A lot has happened since the last Fans’ Forum back in August, and it felt an appropriate time for over 200 Season Ticket Holders to come together in the A&L Goodbody Lounge to reflect on the BKT United Rugby Championship season so far, mull over international involvement for the Ulster men, and discuss the challenges that lie ahead for the club against Sale Sharks and La Rochelle.
First up was CEO, Jonny Petrie, who reflected on it being an exciting time for the club, following the announcement of a raft of contract renewals and a big-name signing. Jonny also took time to thank Season Ticket Holders for their continued support, especially over the challenging pandemic years, and through the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, acknowledging that it was great to be able to come together at such a critical point in the season.
Curtis McCosh, Cool FM presenter and host for the evening, then welcomed the Q and A guests to the stage – Assistant Coach, Dan Soper and Ulster players, Stuart McCloskey and Duane Vermeulen.
Starting by addressing Saturday’s loss to Leinster, Dan, gave an insight into how the squad have processed this ahead of Round 1 of the new Champions Cup season:
“We’ve had a few tough meetings, and we’ve come out in a pretty positive place, and we’re ready to compete with the top teams that we are set to face in this season’s Champions Cup.”
Chat then moved onto the impact that international involvement has on the squad, and how this will help with preparations for Europe:
“We get a real kick out of seeing the guys on the international stage, and we have a real sense of pride. It offers them a different environment, the opportunity to train with other guys, and although it’s pretty tough for me to say as a Kiwi, Ireland are number one in the world!
“That’s how you continue to grow. We’ve got to be open to these ideas, and fortunately for us, Stu has a nice way of telling me if there’s a better way of doing things!”
With a good rapport between the Q&A guests established, Dan went on to explain the impact of experienced players such as Stuart and Duane on the wider squad:
“With any experienced player, they bring a level of consistency day in, day out – both on and off the pitch. It’s how they prep during the week. They train consistently, don’t have terrible days, and they tend to always be at a level where they know their game. We get that with both of these guys.”
With Dan adding that the panel of players perfectly demonstrates the balance that homegrown and overseas talent can bring:
“We’ve excellent young, homegrown talent. We have loads of talent coming through, and we’re lucky to have those guys. We’ve also been really fortunate with the overseas signings that we’ve secured. Guys like Duane are able to offer a different perspective on how things are done. It challenges your organisation, which is great.”
Looking ahead to Europe, Dan summed-up how important starting the European season right this weekend against Sale Sharks will be, ahead of facing La Rochelle at home a week later:
“Like every team that is in the competition, we want to taste silver. We want to be dining at that table, and we are drawing on what we learnt from last year, and that disappointment. We feel that we’re a better squad now, who are better prepared to go into Europe now. Our goal is to win it, and that starts this weekend. We are firmly set on that.”
Next the conversation moved to Ulster and Ireland centre, Stuart McCloskey:
“Anytime you get to represent your country, it’s an honour. It’s probably the first time I’ve been able to get a good run of games, and it’s great to get in there, and have the chance to put my best foot forward.”
On his journey to the green jersey, Stuart also discussed his route into the professional game through the club game:
“I played at Dungannon RFC, and it’s some of the most fun I’ve had. When you look at the players coming through now, it’s a conveyor belt of talent, and every year there’s someone new coming through.”
And it’s a journey that culminated last year in running out in front of a Kingspan crowd for his 150th cap:
“It was a special moment. I was worried my son was going to cry. Jonny installed some new lights, and he was pretty rattled! But on a on a serious note, it was really special to get that cap at home for such a big game, and to get the win was amazing. Mum and Dad tell me all the time that they are proud, but it was lovely for them to be there, and to share it with all the fans.”
With the focus now moving to Europe, Stuart made it clear that one of his ambitions after nearly a decade at the club is to secure silverware:
“It’s important for any club to have that ambition to win something. We keep getting better and better, and we’ve got to a peak now. We should be getting to finals, and winning silverware. We need to take it game at a time, then focus on a home quarter-final, home semi-final, and take it from there.”
Last, but not least, was World Cup-winning Springbok, Duane Vermeulen. Now into his second season in Belfast, he reflected on his time with the club so far:
“My first cap for this proud province was really special. When you’re coming into this club, you want to showcase who you are and to bring something to the party.
“It was a tough one last year, getting knocked out of the Champions Cup quarter-final by one point, and then missing out against the Stormers.
“But I’m really enjoying it. I’m a grown man of 37 running around in the wet and the cold – what more do you want! My family is still sitting indoors in front of heaters! But I’m an outdoorsy person, and I’m like a kid.”
Speaking on the latest South African signing for the club, Duane gave an insight into why he thinks Ulster is so appealing to world-class signings like himself and Steven Kitshoff:
“I spoke to a couple of past players, including Ruan Pienaar, and they told me it’s the people, the supporters, and it’s a really special place.
“It’s important to me to take it all in, and learn something new on and off the field, including the way the guys play, and how that’s different to what South Africans are used to.”
And when it comes to the challenge facing Ulster in the upcoming Champions Cup games, Duane acknowledges the battle they will face:
“La Rochelle are a well-coached bunch of guys, and they have O’Gara there, as well as being the defending champions. We will take it game-by-game, and contend for that trophy.”
A high note to end a successful night at Kingspan Stadium on. Until next time...
Tickets for Ulster versus La Rochelle, Saturday 17 December (KO 5 30pm) at Kingspan Stadium, are available now.