URC
Ulster ready for reigning URC champions Munster
Ulster ready for reigning URC champions Munster
15 minutes ago
Fixture News
Dan McFarland has named his Ulster side to compete against Munster at Kingspan Stadium in Friday’s BKT United Rugby Championship Round 4 fixture (KO 7 35pm).
Ulster hope to bounce back to winnings ways, after the province’s first loss of the campaign in Round 3 against Connacht. The much-changed team put in a physical performance in Galway but were edged out by the home side who won by 22-20.
Tom Stewart captains the side this week against Munster, with the 22-year-old hooker returning to the starting line-up to lead the home side in an Interprovincial derby for the first time.
Joining Stewart in the front row is Eric O’Sullivan, who starts at loosehead prop. Greg McGrath is named at tighthead prop, with the former Jersey Reds forward making his first start in front of a home crowd at Kingspan Stadium.
In the second row, Cormac Izuchukwu and Kieran Treadwell start at lock after both missing last weekend’s Connacht trip due to injury.
Leading the way in the URC for tackles made, David McCann, continues to show his versatility in the back row, as he starts on the blindside, with Marcus Rea returning to the team at openside flanker. Nick Timoney retains his place at eight, having started the last two matches.
Nathan Doak and Billy Burns start the Interpro as the half-back partnership that played together for the majority of last season.
Ireland international, Stuart McCloskey, is straight into the team after having a period of rest following the Rugby World Cup in France. The Bangor man starts at inside centre alongside Stewart Moore, who impressed against Connacht in Galway.
On the left wing, Jacob Stockdale, will hope to continue his fine try-scoring form this season as he returns to the team. Rob Baloucoune starts on the right wing for his second appearance of the campaign, and Ethan McIlroy completes the back field, as he starts at full-back.
In a strong bench, Ulster welcome back two fan favourites, with Rob Herring and club captain, Iain Henderson, returning from international duty.
The fixture will mark a historic landmark for Herring, as the reliable hooker is set to smash Ulster’s all-time appearance record, as a call-up from the bench will mark the 230th time he represents Ulster.
Callum Reid is ready to go from the bench and Ulster Rugby Academy tighthead prop, Scott Wilson, who is hoping to make his debut for the province.
Dave Ewers returns to the squad after suffering an injury against Vodacom Bulls. John Cooney is also back and on the bench, with former Munster fly-half, Jake Flannery, and centre, Jude Postlethwaite, completing the replacement options.
Ulster v Munster, BKT United Rugby Championship Round 4, Friday 10 November, 7.35pm (Live on BBC NI, RTE, Viaplay and URC.tv)
(15-9) Ethan McIlroy, Rob Baloucoune, Stewart Moore, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, Nathan Doak;
(1-8) Eric O’Sullivan, Tom Stewart (C), Greg McGrath, Cormac Izuchukwu, Kieran Treadwell, David McCann, Marcus Rea, Nick Timoney.
Replacements: Rob Herring, Callum Reid, Scott Wilson, Iain Henderson, Dave Ewers, John Cooney, Jake Flannery, Jude Postlethwaite.
Got your ticket for Friday?
There are still limited standing tickets available for the titanic clash, with seating sold out for the night.
Images & Content – 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
