The Ulster Women's Senior Squad, sponsored by Deloitte, kick off their competitive season this weekend.

The squad, who have been under the tutelage of Derek Suffern for the past two seasons, are feeling confident following months of hard work and preparation both on and off the pitch. The 26-player strong squad have been focusing on their strength and conditioning, working with Banbridge based Paul Heasley at Knowledge Fitness once a week, in addition to four gym and cardio sessions and two on-pitch sessions with coaches Suffern, David Chambers and James McBriar.

The 2018/19 squad contains a mix of experienced internationals including captain Larissa Muldoon, Claire McLaughin and Ilse van Staden and emerging talent, including Emma Jordan who is excelling in a leadership role and Neve Jones, who continues to develop following her role as captain of the U18s side who won the Series in 2016.

Development and strength in depth is a high priority for the team, for whom the series is just the beginning of the journey. Suffern’s coaching vision is to continue to bring the squad together monthly to maintain continuity and strengthen links with the U18 players and development players from around the Province. The vision is to create a ‘culture of play’ in Ulster, where all Women’s coaches from all clubs are essentially practicing and developing in the same manner.

The Ulster Women’s team are continuing to build foundations for future success and we wish them all the best for their Series campaign and beyond.

INTERPROVINCIAL SERIES FIXTURES:

Leinster v Ulster
Friday 31st August
Kick off 7pm
Blackrock RFC, Dublin

Ulster v Munster
Sunday 9th September
Kick off 1pm
Portadown RFC

Connacht v Ulster
Saturday 15th September
Kick off 2.30pm
Sportsground, Galway

WATCH OUT FOR:

Claire McLaughlin: huge physicality, strong ball carrier, played for Ireland at both centre and wing but recently moved to the back row where she could do real damage.

Neve Jones: Leadership qualities beyond her years, technically excellent in the breakdown area and relentless work rate.

Emma Jordan: Outstanding performance in the recent warm up games, lightening quick in attack and a ferocious tackler in defense.

ULSTER WOMEN'S RUGBY SQUAD 2018:

FORWARDS

Ulster Women set to kick off Inter-Pro Campaign

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