URC
Glasgow v Ulster Pre-Season Friendly | Roddy Grant Interview
Ahead of our friendly against Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium, we chatted to Forwards Coach, Roddy Grant, about how the squad is feeling following a win over Exeter Chiefs at Kingspan Stadium last weekend, as well as what he’s expecting this Friday, and beyond into the new season.
The Glasgow v Ulster pre-season fixture will be streamed exclusively on the new Ulster Rugby Recast channel. To follow, Ulster Rugby’s Recast channel, join Recast for free by visiting here.
What were your thoughts on the win over Exeter Chiefs at home last week?
It was pleasing. Results don’t really matter in a pre-season game, but it’s always great to get a win against a really good team like Exeter. They’re obviously missing some guys, but then so are we. We had some areas that didn’t go as well as expected, and that can be a bit frustrating, including some easy decision-making, skill areas, and game management, probably more in the second half, after a really good first forty minutes. But it was really good to get thirty guys out playing to get game time against a strong team.
How different a proposition will Glasgow Warriors be?
Pre-season games are quite tricky in a sense in that it’ll be about peaking for next week for our URC opener against Connacht. There are things, by design, that we won’t have done as much of last week, and it’ll be about using this game for the likes of game fitness. We haven’t previewed Glasgow in the same way we would for Connacht. It’s more about what we do, rather than them. We’ll try a couple of different things ahead of the new season – game plans, skills, techniques, and moves in preparation. They’ve a good team, so it’ll be great to have another tough game after Exeter ahead of the start of the season. I’m looking forward to it.
How important is the result in this second pre-season game in terms of going into the new BKT United Rugby Championship?
I’d say it’s more about performance. If you win it carries a bit of feeling and emotion, but I would say it’s more performance. As a team, in general, we’ve proven that if we play how we’ve proven we can play then probably we will win nine times out of ten. Speaking to you now, before the game, I’d say, we want a good performance.
A lot of the forwards were involved in International duty this summer. How does this change pre-season?
It doesn’t change it much to be honest. It allows more guys to get time in the saddle, other guys to lead more, and younger guys, like Harry Sheridan, to train more, as well as the wider Academy guys. The ripple effect is massive. If you take the locks who were with Ireland, this pre-season it has allowed other guys like Frank Bradshaw Ryan, who has just signed with us, to come in, as well as Joe Hopes, and they then get a shot at training when those guys are away. This time of the year, it’s a great thing that we’ve had so many guys away on International duty, especially given the guys were able to get a win on the New Zealand tour.
Content & Images from – Ulster Rugby
Harry Sheridan commits future to Ulster Rugby
9 minutes ago
News
Ulster Rugby forward, Harry Sheridan, has committed his future to the province, signing a new two-year-deal that will keep him playing in the white jersey until at least 2027.
The combative forward, who can play in the second or back row, had a significant impact in the Senior Men’s side last season, with his performances recognised when he was named the province’s Young Men’s Player of the Year for the 2023/24 season.
The Holywood man has seen a significant number of minutes since Head Coach, Richie Murphy, came into the club, and has been trusted to play a key role in the squad.
Sheridan played his club rugby with Civil Service NI RFC, and schools’ rugby for Sullivan Upper School.
He would join Ulster Rugby’s sub-Academy after playing rugby for Trinity College in Dublin, where he studied.
The powerful forward, has represented Ireland at U20s level, competing in the 2021 Six Nations Championship.
On the news of Sheridan’s contract extension, Ulster Rugby’s Head of Recruitment and Rugby Operations, Bryn Cunningham said:
“We are delighted to secure Harry’s future with this extension, as we see him being an integral part of the team for the present and future.
“He is a throwback of a player, a forward who disrupts the opposition, is aggressive and who brings a proper physical presence for us. At 22-years-old, he is showing great potential and has grown in stature over the past season, showing his versatility at lock and flanker.
“We look forward to seeing how he develops in the seasons ahead in an Ulster jersey.”
On the news on his new deal, Sheridan added:
“I’m so happy to sign for a further two years. Last season was a huge year for me as I got more game-time in the senior side, and it was a massive learning curve in a season full of ups and downs.
I’m looking forward to improving my game and rolling into this year where I finished the last one. We have a great forward pack that I love training and playing alongside.
I am really enjoying the environment and going into training ready to work and learn.
It’s a perfect start to the season for me and I can’t wait to get stuck into another season.”
Images & Content – Ulster Rugby
Munster Rugby are delighted to announce that Tadhg Beirne has been named as the new captain ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Beirne joins a select group of eight players who have been named as permanent captain of the Munster Rugby men’s team in the professional era, following in the footsteps of Pat Murray, Mick Galwey, Jim Williams, Anthony Foley, Paul O’Connell, Doug Howlett and Peter O’Mahony.
Tadhg joined Munster from Scarlets in 2018 and quickly established himself as a vital player for province and country.
He made his Ireland debut against Australia in June 2018 and played his first game for Munster against Glasgow in September 2018.
The 32-year-old has gone on to score eight tries in 76 appearances for Munster, winning a URC title in 2023.
He has scored 11 tries in 52 appearances for Ireland and three tries in five appearances for the British & Irish Lions.
Following the announcement, Tadhg Beirne said: “It’s a huge honour to be named as captain of Munster Rugby and to lead a great group of players into the new season.
“I have had a fantastic six years here and it’s an incredibly proud moment for me and my family.
“Very few people have had the opportunity to captain Munster Rugby, and it’s a massive honour to follow in the footsteps of some incredible players and leaders.
“I had the privilege of leading the team a number of times in the past and the job was always made easier by the amount of leaders we have in the squad.
“We have a very tight-knit group and it means a lot to me to lead the squad as captain for the season ahead.”
Munster Rugby Head Coach Graham Rowntree said: “Tadhg is a world-class player who always leads by example. He is the right man to lead Munster into the new season.
“A player of his calibre commands respect and he has grown into a key leader for us since coming here in 2018.
“As a 52-cap Ireland international and British & Irish Lion, he demands the best out of everyone and drives standards within the group.
““He is an extremely calm presence on and off the field. It was very impressive to see how he was able to perform at his usual high level while captaining the squad in a number of big games last season.”
Tickets
URC Round 1: Saturday, September 21
Munster v Connacht, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 3: Saturday, October 5
Munster v Ospreys, Virgin Media Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
Saturday, November 2
Munster v All Blacks XV, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; SOLD OUT
URC Round 7: Saturday, November 30
Munster v Emirates Lions, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
Champions Cup Round 1: Saturday, December 7
Munster v Stade Francais, Thomond Park, 5:30pm; Buy tickets here
Champions Cup Round 3: Saturday, January 11
Munster v Saracens, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 9: Friday, December 27
Munster v Leinster, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 11: Saturday, February 15
Munster v Scarlets, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 12: Friday, February 28
Munster v Edinburgh, Virgin Media Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 15: Saturday, April 19
Munster v Bulls, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 17: Friday, May 9
Munster v Ulster, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 18: Friday, May 16
Munster v Benetton, Virgin Media Park, 8pm; Buy tickets here
Images & Content from Munster Rugby
Stuart McCloskey signs new two-year deal
23 hours ago
News
Ulster Rugby is pleased to announce that centre, Stuart McCloskey, has signed a new two-year contract extension, committing his future with his province until at least 2027.
One of the top centres in World Rugby, McCloskey has been a stalwart for Ulster Rugby, and is in-line to hit his 200th appearance in the white jersey over the coming season.
A regular in the international set-up with eighteen caps to-date, he has been a key member of the Ireland squad that has won back-to-back Guinness Six Nations Championships in 2023 and 2024.
The Bangor man also played his part in Ireland reaching the Quarter-Final stage of the Rugby World Cup in 2023.
McCloskey, who played club rugby with Dungannon RFC, made his Ulster debut in February 2014 – and has developed into an elite ball carrier, with strong ball in hand qualities.
Ulster Rugby’s Head of Recruitment and Rugby Operations, Bryn Cunningham, said:
“This is fantastic news for us as we get ready for the new season. Stuart is one of our most experienced international players in our squad, and a standout member of the team.
“Being a key presence for us, not only on the pitch, but off it as well, we see his current leadership role really growing and evolving, particularly with so many young players in and around the Senior Men’s squad. Stuart will be a great role model for this talent coming through.
“We are delighted he has chosen to commit his future for the next couple of seasons, as we hope to see this team continue to progress in the months ahead.”
On the new deal, McCloskey, added:
“I’m delighted to have signed a new contract for the next two years. I feel like I’m playing the best rugby of my career, and I’m enjoying my role as one of the more experienced players in the team.
“We have a squad packed with talent, and have a good blend between experience and youth. It’s exciting times around the place, and we have a core of young centres coming through that I’m excited to work with and help push them on.
“I’m really motivated and excited for the season ahead as we move forward.”
Images & Content – Ulster Rugby
Harry Sheridan commits future to Ulster Rugby
Tadhg Beirne Named As New Munster Rugby Captain
