The final pre-season match before the new season marks a first, as it will be the first time Ulster Rugby have played a match at a GAA venue.
Ulster Rugby's CEO, Jonny Petrie, spoke to local media at a press conference about the opportunity to bring the team to Cavan, the potential of the 3G pitch and the importance of showcasing rugby around the province.
On playing at Kingspan Breffni Cavan
"It's been a really important thing for us to press ahead with, when we realised the pressures around getting the pitch sorted out, we knew we needed to look at other options. Kingspan Breffni stadium was presented as a facility but with Cavan GAA's willingness to work with us - they were one of the ones who came back and had the best availability. I'm delighted to get it sorted and to be going down there. We all can't wait for the game."
On the progress of Ulster Rugby's new 3G pitch at Kingspan Stadium
"It serves a number of purposes for us. As a governing body we can play the various domestic matches and schools' matches while maintaining a performance surface.
Also it should be beneficial for the Senior team, particularly in the winter months when we want to play a more expansive game. The team probably played a more forward- orientated game, it got us results and tries but we also have an exciting set of young backs, who were scoring for fun and we want to get back to that. If the pitch can guarantee a more consistent surface and allow those players to step in and do exciting things then that would be great to see."
On the prospect of Ulster Rugby playing at a re-developed Casement Park in future
"Absolutely - thats always been part of the business case of the proposed Casement project. If you look at teams such as Leinster and Toulouse, they use bigger stadiums for big set- piece matches. If Casement could play a part in future that could be great.
It's great to showcase rugby throughout the province and we look forward to seeing the uptake for this pre-season match on Saturday."
On strengthening rugby across the province
"The ability to develop homegrown talent is important for us, we need to place greater focus across the province through our development staff and we hope to promote more participation in all counties.
When we look at participation some say rugby can mine players from GAA but it's just great to see young people playing sport whether its GAA, rugby or football. We want to get kids more involved in sport and if we can get rugby included in that, it would be great. We have a good relationship with Ulster GAA and the IFA, with that aim of growing participation.
Excitement for the new season
"Very excited! It's important that we hit the ground running in the United Rugby Championship and over the course of a longer pre-season it's been encouraging to see some young guys coming through, some new combinations in the friendlies and other established players getting back to match fitness ahead of a new season."
Ulster Head Coach Dan McFarland was asked by the local media about how much he was looking forward to taking his team to Cavan as preparations ramp up for the new campaign.
On pre-season preparation matches
"Pre-season results are irrelevant, you are pitching different teams with different points, we have had four opportunities to get out guys who haven't had the opportunity to get as much gametime last year.
It's been a chance for those guys to put in place the things we are looking. We held back 10-13 players, who have had niggles throughout the blocks and it was really good to get them out. Guys like Callum Reid, Cormac Izuchukwu, Harry Sheridan have been getting important minutes and we have also been pleased to see some younger academy/ development players such as Cameron Doak, Joe Hopes, Lorcan McLoughlin and Rory Telfer out on the pitch."
On the potential impact of the 3G pitch on playing style
"When we look at our playing style last season, our maul game was very strong, we had the best mauler in world rugby with Duane Vermeulen and we got really good at punishing teams. That was reflected in our team selections and we did score the second most tries in the league through that effective style.
We probably lost a bit of that movement and expansive play that we showed in the first two or three seasons. Moving forward, we want to re-capture more of that. The new pitch is one element but not the main reason, we have a chunk of players who would prefer that style of play. We want to develop, use that weaponry and remind ourselves of our DNA. We want to reinforce seeing space and taking it, making the pitch big and taking our opportunities."
Ulster scrum-half and academy product Nathan Doak was also speaking to the media and he reflected on a proud moment when he captained Ulster last weekend in the pre-season friendly at Benetton Rugby in Treviso, Italy.
On captaincy
"When I first came into the team it wasn't something I was thinking about but taking on more of a leadership role naturally at scrum half and a bit of ten, I really enjoyed it. When Dan spoke to me last week it was something that really excited me, I also got to play alongside my brother Cameron which was a special moment for me. I didn't need any more motivation!"
Time flies 🥹
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) September 30, 2023
Nathan and Cameron Doak
2011 ⏭️ 2023 pic.twitter.com/krHeXcuIJN
On how pre-season has went
"I think we have had progression in the past three weeks- we want to see that into action against Glasgow before we have a week off before the Zebre Parma match. Its been more about the process than the results but we know when the season starts, it will be about the results."
On playing in Cavan against Glasgow
"I think its exciting to play at a GAA ground, it will be good to see some of the supporters who don't maybe get the chance to come up to Belfast and we are looking forward to playing in front of them. We want to put in the process of what we have been working on throughout pre-season."
Ticket Information
Are you a season ticket holder? If so, this pre-season fixture is included in your 2023/24 Season Ticket package and details will have been emailed on how you can claim your tickets.
For General Sale, check the link below for your ticket, with prices from €10 for Adults and €5 for Under 18s.
Further information on the venue, food and drink options and supporter bus tickets can be found here.