Ulster Rugby 2017-2018 Part 2

by Hazel Sapling Wed 04 Apr 2018, 1:02 pm

Ulster Rugby

Final Table
GP Points
Leinster 21 70
Scarlets 21 70
Edinburgh 21 68
Ulster 21 62
Benetton 21 55
Dragons 21 20
Kings 21 11

Season Outcome: Playoff for Champions Cup Spot

Ulster are in the Champions Cup

by **RDW** Wed 04 Apr 2018, 1:45 pm

https://www.606v2.com/t67399-edinburgh-vs-ulster-6th-april-2018

by neilthom7 Wed 04 Apr 2018, 4:11 pm

With our run in i would guess we might make the champions cup play off but who knows if we would win that or not. We are a mess at the minute on and off the pitch

by Pete330v2 Wed 04 Apr 2018, 4:29 pm

I don't see us getting another point this season to be honest. The sooner all's done the better, seasonus horribillus.

by Monkeyan Wed 04 Apr 2018, 4:39 pm

Let's be honest, we need at least a couple of seasons to rebuild the squad. There are a lot of guys who are either at the end of their careers (Bowe, Trimble, Henry, Payne (?), etc.) who are just makeweights in the squad (Herbst, VdM, Ross, Deysel) and a mass clear-out, while painful in the short-term, is absolutely what we need.

by geoff999rugby Wed 04 Apr 2018, 4:57 pm

Add Best, P.Marshall to the end of career guys.
I think you are being harsh on Herbst not a world beater but a steady TH - he will be staying.
We do have makeweights at TH though - Simpson and Rodney, also Browne in the row
Calling in VdM a makeweight is unfair to makeweights everywhere.
A complete and utter waste of space are the words you are looking for

by The Great Aukster Wed 04 Apr 2018, 5:45 pm

Maybe Ulster not making the ERCC could be a good thing?
- Those deluded branch members might actually make some changes.
- Young players might be given more chance to prove themselves.
- The new coach would have less pressure allowing him to settle in.

by marty2086 Wed 04 Apr 2018, 10:03 pm

The Great Aukster wrote:Maybe Ulster not making the ERCC could be a good thing?
- Those deluded branch members might actually make some changes.
- Young players might be given more chance to prove themselves.
- The new coach would have less pressure allowing him to settle in.

Challenge Cup would also offer a bit of room to blood youngsters

What your saying sounds nice but the problems with Ulster go deep, schools, clubs, pathways, culture, leadership, a complete overhaul is needed

by Standulstermen Wed 04 Apr 2018, 10:14 pm

Perhaps there are issues marty but if you look at the irish u-18 and u19s there is a definite increase in participation from ulster based players. Allisson scored twice for the U19s against france yesterday while captaining the side.

by marty2086 Wed 04 Apr 2018, 10:23 pm

stand thats the thing, we have those periods where maybe a batch come through at underage and it looks great but you get a few who stand out, a few who stick around and fill out the squad and most don't make it. We need a conveyor belt, we need more work being done to grow the game, more being done early on to prepare and develop players and more being done to set a standard

by geoff999rugby Wed 04 Apr 2018, 10:33 pm

Standulstermen wrote:Perhaps there are issues marty but if you look at the irish u-18 and u19s there is a definite increase in participation from ulster based players. Allisson scored twice for the U19s against france yesterday while captaining the side.

The irony is in our darkest hour we have our best Academy for over a decade and in the forwards I would argue the best ever in the professional era.
Will we utilise that effectively.
We have Willie Anderson to thank a lot for the improvement

by Standulstermen Thu 05 Apr 2018, 1:04 am

Marty

Cant argue with a lot of what you say regarding bringing these guys through albeit i would also agree with geoff. Its the best ive seen a while

by geoff999rugby Thu 05 Apr 2018, 10:10 am

Newsletter says Tom O'Toole starting against Edinburgh

by Redman Thu 05 Apr 2018, 10:17 am

geoff999rugby wrote:Newsletter says Tom O'Toole starting against Edinburgh

He really was a standout when I saw him play. As grim as things have been to have 19 year old tighthead starting in the league .... that's unheard of. Especially for us.

Bringing forward youth is really the only positive from this year.

by geoff999rugby Thu 05 Apr 2018, 10:28 am

And if Bryn is to be believed their will be a lot more of it next year.

Seeing young players develop will be the one plus I hope to enjoy next year.
The new coach needs to be totally on board with that as a mind set.

by Standulstermen Thu 05 Apr 2018, 10:35 am

My only caveat is that i dont want to see Banbridge hampered in their push for 1A so i understood leaving him alone but O'Toole looks like something to get excited about. His scrummaging will need work but then i recall a young Cian Healy being schooled a few times in the league but his loose play was exceptional. O'Toole can be excellent in the loose is not as explosive as a Healy. Good sign.

by marty2086 Thu 05 Apr 2018, 4:25 pm

Standulstermen wrote:Marty

Cant argue with a lot of what you say regarding bringing these guys through albeit i would also agree with geoff. Its the best ive seen a while

Stand my point is that as good as they are, will there be anything to come through after. One batch of young prospects every now and then isn't enough

by marty2086 Thu 05 Apr 2018, 4:27 pm

Ulster Rugby team to play Edinburgh, Friday 6th April at BT Murrayfield, kick-off 7.35pm (live on BBC2 NI):

(15-9): C Piutau, L Ludik; D Cave, S McCloskey, J Stockdale; J McPhillips, J Cooney;
(1-8): A Warwick, R Best (Capt), T O'Toole, M Dalton, I Henderson, M Rea, N Timoney, J Deysel;
Replacements (16-23): R Herring, T O'Hagan, R Ah You, A O'Connor, S Reidy, D Shanahan, A Curtis, T Bowe.

Smacks of acknowledging the dire situation we're in and building for years to come

by geoff999rugby Thu 05 Apr 2018, 4:32 pm

marty2086 wrote:
Smacks of acknowledging the dire situation we're in

It does and we are

marty2086 wrote: and building for years to come

and we should

by The Great Aukster Fri 06 Apr 2018, 8:56 am

marty2086 wrote:
The Great Aukster wrote:Maybe Ulster not making the ERCC could be a good thing?
- Those deluded branch members might actually make some changes.
- Young players might be given more chance to prove themselves.
- The new coach would have less pressure allowing him to settle in.

Challenge Cup would also offer a bit of room to blood youngsters

What your saying sounds nice but the problems with Ulster go deep, schools, clubs, pathways, culture, leadership, a complete overhaul is needed

Agree it runs deep but a 1000 mile journey starts with one step.

Has everyone aired their views as the deadline is approaching?
http://ulsterrugby.com/news/17187.php#.WscnCojwa00

by geoff999rugby Fri 06 Apr 2018, 9:06 am

Thanks for the link I'll fill that out today

by Standulstermen Sat 07 Apr 2018, 2:45 pm

so in terms of NIQS we are looking at

Scenario 1 (Jackson and Olding back)

2 in the backrow (Deysel retained possibly with Coetzee)
1 at lock
1 at LH
VDM ditched, Piutau gone.
Possibly too many NIQ in the pack

Scenario 2 (Jackson and Olding Ditched)
2 in the backrow (Deysel retained possibly with Coetzee)
1 at Lock or LH
1 at 10
VDM ditched, Piutau gone

Better balance of NIQS but obviously we are ditching a homegrown international 10

by Maine man Sat 07 Apr 2018, 3:41 pm

Any word on the coaching front for next season?

by Kingshu Sat 07 Apr 2018, 5:55 pm

I am actually hopeful for next season and kind of hope we are in the Chumps cup next year.

If we get a new coach, (Lancaster would be ideal, remember the way that he turned England from being a team of dwarf throwing, jump off boat hallions, into a team with ethics and respect, and wasn't shy in disciplining players who dropped below the behavioural standards he set. Don't think he could be convinced to move).

But a new coach like this who will cut the deadwood (which could take a year as he will want to give everyone a chance), install discipline, code of conduct and ruthlessly effect it, plus getting a coaching team in that does a good job. It is the most important thing Ulster need to get right in years.
The recruitment has been good and hopefully will continue.
A year in Challenge cup would actually give us a chance to win Silverware while the coaching team bed in, plus winning it would lift the spirts round Ulster and give the players the confidence to push on the following year.

I know we are writing off another year as development (must has done this for 7 of the last 10), but I really think if Ulster can get this right, really right, it will be the clear out and kick start that we really need to become a top top European team.

by Brendan Sat 07 Apr 2018, 6:37 pm

Well done on last night

Last two games might be a sign of Edinburgh finding the pressure or just the long season to much but good news for Ulster is they might still make the playoffs

On the other hand Ospreys are picking up a bit of from for the Champs cup playoff

by Standulstermen Sat 07 Apr 2018, 8:26 pm

Agreed on all counts Brendan. I fancy Edinburgh to beat Glasgow though. Less so Scarlets. Ospreys next week is a massive one. I think if we can win that then we will beat Glasgow and go to munster. Massive if though. Hendo will have to step it up again against AWJ

by Don Alfonso Sun 08 Apr 2018, 2:16 pm

https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/ulster-rugby/new-zealand-womens-coach-on-threeman-shortlist-for-ulster-job-with-no-irishmen-in-the-mix-36784923.html

by Standulstermen Sun 08 Apr 2018, 2:53 pm

Here's hoping they get a move on. The fact that there is a 3 man shortlist implies there's no stellar name i suppose.

by marty2086 Sun 08 Apr 2018, 5:35 pm

Standulstermen wrote:Here's hoping they get a move on. The fact that there is a 3 man shortlist implies there's no stellar name i suppose.

Could be worse, at least we're not the Ospreys who look like they're going to appoint Allen Clarke Shocked

by clivemcl Mon 09 Apr 2018, 3:05 pm

About to hit the 7500 signatures target relatively easily here.

https://www.change.org/p/ulster-rugby-get-paddy-jackson-and-stuart-olding-back-playing-for-ulster-rugby

by marty2086 Tue 10 Apr 2018, 9:27 am

Report from the Indo

Former Northampton Saints boss Jim Mallinder is in the frame for the vacant head coach's post at Ulster.

The province are on the lookout for a replacement for Les Kiss who left in February and Jono Gibbes who exits in May.

New Zealander Glenn Moore has also been linked with the job, while former England coach Andy Robinson and Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards are also thought to be in the running, with interviews taking place this week.

Mallinder, who led Saints to the Premiership in 2014, was reported to be close to accepting the head coach's job at Cardiff Blues but withdrew from the race.

Former Ulster coach Allen Clarke could be offered the Ospreys job on a full-time basis after overseeing a change in fortunes since taking temporary charge in January.

by geoff999rugby Tue 10 Apr 2018, 9:29 am

Over 12000 before it was pulled for some reason - not by the sponsor.

I reckon the place will be rocking on Friday and it will be the best atmosphere of the season. Ulster Rugby 2017-2018 Part 2 3933776953

Ulster Rugby 2017-2018 Part 2 3933776953

There definitely seems to be a sense of circling the wagons within the club and the petition indicates to me the supporters are on board.

My one fear, and it is a big fear, is our CEO will run for cover and stab us in the back because a couple of sponsors making noises about ditching the players.
If he does there will be civil war in the club.

For once in your life Logan stand up and be counted !!!

by geoff999rugby Tue 10 Apr 2018, 9:30 am

Please god not Robinson

by Pete330v2 Tue 10 Apr 2018, 9:34 am

geoff999rugby wrote:Over 12000 before it was pulled for some reason - not by the sponsor.

I reckon the place will be rocking on Friday and it will be the best atmosphere of the season.
There definitely seems to be a sense of circling the wagons within the club and the petition indicates to me the supporters are on board.

My one fear, and it is a big fear, is our CEO will run for cover and stab us in the back because a couple of sponsors making noises about ditching the players.
If he does there will be civil war in the club.

For once in your life Logan stand up and be counted !!!

It got to almost 13000 before being pulled, someone on t'other place said the feminists one has also been pulled.
On another note I see a gofundme page has been started for an advert supporting the boys return to play. 61 people have already reached £1600.

by marty2086 Tue 10 Apr 2018, 9:35 am

geoff999rugby wrote:
My one fear, and it is a big fear, is our CEO will run for cover and stab us in the back because a couple of sponsors making noises about ditching the players.
If he does there will be civil war in the club.

For once in your life Logan stand up and be counted !!!

If he does that, his position surely becomes untenable though? There'll be a mutiny within the squad and within the fanbase

by marty2086 Tue 10 Apr 2018, 9:36 am

geoff999rugby wrote:Please god not Robinson

Mallinder wouldn't be much better as I can see him bringing Dorian West who not even his best mates want to work with

by geoff999rugby Tue 10 Apr 2018, 9:48 am

I agree West is unacceptable

by clivemcl Tue 10 Apr 2018, 9:53 am

If Mallinder pulled out of the Cardiff role that does indicate he’s been given/promised something elsewhere.

What do folk make of Clarke’s sudden rise to head coach material??

by marty2086 Tue 10 Apr 2018, 10:01 am

Mallinder pulled out of Cardiff talks over financial issues, there's not much that has been made clear about it but Wilson is leaving over uncertainty over the playing budget so maybe things still aren't clear there

by Pete330v2 Tue 10 Apr 2018, 10:06 am

clivemcl wrote:If Mallinder pulled out of the Cardiff role that does indicate he’s been given/promised something elsewhere.

What do folk make of Clarke’s sudden rise to head coach material??

Different environments sometimes transform people, look at Cooney's perfect fit at Ulster compared to what he had to offer at Connacht.
Clarke must be doing something right over there.

by geoff999rugby Tue 10 Apr 2018, 11:23 am

Only won 4 games in a row - too early to tell

I sure his 'personality' ?? will come to the fore eventually

by marty2086 Tue 10 Apr 2018, 11:44 am

Never know geoff, he may have had an epiphany and changed his ways but from what I've read he was only meant to be an interim coach but Ospreys are struggling to get anyone else in so he's the default option

He'll not have Webb or Biggar there next season so it's going to be a huge challenge for Ospreys next season

by geoff999rugby Tue 10 Apr 2018, 5:43 pm

Coaching interviews underway

by Pot Hale Tue 10 Apr 2018, 6:23 pm

Pete330v2 wrote:
geoff999rugby wrote:Over 12000 before it was pulled for some reason - not by the sponsor.

I reckon the place will be rocking on Friday and it will be the best atmosphere of the season.
There definitely seems to be a sense of circling the wagons within the club and the petition indicates to me the supporters are on board.

My one fear, and it is a big fear, is our CEO will run for cover and stab us in the back because a couple of sponsors making noises about ditching the players.
If he does there will be civil war in the club.

For once in your life Logan stand up and be counted !!!

It got to almost 13000 before being pulled, someone on t'other place said the feminists one has also been pulled.
On another note I see a gofundme page has been started for an advert supporting the boys return to play. 61 people have already reached £1600.

Still running. Just over 13,000 when I looked.

by Hazel Sapling Wed 11 Apr 2018, 3:55 pm

geoff999rugby wrote:Coaching interviews underway

Who have they got looking?

From an outside perspective, Lancaster looks to be a great short-medium term hire who will not take any cr*p off the pitch, has had experience trying to turn around a toxic culture and whose stock is up with his work in Leinster. Not sure if he would suit the long term goals as he is not overly experienced as a head coach at club level, but worked on development before the senior England role.

Are there any top Irish coaches who have gone abroad (I assume O'Gara is a big no-no)?

by marty2086 Thu 12 Apr 2018, 10:18 am

Some good news

Ulster centre Darren Cave has put pen to paper on a contract extension that will see him remain at Kingspan Stadium until at least the summer of 2019.

Cave is a graduate of the Abbey Insurance Ulster Academy and he made his senior provincial debut as a replacement in the 9-33 win over Border Reivers in April 2007. He is currently Ulster's third most-capped player, having made 208 appearances, and has scored 44 tries.

The 31-year-old also has 11 international caps to his name and was a member of Ireland's 2015 World Cup squad.

Commenting on his new deal, Cave said:

"I'm really pleased to be staying on for another season. This month marks 11 years since I earned my first Ulster cap and I still feel that I have much more to give.

"We have a lot of work to do but the guys are committed to improving as individuals and as a collective. Hopefully we can finish this season strongly and then bring that through to the new campaign.

"I believe the future of Ulster Rugby is bright and I'm really looking forward to being part of that."

Operations Director, Bryn Cunningham, welcomed the news:

"Darren has been an integral part of Ulster Rugby for over a decade and he still has a lot to offer both on and off the pitch.

"He is proud to represent Ulster and gives absolutely everything to the cause every time he pulls on the jersey.

"He's a very intelligent player who has an excellent understanding of the game and he communicates superbly with others. He provides a different threat to our other centres in attack and he is also a very astute defender, which he has proven time and time again.

"In addition to what he adds on the pitch, he is a really good role model and mentor for younger players in the team. We are losing a few senior players at the end of this season and therefore it's particularly important that we keep hold of guys like Cavey."

by geoff999rugby Thu 12 Apr 2018, 10:45 am

Hazel Sapling wrote:
geoff999rugby wrote:Coaching interviews underway

Who have they got looking?

From an outside perspective, Lancaster looks to be a great short-medium term hire who will not take any cr*p off the pitch, has had experience trying to turn around a toxic culture and whose stock is up with his work in Leinster. Not sure if he would suit the long term goals as he is not overly experienced as a head coach at club level, but worked on development before the senior England role.

Are there any top Irish coaches who have gone abroad (I assume O'Gara is a big no-no)?

Glenn Moore (mate of Schmidt currently coaching NZ ladies), Jim Mallinder, Shaun Edwards and Andy Robinson

Darren Cave was always going to sign with Kiss and Gibbes out the picture.

by Pete330v2 Thu 12 Apr 2018, 10:54 am

geoff999rugby wrote:
Hazel Sapling wrote:
geoff999rugby wrote:Coaching interviews underway

Who have they got looking?

From an outside perspective, Lancaster looks to be a great short-medium term hire who will not take any cr*p off the pitch, has had experience trying to turn around a toxic culture and whose stock is up with his work in Leinster. Not sure if he would suit the long term goals as he is not overly experienced as a head coach at club level, but worked on development before the senior England role.

Are there any top Irish coaches who have gone abroad (I assume O'Gara is a big no-no)?

Glenn Moore (mate of Schmidt currently coaching NZ ladies), Jim Mallinder, Shaun Edwards and Andy Robinson

Darren Cave was always going to sign with Kiss and Gibbes out the picture.

Shaun Edwards would scare the squad into winning ways Smile

by marty2086 Thu 12 Apr 2018, 12:05 pm

(15-9): C Piutau, L Ludik, D Cave, S McCloskey, J Stockdale, J McPhillips, J Cooney;
(1-8): C Black, R Best (Capt), R Kane, K Treadwell, I Henderson, M Rea, J Deysel, S Reidy;
Replacements (16-23): R Herring, A Warwick, T O'Toole, A O'Connor, N Timoney, D Shanahan, L Marshall, T Bowe.

by clivemcl Thu 12 Apr 2018, 1:36 pm

Is Trimble injured? Or is the retiring Bowe just keeping him out of the squad despite having a year longer (at least) on contract?

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