The Ulster U20 squad for Friday's inter-provincial tie with Leinster at Ravenhill has been named (kick off 7pm)...

The U20s open their 2012 campaign with a difficult game against Leinster who have dominated rugby at this level over the past few years. The squad includes senior caps Stuart Olding (flyhalf) and Conor Joyce (back row).

Ulster U20 squad to face Leinster, Inter-Provincial Series, Friday 7th September (7pm), Ravenhill

Forwards
Norman Sinclair, Jake Caulfield, Jonny Craig, John Andrew, Chris Taylor, Sam McNabney, John Donnan, Grant Bartley, Matthew Rea, Stuart Hooks, Matthew Clarke, Conor Joyce, Ben Alexander

Backs
John Creighton, Matthew Keane, Niall Martin, Stuart Olding, Mark Best, Ryan Martin, David Busby, Ross Adair, Jordan Heatley, Rory Scholes

U20s Head Coach Terry McMaster commented ahead of the game: “Both myself and Allen (Assistant coach Allen Clarke) have been delighted with how preparations have went and by the effort put in by all the players involved. It is in essence a 12 week programme and the boys have bought into what we are trying to achieve and have been totally committed from the outset. We are happy with the rugby aspects of our preparation and with the strength and conditioning work which has been undertaken.”

McMaster has no doubts about the difficulty of the task facing his team tomorrow night. “It will be a massive challenge for us as they are a quality side. Leinster are the leading province in age grade rugby and have been for some time. This provides us with the ultimate challenge. Allen and I have worked with the majority of their players over the past few years, Allen in his role as High Performance Manager and myself in the role of National U18 Coach, so we know what to expect.”

While he admits it would be nice to win the inter-pro campaign, McMaster is adamant that his main priority of the coaching staff is to develop the players. “Our target is to produce indigenous Ulster players of the future. Wins are a nice reward for the hard work that has gone in but our focus is on seeing how the players progress as a result of this process,” he concluded.

This game is priced at £7 for adults and £4 for children, payable at the gate.

Please note that the Scoop Bar will not be open.

U20s squad for Leinster clash is named

Related Articles

Club partners