A crowd of approximately 50 supporters greeted Ulster’s new boys at the URSC Meet the Players evening at Newforge last Wednesday.
With the players looking slightly ill at ease things got of to a somewhat shaky start with Jonathan Bill’s opening remarks. It was unfortunate that he forgot the name of Chris Latham as the donor of one of the prize draw rugby shirts but to forget Rob Dewey as well was somewhat ominous for our struggling Scotsman.
So what did our new strars have to say on their move to “Our Wee Country”?
Why Ulster?
The southern hemisphere guys appear to have come to Ulster on the strength of Matt Williams sales pitch and the atmosphere within the squad. Diack was fairly non committal on whether he’s be available for Ireland and seemed to be still keen on South Africa but O’Donoghue was a bit more enthusiastic about a run out for the boys in green.
Humphreys was happy to be here and it was always part of his plan, though his arrival is maybe a year earlier than expected, Willis saw a great opportunity with Soupys move to Connacht and hopes to extend his current contract and Roache is here to learn his trade after the good work done with Tom Court.
Facilities?
Surprisingly the taining facilities are up there with anywhere else they have played with everyone speaking highly of the new gym. “Certainly as good as Leicester’s” says Humphreys. The only downside with the training so far has been the miserable weather which the Southern hemisphere boys are not enjoying.
Ulster’s Poor Start?
Everyone very disappointed with the results so far and training during the week before the Edinburgh game was brutal and ferocious. Need to work on their aggression at the breakdown. Quiet confidence that things will turn round.
Referees?
Fair to say they are not happy with the referees so far, especially Botha who was not at all happy with his yellow card against Ospreys. However it’s a difficult job and it’ll take time for the ELV’s to be interpreted uniformly.
Northern v Southern Hemisphere?
Fairly non- commital mostly spoke about different interpretations of the ELV’s.
The Supporters?
Everyone very impressed with the support so far. Commented several times that it’s a knowledgable crowd who are prepared to acknowledge good play from both sides. Very vocal and involved with the game.
Cheerleaders?
No comment!
The players did all come across well and appear to have a genuine commitment to Ulster Rugby. They did all follow the party line and there were no controversial replies. However they did all hang around after the formal Q & A and were more than happy to answer any other questions – but you had to be there for that part!
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