Champions Cup
Will Addison, splits Twitter with MOTM display
Some fans are stoked, others are…ripping

Will Addison helped Ulster to a first win in Llanelli in 6 years and he played a key role in their 25-24 bonus point Champions Cup win away from home. The newly capped Irish International put in a huge shift with 2 clean breaks, 5 defenders beaten, 8 tackles, 1 try (Video below) and the Man of The Match award.
It was a man-of-the-match performance from @WillAddisonB3 as @UlsterRugby held off a @scarlets_rugby comeback ?
— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) December 8, 2018
Here’s the centre slicing through the Welshmen’s defence to put the visitors in the driving seat last night ? #ChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/zBBNnURltg
Here’s what Addison had to say when he spoke with BT Sport Rugby after his MOTM performance.
“It’s kind of overwhelming at the moment!”
An absolutely delighted Will Addison gives his view after Ulster leave Parc Y Scarlets with a massive, massive win! ? pic.twitter.com/kor2mTdbs8
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) December 7, 2018
Twitter was full of chat surrounding Addison’s performance at the Parc y Scarlets. The vast majority delighted for him.
Addison MOTM. Been excellent in attack & D.
— Brian O’Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) December 7, 2018
Wonderful win for Ulster tonight. They looked really well prepared. And Addison looks some player.
— Gerry Thornley (@gerrythornley) December 7, 2018
Is it hyperbole to suggest Addison is almost single handedly responsible for the vast improvement this season? What a signing and impact.
— Mike White (@miguelblanco85) December 7, 2018
Will Addison is different gravy. Had a B&I Lion on toast for the majority of the game and set the tempo for a great Ulster defence.
So many players put in their best performances in an Ulster jersey including Coetzee, Burns, Moore, Murphy, Speight and Addison.
— Ross Barnett (@rbarnett08) December 7, 2018
Will Addison is the best Addison since this guy #SCAvULS pic.twitter.com/NzIFzlsA1X
— Oisin Langan (@oisinlangan) December 7, 2018
Then we had a few “unhappy’ tweeters …
@SaleSharksRugby @UlsterRugby @EnglandRugby remind me again why we let Will Addison leave Sale? He’s now been capped by Ireland and is ripping Scarlets apart for Ulster. Something has to be done about the southern bias of the RFU ?
— JonnyBravo82 (@Bravo82Jonny) December 7, 2018
#SCAvULS Will Addison, English born, played for England U20s, ignored by Eddie Jones and now starring for Ulster and selected for Ireland. Meanwhile Eddie selects Piers Francis.
— Bruce Lawson (@Sapere_vivere) December 7, 2018
Couldn’t get close to England squad but will go to World Cup with Ireland, can England not identify talent? Or is it the old boys club? Sale not a fashionable club, Haley and Addison away now
— brian gallagher (@brigal1) December 7, 2018
The former Sale Shark has certainly had a huge impact on Irish soil since making the move across the Irish sea, many predicting he will be a shoe in for Ireland’s 2019 RWC Squad.
Addison wasn’t only scoring tries, he could probably claim “assist” for his fellow Irish International Jacob Stockdale whose try scoring run continued as he stormed in for a long ranger.
What a try for Ulster! Sensational start! ?
Try machine Jacob Stockdale puts the finishing touches on a move that went all of 60 meters in 10 seconds! pic.twitter.com/ztDIKofdK3
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) December 7, 2018
Champions Cup
Ulster make changes for Toulouse

The Ulster match-day squad has been named for the Second Leg of the Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 versus Toulouse at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday evening.
Nick Timoney will make his 100th appearance for the Ulster men, as he is named to start at openside – with Marcus Rea at blindside and Duane Vermeulen at Number Eight. Andrew Warwick comes in to start at loosehead, and will pack down with Rob Herring at hooker and Marty Moore at tighthead. Captain Iain Henderson will partner with Alan O’Connor in the engine room.
Mike Lowry and Rob Baloucoune, who signed new 3-year contract extensions this week, are named at full-back and on the right wing respectively. Ethan McIlroy returns to take the left-wing starting berth. Stuart McCloskey and James Hume will form the midfield partnership, and John Cooney and Billy Burns are retained at scrum-half and out-half.
Brad Roberts, Eric O’Sullivan, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell and Jordi Murphy will provide forward reinforcements, while Nathan Doak, Luke Marshall and Rob Lyttle will offer back line cover.
Ulster team to play Toulouse, Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 Second Leg, Saturday 16 April at Kingspan Stadium, 8pm kick-off, live on BT Sport, beIN Sports, and Sky Italia:
(15-9) Mike Lowry, Rob Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Ethan McIlroy, Billy Burns, John Cooney;
(1-8) Andrew Warwick, Rob Herring, Marty Moore, Alan O’Connor, Iain Henderson (Capt.), Marcus Rea, Nick Timoney, Duane Vermeulen.
Replacements: Brad Roberts, Eric O’Sullivan, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, Jordi Murphy, Nathan Doak, Luke Marshall, Rob Lyttle.
Champions Cup
Graham Rowntree Confirmed As Next Munster Head Coach

Munster Rugby and the IRFU are pleased to confirm that Graham Rowntree will be promoted from Forwards Coach to the role of Head Coach from July 1, 2022.
Rowntree will commence the role of Head Coach at the start of the 2022/23 season after signing a two-year deal.
The former England prop made the move to Limerick in October 2019 on completion of his Rugby World Cup coaching duties with Georgia Rugby.
In his third season as Forwards Coach Graham and family have settled well into Limerick life, noting earlier this year, “I have made my thoughts about this club widely known throughout my time so far, and for me and my family it really has been an easy decision, a non-decision if truth be told.
“We’ve put down roots here and have no desire to move anywhere else.”
With an impressive coaching CV and vast experience, Rowntree previously held coaching roles with the British and Irish Lions, England Rugby, Harlequins and Leicester Tigers.
Working closely with the IRFU, the province will advance with next steps in securing the backroom team that will work with Graham from next season as Head Coach Johann van Graan, Senior Coach Stephen Larkham, and Defence Coach JP Ferreira depart the province at the end of June.
IRFU Performance Director, David Nucifora, commented, “I would like to thank the Munster Professional Game Committee for their work and diligence during this process.
“It is important that Munster have someone who understands the unique history and culture of the club and has the experience to maximise the talent in the squad.
“Graham was very impressive throughout this process and demonstrated he has the capabilities to spearhead the next chapter of Munster Rugby.”
On confirmation of the promotion, Graham Rowntree added, “I am hugely honoured to be taking over the role of Head Coach for a club of this calibre, one that means so much to me and my family.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed every moment here and I fortunately get to work with an incredible group of staff and players who share a common goal each day in striving for success for this club.
“I’ve talked about our fantastic supporters before and again at the weekend we stepped off the bus to a huge red welcome in Exeter. Who doesn’t want to be part of that, that’s special!
“I believe we have the established structures in place with the resources and facilities to match and that it will be a smooth transition for the coaching ticket we assemble in ensuring continued development and success for this club.
“Before then I have a role to complete this season and working closely with Johann, Steve, and JP is the immediate focus and priority for now.”
Commenting on the appointment, Munster Rugby CEO Ian Flanagan said, “Graham’s extensive coaching experience and knowledge for the game makes him the perfect candidate to lead this squad forward.
“With Graham stepping up at the start of the new season it will be a seamless and natural progression from the work that has been carried out to-date.
“For now, we will continue our focus on the remainder of this season with Graham supporting Johann and the coaching staff in achieving our goals.”
Munster Rugby Home Fixtures
Saturday, April 16
Champions Cup Round of 16: Munster v Exeter Chiefs, Thomond Park, 3pm; Buy tickets here
Friday, April 29
URC: Munster v Cardiff Rugby, Musgrave Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
Images & Content from Munster Rugby
Champions Cup
Ulster name team for Toulouse

The Ulster match-day squad has been selected for the first leg of the Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 versus Toulouse at Le Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Ben Moxham will make his first European start for Ulster as he is named on the left wing alongside Mike Lowry at full-back and Robert Baloucoune on the right wing. Stuart McCloskey comes in to start and will partner with James Hume in the centre. Billy Burns and John Cooney return to form the half-back pairing.
The front row sees Eric O’Sullivan and Rob Herring named at loosehead and hooker, with Marty Moore retaining his place at tighthead prop. Alan O’Connor returns to pair up with captain Iain Henderson in the second row. Marcus Rea comes in at blindside flanker, with Nick Timoney and Duane Vermeulen retained at openside and Number Eight respectively.
Brad Roberts, Andrew Warwick, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell and Jordi Murphy provide the forward reinforcements on the bench. Nathan Doak, Luke Marshall and Rob Lyttle will offer the back line options.
Ulster team to play Toulouse, Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 First Leg, Saturday 9 April at Le Stadium, 3.15pm kick-off (UK / IRE time), live on BT Sport, beIN Sports, FR2:
(15-9) Mike Lowry, Robert Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Ben Moxham, Billy Burns, John Cooney;
(1-8) Eric O’Sullivan, Rob Herring, Marty Moore, Alan O’Connor, Iain Henderson (Capt.), Marcus Rea, Nick Timoney, Duane Vermeulen.
Replacements: Brad Roberts, Andrew Warwick, Tom O’Toole, Kieran Treadwell, Jordi Murphy, Nathan Doak, Luke Marshall, Rob Lyttle.