their podcast

Said the only time anyone from Ireland contacted him was Kiss back in '09(I assume he meant '13) during a Lions tour

I'll have a hunt.
I was never that impressed with Steenson but he certainly developed, thanks to whatever Exeter were doing, into a hell of a player. I always wondered what would have happened if he'd been removed from the Exeter environment that suits him so well and planted elsewhere. Would he have flourished so well if he'd arrived at Ulster 5 or 6 years ago?

by marty2086 Fri 1 Sep - 12:28

He was always a reliable kicker with a decent passing game, I never realised he was ahead of Sexton at U21 level though he was a year ahead

by Don Alfonso Sat 2 Sep - 12:19

So - decent start. Five points in the bank against a team who will take a couple of upper table scalps this season. And we don't have to play them in SA.

Setpieces should improve as season goes on - defence only the real worrying issue from watching that.

Bowe was a lot better at 13 than I thought he'd be.

Would like to see Andrew and Rea figure more prominently in Italy. And Montgomery or Timoney on the bench. Deysel-Henry-Coetzee-Reidy were a formidable back row, but we can't play them to death.

by marty2086 Sun 3 Sep - 18:16

I wouldn't mind seeing Andrew figuring more prominently throughout the season, didn't see much improvement from Herring from last season, still early I know but what seemed like a blip may be his level now

Some real noticeable differences just in the warm up before the match, wider squad was being used as guys like McBurney were in there plus the intensity they went at it was great to see. May be because its early in the season but some seemed to break more of a sweat in the warm up than during the game.

by Geen sport voor watjes Sun 3 Sep - 23:59

Ok. My ulster fan impression at this stage of the season. Wait for it.

OMG we are brilliant and the whole team needs to be picked for Ireland including the 15 saffers who play for us ( and the token kiwi). X and/or Y are amazing pick them now or else it is a conspiracy against us poor nordies.

Jump to end of season comments.

Meh. It's all munsters fault that Ruan had to leave.

by marty2086 Mon 4 Sep - 8:56

Geen sport voor watjes wrote:Ok. My ulster fan impression at this stage of the season. Wait for it.

OMG we are brilliant and the whole team needs to be picked for Ireland including the 15 saffers who play for us ( and the token kiwi). X and/or Y are amazing pick them now or else it is a conspiracy against us poor nordies.

Jump to end of season comments.

Meh. It's all munsters fault that Ruan had to leave.

by toml Mon 4 Sep - 9:39

Geen sport voor watjes wrote:Ok. My ulster fan impression at this stage of the season. Wait for it.

OMG we are brilliant and the whole team needs to be picked for Ireland including the 15 saffers who play for us ( and the token kiwi). X and/or Y are amazing pick them now or else it is a conspiracy against us poor nordies.

Jump to end of season comments.

Meh. It's all munsters fault that Ruan had to leave.

Dunno what you are smoking

The bolded bit is so 10 years ago. Now most would agree that we should get 2 selected for Ireland, Best for another year and Henderson for another 10.

by Pete330v2 Mon 4 Sep - 9:53

Geen sport voor watjes wrote:Ok. My ulster fan impression at this stage of the season. Wait for it.

OMG we are brilliant and the whole team needs to be picked for Ireland including the 15 saffers who play for us ( and the token kiwi). X and/or Y are amazing pick them now or else it is a conspiracy against us poor nordies.

Jump to end of season comments.

Meh. It's all munsters fault that Ruan had to leave.

Are you 12?

by Don Alfonso Mon 4 Sep - 10:24

He's right - we should totally be more negative.

by 21st Century Schizoid Man Mon 4 Sep - 10:28

Guys Glasgow Warrior fan in peace. How did your under 19 team go yesterday in Galway ? Was speaking to them and the coaches at the hotel in Galway and they were cheering us on on Saturday night in our game v Connacht.

by Don Alfonso Mon 4 Sep - 10:37

Dunno. Ulster only release info on a need-to-know basis. Occasionally, despite their best efforts, we learn bits and pieces about what's happening with the under-age teams.

I know a very young Ulster A lost to Munster A 29-21, and our U18s schools beat Lieinster 18-17.

I didn't know we had any U19s. One of our scret teams, no doubt.

Have to say, I watched a good part of the Connacht match and Glasgow look formidable. Very well drilled and physical.

by 21st Century Schizoid Man Mon 4 Sep - 10:51

Match played in typical Galway conditions gale force wind and sheeting rain but a really good 4 pts for us esp the young guys on show who could have qualified for your U19 team by age. Connacht are still a dangerous side at the Sportsground - be warned.

by Pete330v2 Mon 4 Sep - 11:43

Connacht will definitely bounce back from that one, it can't rain all the time.

In Galway there's the brutal weather.
In Belfast there's the brutal band. Can you imagine trying to build an atmosphere with "Is This the Way to Amarillo" and "Tell my ma".

by marty2086 Mon 4 Sep - 12:11

Pete330v2 wrote:Connacht will definitely bounce back from that one, it can't rain all the time.

In Galway there's the brutal weather.
In Belfast there's the brutal band. Can you imagine trying to build an atmosphere with "Is This the Way to Amarillo" and "Tell my ma".

It's even worse when the crowds filled with a load of miserable bar stewards who always look for the negatives

by marty2086 Wed 6 Sep - 12:04

Jackson's lawyer says evidence from three witnesses to be challenged

Evidence from three witnesses is to be challenged during the r*** case against Ireland and Ulster rugby player Paddy Jackson, his lawyer said.

A full day sitting has been scheduled next month for a preliminary review of the charge against Mr Jackson, 25, and co-accused fellow player Stuart Olding, 24.

DVD footage is to be presented to a district judge deciding whether the pair should face trial, a lawyer told a court.

Mr Jackson's solicitor Joe McVeigh told Belfast Magistrates' Court: "Three witnesses are objected to."

He asked that the court hearing on 17 October be ready to watch a DVD as part of the evidence.

The session is designed to test the quality of the evidence against the men and whether there is enough to send them to a higher court for trial.

Lawyers for the accused, who deny all allegations against them, claimed material relating to the case had so far been provided by prosecutors in a "piecemeal" fashion and paperwork was still to be received.

A DVD is planned to be played as part of the case against the sportsmen and two other men connected with the case who are not facing r*** charges.

The district judge at Belfast Magistrates' Court confirmed the hearing on 17 October was expected to last a full day.

Mr Olding, of Ardenlee Street, Belfast, is charged with two counts of r***.

Mr Jackson, from Oakleigh Park, Belfast, is accused of one count of r*** and one of sexual assault.

The offences are alleged to have been committed against the same woman in Belfast in June 2016.

Mr Jackson, a fly-half, has been capped for Ireland 25 times while Mr Olding, a centre, has played four times.

They are established players for Ulster Rugby.

The Irish Rugby Football Union and Ulster Rugby have said both men will not play again until court proceedings conclude.

It is likely both will miss this entire season at least.

Charges against two other men connected with the case have also been lodged with the court.

Blane McIlroy, 25, from Royal Lodge Road, Ballydollaghan, Belfast, is charged with one count of exposure.

Rory Harrison, also 25, from Manse Road, Belfast, is charged with perverting the course of justice and withholding information.

The case was adjourned until later this month.

by Pete330v2 Wed 6 Sep - 12:32

"It is likely both will miss this entire season at least."

Which is exactly what Ulster Rugby must be planning for, I mean they must surely be.

by marty2086 Wed 6 Sep - 12:50

I'm sure there's an eye on a few players and a few hints dropped to Lealiifano but it's a bit premature of RTE to say they'll likely miss the whole season.

The hearing could be a shot in the dark from the legal team or it could have substance, I doubt they will know either way.

Things will likely be a lot clearer regarding their availability come the end of the month and allow them to plan forward a bit easier. If the trial isn't until the end of next year they will need 18months of cover so is it easier to sign someone for the whole of that or do they get someone new in every 6 months to fill the gap

by Don Alfonso Wed 6 Sep - 13:41

Also in the meeja:

http://www.the42.ie/jono-gibbes-ulster-pro14-3584006-Sep2017/

"I think certainly there is talent in the group,” Gibbes says. “There’s different experience, different backgrounds. There’s guys with varying degrees of international experience, so there’s lots of good pieces.

“It’s about moulding them all together and channelling them into one direction and one force really.

“The main thing (I want to bring) is really team work, trying to put together the best way of playing, so that we use everyone’s strengths collectively. That’s kind of how I was raised and coached and have been influenced in my coaching career."

by Marshes Wed 6 Sep - 14:01

Good win for ye on opening day lads! How did Cooney get on? He was neck and neck at Connacht with Marmion, I think like Marmion he still has plenty of potential to push on.

by Don Alfonso Wed 6 Sep - 14:54

Very happy with him - good game. Good delivery, upped the tempo cleverly a couple of times. Kicking game (box kicking) probably weakest aspect of game, but no disaster. Made great decisions a couple of times

by toml Wed 6 Sep - 15:34

Pete330v2 wrote:"It is likely both will miss this entire season at least."

Which is exactly what Ulster Rugby must be planning for, I mean they must surely be.

I hope Bryn has a contingency for the longer term, really if it goes to trial and the newspapers dine out on the whole story - is Jackson likely to be an Ulster player for the foreseeable?

by marty2086 Wed 6 Sep - 15:57

Why wouldn't he be tom? If he's cleared and not broken laws why would they get rid of him? Would they even be allowed to get rid of him?

Though saying that after this season he only has a year left

by Don Alfonso Wed 6 Sep - 17:22

I suppose it might depend on what comes out about his private life even if found guilty. He may want to go somewhere else and make a fresh start away from being judged and ridicule.

by toml Wed 6 Sep - 17:28

Just my opinion, Ulster is a family team and the province is a very socially conservative part of the world. Things like sponsorship and public opinion might be harmed by the potentially negative press. Also he may not feel as comfortable here any longer depending on the public reaction.
Doubt Ulster would shift him, but it could be a mutual decision come the end of his contract.

Hope for the best and plan for the worst

marty2086 wrote:Why wouldn't he be tom? If he's cleared and not broken laws why would they get rid of him? Would they even be allowed to get rid of him?

Though saying that after this season he only has a year left

by Marshes Thu 7 Sep - 10:27

Don Alfonso wrote:Very happy with him - good game. Good delivery, upped the tempo cleverly a couple of times. Kicking game (box kicking) probably weakest aspect of game, but no disaster. Made great decisions a couple of times

Ah that is good, delighted for him, I expect once he is more settled you might see more. As you say his decision making and delivery are very strong, I think his kicking game will improve with age as it often does, he has a fairly intelligent boot on him.

by Pete330v2 Thu 7 Sep - 11:14

Marshes wrote:
Don Alfonso wrote:Very happy with him - good game. Good delivery, upped the tempo cleverly a couple of times. Kicking game (box kicking) probably weakest aspect of game, but no disaster. Made great decisions a couple of times

Ah that is good, delighted for him, I expect once he is more settled you might see more. As you say his decision making and delivery are very strong, I think his kicking game will improve with age as it often does, he has a fairly intelligent boot on him.

Cooney obviously has the attributes to become a very accomplished 9, he has an eye for the game and intelligence that is so often missing in scrumhalves with Ulster shirts on. He certainly opened his account with us well, the kicking game will improve I've no doubt.

by marty2086 Fri 8 Sep - 12:13

(1-8): Callum Black, Rob Herring, Wiehahn Herbst, Robbie Diack, Kieran Treadwell, Matthew Rea, Sean Reidy, Jean Deysel;
(9-15): John Cooney, Christian Lealiifano, Jacob Stockdale, Stuart McCloskey, Tommy Bowe, Andrew Trimble (Captain), Louis Ludik.

Replacements (16-23): John Andrew, Andrew Warwick, Rodney Ah You, Peter Browne, Chris Henry, David Shanahan, Peter Nelson, Luke Marshall

by marty2086 Fri 8 Sep - 12:17

That's a pretty decent backline we're putting out and good to see Rea getting a start.

Would have liked to see Andrew get a start at hooker but good to see some rotation and hopefully it'll bring us 5 points

by Pete330v2 Fri 8 Sep - 12:21

marty2086 wrote:(1-8): Callum Black, Rob Herring, Wiehahn Herbst, Robbie Diack, Kieran Treadwell, Matthew Rea, Sean Reidy, Jean Deysel;
(9-15): John Cooney, Christian Lealiifano, Jacob Stockdale, Stuart McCloskey, Tommy Bowe, Andrew Trimble (Captain), Louis Ludik.

Replacements (16-23): John Andrew, Andrew Warwick, Rodney Ah You, Peter Browne, Chris Henry, David Shanahan, Peter Nelson, Luke Marshall

Happy with that, would have liked to have seen Cave at least on the bench and he has travelled but obviously only as water boy.
Great to see Treadwell and Luke back, Matty Rea starting and the return of Browne.

11 - 15 could hold the largest average height stats for a set of backs Smile

by marty2086 Fri 8 Sep - 12:51

Really need to get everyone up to speed over the next few weeks and different combinations clicking. After Scarlets next week we have Dragons and Zebre then into a huge month in October with some big games in the league and Europe then a trip to Port Elizabeth to play the Kings.

by Redman Fri 8 Sep - 16:14

Yeah, it's 5 winnable games (Scarlets will be tough but I think it's at home) and then hell.

Courageous selections by protecting certain players, but indicates some long term thinking which hasn't been present at Ulster for a while.

Hopefully they'll be strong enough. Diack and backrow are the concern. Everything else should be good enough to beat them.

Glad to see Rea is getting a run out. If you don't force those type of decisions then youth will never get a chance. You either bite the bullet or constantly moan that there's never a good time to take a punt on a youngster.

by marty2086 Fri 8 Sep - 16:45

I think Kiss tried to rotate early last season but then a raft of injuries kicked in and rotation options were limited. Hopefully theres a bit more luck with it this season.

Diack did ok last week, the scrum as a whole though was poor and never looked like getting any sort of advantage there. Trevisos scrum doesn't exactly strike fear into teams so we should at least get parity there and have a better platform to build from than last week.

by clivemcl Fri 8 Sep - 21:27

Every year I'll catch a Leinster game. I'll see a few names that I know are fringe players or youngsters. I'll even see names I've never heard of previously. Then I'll sit back and watch these players do brilliant things and show very little inexperience/poor skill/lack of confidence.

Do you think Leinster fans would watch the likes of Rea and Shanahan and see similar? I guess we will see tomorrow!

by Geen sport voor watjes Sat 9 Sep - 0:44

Pete330v2 wrote:
Geen sport voor watjes wrote:Ok. My ulster fan impression at this stage of the season. Wait for it.

OMG we are brilliant and the whole team needs to be picked for Ireland including the 15 saffers who play for us ( and the token kiwi). X and/or Y are amazing pick them now or else it is a conspiracy against us poor nordies.

Jump to end of season comments.

Meh. It's all munsters fault that Ruan had to leave.

Are you 12?

No. Are you a langer?

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