The Front Row Union

Filo and TJ Senior Squad Members?

I must say it was good to see that FRU favourites Filo Paulo and TJ Anderson made it out to Portugal (right). If TJ has moved up to the senior squad and if Filo is now available for selection it is going to be a very competitive set of forwards next season and the fight for places should be something to savour.

What a week the boys appeared to have out in Portugal. Thanks to Ulster Rugby’ photos and diaries from Bryn, Isaac, Kieron and Rory we all got a good feel for what the team were up to while they were away, even if some of the diaries did appear to be “on message”! Certainly we all now know that:

• The new players are settling in well!
• There are (now) no cliques in the team!!
• Season ticket sales have continued to soar!!!
• We’re going to play and open expansive game!!!!

Rory Best, Ryan Caldwell and Paul Marshall enjoy an ice bath.

Now while it’s nice to be kept up to date on how the team are getting on in foreign climes I must say that the choice of photos left a little to be desired. Pictures of big butch rugby players glistening in the sun may have a certain appeal for the ladies (and probably Captain Chaos as well) but there was something decidedly dodgy about this picture of Rory, Ryan and Paul all enjoying an ice bath.

For a start you can’t even see Paul over the top of the tub! I also want to know  why is Rory smiling when he’s up to his arse in ice and how is he now taller than Ryan. Is he standing on Paul’s shoulders or is Ryan sitting down?

So many unanswered questions, but I suppose being locked in at nights and with no distractions they had to do something to make their own entertainment!

Two people who didn’t have a problem entertaining themselves were dishy heartthrobs Bryn Cunningham and Simon Danielli who took advantage of their free time to practice their synchronised posing routine as can be seen below. In fact so dedicated were this pair to looking good at all times that they even practiced posing while they were having a nap!

Bryn and Dani continue to pose while napping.

News that they’ve both been snapped up by Ulster Titans is greatly exaggerated!

In fairness though the team appear to have worked very hard during their time in Portugal and hopefully we will see the result of all their hard work during the season.

Where we have always struggled for bulk up front the ELV’s should make our mobile pack more effective and if the backs can play with a bit of composure we could really be in for a  feast of flowing rugby as has been promised.

Roll on the 15th August.

Possibly Related Posts:

• Ulster 62 Portugal 6, Thursday 13th November 2008
• Strictly Humph Dancing!
• Ulster 22 Munster 6, 25th October 2008
• More Harlequins Photos.
• Harlequins 42 Ulster 21. 18th October 2008.