Ulster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread.

CatFromHue

Some nice quotes from Anscombe about creating a squad:

"The Kiwi brings with him a wealth of experience in nurturing young talent, having previously been in charge of the all-conquering Baby Blacks.

And he made it clear to the RaboDirect PRO12 club's seniors players that they will have to watch their backs.

He said: "I've got a lot of experience in that area with development teams in New Zealand and it is crucial for Ulster going forward that we develop our own players.

"To do that, you challenge the players, you work them, you make them feel accountable for their own performances.

"Week after week they will be watching over their shoulders if they're not performing. We want to create a healthy environment of guys challenging each other for positions.""

http://www.rabodirectpro12.com/news/14216.php

Fishooks12

can anyone tell me the last time P Wallace started a game at 10??

thomond2006

Fishooks12 wrote: »

can anyone tell me the last time P Wallace started a game at 10??

I recall him starting at 10 away to Connacht, think it was before the World Cup. I'm pretty sure he started at 10 for the Ireland XV game against Connacht during the RWC warmup period too.

CatFromHue

thomond2006 wrote: »

I'm pretty sure he started at 10 for the Ireland XV game against Connacht during the RWC warmup period too.

He did. He played well too, he was always trying to create something.

the_doctor199

Ulster Rugby today announced the signings of scrumhalf Michael Heaney and back row forward Sean Doyle...


Heaney has rejoined the club from Doncaster Knights on a 4 month short term deal, with the opportunity of a full time contract at the end of that period.
A graduate of the Phoenix Ulster Academy, Heaney has represented Ulster at all levels and made his senior debut for the Province in a pre-season friendly away to Harlequins in August 2010. He was a member of the Ireland U20 squad that won the 2010 Six Nations Championship and also competed in the IRB Junior World Championships later that year.

The 21 year old joined Doncaster midway through the 2011/12 season after playing his club rugby in Ulster with Belfast Harlequins.

Doyle is an Australian born openside flanker who has joined from Sydney club side Southern Districts. The Irish-qualified 22 year old has been one of the leading players in the New South Wales Premier Grade over the past four seasons and has also been a strong performer for the NSW ‘A’ representative side.

Michael Heaney
D.O.B: 05/11/90
Height: 1.76m
Weight: 80kg
Position: Scrumhalf
Honours: Ireland U20, Ulster Rugby, Doncaster Knights

Sean Doyle
D.O.B: 29/06/89
Height: 1.84m
Weight: 99kg
Position: Openside flanker
Honours: NSW ‘A’

thomond2006

Pienaar is barely going to play for Ulster before Christmas if he's involved in the Rugby Championship and subsequent autumn internationals, makes sense to bring in cover.

the_doctor199

And another..

Ulster Rugby has today confirmed the signing of back row Nick Williams on a two year contract...


Weighing 120kgs, he is an intimidating presence on the field and is regarded as one of the most explosive ball carriers in Europe.
The 28 year old had a successful career in his homeland, making 37 Super Rugby appearances for the Blues during a four year spell. He also played for North Harbour under new Ulster coach Mark Anscombe in the Air New Zealand Cup.

Williams joined Munster ahead of the 2008/09 campaign and helped them secure the Magners League title in his debut season. He then moved to Italian franchise Aironi and his scoring record of 10 tries in 31 league games underlined his importance to them.

Director of Rugby, David Humphreys, believes Williams will prove to be a major success in Belfast as his side targets success in the Heineken Cup and PRO12. “Nick was a standout player during his time at Aironi and he will add a great deal to our squad. His addition means there will be real depth right across the back row and this is vital, given that Stephen Ferris is under an IRFU Player Management Programme.

“Mark Anscombe brought him out of club rugby in New Zealand and believes he can make a huge impact here at Ulster. He is an excellent ball carrier and is a very physical in defence,” added Humphreys.

CatFromHue

but Nick Williams isn't South African!

:pac:

jacothelad

CatFromHue wrote: »

but Nick Williams isn't South African!

:pac:

He could be a very good player if he ever got truly fit.

totallegend

Sean Doyle in action:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4PhAlsAQlE

oh ffs IRFU.

Wanneburg out Williams in

Neither will ever play for Ireland.

Genius these new NIQ rules are. Simply genius

sixy

totally underwhelming signing for last NIQ spot, deeper squad than last year though, hope henderson is ready to make step up for some rabo games

bamboozle

sixy wrote: »

totally underwhelming signing for last NIQ spot, deeper squad than last year though, hope henderson is ready to make step up for some rabo games

i wouldnt be surprised if henderson is challanging for a lions 5.5 spot in 10 months time.

Serious player there.

Cpt_Blackbeard

Williams is a very risky signing. The talent is clear to see, but I don't think he has the dedication. If Ulster can get him to lay off the pies and pints, they could end up getting a ball-carrying beast. I wouldn't be happy with his signing if I was an Ulster fan though.

GerM

What are the odds that Williams turns out to be a great player for Ulster? Get him fit and playing in a high tempo side that like to move the ball, carrying the ball in space and we could see the best of him. I've no doubt about his talent but his application and the way in which he was used wasn't the most beneficial.

totallegend

Cpt_Blackbeard wrote: »

Williams is a very risky signing. The talent is clear to see, but I don't think he has the dedication. If Ulster can get him to lay off the pies and pints, they could end up getting a ball-carrying beast. I wouldn't be happy with his signing if I was an Ulster fan though.

Me neither tbh. Maybe Afoa is lonely and they needed a cut-price Kiwi to keep him company. Can't see him getting into the first team ahead of Ferris, Henry or Wilson whatever happens.

GerM

totallegend wrote: »

Me neither tbh. Maybe Afoa is lonely and they needed a cut-price Kiwi to keep him company. Can't see him getting into the first team ahead of Ferris, Henry or Wilson whatever happens.

Won't be too many occasions when all three of them are available through injuries and call ups. Williams only ever had 12 starts for Munster in two years. Between injuries and lack of game time, he was never able to get properly fit. Munster were tripping over themselves for back row players during his time there with Quinlan, Wallace, Coughlan and all competing with him for his role. I can see him getting 15-20 starts at least this season if fit.

roycon

williams had serious disciplinary problems at munster. getting arrested out on the piss, missing sessions, poor diet and conditioning to name a few.

poor signing

anscombe must remember him from new zealand but hes washed up at this stage. a beached whale

sixy

GerM wrote: »

Won't be too many occasions when all three of them are available through injuries and call ups. Williams only ever had 12 starts for Munster in two years. Between injuries and lack of game time, he was never able to get properly fit. Munster were tripping over themselves for back row players during his time there with Quinlan, Wallace, Coughlan and all competing with him for his role. I can see him getting 15-20 starts at least this season if fit.

I really hope not

thomond2006

They are forced to let Wannenburg go because he is NIE and then they are allowed to sign Williams?!



Having said that, he seemed to have a good try scoring record for Aironi, 10 tries in 29 starts. Yet I am amazed Ulster were given the green light for this given what a flop signing he was at Munster. However in his brief cameos, Williams did display some great skills, his hands in particular are excellent.

http://www.rabodirectpro12.com/teams/aironi/squad.php?player=81087&includeref=dynamic

CatFromHue

Looks like it was Anscombe's call:

"Nick was a standout player during his time at Aironi and he will add a great deal to our squad," he said.

"His addition means there will be real depth right across the back row and this is vital, given that Stephen Ferris is under an IRFU player management programme.

"Mark Anscombe brought him out of club rugby in New Zealand and believes he can make a huge impact here at Ulster."

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3551_7835493,00.html

CIARAN_BOYLE

totallegend wrote: »

Me neither tbh. Maybe Afoa is lonely and they needed a cut-price Kiwi to keep him company. Can't see him getting into the first team ahead of Ferris, Henry or Wilson whatever happens.

Surely Payne is plenty of company

thomond2006

Court, Best, Afoa, Tuohy, Muller, Ferris, Henry, Wilson;
Pienaar, Jackson, Gilroy, Wallace, Cave, Bowe, Payne

Bench: Brady, McAllister, Fitzpatrick, Stevenson, Williams, Marshall, Spence, Trimble

9-15 is savage, assuming Payne can perform after that injury and Jackson fulfills his promise.

durkadurka

Afoa Fitzpatrick situation is the only one where I sort of agree with the irfu.

bilston

durkadurka wrote: »

Afoa Fitzpatrick situation is the only one where I sort of agree with the irfu.

Afoa/Deccie Fitz is a real province v country one isn't it? As an Ulster fan I want Afoa to start but then with my Irish hat on I think a full season of Pro 12 and HEC rugby would probably take Fitzpatrick to the level where he is actively challenging Ross for the TH shirt rather than just acting as decent cover. However I'm going with my Ulster hat on this one for now! Not least because Ulster have more chance of success next season than Ireland.

I suppose we could play Afoa at 6 if Ferris is injured or rested!

As for next season the key is Jackson, if he lives up to his promise then great, if he doesn't then we'll have problems. Pienaar can take some of the pressure off but he's not going to be about for the start of next season and from what I saw yesterday of SA (didn't see the whole game) he should really be starting ahead of Houggard.

GerM

The real pain in the ass is that Fitz is contracted for another 2 years having signed a 3 year deal. If he was available, Munster would be all over him in a year I would think when Botha has to depart. As it stands, Afoa is a superb player and will play every important game. He'll also be there for all the games during the autumn series and 6N so it's hard to see where Fitzpatrick is going to get decent game time unless there's an injury.

Podge_irl

thomond2006 wrote: »

Court, Best, Afoa, Tuohy, Muller, Ferris, Henry, Wilson;
Pienaar, Jackson, Gilroy, Wallace, Cave, Bowe, Payne

Bench: Brady, McAllister, Fitzpatrick, Stevenson, Williams, Marshall, Spence, Trimble

9-15 is savage, assuming Payne can perform after that injury and Jackson fulfills his promise.

I'd hope to see Henderson overtake Stevenson on the bench by the end of the season. But that's a pretty bloody good first XV.

profitius

Podge_irl wrote: »

I'd hope to see Henderson overtake Stevenson on the bench by the end of the season. But that's a pretty bloody good first XV.

And Luke Marshall to start pushing Paddy Wallace.

backawaygo onahead

thomond2006 wrote: »

They are forced to let Wannenburg go because he is NIE and then they are allowed to sign Williams?!

Not strictly accurate, Pedrie was not driven out simply because he was NIQ, he simply didn't want to sign a one year contract which is all that was on offer for a NIQ player over 30.

Pedrie has a wife and less than year old baby and wanted somewhere he could put down roots for a period. Our loss is Castres's gain.

And lest you missed it Pedrie didn't want to leave & was in floods of tears when he finished his last game at Ravenhill.

thomond2006

backawaygo onahead wrote: »

Not strictly accurate, Pedrie was not driven out simply because he was NIQ, he simply didn't want to sign a one year contract which is all that was on offer for a NIQ player over 30.

Pedrie has a wife and less than year old baby and wanted somewhere he could put down roots for a period. Our loss is Castres's gain.

And lest you missed it Pedrie didn't want to leave & was in floods of tears when he finished his last game at Ravenhill.

Fair enough, but it's quite unfair on Wannenburg and Ulster. Nick Williams is 28 and far more injury prone than Wannenburg!

thomond2006

totallegend wrote: »

And he's sh*t...

Wouldn't say that yet, I'd more say the jury is out. I wrote off Naoupu when he came to Connacht as another journeyman, egg on face come the end of that season.

totallegend

thomond2006 wrote: »

Wouldn't say that yet, I'd more say the jury is out. I wrote off Naoupu when he came to Connacht as another journeyman, egg on face come the end of that season.

Felt bad after posting it so deleted. I think he's Rabo level at best but it's not his fault.

backawaygo onahead

Think if Fat Nick stays fit he will get plenty of game time, Stevie Fez will be out for a lot of time with Ireland commitments and player welfare programme.

I'm pretty underwhelmed by the signing but lets give the guy a chance, not a marquee signing but we have probably signed worse.

Mind you I did note that Doc Dave was pretty quick to pin the signing on Mr Anscombe's door.:)

As for Sean Doyle, who knows, D'Arcy has turned out pretty well, certainly as a squad player coming on a fairly similar route.

Same goes for Herring.

I hear rumour of a SH IQ 9 coming for 4 months, no idea of a name or even who that could be.

thomond2006

David McIlwaine moving from Doncaster to Bristol for next season.

Bristol:
Kyle Traynor (PR, Edinburgh), Bruce Douglas (PR, Worcester), George Biagi (LK, Aironi), James Grindal (SH, Leicester), Adrian Jarvis (FH, London Irish), Bryan Rennie (CT, Exeter), David McIlwaine (FB, Doncaster)


http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?25134-Transfers-2012-13

bilston

thomond2006 wrote: »

David McIlwaine moving from Doncaster to Bristol for next season.

Bristol:
Kyle Traynor (PR, Edinburgh), Bruce Douglas (PR, Worcester), George Biagi (LK, Aironi), James Grindal (SH, Leicester), Adrian Jarvis (FH, London Irish), Bryan Rennie (CT, Exeter), David McIlwaine (FB, Doncaster)


http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?25134-Transfers-2012-13

McIlwaine seemed to have a very good season for Doncaster, there was a video on Youtube floating around of him (presumably put up by his agent) and frankly he looked like Israel Dagg in some of the clips!

He should have much more chance of getting into the AP with Bristol than he would with Doncaster. He's a decent player who was criminally played out of position on the wing while at Ulster as a 19/20 year old when he is an ouot and out full back and a decent one at that.

Here's the video
...obviously edited to make him look good...but still
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfJhB4pVOWg

thomond2006

Conor Gaston linked to London Irish: http://www.newsletter.co.uk/sport/young-ulster-star-gaston-linked-to-london-irish-1-3988409

jacothelad

bilston wrote: »

McIlwaine seemed to have a very good season for Doncaster, there was a video on Youtube floating around of him (presumably put up by his agent) and frankly he looked like Israel Dagg in some of the clips!

He should have much more chance of getting into the AP with Bristol than he would with Doncaster. He's a decent player who was criminally played out of position on the wing while at Ulster as a 19/20 year old when he is an ouot and out full back and a decent one at that.

Here's the video
...obviously edited to make him look good...but still
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfJhB4pVOWg

He seems to have filled out and added a bit of pace to his game. He was out of place on the wing particularly when there were wingers available. Another of Brian's Bizarre Selection Raffles. He is a good full back. Let's hope he continues to improve and return if he does. One thing against him was his view of his own worth and his willingness to let you know.

profitius

Anyone know anything about Fenton-Wells?

backawaygo onahead

Only Fenton I know chases deer. FENTON, FENTON, FENTON!!!!!:D

Why do you ask?


Ah, I see an incorrect SAFFER site saying Nick Fenton-Wells has joined Ulster whereas he has signed for Sarries as far as I can see with Mark McCall delighted to have signed him.

profitius

backawaygo onahead wrote: »

Only Fenton I know chases deer. FENTON, FENTON, FENTON!!!!!:D

Why do you ask?

Stormers flanker. Signed for Ulster according to SA media. It said he signed earlier this month but I didn't see it anywhere.

http://www.sportlive.co.za/rugby/europeanclubs/2012/06/27/irish-poach-sa-rugby-talent

"And earlier this month Stormers flank Nick Fenton-Wells confirmed a move to Ulster."

Hagz

profitius wrote: »

Stormers flanker. Signed for Ulster according to SA media. It said he signed earlier this month but I didn't see it anywhere.

http://www.sportlive.co.za/rugby/europeanclubs/2012/06/27/irish-poach-sa-rugby-talent

"And earlier this month Stormers flank Nick Fenton-Wells confirmed a move to Ulster."

Singed for Saracens no?
http://www1.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12572/7800413/Sarries-sign-Fenton-Wells

profitius

Hagz wrote: »

Singed for Saracens no?
http://www1.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12572/7800413/Sarries-sign-Fenton-Wells

Maybe the site got mixed up.

bamboozle

profitius wrote: »

Maybe the site got mixed up.

yeah he's already signed for Saracans...

jacothelad

There are no more signings this season. Squad finalised.
3 non rugby events to be held at ravers, still searching for name options, MA doesn't care about anything but winning, and RP won't be available till the game before our first Euro game.
Season Ticket sales up 20%
Sponsorship up 65% on last year. Not quite but near the same levels with Munster and Leinster in shirt sponsor.

Ticket sales 5+m last year.

""the aim is the have the stadium completed for a home quarter-final in 2014."

At underage representative level, this season, Ulster had only won "three out of fifteen interprovincial matches. McLaughlin hopefully will help turn this debacle around.

bilston

So Jaco says the squad is finalised, it looks a bit like this then...

PROPS
Tom Court
Paddy McAlistair
Callum Black
John Afoa
Declan Fitzpatrick
Adam Macklin

HOOKERS
Rory Best
Nigel Brady
Niall Annett
Robert Herring

LOCKS
Johann Muller
Lewis Stevenson
Dan Tuohy
Neil McComb
Iain Henderson
*has Tim Barker left??

BACK ROW
Stephen Ferris
Chris Henry
Nick Williams
Robbie Diack
Roger Wilson
Mike McComish
Ali Birch
Sean Doyle
*Henderson will probably feature a bit in the back row

SCRUM HALFS
Ruan Pienaar
Paul Marshall
Blane McIlroy
Michael Heaney

OUT HALFS
Paddy Jackson
Niall O'Connor
Stuart Olding
*Pienaar and Wallace can play 10 as well

CENTRES
Paddy Wallace
Nevin Spence
Luke Marshall
Darren Cave
Chris Farrell
Michael Allen
*I think we may see Bowe play a bit in the midfield and Payne can cover as well

BACK THREE
Tommy Bowe
Andrew Trimble
Craig Gilroy
Adam D'Arcy
Jared Payne
Chris Cochrane
Peter Nelson

That's a decent squad, we're much stronger in the back row as far as depth goes and for this reason I expect a better league campaign especially if Diack has got his mojo back which seemed to be the case at the end of last season. There's a good mix of experienced Irish players, top class NIQs and some exciting young players. I'm fascinated to see Doyle and Herring in action and we'll see how Williams gets on. Of course the elephant in the room is obvious and we can only hope Jackson performs, if he does we could have a very good season.

As far as the 1st choice XV is concerned...well with a new coach you never really know but the front row really should pick itself, Muller and Tuohy should be the second row but I'd hope Henderson and Stevenson put the pressure on here as it's probably Muller's last season. Ferris and Henry are more or less nailed on at 6 and 7, Wilson v Williams at No.8 will be interesting. Pienaar has the 9 shirt, I assume Jackson will start the season at 10, Wallace and Cave remain the standout midfield pairing but I hope we see Marshall, Farrell, Spence and maybe even Bowe get a few runs at 12 as paddy isn't getting any younger. Finally in the back three it's three from four, Bowe, Trimble and Payne are favourites for those shirts but on the basis of the end of last season there is very little to choose between Trimble and Gilroy, in fact the cynic in me thinks that Gilroy's main obstacle to the starting team will be Trimble's central contract rather than the man himself! And I say that as a big fan of Trimble.

Tox56

As I said elsewhere I would like to see Marshall given a run at 12, but also Gilroy ahead of Trimble for some of the big games. I think he was playing better than Trimble at the end of last season, but he's also obviously someone for the future.

thomond2006

Tim Barker has retired, think he's a chartered accountant.

jacothelad

bilston wrote: »

So Jaco says the squad is finalised, it looks a bit like this then...

PROPS
Tom Court
Paddy McAlistair
Callum Black
John Afoa
Declan Fitzpatrick
Adam Macklin

HOOKERS
Rory Best
Nigel Brady
Niall Annett
Robert Herring

LOCKS
Johann Muller
Lewis Stevenson
Dan Tuohy
Neil McComb
Iain Henderson
*has Tim Barker left??

BACK ROW
Stephen Ferris
Chris Henry
Nick Williams
Robbie Diack
Roger Wilson
Mike McComish
Ali Birch
Sean Doyle
*Henderson will probably feature a bit in the back row

SCRUM HALFS
Ruan Pienaar
Paul Marshall
Blane McIlroy
Michael Heaney

OUT HALFS
Paddy Jackson
Niall O'Connor
Stuart Olding
*Pienaar and Wallace can play 10 as well

CENTRES
Paddy Wallace
Nevin Spence
Luke Marshall
Darren Cave
Chris Farrell
Michael Allen
*I think we may see Bowe play a bit in the midfield and Payne can cover as well

BACK THREE
Tommy Bowe
Andrew Trimble
Craig Gilroy
Adam D'Arcy
Jared Payne
Chris Cochrane
Peter Nelson

That's a decent squad, we're much stronger in the back row as far as depth goes and for this reason I expect a better league campaign especially if Diack has got his mojo back which seemed to be the case at the end of last season. There's a good mix of experienced Irish players, top class NIQs and some exciting young players. I'm fascinated to see Doyle and Herring in action and we'll see how Williams gets on. Of course the elephant in the room is obvious and we can only hope Jackson performs, if he does we could have a very good season.

As far as the 1st choice XV is concerned...well with a new coach you never really know but the front row really should pick itself, Muller and Tuohy should be the second row but I'd hope Henderson and Stevenson put the pressure on here as it's probably Muller's last season. Ferris and Henry are more or less nailed on at 6 and 7, Wilson v Williams at No.8 will be interesting. Pienaar has the 9 shirt, I assume Jackson will start the season at 10, Wallace and Cave remain the standout midfield pairing but I hope we see Marshall, Farrell, Spence and maybe even Bowe get a few runs at 12 as paddy isn't getting any younger. Finally in the back three it's three from four, Bowe, Trimble and Payne are favourites for those shirts but on the basis of the end of last season there is very little to choose between Trimble and Gilroy, in fact the cynic in me thinks that Gilroy's main obstacle to the starting team will be Trimble's central contract rather than the man himself! And I say that as a big fan of Trimble.

thomond2006 wrote: »

Tim Barker has retired, think he's a chartered accountant.

He has gone to a 'junior'club as player coach. Rainey Old boys a.f.a.i.k.

bilston

jacothelad wrote: »

He has gone to a 'junior'club as player coach. Rainey Old boys a.f.a.i.k.

Is he from that part of the world? I know he used to play for Dungannon.

BTW are Rainey not a "senior" club?...

ormond lad

bilston wrote: »

Is he from that part of the world? I know he used to play for Dungannon.

BTW are Rainey not a "senior" club?...

Rainey are senior. div 2B
there is a piece on the rainey website here