With four new signings last week it is expected that Ulster Rugby will confirm a further two “big name” signings this week.
To date, with the exception of outstanding prospect Robbie Diack, the signings have been met with a fair degree of antipathy by the Ulster fans. Things should pick up however when BJ Botha is confirmed this week along with an a yet unidentified “International class” back.
This should see the end of signings for this year, as it must be remembered that one of Ulster Rugby’s core functions is to supply players to the Irish side.
Williams will therefore have to perform a difficult balancing act next season of developing Ulster’s youth and winning games and it’ll be interesting to see how the Ulster rugby public will react if he fails to do either. How many will be prepared to see Ulster lose games by 20 points by playing and developing Ulster youngsters rather than watch a team of “mercenaries” win by 20.
If you look at a side containing Botha, DelFava, Diack, Schifofske, Dewey, Danielli and Steinmetz that’s pretty much half the side non Ireland qualified (despite Steiny being more of an Ulsterman than most). While players of this caliber are needed at this point in time their selection must be balanced with a strong development program.
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