Podcasts about Ulster Rugby

Let us know what's on your mindPatrick Nelson's journey from trainee computer programmer to guiding Northern Ireland football through nearly two decades of transformation reveals how sport can change a nation's cultural landscape. As CEO of the Irish Football Association, he's witnessed firsthand the unifying power of football, particularly during Euro 2016 – what he calls "the best period of my working life."The newly christened Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park forms the backdrop for our conversation about football's remarkable ability to bridge divides in Northern Irish society. "Football happened on a Saturday, people got together, they played their games, they shook hands at the end and moved on," Patrick recalls of even the most challenging periods. This commitment to connection extends beyond football, with Patrick regularly meeting his counterparts at Ulster Rugby and Ulster GAA to strengthen cross-sport collaboration.While the disappointment of missing out on hosting Euro 2028 at Casement Park lingers, Patrick remains characteristically forward-focused. He's championing Belfast's role in the ambitious bid to host the 2035 FIFA Women's World Cup – a vision that would see "girls who are currently dreaming of wearing that green shirt turning out on that pitch in 10 years' time." Through personal anecdotes about his first football match (a remarkable 14-1 victory), his passion for skiing, and his direct management style, we glimpse the person behind Northern Irish football's impressive progress. Subscribe now to discover how sport continues to transform communities across the island of Ireland. Find out more about what we do day in day out at Sportforbusiness.comWe publish a daily news bulletin and host regular live events on a wide range of sporting subjects Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts from and look forward to upcoming chats with with Olympic Medallist Aifric Keogh on her new role as Chair of the Athletes Commission at the Olympic Federation of Ireland, Dr Kieran Collins of TUD on Technology and Sport and more leaders willing to give of their time and insight.Our upcoming live events on Sports Leadership, the Business of Golf, Gaming and and plenty more are live on the Sport for Business website and we'd love to have you join us.

Join me on the latest episode of The Red Hand as we dissect Ulster Rugby's gut-wrenching loss to the Sharks, unpacking where it went wrong and what it means for the rebuild. I'm joined by Dan, Ian, the insightful Caolan Scully from Munster's Red Army Podcast, and former Ulster and Ireland star Ian Madigan, who brings his razor-sharp perspective. We dive into Richie Murphy's young squad and preview the crucial final games against Munster and Edinburgh—make-or-break moments for Ulster's season. Expect passion, laughs, and a hopeful look at how Ulster can rise again. Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your pods!

The Red Hand Podcast is back to discuss all things Ulster Rugby including the game at the weekend and where Richie Murphy's men go from here.

We are hosting two Legacy Podcast LIVE events in January and February 2025. Elmwood Presbyterian, Lisburn – Thursday 23rd January 2025, 7:30pm.Magherafelt Baptist, Mid-Ulster – Friday 28th February 2025, 7:30pm.BOOK YOUR SEATS HEREToday's guests hold significant roles in society and church. Join us for this uplifting conversation as Andy speaks with Shane and Fanta about their story of faith, the theme of fatherhood across Scripture, and what it means to be a grandfather and a father today.SHANE LOGANFormer head of Ulster Rugby, Shane Logan, is the new chief executive of the Bryson Group, one of Northern Ireland's biggest and oldest social enterprises. During his time at Ulster Rugby, Shane oversaw the £15m redevelopment of Ravenhill, now the Kingspan Stadium, as well as a period of strong success on the field, which culminated in the side reaching the 2012 Heineken Cup Final. BISHOP KEN CLARKEKen (aka Fanta) became a minister in 1972 and has served in a number of roles across the evangelical church, including time spent in Chile as a missionary, local church leadership on both sides of the Irish border, became Bishop of Kilmore, Elhpin and Ardagh in 2001 before directing SAMS UK and Ireland (South American Mission Society). Now Re-Fired, he is married to Helen, they have four daughters, and grandchildren.ANDY LAMBERTONAndy directs the work of Legacy and has been hosting the Legacy podcast since it started, with conversations on faith and fatherhood. Author of Letters for Exiles, married to Debbie, they have four children and usually have icepops for deserts. 

Ulster and Ireland legend, Chris Henry, and comedian and host of the Cork in the North podcast and Q Radio breakfast show join us on the Red Hand Podcast to discuss all things Ulster Rugby (and some other stuff too!) Enjoy.

In this episode I'm joined by Fergus, Dan and former Ulster player Mark Best as we discuss the win over Ospreys, look ahead to Cardiff and everything Ulster Rugby related in between.

John Cooney plays for Ulster Rugby in the URC and has been capped 11 times by Ireland. He previously played for Leinster Rugby where he won a Champions Cup, and Connacht Rugby where he won the Pro 12 title. He played for Lansdowne fc in the All-Ireland League where we played together briefly.In the podcast he talks about how his mindset massively changed midway through his career, why he wasn't himself while playing with Leinster and why he saw a councillor earlier in his career.Cooney talks about his process for dealing with pressurized situations like last minute kicks to win games, how he prepares mentally for games and what he feels is most important for players to do to perform at their peak. Unleash Your Potential - Course for Players That Want to Become ProfessionalsAudible.com |Audible.co.uk - Get your audio book version of my new book today! (Free trial for new Audible customers)Amazon Paperback Book - Get your physical copy of my new book today!Brian's InstagramOff-Field Rugby InstagramBrian's LinkedIn Get the bonus Podcasts on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's Red Hand Podcast we discuss the Connacht clash, look forward to getting one over the Ospreys this weekend and chat all things Ulster Rugby. I'm joined by Fergus, Ian, Nathan and Dan. Enjoy.

We're baaack! Richie Murphy's men pulled off the great escape against Glasgow and now face a tough tour to South Africa. The gang discuss all things Ulster Rugby and listen to the Red Hand's first ever poem - An ode to Marty Moore. Enjoy.

After the successful summer interview series, the gang are back and talking about the season ahead! I'm joined by Nathan, Fergus, Dan and special guest, former Ulster player and European Cup winner, Andy Park. We talk all things Ulster Rugby, pre-season, new signings, overall trajectory and predictions for the 24/25 campaign.

Kingspan has been heavily criticised in the final report into the Grenfell disaster. 72 people died in the 2017 blaze. The report found Kingspan and two other firms engaged in a deliberate strategy to mislead the market about their products. The Irish company produced only 5% of the tower's combustible foam but has been accused of “knowingly” misleading authorities about the results of tests done on the product. Kingspan sponsors Ulster Rugby and Cavan GAA. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Liam Tunney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cormac Venney worked as a Sport Psychologist with Ulster Rugby, supporting Athletes through the professional development. Now, through HIP Psychology ( @hippsychology ) he supports kids and teenagers throughout their educational journey. I spoke with him on this week's podcast episode about what that involved/involves and what we can learn from his experience. THE EVERYDAY ATHLETE PROGRAM⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.everydayathleteprogram.com/coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/every.day.athlete⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Cormac's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/hippsychology

Loved chatting to former Ulster and Ireland scrumhalf Kieran Campbell. Few people have made a bigger contribution to Ulster Rugby. Indeed, Kieran brought through quite a few of the current Ulster senior team in his days in charge of the academy. After a spell coaching in England, Kieran is back to NI where he has taken up a new role with Coleraine Grammar School as their head of rugby. Enjoy.

With the rugby season now over, it's time to pause and reflect on the season just past and look forward to a building project at Ulster Rugby. To help me and Dan do this, we're joined by a former prop who started off his career with Ulster before going on to play for Connacht and premiership teams such as Worcester and Northampton, Conor Carey, and rugby coach, analyst and expert Nathan Moore.

Plenty to chat about as always! Ulster's whipping boys Leinster fall at the final hurdle in the Champions Cup Final once again  - what does this mean for Irish Rugby - does it create room for another province to rise like a phoenix from the flames to take their place? I'm maybe being a bit tongue in cheek about Leinster, but we will be talking about the ways in which the IRFU may seek to change things to level the playing field with the other provinces In other news, Ulster have secured the services of a new 10 - 22 year old Aidan Morgan is the chosen one. He looks impressive in the miserable weather in Wellington, New Zealand, but the question is, can he do it in similarly cold, wet and windy conditions at Ravenhill. Ulster Rugby leadership met with fans this week at Ravenhill where they were grilled by the Jeremy Paxman of the rugby world, Cool FM's Pete Snodden about the state of the club. We'll talk about all of that plus the small matter of the final game of the regular season against our provincial rivals, Munster this Saturday. To discuss all of the above I'm joined by a balanced panel - Nathan and Fergus as well as Munster Rugby fan royalty - writer and host of the Red Army Podcast, Caolan Scully and  podcaster with the Provincial State of Mind Rugby Podcast and creator of Three Red Kings - Tom Savage.

The Red Hand pod panel is joined by an unbelievable panel this week - former Leinster, Connacht, Sales Sharks and Ireland hooker and now one of the top pundits in the country, Bernard Jackman, and former Connacht, Leinster, Zebre and Ulster second-row and pundit Mick Kearney. We discuss all things Ulster Rugby including questions such as: how will the season finish up? What comes next for Richie Murphy's young and streamlined squad? Indeed, what hopes and expectations can we hold for the province over the next number of seasons? Enjoy.

Ulster Rugby player Paddy Jackson, who was one of the key people at the Belfast rape trial of 2018, has expressed his concerns over a proposed six-episode TV series that will dramatise the court case that rocked Northern Ireland. The trial, where Jackson and fellow Ulster rugby player Stuart Olding were found not guilty of the charges against them, has a problematic legacy in Belfast and beyond. Fionnán Sheehan is joined by Special Correspondent with the Irish Independent Ellen Coyne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Kelly and Mark Langdon on Spurs' decisive game against City; Shane Stokes has the latest on the Giro d'Italia, and Michael Corcoran discusses Richie Murphy's appointment as permanent head coach of Ulster and their prospects going forward! Game On.

The gang are joined by top rugby journalist Brendan Fanning as we attempt to tackle some of the big issues facing Ulster Rugby.

A different and somewhat special episode this week as we zoom out and consider the bigger picture at Ulster Rugby. Don't worry, we will discuss the weekend's action as well of course! Ulster secured a 40-17 point win over Montpellier to book their place in the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup in a game that perfectly demonstrated the old adage ‘it's a game of two halves'. More on that in a second. The usual panel have been given a break this week in line with rugby podcasters rest protocol.  So, I've drafted in a couple of special guests to help give us an outside perspective on some big questions. One of the underlying complaints from fans in recent years has been Ulster Rugby's loss of identity. There is a sense in the past number of seasons that the club has drifted away from the culture and the values that made many of us fans in the first place.  It can be hard to articulate what defines us as a province but I think attempting a definition is a useful exercise as it can help determine our direction of travel as a club. To help wrestle with the big questions I'm incredibly honoured to be joined this week by Leinster Schools head coach and rugby analyst Brett Igoe and fellow podcaster with the mMunster based fan podcast Red Army Pod and rugby writer, Caolan Scully.

Have Ulster successfully weathered the storm? Everything seems better and brighter around Ulster Rugby at the minute. The coaching team look happier, fans are more positive, the team are battling for 80 minutes. I'm keen not to get carried away and talk of a transformation is certainly premature, but I think anyone who has been paying attention to ulster has noticed green shoots of progress in the most recent performances. It's difficult to explain but even though we lost, everyone – myself included – was pretty happy with it. We'll dig into why with Fergus, Ian and Dan. We'll dig into why

On Wednesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack has news of an interim CEO appointment at Ulster Rugby. Joey Carbery explains his decision to move to France.Joe Marler has his say on the TMO controversy arising from last weekend's Premiership outing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. And England to be without a key player for their next three Women's Six Nations fixtures.

The lads bid farewell to Jonny Petrie and consider what's next for Ulster Rugby...

I'm joined this week by a very special guest and a name that will be familiar to all Ulster Rugby fans. A combative and abrasive second-row who played 34 times for the Wallabies, Justin's connection to Ulster came when he joined the province in 2005 and captained the side to the Celtic league - their last piece of silverware. Justin was a key player for Australia for several seasons, famously playing in memorable fixtures such as the third Lions test in 2001 and the Rugby World Cup final in 2003. I loved chatting to the legend that is Justin Harrison. Hope you enjoy listening.

Slow news day for Ulster Rugby... After the most dramatic 24 hours this season for fans of Ulster which saw head coach Dan depart the province, ending his tenure as the longest serving Ulster coach of the professional era, the panel have plenty to talk about. Where do we go from here? Who's next? Was there a game at the weekend? Sit back, enjoy the chat and don't forget to like and subscribe!

This episode is from a while back - before Humphs was appointed head honcho of Irish Rugby. Where to even start with David Humphreys? Childhood hero, Ulster legend and one of the most significant figures in the history of Ulster Rugby. This one is from the archive and I thought I would put it out there given the fact we are 25 years on from when Humphs helped Ulster get crowned Kings of Europe in '99. What a legend. Enjoy.

Life as an Ulster fan is anything but boring and, as usual, there's plenty to discuss on the podcast this week. Let's start with the positives: Ulster Rugby have an incredibly large and loyal fanbase, a fancy new stadium and pitch and a talented squad with a number of really good prospects coming through. So, this begs the question why Dan McFarland's men are struggling on the pitch and why Ulster are in such a precarious position as an organisation. There's a saying that a fish rots from the head down.  Something to think about.... However, there's also a saying 'SUFTUM til I die'. Real fans support players on the pitch. Indeed, no proper fan could complain about their team when the players are giving 100%. That includes whether they win, lose or draw. There is no doubt about the effort of the current crop of players - they are a passionate and committed bunch. So, What's holding them back from achieving their potential as a squad? Is the issue that needs to be fixed with the Ulster Rugby management and head-coach or is it just a matter of time before everything starts to click on the pitch and everything is rosy once again? To discuss all this and talk about the games themselves I'm joined by Ian, Jack, Fergus and delighted to be joined by a name that will be familiar to Ulster fans: Humphreys... Daniel Humphreys.

Welcome to the Red Hand Podcast. Are there dark clouds gathering at Ulster? Is a storm coming for the current head-coach? Following defeat at the weekend, Dan McFarland slammed the standards in training and, by extension, his own ability to coach the team. I'm not sure the words went down well with Ulster supporters, many of whom seemed not best pleased by the performance or Dan's reaction. It's just a game at the end of the day – a frivolous game, a bit of fun – entertainment – so there's no point in getting too worked up about it. At the same time, Dan and the CEO of Ulster Rugby are paid vast sums of money to deliver results to fans who invest a lot of time and money into the team and want to see the team play to their potential. It's hardly been a disaster of a season, but an unexpected home loss has ruffled a few feathers. Maybe the winds of change haven't yet started to blow, then there is a stiff breeze in the air. We have Bath this weekend and, because of the fickle nature of professional sport, a win obviously means everything will be sunshine and light once again. Or does it? To discuss, I am joined by usual panel Ian, Nathan and Jack.

This week we're looking back at Ulster's battling win over the Bulls on Sunday and looking ahead to their clash with Connacht on Saturday. As always, there's plenty to discuss about the game which was a pretty entertaining watch (although I could have done without those nerve-racking few minutes at the end!) The new pitch is already paying for itself in terms of saving Ulster's laundry bills and, apart from that, we saw a more ambitious Ulster trying to keep the ball alive and bring our electric set of backs into the game a bit more than we're used to. There were plenty of mistakes and some stuff to work on, but there are a number of reasons to be more positive following our second win of the season. To discuss all things Ulster Rugby, I'm joined by yet another great panel: Nathan, Ian, Jack and Fergus.

On today's episode of season previews we venture north to discuss an Ulster under pressure to finall deliver silverware. With rumours strife about unhappy camp, tactical ineptitude and financial issues, Dan McFarland's men enter the campaign needing to return to past heights. Enjoy! Feel free to follow me on my socials @CaolanSRugby on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Mastodon; with my articles available at: https://caolansrugby.wordpress.com Red Army Podcast - https://shows.acast.com/6523ed56b1f27a0011005f64 Linktree - ⁠https://linktr.ee/caolansrugby⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Ireland and Ulster Rugby player Tommy Bowe joined Andrea today on the show to share his memories from before the Good Friday agreement and talked about the importance of teaching students about the history of the Troubles.

On episode 12 of Series 4 of #AnInsideViewPodcast we are joined by Ulster star and Co-Founder of Feel Free CBD - Ian Madigan     Some points we discuss:  

I'm joined by two familiar voices of Ulster Rugby: Commentators Mark Robson and Graham Jewhurst. We discuss Ireland's 6 Nations success from an Ulster perspective,look ahead to the World Cup and discuss the business end to Ulster's season including the decisive clash with Leinster in the Champions Cup.

An in depth and free-wheeling chat with one of the best personalities from Ulster Rugby. Apart from being an Ulster and Ireland legend, Trimby is now a media personality and CEO and balances all this with a busy family life and outside interests. I loved talking to him, hope you enjoy listening.

Ulster with a bonus point win: it's nice getting to say that two weeks in a row! The win at the weekend means that Ulster have their sights set on 2nd place in the URC table. Ulster currently sit third - 5 points behind the Stormers - but the last 3 games are all at home whereas Stormers have to travel to face unbeaten Leinster in the next round.. Finishing in the top two is of course the goal because it would secure home advantage right through to the Semi-finals of the URC playoffs. A good win against a side who are going through a tough period for Welsh rugby – aggressive pay-cuts and the stuff going on in the background could not have helped their cause. They were not at the races. But are Ulster back on track or did they simply beat a team in turmoil? To discuss the game and all things Ulster Rugby, I am joined by Jack, Nathan and Simon.

I had the honour of speaking to Ilse van Staden who has been playing rugby at a high level for over 21 years and has shown no signs of slowing down. She is a rugby player, butcher, chef, language teacher and biltong maker from South Africa and living in Northern Ireland. Since moving to Northern Ireland in 2011 she has played for Ulster Rugby, and represented Ireland in the Six Nations as prop. It was a great pleasure speaking to Ilse and getting to sample some Biltong which she kindly brought along. We recorded in SS Moores - the number one sports shop in Belfast.

Tom Clough has spent the past 20 years negotiating the trials and tribulations of working in professional Rugby League & Rugby Union. Learning from mistakes he made as a coach, as well as the adversity of clubs going through administrations and relegations through to the highs of promotion. Tom now works as the Head of Athletic Performance at Ulster Rugby, where he has spent the past 4 seasons. Tom has learnt that whilst you can make quick progress going it alone as a practitioner, you can also make big mistakes. Now he fully invests in trying to facilitate a co-created training environment where players and staff can consistently develop and perform. In this episode Tom discusses: His time at Bradford Bulls, Hull KR and a stint at Mike Boyle's facility. Facing tough times in Rugby League with relegation and administration. How these challenges also brought opportunities. The importance of coaching systems and processes. Guiding people rather than issuing directives. Meeting people where they are at and recruiting for knowledge/skills gaps The importance of recruiting slow and firing fast. The importance of collective CPD and productive discussions in a coaching team. You can connect with Tom via his Twitter @TCloughie or his LinkedIn page. Join us in Edinburgh, Scotland for the LTAD Network Workshop on February 25th & 26th, where Rob Anderson and Jared Deacon will be covering the LTAD Network pathway and all things adolescent training including the development of strength, power, speed and agility. Get your tickets now here! To learn more about the LTAD Network check out www.ltadnetwork.com or follow on Instagram: @ltadnetwork or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ltadnetwork . You can keep up to date with Athletic Evolution via our www.athleticevolution.co.uk , Instagram: @athleticevouk and Twitter: @athleticevouk .

Welcome to the Red Hand Podcast and happy new year! I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who listen, read, contribute and join in the chat and debate about all things Ulster Rugby. It is hugely appreciated. The Red Hand is the most popular and, in my humble opinion, the best Ulster Rugby podcast out there. We have another big year ahead so please join us! Anyway, The Red Hand's trajectory is an arrow pointing upwards but Ulster's trajectory is currently uncertain to put it kindly… it has been a tough few weeks and Ulster are in the midst of a crisis. The game on Sunday finished 15-14 as Munster sealed a dramatic win on New Year's day in Belfast. A late Ben Healy try and conversion completed the remarkable comeback after Ulster went in at half time up 9-0. Dan McFarland lambasted his side after the final whistle saying they were ‘we were terrible… it's a big issue. I'm very concerned.' Ulster basically stopped playing and, full credit to Munster, they took advantage. Dan himself is now under some pressure. Dan has been an unbelievable coach for Ulster but he's desperately searching for answers to questions that didn't exist a month ago when Ulster were riding high and up at half-time to Leinster. Their world has come crashing down since. On this episode we'll be talking about Ulster's capitulation on Sunday (and in the last few weeks) and what they can do to sort it out as we look ahead to Benetton and Champions Cup fixtures in the coming weeks. I'm joined by Nathan Johns, Jack Fogarty, Caolan Scully and Paul Mcintyre to discuss.

Carl Lewis and rugby punter Neal Hoogwerf preview and prediction every match of the new and imprioved Heineken Champions Cup this weekend. The 2022/23 Heineken Champions Cup is now just around the corner, with this season's groundbreaking competition preparing to kick off on Friday night. The addition of three South African clubs to the already elite mix of sides is set to make for an enthralling tournament, as 24 teams go head-to-head for the prestigious trophy. London Irish welcome Montpellier Hérault Rugby on Friday in the opening game of this season's Heineken Champions Cup, with kick-off in that Pool B encounter at 20:00 (UK & Irish time). Wing Ollie Hassell-Collins has been in scintillating form for Irish in the Gallagher Premiership and will be looking for a try on his Heineken Champions Cup debut, while fellow Englishman Zach Mercer is poised to be a key figure at No.8 for Montpellier ahead of his move to Gloucester Rugby next summer. On Saturday, the action gets underway at 13:00 as last season's finalists, Leinster Rugby, travel to Racing 92 in Pool A, with that game providing a fascinating match-up at fly-half where Ireland's Johnny Sexton, gunning for his fifth EPCR star with the Irish province, and Scotland's Finn Russell go head-to-head. At the same time, Cell C Sharks make their Heineken Champions Cup bow at home to Harlequins in Pool B. Quins centre André Esterhuizen returns to his former club, while Cell C Sharks fly-half Boeta Chamberlain will be one to keep an eye on given his kicking form in the United Rugby Championship (URC). DHL Stormers are the next South African side to debut, with their Pool B clash with ASM Clermont Auvergne at Stade Marcel-Michelin starting at 15:15. Clermont wing Damian Penaud, who starred in last season's competition, will face a stern test in the form of DHL Stormers counterpart Leolin Zas. Louis Rees-Zammit is another lightning wing likely to be involved as Gloucester Rugby mark their return to the Heineken Champions Cup at the same time. They host Union Bordeaux-Bègles in Pool A. Reigning champions Stade Rochelais entertain Northampton Saints in Pool B at 17:30. Lock Will Skelton, a monumental figure in La Rochelle's victory in the 2022 final, is set for a heavyweight clash with recent England debutant David Ribbans. Also at 17:30, the Heineken Champions Cup heads to Pretoria for the first time as Vodacom Bulls host last season's EPCR Challenge Cup winners, Lyon, in Pool A. Wing Kurt-Lee Arendse is one of a host of big South African names set for their Heineken Champions Cup debuts. Saturday's matches finish at 20:00, when 2020 winners Exeter Chiefs visit Castres Olympique in Pool A. No.8 Sam Simmonds, EPCR Player of the Year in 2020, is primed for another big campaign, while Castres wing Filipo Nakosi often catches the eye with his superb footwork. On Sunday, Sale Sharks face Ulster Rugby at AJ Bell Stadium, with that Pool B contest kicking off at 13:00. Two elite back-row forwards are set to do battle there in Sale's Tom Curry and Ulster's Nick Timoney. There is a repeat of last season's thrilling quarter-final at 15:15 in Pool B, when Munster Rugby host Stade Toulousain, with the Irish province look to exact revenge for that incredible place-kick competition defeat. Munster fly-half Joey Carbery comes into the game off the back of a superb display in the URC, but he is facing one of the best in the world in Toulouse playmaker Romain Ntamack. Three-time champions Saracens are also in action at 15:15, with Edinburgh Rugby heading to StoneX Stadium on their return to the competition. Saracens' England prop, Mako Vunipola, clashing with Edinburgh's Scotland international, WP Nel, in the front row could make for tasty viewing. Ospreys are at home to Leicester Tigers at 17:30 as what promises to be an exhilarating opening round concludes. Two British & Irish Lions scrum-halves could be on show in Swansea, in Ospreys' Rhys Webb and Leicester's Ben Youngs.  

Tommy Bowe is a former rugby international who's played for Ireland, Ulster Rugby, the British and Irish Lions and Ospreys in Wales. After a formidable career where he scored 30 tests tries for Ireland alone, he hung up his boots in 2018 and wondered 'what next?'. Now he's the co-presenter of Ireland's biggest breakfast TV show, IrelandAM. Despite his public profile, it wasn't easy to break into presenting. Hear how he made that transition and what he would recommend to anyone hoping to pivot in their own careers.

Ilse van Staden is a rugby player, butcher, chef, language teacher and biltong maker from South Africa. Since moving to Northern Ireland in 2011 she has played for Ulster Rugby, and represented Ireland in the Six Nations as prop. Along with her partner Alannah, Ilse also set up Ke Nako: an award-winning artisan food business that specialises in South African cuisine. Fast-forward a few years later and their high-protein biltong has earned them a cult-like following across the UK — and is without a shadow of a doubt one of the tastiest things we have ever tried. In today's episode we chat about: The art of butchery How meat can be sustainable Managing playing professional rugby while running a business Thinking in two languages Moving from South Africa to Northern Ireland And the greatest highs/lows experienced along the way Check it out! // https://bestofbelfast.org/stories/ilse-van-staden-biltong //

It has been ten years since Ulster Rugby star Nevin Spence died in a farm accident along with his brother Graham and father Noel. Nevin was at the beginning of his professional rugby career, and it is widely thought he would have become a massive star before his life was cut short. Host, Ciarán Dunbar: Guests, Michael Sadlier and Jonathan Bradley. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin is a Physiotherapist with an honours degree in Physiotherapy, and Masters in Sport and Exercise Medicine. Martin is an Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner in the NHS. Having previously worked with Olympic Track and Field athletes in London and Fulham FC academy and Derry GAA. Currently he splits his time between his NHS work, his private practice Peak Physiotherapy Clinic and Ulster Rugby. He has a special interest in triathlon, endurance sports and rehabilitation. To Contact Martin, visit his website below. https://www.peakphysiotherapyclinic.com

This episodes guest if Tom Clough. Tom is currently the Head of Athletic Performance at Ulster Rugby. On this episode Tom and I discuss: Tom's background? Why did Tom intern at Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning (MBSC)? How did Tom support himself financially during his internship at MBSC? How did Tom deal with a year out of coaching when he got let go from Bradford Bulls? Who have been Tom's biggest influences on him both professionally and Personally? I ask Tom, what are the good and not so good things he currently see's within the physical preparation field, and what solutions would he offer to counteract the not so good things he currently see's We discuss work-life balance and coaching burn-out What is Tom's exact role at Ulster Rugby? How does Tom create an interdisciplinary coaching staff at Ulster Rugby? How does Tom create an environment for continually feedback? How are final decisions made at Ulster Rugby? How much information does Tom need to present to the Head coach on a daily basis? How has Tom developed his communication and leadership skills? What is a typical day and week like at Ulster Rugby for Tom currently? What does Tom do for his own training currently? How does Tom learn? What are Tom's top and current book recommendations? I ask Tom, if he could invite 5 people to dinner, dead or alive, who would he invite and why? This was a great discussion with Tom and I hope you guys really enjoy it. Stay Strong, RB   Show Notes: Facebook - Tom Clough Twitter - @TCloughie Instagram - s21tac   Podcasts Mentioned: Episode 246: Keir Wenham-Flatt - The future of coaching education Books Mentioned: Green lights Never split the difference  Belonging    People and Resources Mentioned: Huddersfield Giants Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning (MBSC) Bradford Bulls Kevin Till  Ben Jones  Eric Cressey EXOS (formerly Athletes Performance) Hull Kingston Rovers Ulster Rugby Mike Boyle Francis Cummins Jamie Peacock Tim Sheens Dan McFarland Nick Winkelman  Joel Smith  Keir Wenham-Flatt Jason Cowman Matt Godfrey Shane Carney Mikey Kiely Matt Maguire Matt Daniels Nathan Mill Gary Vaynerchuk  

Ulster Rugby welcomed four players back from the Ireland panel last weekend and all did everything they could to forge their way into Andy Farrell's thinking. Robert Baloucoune's try brace, fellow scorers Nick Timoney and James Hume as well as captain Iain Henderson all played key roles in the easy win over Cardiff. Now the question is whether they'll be facing England or Leinster on a super Saturday? Debating that point as well as looking at the Schools' Cup semi-finals, women's rugby and the Ravenhill atmosphere are Jonathan Bradley and John Dickson, as they join host Gareth Hanna.

The secret about the podcast's favourite son is now officially out as Mike Lowry played a starring role on his Six Nations debut for Ireland. That gives rugby reporters Jonathan Bradley and Richard Mulligan plenty to discuss with host Gareth Hanna, not to mention the scrum law that left Italy playing most of the game with 13 men and turned the tie into a glorified training exercise. There's also, of course, Ulster Rugby's upcoming game against Cardiff, a new signing and another win for Ireland U20s on the agenda.

Ulster Rugby emerged from a windswept Rodney Parade with a 12-0 win over Dragons in Sunday's United Rugby Championship tie and immediately attention turned to Ireland's Six Nations game against Italy this weekend. Just how many from the northern province will get the nod at the Aviva Stadium? It's all up for debate and joining Gareth Hanna to discuss the big talking point are Jonathan Bradley and Adam McKendry. Also on the agenda are man of the match awards and bonus points.

The Six Nations is upon us and so a weekend full of rugby awaits. There are senior and Under 20 games to preview, as well as Ulster Rugby's visit of Connacht to the Kingspan Stadium. The naming rights of that ground are also on the agenda of this week's podcast, as is Craig Gilroy's controversial yellow card in last weekend's win over Scarlets. Joining host Gareth Hanna to do all that are the Belfast Telegraph's rugby correspondent Jonathan Bradley and reporter Adam McKendry.

It's the second episode of 2022 as Ulster's season ticks into a crucial period with back-to-back European fixtures. There is a huge tactical debate to have surrounding last weekend's defeat in Munster, which sparks discussion around the differing psychology of sports fans and sports reporters. The Belfast Telegraph's rugby correspondent Jonathan Bradley and Ulster Rugby photographer John Dickson also look ahead to Sunday's trip to Northampton as they join host Gareth Hanna.

Northern Ireland's Drew Gibson is a fan of sports. He follows Ulster Rugby and the Northern Ireland football (soccer) club, so it makes sense that's he never really heard of American football player Tim Tebow or about his attempted comeback. But as a pastor and practical theologian, Drew engages in culture in a very intentional […]