URC
Ulster out in force for Exeter Chiefs pre-season clash
Ulster out in force for Exeter Chiefs pre-season clash
9 minutes ago
News
Dan McFarland’s men will be putting their pre-season preparations to the test against the Premiership side in this Friday’s Bank of Ireland Pre-Season Friendly (7pm, Kingspan Stadium).
With both sides keen to make an impression ahead of the resumption of their United Rugby Championship and Gallagher Premiership campaigns, Ulster and Exeter will face each other for the first time since they met in the 2016/17 Heineken Champions Cup.
The Ulster faithful will be treated to a first-look at the province’s latest signings with Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Frank Bradshaw-Ryan, Sean Reffell, Michael McDonald, and Jake Flannery all lining out as starters.
Looking ahead to his first run-out for Ulster, Toomaga-Allen, said:
“I’m excited to run out in front of our supporters and for the hype around playing at Kingspan Stadium under the Friday night lights. I want to show my teammates and the coaches what I can do to earn their respect. That will be a big thing for me tomorrow night against Exeter Chiefs.”
Ticketing Info
This fixture is included in Season Ticket packages.
A 2022/23 Season Ticket is the only way to ensure your place at the pre-season friendly versus Exeter, every URC regular season fixture and the Heineken Champions Cup pool stage games against reigning champions La Rochelle and Sale Sharks. For more information, or to buy your Season Ticket in time for Friday’s game, visitulster.rugby/seasontickets.
Match tickets are still available for Friday’s game, priced from just £10 for Juniors and £15 for Adults. Secure yours now at ulster.rugby/buytickets.
Extended Squad Named
McFarland has named an extended match-day squad which includes a blend of youth and experience, with Jordi Murphy leading the team out as captain at number eight. Murphy will be joined in the back row by Academy flanker Harry Sheridan and new signing Sean Reffell. In the front row, Callum Reid packs down with Declan Moore, who made his move from Munster official this season, and Jeff Toomaga-Allen. Another summer signing, Frank Bradshaw-Ryan, and Sam Carter are paired together in the second row.
Behind the pack, new half-backs Michael McDonald and Jake Flannery will get their first outing for Ulster. Ian Madigan and Angus Curtis are paired in midfield, with Rob Lyttle, Aaron Sexton, and Shea O’Brien, who has been awarded an Ulster contract after impressing for City of Armagh, named in the back three.
Included among the raft of replacements who will be hoping to test their legs and lungs ahead of the first URC game against Connacht at home on Saturday 17 September are Jacob Stockdale and Cormac Izuchukwu, who will both be making a welcome return from injury layoff.
Ulster team to play Exeter Chiefs, Bank of Ireland Pre-Season Friendly, Friday 2 September at Kingspan Stadium (KO 7pm), live on BBC 2 NI and BBC iPlayer (UK only) and Ulster Rugby Recast channel (outside UK):
(15-9): Shea O’Brien, Aaron Sexton, Angus Curtis, Ian Madigan, Rob Lyttle, Jake Flannery, Michael McDonald;
(1-8): Callum Reid, Declan Moore, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Frank Bradshaw-Ryan, Sam Carter, Harry Sheridan, Sean Reffell, Jordi Murphy (Captain).
Replacements from: Eric O’Sullivan, Tom Stewart, John Andrew, Marty Moore, Gareth Milasinovich, Alan O’Connor, Cormac Izuchukwu, Matty Rea, Marcus Rea, Greg Jones, Nathan Doak, Conor McKee, Billy Burns, Jacob Stockdale, Luke Marshall, Craig Gilroy, Stewart Moore, Rory Telfer.
Images & Content – Ulster Rugby
The Munster squad are preparing at the HPC ahead of Saturday night’s URC Round 13 clash against Cardiff at Thomond Park.
The game kicks off at 7.35pm with tickets from €20 available here.
In player news, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Crowley, Conor Murray, Calvin Nash and Peter O’Mahony have all returned to the HPC after helping Ireland to the 6 Nations title.
On the injury front, Academy back-row forward Ruadhán Quinn suffered a hand injury against Ospreys on Friday night and will be sidelined for a number of weeks.
Oli Jager and Fineen Wycherley have started their rehab following minor procedures for respective knee injuries.
Alex Nankivell is completing the RTP protocols and his availability will be determined later this week.
Simon Zebo was unavailable for the Ospreys game due to a low-grade hip injury and is due to return to training this week.
Continuing to rehab: Dave Kilcoyne (shoulder), Diarmuid Barron (foot), Roman Salanoa (knee), Jean Kleyn (knee/eye), Paddy Patterson (knee), Liam Coombes (shoulder), Patrick Campbell (shoulder).
There were 15 Munster players in AIL action at the weekend.
In Division 1A, Fionn Gibbons and Chris Moore helped Young Munster beat Dublin University with Gibbons among the tries.
Mark Donnelly lined out for Cork Constitution as they were beaten by Terenure College.
Kieran Ryan, Darragh McSweeney and Daniel Okeke couldn’t prevent Shannon falling to a defeat to City of Armagh.
In Division 1B, Colm Hogan, Jack Oliver, George Hadden, Max Clein, Cian Hurley and Jack Daly helped Garryowen to a win over Queen’s University. Hogan, Clein and Cronin were among the tries with Oliver kicking a conversion.
Scott Buckley and Andrew O’Mahony were in action for UCC as they lost to St Mary’s College.
Tickets
URC Round 13: Saturday, March 30
Munster v Cardiff Rugby, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
Women’s 6 Nations Round 3: Saturday, April 13
Ireland v Wales, Virgin Media Park, 4.45pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 16: Saturday, May 11
Munster v Connacht, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 18: Saturday, June 1
Munster v Ulster, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
Images & Content from Munster Rugby
The Munster squad are continuing preparations ahead of Friday night’s URC Round 12 clash against Ospreys in Swansea (7.35pm).
On the injury front, there is good news for John Hodnett (finger), Jack O’Donoghue (knee) and Simon Zebo (knee) as they all return to training this week.
Oli Jager (knee) and Fineen Wycherley (knee) are both due to see specialists this week for possible surgery.
Alex Nankivell is following the return to play protocols following a head injury in training last week.
On the international front, Craig Casey and Jeremy Loughman have returned to the squad after Ireland’s 6 Nations triumph at the weekend.
Continuing to rehab: Dave Kilcoyne (shoulder), Diarmuid Barron (foot), Roman Salanoa (knee), Jean Kleyn (knee/eye), Paddy Patterson (knee), Liam Coombes (shoulder), Patrick Campbell (shoulder).
Tickets
URC Round 13: Saturday, March 30
Munster v Cardiff Rugby, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
Women’s 6 Nations Round 3: Saturday, April 13
Ireland v Wales, Virgin Media Park, 4.45pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 16: Saturday, May 11
Munster v Connacht, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 18: Saturday, June 1
Munster v Ulster, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
Images & Content from Munster Rugby
Sutherland to join Glasgow Warriors
Glasgow Warriors can confirm that Scotland prop Rory Sutherland will join the club this summer.
The British and Irish Lion joins the Scotstoun-outfit from French side Oyonnax, making the move to Scotstoun on a two-year deal as Franco Smith’s squad continues to take shape.
The confirmation of the loose-head prop’s move to Glasgow also comes on the eve of his involvement in Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash with Ireland in Dublin, where he is in contention to win his 30th cap for Scotland, part of the match day squad.
The 31-year-old Sutherland will bring a dynamic ball-carrying presence to the Warriors in addition to a solid platform at the set-piece.
After making his debut for Edinburgh in 2014, the prop went on to make 91 appearances in the capital before a summer switch to Worcester Warriors in 2021.
A short-term stint with Ulster followed after Worcester’s demise in 2022, running out on 12 occasions for the Irish province.
Sutherland’s form for Scotland across the 2020 and 2021 campaigns saw him selected for the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa, joining future Glasgow team-mate Zander Fagerson amongst the front-row options.
He became the first Scottish prop to represent the invitational squad since the late Tom Smith when selected for the first Test, playing just under an hour in the 22-17 victory over the Springboks.
Sutherland said: “The past couple of years have been tough since I had to leave Worcester. I’ve been at a few clubs and I haven’t had the consistency I’d have liked in my game. This move to Glasgow, and back to Scotland, offers me the chance to work on getting that back into my rugby.
“Glasgow is a really successful team, so to be offered the chance to come to Scotstoun is attractive for any player. For me, it allows me to come back home, and be closer to my family, which will work wonders for me.
“I’ve gotten close to some of the Glasgow players while in camp with Scotland and they talk highly of Franco and the culture in the club. I’m looking forward to that and getting back to the homeland!”
Head Coach Smith added: “We are pleased to be able to add a prop of Rory’s calibre to our squad ahead of next season.
“His qualities will make him a real asset to our playing group, as we continue to develop our strength in every position.
“We look forward to seeing him in action at Scotstoun over the next couple of seasons and we know that the Warrior Nation will welcome him to our club.”
Tags
Spread the word
Related news
Awards 2023/24 sponsored by The Malcolm Group
Tennent’s Best Seat in the House
What’s On | Cardiff Rugby
Stafford McDowall selected for Ireland clash
Easter Open Training | Monday 1 April
Five Warriors players included in U20s Scotland clash against Ireland
Mann signs new contract with Glasgow Warriors
Horne to make first Guinness Six Nations start
Hart named as co-captain for Scotland U20
Afshar signs first professional contract with Glasgow Warriors
Content & Images from – Glasgow Rugby
Munster Rugby Announce Contract Deals For Murray, Daly & Gleeson
Squad Update | Munster Prepare For Cardiff At Thomond
