Ulster squad additions

All of the following will be contracted to Ulster next year - I don't know the nature of each contract though

Niall Annett
Jerry Cronin
Craig Gilroy
Paddy Jackson
Adam Macklin
Luke Marshall
James McKinney
Ian Porter

Will supply a fully list shortly - still no mention of Bryan Young. Also no mention of Gaston yet

Afoa John
Annett Niall
Barker Tim
Best Rory
Black Callum
Brady Nigel
Cave Darren
Court Tom
Cronin Jerry
D'Arcy Adam
Danielli Simon
Diack Robbie
Faloon Willie
Ferris Stephen
Fitzpatrick Declan
Gilroy Craig
Henry Chris
Humphreys Ian
Jackson Paddy
Kyriacou Andy
Macklin Adam
Marshall Luke
Marshall Paul
McAllister Paddy
McComb Neil
McComish Mike
McKinney James
Muller Johann
Payne Jared
Pienaar Ruan
Porter Ian
Spence Nevin
Stevenson Lewis
Trimble Andrew
Tuohy Dan
Wallace Paddy
Wannenburg Pedrie
Whitten Ian

All listed as 1st XV players - does that mean full contracts ? I don't know. If the quality of our youngesters means we have decided to tie them in rather than run the risk of losing them - very wise if true

Very, very wise.

You're basically noting they've updated the first team profiles on the website? Still a bit light in the back three- do you think they may try Spence there at the start of the season with Marshall, Cave and Whitten in the centres?

Any surprises there? Young and Gaston are gone then are they? I thought Young looked pretty good last year and I was impressed with Gaston when I saw him.

Doesn't mean Gaston is gone Rodders- just that he may be part of the Academy as opposed to the first team squad.

http://www.ulsterrugby.com/rugby/ulster_first_team.php

Ah ok thanks Notch.

No reason to get rid of Gaston at all. Surely Cronins inclusion means that Young is surplus to requirements?

As note Gaston going nowhere just still in the Academy.

It really does look to me the other kids are getting full contracts.

My take is Young is defintely away. I have also heard we definitely are not looking fort any more props - 7 on that list or a back up 10. Backrow is the only position we are seeking.

Rava has mentioned a rumour re Corey Jane but I have not heard anything.

Well im glad if thats the case. i see Marshall and Gilroy in particular having big seasons

Here is last years academy players who have not left and are not listed above.

Conor Carey (Ballymena)
Blane McIlroy (Ballymena)
David McGuigan (QUB)
Ian Henderson (QUB)
Kyle McCall (Ballynahinch)
Chris Cochrane (Dungannon)
Ali Birch (Dungannon)
Michael Allen (Belfast Harlequins)
Michael Heaney (Belfast Harlequins)
Conor Gaston (Dungannon)
John Burns (Ballymena)
Ricky Andrew (Castres)
Dominic Gallagher (Trinity)
Stephen Lecky (Glasgow Hawks)

Also need to be aware of Development contract - the only 2 players who fall down the hole between the 1st team squad listed and last years academy list, that I can think of, are Shiels and Whitten.
Not heard about their status for next year yet

Niall Annett - development
Jerry Cronin - ??
Craig Gilroy - Full
Paddy Jackson - development
Adam Macklin - ??
Luke Marshall - Full
James McKinney - development
Ian Porter - ?? (what was he last year I can't remember)

Shiels, Whitten and Young I am 90% certain are away

geoff where do you think whittian is away to? ive always rated him, he would have been a better signing for connacht than fafila'li and also any world on who ulster are hoping to sign as a back row, as thats where i feel they will lack strength in depth?

Ricky Andrew has gone to Castres?

Quick clarification that is Alan Whitten not Ian Whitten. Ian Whitten remains on a full contract. Got more info:
Cronin is a full contract (I think), Porter and Macklin remain on development contracts. Shiels and Alan Whitten have been released. So if my maths is right that is 33 full contracts and 5 development ones.

We are trying to get a IQ backrower but it is proving a struggle - sniffing around Leinster at the moment.

Ricky Andrew (Castres)
Dominic Gallagher (Trinity)
Stephen Lecky (Glasgow Hawks)

Are all registered as Ulster Academy players but are physically living in the place indicated. I assume University in each case but that is a guess.

The Academy list for the year typically doesn't get finalised until after the season starts.

Geoff any word on any accademy prospects for next year? Quite a few of those Campbell boys must be in with a shout.

I'll know in about a months time.

The club try to get the professional done and dusted in July and then turn to the Academy in Aug/Sept

MBTGOG wrote:Ricky Andrew has gone to Castres?

He's currently doing an undergraduate degree in modern languages. Part of his study requires he spend a year overseas which he was doing last year. Before he left, Jeremy Davidson used his contacts in Castres to get him a spot in their Academy for a year while he was over in France.

This season he'll be back in Belfast to finish his undergraduate degree at Queens and rejoin the Ulster Academy.

EDIT; Tut tut Geoff- best guess? Obviously you didn't read the interview with Ricky Andrew in the programme for Ulster vs Munster back in October!

A rare chink in your knowledge eh?

Stopped buying programs to be honest - my wife was worried that there was no room for my clothes in the wardrobe because of all the rugby stuff so something had to go and she said it wasn't the clothes

Delighted the 2 Ravens games in the B & I cup are going to be on Saturday afternoons as will had a chance to see how the Academy lads do in a competitive match.

Fantastic. Must try and get down (work Saturdays)

I know who one of the people being considered as Scrummaging coach - Brian Young.

That would explain why nothing has been said about him not being in the squad for next year.

He would be like Justin Fitzpatrick was - keeping fit just in case he is needed.

Really? That seems not so good.

I mean, we were just saying on another thread that often guys who make the best coaches never stood out as players but it's all a bit 'Mark McCall' for me. A coach should be an authority figure. Are guys really going to listen to a guy who couldn't secure a playing contract for Ulster next season?

And in saying that I have no doubt over Bryan Youngs grasp of the mechanics of the scrum and his insight into scrummaging. What I do doubt is the transition from player to coach when you aren't a highly respected, world class player like Botha or Muller. Especially when you've spent your career with the province.

I understand he is well thought of at the club by the other props.

The best players are not the best coaches.
Afoa apart we do not have world class props at the club.


Brian McLaughlin and Declan Kidney to name 2

Fair enough. So long as he is well repsected enough, but by far the most important issue that he does not fall into the awkward gap between being an ex-player/coach? It's a difficult position to be in.

Was it not mentioned that Afoa would effectively take over from BJ in this capacity?

What is Reggie doing these days now that Feek is at Leinster?

To be honest Geoff there are more than props in a scrum, I know as I play tighhead myself, and so more rhan just the props would need to be confident in his ability. In the last two seasons he has been lacking come scrum time. i also follow young on twitter and his dynamic with fellow team mates does not Strike me as one which could develop into a coach player relationship. Also just because he is and average (at best) player doesnt make him a good potential coach, we need some outsideside input not just the same old same old which we have had for years, look at Leinster since Greg Feek, a bit of outside input goes a long way!
example and point would be Mr Muller!!!!

Geoff who else is being considered as young is not someone I would be happy with.

Willy, no mate I think they where always going to get a scrum coach, Afoa is known for his loose play and his capability at scrum time, I think he was brought in more to complement our new open flowing style.

One thing I think Payne and Afoa will help is our offloading game.

I have to agree, I wouldn't be too happy with Bryan Young. File under 'Last Resort'. It's just a bit to make the leap from player to coach in a team you played in.

ballroomhero wrote:What is Reggie doing these days now that Feek is at Leinster?

I'd take young ahead of corrigan any day.

To be fair to Young I thought he played better this season than he has in a while.

According to Leinster Rugby:

"Reggie will be developing knowledge of the scrum across the province, in the Under-20's, Academy as well as the various age grade groups in clubs and schools across the province."

Sin é wrote:According to Leinster Rugby:

"Reggie will be developing knowledge of the scrum across the province, in the Under-20's, Academy as well as the various age grade groups in clubs and schools across the province."

Well best keep him down there sin! Corrigan as a scrum coach is an oxymoron. Geordan Murphy would know more about scrummaging.

The position available is front row scrummager coach only.
This was previously the role held by BJ and before that Reggie Corrigan.

Afoa is not considered a coaching replacement.

McLaughlin and Muller will be responsible for all othe aspects of forward coaching.

To be clear Young is a only a candidate for the role at this stage but I do find it interesting that he is the only player from last year, who was on a full contract, where an announcement has not been made as to what he is doing next year. Given his years at the club I am certain something would have been said if he had left - that leads me to believe his status is yet to be decided.

Notch wrote:It's just a bit to make the leap from player to coach in a team you played in.

Anthony Foley, Jim Williams, Shaun Payne and Jason Holland all did fine in Munster

To confirm at least one non Irishman is being considered for the scrummaging role as well.

geoff998rugby wrote:To confirm at least one non Irishman is being considered for the scrummaging role as well.

As it should be. When it comes to the scrum we need an outside influence and a new way of thinking.

At times Young has been very good in the scrum against guys like Haymans and Ross, so he has the technique. He also has leadership ability as shown by him being captain of the Ireland u19 side.

IMO his problems on the pitch have been fitness and application, where he has gone MIA too often. I'd be happy enough with him as scrum coach, as he's 'young' enough to know the current opposition and old enough to have learned the trade. He has played both sides which also is good and could be a useful fallback should injury strike.


BTW Geoff where is Ulster's fullback who started against Biarritz?

The Great Aukster wrote:BTW Geoff where is Ulster's fullback who started against Biarritz?

Either Doncaster or Rotherham, can't remember which...

McIlwaine has gone to Doncaster.

Essentially seen as surplus to requirements for 15 we have:

1 Payne
2 D'Arcy
3 Gaston/Marshall/Gilroy/Danielli

that's considered good enough

I fear that after mcilroys us open triumph and the fact hes going to be a money making machine in the years to come that Ulster are going to go on to dominate European rugby. Afoa, muller, payne etc are just the start. Dan Carter will be next.

Hmmm Skiddy. Not sure if serious...

Here's an update regrading our Academy for next year;

http://thefrontrowunion.com/2011/06/academy-latest-new-recruits/

Most interesting for me is the recruitment of Munster second row Dave O'Mahony.

Makes sense really. We have O'Connell, O'Callaghan, O'Driscoll, Ryan, Nagle, Holland and Foley all jostling for 2 positions.

Is this guy O'Mahony good at all Stag?

He's meant to be alright. Was part of the U20 team in the 6 Nations along with Hanrahan and Shane Buckley (who is rumoured to be on his way to Connacht).

Certainly no evidence Ulster have stolen a wunderkind from Munster or anything.

Fair enough. Basically we have 1 second row in our entire Academy structure so adding another isn't going to be bad.

Bit surprised that Chris Farrell gets in the academy but no sign of Rory Scholes who looked a superior player to me.

Slightly confused by this we usually only finalize our academy in Sept. There has been no announcement from the club. It is possible the FRU have jumped the gun on this and the lads are still being evaluated.

Could be wrong of course

I think bigger things were expected of David O'Mahoney but he has been surpassed by Cathal O'Flaherty.

In all three year levels, we have locks in the Academy:

Year 3- David O'Callaghan
Year 2- Brian Hayes
Year 1- Cathal O'Flaherty

I personally can't see O'Mahoney making it but maybe someone giving him the time he needs will be good for him.

skiddy wrote:I fear that after mcilroys us open triumph and the fact hes going to be a money making machine in the years to come that Ulster are going to go on to dominate European rugby. Afoa, muller, payne etc are just the start. Dan Carter will be next.

Thats the trouble with conspiracy stories.

I am 100% confident Rory's money has absolutely nothing to do with the signing of Payne, Afoa and Muller and our NIQ (re) signings next year will be at 6,7 and 9 not 10.

Given this announcement from Dublin looks like I was wrong to doubt the FRU statement

'Conor Joyce is similarly taking up his Academy contract offer from Ulster. Conor is the current Ireland Under-18 Clubs and Exiles Under-18 blindside flanker, and played in the recent historic win for the Exiles U-20s over the USA Eagles U-20s.

He is currently completing his studies at Solihull School and turned down an Academy contract offer from Leicester Tigers to go to Ireland.'

What this tells me is the Academy will be bigger this year than last.
Also if all the new additions are being announced now then I would expect the lsit of those retained would get announced sooner as well.

Saw that- very glad to see a blindside and lock added from outside the province. Good signs. Especially promising that Joyce turned down Leicester.