Ulster have selected the same 27 players as last week for this week’s training squad for the vital Heineken Cup match against Bath on Saturday. KO 15:45

It should be a brutal week’s training as Ulster prepare for an historical win in England to ensure participation in the European knock out stages for the first time since their glorious European Cup win in 1999. Unless there are a series of upsets elsewhere it looks as though Ulster will be competing in the latter stages of the Challenge Cup rather than the Heineken Cup but even that should be seen as a significant achievement for the club given the turbulence of previous seasons.   More ... (586 words, 1 image)

Ulster have announced the match day 23 for the vital Heineken Cup against Edinburgh on Friday night at Ravers. KO 20:00.

It’s a big woo-hoo for The FRU as, for the first time this season I believe, I actually got the starting XV correct! Scary! There were a couple of “mistakes” on the bench however: Faloon’s injury sees him replaced by TJ Anderson and the attacking option if Nagusa is preferred to the reliability of Schifcofske.

Team: (15-9) Jamie Smith, Andrew Trimble, Darren Cave, Paddy Wallace, Simon Danielli, Ian Humphreys, Isaac Boss. (1-8) Tom Court, Nigel Brady, BJ Botha, Dan Tuohy, Ed O’Donoghue, Stephen Ferris, David Pollock, Chris Henry (Capt). (16-23) Andy Kyriacou, Bryan Young, Declan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Caldwell, TJ Anderson, Cillian Willis, Niall O’Connor, Timoci Nagusa   More ... (417 words, 1 image)

Ulster have announced a huge squad of 28 to run through preparations for Friday nights match against the Ospreys. KO 19:05.

The key concerns appear to be with the back row with Faloon and Pollock still carrying injuries. Neil McComb has been called into the squad to act as second row cover should Tuohy be required to slip back a row. However with Tuohy and O’Donoghue forming a strong partnership in the boiler room of a formidable front five McLaughlin will be hoping that he can keep that unit intact.   More ... (302 words, 1 image)

Bit late getting this one up. Went out for a few quiet pints at East Antrim Boat Club yesterday afternoon and it ended up a bit of a session!

Anyway the team has been announced as follows for this evenings game.

ULSTER: (15-9) Jamie Smith, Andrew Trimble, Ian Whitten, Paddy Wallace, Simon Danielli, Ian Humphreys, Isaac Boss. (1-8) Tom Court, Nigel Brady, BJ Botha, Ed O’Donoghue, Dan Tuohy, Stephen Ferris, Willie Faloon, Chris Henry (Capt). (16-22) Andy Kyriacou, Declan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Caldwell, T.J. Anderson, Cillian Willis, Niall O’Connor, Timoci Nagusa   More ... (374 words, 1 image)

I see Brian McLaughlin has announced a 26 man squad for Saturdays match against French aristo’s Stade Francais. You can read full details here on Ulster Rugby or you can stay around for my take on things!

First up, let’s have a look at the squad:

FORWARDS: Bryan Young, Tom Court, BJ Botha, Declan Fitzpatrick, Justin Fitzpatrick, Andy Kyriacou, Nigel Brady, Ryan Caldwell, Ed O’Donoghue, Dan Tuohy, Stephen Ferris, Willie Faloon, David Pollock, Chris Henry, TJ Anderson. BACKS: Jamie Smith, Clinton Schifcofske, Timoci Nagusa, Simon Danielli, Darren Cave, Ian Whitten, Jonny Shiels, Ian Humphreys, Niall O’Connor, Isaac Boss, Paul Marshall   More ... (560 words, 1 image)

Coach Neil Doak has named another strong side for the Ravens second game in the British and Irish Cup.

Yet again he’s opted for a strong pack with an exciting back row of Pollock, Faloon and Houra who should provide plenty of ball for the young exciting backline who’s only change sees the impressive Jamie Smith stepping in for the reliable Schifcofske.

On paper the Ravens should be too strong for their English opponents, but it’s a big home game for the Moseley men who are hoping for a large turn out to watch the team take on some of Ireland’s future stars so it should be a spicy enough opening quarter.   More ... (216 words, 1 image)