URSC Meet the Management.

David Humphreys, Brian McLaughlin, Jeremy Davidson and Neil Doak all faced a grilling tonight as the new management team fielded questions from the URSC members and guests at Newforge Country Club.

The Management were welcomed by URSC Master of Ceremonies Jonathan Bill in his own inimitable style and the event was then opened to questions from the floor.

The questions came thick and fast and the answers were honest and informative, below are some of the highlights.

Objectives for the year.

Consistency is key here. No one was prepared to commit to a top four finish or Heineken Cup play offs but rather they all stated that they are looking for more consistent performances and the results will come.

How are they enjoying being in charge.

Lots of dream jobs here with Doaky in particular coming across like a kiddie in a sweetie shop. Jeremy placed great emphasis on the emotions that are still there when he watches the team run out at Ravenhill.

What happened against the Dragons.

Brian stated that they were overconfident and they were bullied out of it by the Dragons aggressive defence. The coaches were very disappointed and considered making wholesale changes but in the end decided to give the same players a chance to redeem themselves against the Ospreys. Thankfully they got the response they were looking for.

Why is BJ Penalised so much at scrum time.

A long discussion on this. They have studied the scrums in depth and basically Botha is doing everything correctly. They believe it all stems back to last seasons game against the Ospreys where the O’s coaches put a lot of pressure on the referee with respect to Botha. They are working hard to change this misconception.

Future Squads, Tommy and Props.

Would obviously be delighted if Tommy were to return and are doing what they can to ensure that, but he is being chased by Munster and Leinster as well.

They feel that Ulster have good prospects coming through in the front row with Justin Fitzpatrick and BJ Botha working hard with the Academy players to bring them through. Stated that the squad has got a huge boost this year with the Academy players now training with the senior squad at Newforge.

The Relationship with Declan Kidney.

Brian stated that he has known Declan for years going back to their teacher days when they used to stay in each others houses when their schools were playing each other.

Kidney takes a lot if interest in the provincial set ups and works closely with the provincial managers to the extent that they will sit down together with the Ireland contracted players and talk to them about their expectations from the Ireland and provincial point of view. The players fully understand how they are regarded in the Ireland set up.

The Availability of Ireland Squad Players.

Basically confirmed that there is a maximum number of minutes that an Irish squad player can play throughout the season.

While there is a maximum number of games an international squad player can play for Ulster there is no minimum number and Ulster are not required to play certain players in certain positions.

Ulster have approached the IRFU about getting more game time for Wallace and Trimble as they return from injury, but no decision as yet.

The hunt for a hooker.

Ulster put forward a non Irish qualified hooker to the IRFU and he was turned down as Ulster already have their allocation of five non Irish qualified.

Approached  Irish qualified hookers at other provinces but none available. Ballymena’s South African born but UK passport holding hooker, Ryan Fisher, has been added to Ulster’s recently submitted ERC panel.

There is still a joker they can play if there are any further injuries to the hooking panel.

Kicking problems.

A long, long discussion on kicking problems but coaching team are adamant that all players involved have good technique and it appears to be confidence and consistency. They are doing what they can but it is only really exposure to big game situations that is going to change things.

The game against Stade.

David Humphreys confirmed that the match will be in Brussels. Ulster have booked their flights for there.

Ireland in Autumn Internationals.

Brian confidently predicted wins against South Africa and Fiji but may be done over by Australia.

Doaky at Elliotts

Doaky was not spotted buying blood capsules at Elliotts Fancy Dress emporium!

I’m sure there is plenty that I have missed out and there were a lot of questions within questions, but if you wanted to know more you really should have been there!

After the questions there was a draw for some signed gear. The winners were:

Fred Johnston – A signed Ireland Cap from Ian Whitten.

Basil Haire – A signed Ireland Cap from Darren Cave.

Dave Halleren – A signed Ireland Cap from Stephen Ferris.

Paul Campbell – A Bayonne Rugby Shirt.

The management team stayed around after the formal part of the evening, were very approachable and in fact where still there when I left. Big Jeremy, in particular, enjoyed the snacks and sandwiches provided by our excellent hostess Jayne Brennan of Newforge Country Club.

More like this:

• Where we want to be. Where we are. Where are we?
• Dawn of a new era?
• Who Plays the Tinkerman?
• Seven Days – Seven Games. Our top seven Ulster games!