A SEASON OF unprecedented turmoil ended with a semblance of positivity in the form of Champions Cup qualification, and in an open letter to supporters, Rory Best insists the future is ‘extremely bright’ for Ulster Rugby.
Some of the gloom which has hung over Kingspan Stadium for much of a turbulent campaign was lifted yesterday afternoon when the northern province retained their place in the Champions Cup with a play-off win over Ospreys.
It was the bright spark of an otherwise disastrous year which saw Ulster fall at the first hurdle in Europe, finish fourth in Conference B of the Pro14, part company with Les Kiss and then receive notice from his successor, Jono Gibbes, that he too would be moving on.
In addressing supporters, Best describes the season as a ‘challenging one both on and off the pitch’ but says there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future, pointing to the number of academy players who broke into the senior ranks through this term.
“After a challenging season both on and off the pitch, I thought it was appropriate for me, on behalf of the playing group, to share our thanks for your loyal support once again,” Best, who is currently nursing a hamstring injury, writes.
“As players, we visit clubs, schools and other organisations across the Province on a weekly basis and it is truly humbling to see how much support we have within the community.
“I watched yesterday’s game from the stands – the atmosphere was brilliant – and the support was really appreciated by all players, especially those who were saying goodbye.
“While it would be easy to look back on the season with some negativity, I would like to share some of the positives that I’ve witnessed.
“I would like to pay tribute to my team mates for their fight and spirit throughout. To finish the season unbeaten in our last five games is testament to the character and quality of the players and I couldn’t be prouder of them.
“It’s been pleasing to see so many of my teammates grow and develop as players and leaders over the past 12 months.
“As a senior player, it is exciting to see that the future is extremely bright for Ulster Rugby. We’ve had eight Academy players experience first team rugby this season and we have a record number of players representing Ireland at under-age level.
“Having secured Champions Cup qualification, we will start pre-season with enthusiasm and confidence, and we look forward to welcoming some quality players and coaches into the set-up during the summer.”
The Ulster captain finished by paying tribute to the club’s departing players, including Andrew Trimble and Tommy Bowe who are retiring from professional rugby.
“Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the contribution of some great servants to Ulster Rugby who will bid farewell this summer, in particular Andrew Trimble, Paul Marshall, Robbie Diack, Tommy Bowe, Callum Black and Norman Pollock. I wish them and their families all the best for the future.
“Thanks again for standing up for us this season. It’s a privilege to continue to represent you.”
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Phew, for a second I thought he was going to say the future is bright the future is Orange
Everyone is sticking the knife in but the truth is Ulster are not that far away. Considering that we had a poor coach for over half the season, a short notice 10 for half and youngster for the other half and all the off field problems. A duff LH NIE and 2 important backrow NIE player out most of the season. And still managed to get within one win away from making knockouts in Europe and maybe Pro 14. Truth is Ulster are a lot closer to Munster than Munster are to Leinster. The good news is with the players coming in/though back from injury and new and settled coaching team this Ulster team while not far of the pace currently, have the potentional for masses of improvement.
@Kingshu: agreed, Munster won 13 Ulster 12 and it will be interesting to gauge the comparisons after next season if in the same conference as 2nd 3rd teams on the island. Either way qualified to champions cup and hit the reset button for the summer, only one team can win the league the rest can jockey stats around to suit their own agendas. Either way it’s good the page is turned for them and Connacht and start over in September
@Kingshu: Maybe if Ulster lost this self righteousness attitude they have and were a bit more humble in going about things. Then maybe people might like them better and ulimately they would start winning. Its just getting boring constantly hearing in the media “oh we’re not far away”. Like youve literally been saying that for so many seqsons now. Stop talking about it and just go do it.
@Harry O’Callaghan: what exactly has munster won recently?? They are a lot worse than ulster fans they’re that stupid they think they were going to beat leinster last Saturday that’s how deluded they are.
@John: at least they got to a semi final and only lost by 1 point. If it wasn’t for that grueling trip to South Africa, they probably would’ve beaten racing 92 and gotten to the final against Leinster. They also got to a semi last year too. Ulster are so deluded, nowhere near the same level as Munster.
@Kingshu:
Well said. I have a lot of
Time for Ulster. When you consider what has gone on both on and off the pitch over the last 12 months m, I think they have shown some amazing character to remain so competitive.
Some top quality players still there and new talent too breaking through. I’m with Captain Bestie in thinking the future is quite bright for The Ullllshhhhhtermen.
I really hope they do well
@Harry O’Callaghan: Self righteousness? In what regard?
Ir may be worth pointing out there was no thanks there from Best to Kiss, Gibbs or even Piatua. If your thinking he maybe forgot Piatua and the others were coaches not players like the rest. The last one he mentions is the guy who does the mascot Sparky. Don’t think he rated them that highly.
Best is correct. Going through the Ulster squad, there will only be a few players that are 30+ next season. It’s definitely a team in transition. I don’t think they’ll win anything next year, but in 2 or 3 years they definitely could.
@Rudiger McMonihan: They haven’t won anything in 12 years despite boasting a backline with players of this quality at various points: Ruan Pieenar, Paddy J, Stu McCloskey, Darren Cave, Craig Gilroy, Andrew Trimble, Tommy Bowe, Luke Marshall, Louis Ludik, Charles P, Jared Payne, Jacob Stockdale Andrew Trimble…..all are internationals and most are home grown. There’s zero evidence to suggest they will something in the next 2 to 3 years. They don’t have a pack. They’ll regularly humiliated in Europe, especially on the road. It looks like very little will change. Ulster are a major disappointment.
@grandslamkbo: they won the Heineken cup once and were runners up once. That’s not a terrible accomplishment. You can’t compare every team to leinster
@Rudiger McMonihan: I’m sorry, but your reply is confusing. I didn’t compare them to Leinster. I never mentioned any other team. The H Cup was nearly 20 years ago, but I talked about the last 12 years. None of the players I mentioned were at the club then. Losing finalists in 2012 is not a bad achievement, but, I was clearly responding to your point about success being potentially 2-3 years away. They have produced some unbelievable talent since their last league win, and, if you want a comparison with Leinster, they have probably produced as many top class outside backs as Leinster in that period. This makes their achievements since 2006 seem very mediocre, wouldn’t agree? I just don’t see how this crop are 2-3 away when a much better but underachieving side won nothing from 06 onwards.
Plenty of credit to the players for the end part of the season, seriously dig out results when they needed them. Getting jordi Murphy next season if he continues his current run of form will be a massive help. I’m not sure about been close to Munster, munster have a fantastic spirt and never give up. I’d say if munster didn’t give up a lead in he big games they have some silverware. Getting back to Ulster next season is a wait and see job.
@Chris Mc: Still some way to go. Get rid of CEO and an internal restructure is still needed if any real progress is to be made.
@Trevor Johnston: ulster have played some really good rugby this season but when they were bad they were very bad. It will be interesting how they go but as most ulster fans will tell you it’s behind the scenes that’s more of a problem than what’s on the pitch.
First thing I’d do is ask Tommy Bowe to become an ambassador for schools rugby outside of those playing the game now. Cross the divide into GAA schools, there’s plenty of kids who are much better suited to rugby than Gaelic football who may never get score a try. It would be a slow burner but there’s a furlong or a Pom our there who as things stand never get the chance to play the game.
@Chris Mc: I’ve been told by a number of people in Ulster that the province looks after the game in a few areas and has no intention on expanding to the non traditional places. There’s interest out there. They just aren’t given the facilities or the support of the union.
@Rudiger McMonihan: That isnt exactly true. In the article above Best even says the players are out in the Schools and clubs weekly. There has been a lot of work to grow the game outside the traditional areas but it will take a lot of time. Its not an over night fix or sending Tommy Bowe out to resolve, there are more camps than ever before, theres a Donegal (not exactly rugby heartland) guy in the acamady and I believe a few more. I’ve see Ulster rugby shirts on the Falls road and elsewhere. Its changing and a successful Ulster team will help that.
@Chris Mc: more schools play rugby in Ulster than in any other Province .
@Kingshu: Well said. It’s not going to be a quick fix and by all accounts the work has already started. It could be a few years for Ulster to see tangible benefits.
@Peter Dickson: where did you get that information?
Would Stuart Lancaster not go there as head coach and bring one of your the Leinster out Half’s with him
@Exiled Dub: The new head coach job has been taken in case you missed it its McFarland. Scotland fans are upset and rate him as do Glasgow and Connacht fans. Is a forwards specialist which is just what Ulster need. Hopefully get compensation sorted with SRU to have him for pre season. Think he could well be the best man for the job. His coaches will be important, Payne appeared to be doing a good job and Peel is difficult to judge under Kiss none of the coaching looked good but it did look better under Gibbs. I’d like to have McFarland bring in an experienced coach as well to assist them.