What the Papers Say 2016/2017

[Mac]

Monday 29th August 2016

PART III



Pre-season GPS Update with Chris Hagan

With pre-season training coming to an end, Chris Hagan talks us through the use of GPS analysis in monitoring the progression of players throughout the summer...

The process and importance of GPS tracking over pre-season…

All players wear GPS units and heart rate monitors at every pitch session whether it be team, conditioning, speed or rehab sessions. This information allows us to cover all areas required to maximise a player's training efforts and match availability.

Information from the units is sent to my laptop pitch-side which allows for feedback to the coaches and players throughout the session. This is beneficial for two reasons - it allows for in-session adaptation to occur if required and also builds competition for players both intrinsically and externally against other members of the squad.

Once each session is complete, the GPS units are collected in and the data is then downloaded on to STATSports Viper Software to allow for post-session analysis. The analysis carried out here is in much greater detail than what is done pitch-side. The metrics which are viewed are dependent on the session which just occurred for example a Speed session = maximum speeds and high speed running metres; and a Contact session = number of collisions and collision load. This information is recorded in personal databases that we have designed here at Ulster Rugby.

GPS tracking has become extremely important - it has taken the guess work out of player monitoring. The STATSports GPS unit and Polar heart rate monitor allows us to quantify the external and internal demands placed on a player during pitch sessions. An example of the data we collect: Total distance covered (m)
Metres per minute
Maximum Speed
High Speed Running Metres (distance player covers at 75%+ of max speed)
High Metabolic Load Distance (high acceleration & deceleration demands)
Dynamic Stress Load- Fatigue marker
Collisions- Both Number of collisions & total collision load
Heart Rate- Max, % Time in Red Zone (>85% of max speed)
Heart Rate Exertion


GPS tracking during pre-season is important for two main reasons:

It allows for the physiological monitoring of a player's workload on a daily/weekly/monthly basis. The results recorded by the Strength & Conditioning Department are constantly communicated to the Medical Department, which allows for maximum availability of players for pitch sessions. This is beneficial both for the player in terms of allowing maximum adaption/learning to occur during this pre-season period and the coaches get to spend as much time as possible with the players developing their skill sets in on-pitch areas.

Secondly, it allows for comparison between players exposure to training demands and match demands. We train the player to the game he will be exposed to in terms of the neural, metabolic and structural muscle damage he will experience when involved in matches. When Jonny Davis (Head Strength & Conditioning Coach) is designing a training session with the coaches, the information we gain from the GPS unit during matches allows us to quantify the demands of the worst case scenario moments the players will face. Therefore, allowing the coaches to implement drills or situations to replicate these scenarios and prepare the players as best as possible when faced with this in a match. For this we carry out monitoring procedures in a number of ways for example looking at the players absolute and relative loads i.e. percentage of match demands and their Acute to Chronic Workload Ratio (Training Stress Balance).

The key performance stats the coaches are most interested in during pre-season…

When carrying out conditioning games, the players receive feedback after each block who the top 3 and the bottom 3 are in terms of their metres per minute. So all coaches are keen to hear the players mentioned here and see which players are moving at the pace required to cope with attack/defence phase play during matches.

Joe Barakat is interested in our collision data during pre-season through the BJJ sessions developing into rugby contact sessions. He wants to know the number of collisions players are having as well as the average load per collision and how this is building towards the first competitive fixture but in a controllable manner. Neil Doak will look at the intensity we are training at in attack, specifically in the green zone, as he wants training to replicate the high tempo attack style of a game.

Stand out stats during pre-season…

Ruan Pienaar completed his first pre-season with us in six years, he was one of the players with a new max speed as well as topping the charts on a number of occasions during small sided games, along with his scrumhalf partner David Shanahan.

Matty Rea also took part in his first senior pre-season and coped really well with the demands placed on him both in running and contact conditioning sessions. He has followed through with this impressive pre-season with good technical performance stats in the two warm up games.

Paddy Jackson has shown some amazing stats. Paddy has the highest overall distance in matches (which isn't really a surprise as he is out-half) but he connects this with great movement intensity in terms of High Speed Running Metres and Metabolic Distance (his ability to accelerate over and over again is astonishing). From his first SSG session himself and Ruan have been battling it out for top spot!

Competition for top spot…

The environment we strive for is one where the individual looks to improve themselves to ultimately benefit the team. Craig Gilroy is competitive in terms of being the fastest player in the squad, last season Sam Arnold recorded a new max speed which equalled Craig's. He was then determined to go out and carry out a speed session to beat the speed set by Sam. This benefits the team in terms of getting the ball to him in space on the pitch and allowing him to use his speed to create line-breaks or finish tries.

So with the competitive nature of these professional athletes, the GPS units provide solid information to allow both coaches and players to track improvements on certain aspects of their physical performance. Whether it be their max velocity, reducing time in the red zone during conditioning (if reduced this highlights the player is adapting to the demands placed upon them) and achieving higher figures in their collision loads. With good transparency of data throughout the team, this brings about players naturally comparing themselves against the guys they are competing with for position in the team. Addressed in the right way, this benefits the performance level that our players achieve while at Ulster Rugby.

Pre-season records provide a good foundation for statistical tracking…

Monitoring players workloads is crucial throughout the entire season as statistically the higher the availability of players for selection the higher the win percentage of a team is, especially at the business end of the season. So constant monitoring through GPS must occur to help us to reduce the number of preventable injuries in our squad to give the team the best chance of winning.

As we move into the season the GPS data is not only used as a physiological pillar of performance but also aids in the technical and tactical pillars of performance. During this game we will look at player's involvement per minute versus their metres per min, matching the GPS and video data to give further evidence of analysis of our kick chases, look at maximum speeds players reach, carrying and tackling quality, collision load associated to dominant, neutral and passive collisions.

http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/15133.php#.V8RScmD2bIU

[ADM]

Just going to leave this here.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/g ... 02625.html

My favourite bit:

The transfer market is skewed; not one Pro12 club has made a stellar signing this summer.

[Mac]

Tuesday 30th August 2016



Kiss targets a flying start to Ulster's title mission

Right direction: Les Kiss says Ulster must start the PRO12 strongly this year

The reasons for Ulster's stalled bid for silverware last season can be found in September and October just as much as in May with Director of Rugby Les Kiss determined to avoid a repeat this year.

While each and every spring we hear that someday soon an away side will win a PRO12 semi-final, until it happens that top-two finish and the resulting home tie in the last four remains all important.

With margins so fine come the end of the season - last year Ulster finished only one win shy of hosting their semi-final rather than going on the road to Leinster in the RDS - Kiss has been stressing that every point matters, especially at this time of year, ahead of Friday's opener against Dragons.

In the 2015-16 campaign, it was December before the northern province won back-to-back games, while they haven't banked consecutive victories to start the league since 2012. Inconsistent starts, as we have seen, can seriously hamper a season.

"It's nice to have a clean slate but that doesn't guarantee you anything," Kiss said.

"It looks good when I put the Xs and Os on the wall but it comes down to 80 minutes against Dragons who will be loaded because every team is a contender at the beginning of the year.

"We'll meet them and Treviso and everyone is saying, 'what a great start'. I've seen great starts go pear-shaped pretty quickly. We have to make sure we're armed against that."

As is customary at this time of year, Ulster will begin the campaign without their front-line internationals. Kiss believes these early weeks are good preparation for the challenges ahead during the autumn internationals and Six Nations window.

Having utilised pre-season to widen his playing squad, he said: "There's been a lot of promising things. For us we wanted to challenge the group in the last seven or eight weeks and (dealing without the internationals) was one of the ways we wanted to do that.

"We're battling on a lot of fronts with the PRO12, Europe and then the international season. To have the return that we have had without the internationals, with four of five key guys injured (too), the response to that was excellent.

"I've taken a lot from it. I'm very pleased but we're very guarded. The Dragons, with (Head Coach) Kingsley Jones, there'll be a lot of enthusiasm there. If we go in under the top level that we need to be at, then we'll find ourselves in a scrap."

Kiss was pleased by the depth he saw emerging during pre-season, especially in the impressive first-half showing in Friday's friendly win over Northampton Saints.

Brett Herron, a new signing from Bath, has started all three games at out-half in the absence of Paddy Jackson while Academy back Rob Lyttle has starred with Craig Gilroy and Andrew Trimble yet to return.

"There's been a lot of little snapshots of things (that have been positive) but we won't lose the run of ourselves," added Kiss.

"The first game of the competition, we've got to be really focused on that. That first-half performance (against Northampton) needs to be replicated plus more to seal the deal."

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 05383.html


Trimble studying for All Blacks test

With the Guinness PRO12 starting this weekend, minds will be focused on domestic matters but Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt already has his side thinking about November's meetings with New Zealand.

Ireland meet the All Blacks, who they have never beaten, twice this autumn with the first of the contests an historic match in Chicago's Soldier Field.

Throughout last week's camp at Carton House, Andrew Trimble says Schmidt loaded his squad with plans on how to topple the world's best side.

"The next game is the All Blacks so that was the focus," said the Ulsterman. "There was an awful lot squeezed into two days' work. We looked at what they're doing now, what they did a year ago. The All Blacks are a side who can play 10 different ways and that's not easy to prepare for.

"It's an even more daunting task whenever you play them twice. It didn't surprise any of the boys that there was a lot of homework. It's important we go away and have thoughts on how we can beat them.

"They'll play plenty of games between now and then so hopefully we'll get an idea."

Since winning the World Cup in Twickenham just under a year ago, Steve Hansen's men have swept a series with Wales and opened the Rugby Championship with a pair of wins over Australia. For Trimble, Ireland must mix healthy respect for the opposition with confidence in their own ability.

"It's important we appreciate how good that team is but also that they're just 15 guys on a pitch," he added.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 05381.html



Charles Piutau shows some serious skills on debut for Ulster

Former All Black superstar Charles Piutau is wasting no time in contributing to the success of new club Ulster. Ever since missing out on selection for New Zealand in their 2015 World Cup squad following a move to the UK, Piutau has been playing with a point to prove.

Considering the form he was in prior to the World Cup, he was certainly unlucky to miss out. Such is the maddening depth of talent in New Zealand, that they can seemingly afford to let a player of Piutau's capability walk away.

Alongside his brother Siale, Charles played brilliantly for Wasps during their 2015-2016 season, but has stuck by his decision to transfer to Ulster.

Although Wasps will surely miss Piutau, several other teams in the Premiership are perhaps breathing a little easier.

With his full range of skills on display, he rewarded Ulster in their preseason match against Northampton Saints on the weekend.

Getting involved early on, Piutau scored a try of his own and contributed to two more, thus ensuring Man of the Match honours.

In this particular video, Piutau takes an awkward pass and explodes through the line - leaving Courtney Lawes grasping at thin air. He then sprints untouched for about 50 meters, testing out the defence with a little stutter-step before capping off the run with a brilliant, back-handed offload for a Jacob Stockdale try in the corner.

It should be a safe bet that Ulster are extremely pleased with their signing, thusfar. Ulster went on to win the friendly match 29-19, which you can view highlights of at the bottom of this post.

Ulster get their Guiness PRO12 campaign officially kicked off against Newport Gwent Dragons at home this coming Friday night.

Here is a short clip of him in action, with the amusing commentary duo of Tommy Bowe and Dan Tuohy talking us through it.

Clip 1

Clip 2

http://www.rugbydump.com/2016/08/5303/c ... for-ulster

[BaggyTrousers]

Just going to leave this here.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/g ... 02625.html

My favourite bit:

The transfer market is skewed; not one Pro12 club has made a stellar signing this summer.

I see too that Ulster player John Andress left to join Munster.

I this the David Kelly who was occasionally touted as a serious journalist?

As a journalist he would defend his bullshit by saying Ulster did not make "a stellar signing" - they made three, G'wan Rodders.

[Mac]

Tuesday 30th August 2016

PART II



BBC Sport NI analysts Field and McWhirter assess Ulster's prospects for 2016-17

Charles Piutau impressed in Ulster's pre-season friendly with Northampton in Belfast Presseye

Ulster begin their bid to secure silverware for the first time since 2006 with a home Pro12 game against the Dragons at Kingspan Stadium on Friday 2 September.

BBC Sport NI analysts and former Ulster players Tony McWhirter and Maurice Field assess their prospects of ending their 10-year trophy drought.

What impact do you expect Ulster's new signings to make?

T McW: "Charles Piutau speaks for himself in terms of what he brought from New Zealand and what he did for Wasps last year while on loan.

"I know there was quite a lot of interest from Wasps with regard to him staying there so Bryn Cunningham and everyone else at Ulster will be relieved he stuck to his agreement.

"Marcell Coetzee is again a proven world class player. He will add a big, big dynamic to the Ulster pack in terms of replacing Nick Williams. He is having a second knee reconstruction so from an Ulster point of view, everyone is hoping he gets fit soon.

"Prop Rodney Ah You has a point to prove after moving from Connacht. With Wiehahn Herbst missing the opening five or six weeks of the season through injury, he may have a chance to step in. He'll be battling it out with Ricky Lutton to deputise there I guess."

MF: "The absence of Coetzee until January is a big blow, but Piutau showed the qualities he has while playing at Wasps and it would be good to get the chance to see him as an attacking full-back.

"The only thing I would question is whether it is a 15 that we needed, or perhaps a 10 or 9 to cover for Paddy (Jackson) or Ruan (Pienaar) may have been preferable.

"With injury problems mounting before the season has even properly begun, strength in depth among the forwards in particular may be an issue.

"If you don't have a strong pack to front up, it doesn't matter if you have seven Charles Piutaus in the back line, because you will never get to see the best of him."

What do you think will be the dynamic of the new joint captaincy of Rob Herring and Andrew Trimble?


T McW: "It's an interesting one. Andrew Trimble wears his heart on his sleeve, leaves nothing on the pitch and is a crowd favourite. He deserves this chance as he has been at Ulster his whole career and I think it is a job he will grow into.

"I think the dynamic will work well, the trouble is if they are both selected for Ireland.

"Rob Herring has matured as a player and I was really impressed with him last year. His line-out throwing is as good as anyone and he gives you a lot around the park. With Rory coming to the end of his career, the captaincy may be a bit of bait to keep him here as I imagine there is quite a bit of interest from other clubs."

MF: "I find this set-up quite strange as both Andrew and Rob will have aspirations of being involved with Ireland for the periods surrounding the autumn internationals and the Six Nations, with Rob possibly deputising for Rory Best at hooker with Ireland.

"That could rule them both out of half the Pro12 games. I understand that they are both senior leaders in the team but if they are away representing Ireland where does that leave the captaincy?"

What do Ulster need to do to take that next step from being perennial 'nearly men' to achieving silverware success?

T McW: "They have strengthened the squad in some regards. Personally I would have liked them to sign a couple more forwards. The problem is they are allowed two or three marquee signings and the rest have to be Irish qualified.

"The academy is starting to produce, but generally it is the outside backs who come through quickly. It takes another two or three years for the forwards to mature physically and get more game time. If the players aren't out there then there is no point spending the money on them.

"The problem for me is the way that they have started in recent seasons. They have frittered away points that have come back to haunt them at the end of the year, meaning that they have ended up with away semi-finals.

"Les Kiss will be looking for consistency, by winning at home with bonus points and getting a couple of early victories on the road, which will stand them in good stead."

MF: "There is no doubt Ulster have the desire and ambition, although there is a slight question mark over their physicality and a lack of dynamic impact off the bench.

"Our initial starting XV is strong but have Ulster the replacements to come off the bench and make an impact that the other top teams posses.

"Consistency of selection and belief are key, while the future looks bright from a youth point of view with a lot of good young talent coming through."

Ulster's most famous success was their 1999 European Cup victory over French side Colomiers. Their last taste of silverware was winning the 2006 Celtic League. Getty Images

What do you make of the province's chances of progressing from their Champions Cup pool?

T McW: "It is tough. Two French teams and Exeter, who have just got better and better over the last couple of years. Clermont have the best home record in the competition and then Bordeaux, who are the new kids on the block and have been getting better year by year. Ian Madigan going to Bordeaux adds a bit of spice to his competition with Paddy Jackson as two of Ireland's fly-half options."

"They have to make sure that the last home game at home to Bordeaux doesn't become a dead rubber and they still have something to play for. You must win your home games, look to pick up an away win and some bonus points along the way. If you do that, you give yourself a chance.

"If you lose any of your home games, realistically you have no chance.

"The Irish internationals have to continue their good form and drag the Ulster team kicking and screaming forward this year. The Ulster performances have to go up a level if they are to challenge for silverware."

MF: "Progression to the quarter-finals in Europe is going to be a major, major ask but if they stay relatively injury-free, have a bit of luck along the way and get some momentum going, then who knows?

"You would expect to get a good result against Bordeaux in the opener, then it will be a big game at home to Exeter the week after. Clermont have not been beaten in nearly three years in their own stadium so they will be very tough.

"The reality is that the top European clubs all have squads containing 25 to 30 internationals. That is down to pure finance and Ulster can't compete with that."

How much pressure is there on Les Kiss and his coaching team to produce this season?

T McW: "This is Les's first full year. He has had a good 6-9 months to get his feet under the table and put his ethos and game plan across. There is always pressure on Ulster as they are seen as a successful side. The problem is that they have been the bridesmaid the team the past number of years.

"Ulster must win the tight games - it's important that they don't lose matches by the odd point here or there.

"If they want to challenge for silverware, realistically they are going to have to finish first or second in the league. That's not going to be easy?

Les Kiss took over the reigns as Ulster's Director of Rugby after the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Presseye

MF: "For Les and the coaching staff, it's all about working with the experienced players and nurturing the young boys coming through.

"Ulster's disciplinary record let them down last season, but Les addressed that.

"It will be his first full season and he is obviously going to come under scrutiny. There is always pressure. If the product fails, then the ticket sales and crowds go down and with that the revenue to bring in players."

Who will contest the Pro12 semi-finals?

T McW: "I can't see there being a massive change so you would expect Glasgow, Leinster and Ulster to be well up there. Munster are the ones everyone will be looking to to turn things round after a disappointing season.

"The Welsh sides have a bit to do bur Cardiff have recruited quite well, so they may be worth watching.

"The big question is whether Connacht can carry on in the same vein as last year and I think they probably can. They haven't had a big turnover in terms of playing personnel, apart from the loss of Aly Muldowney, who has move to Grenoble and will be a big loss."

MF: "You would like to think Ulster have the ability, along with Leinster, and Glasgow, who will want to send Gregor Townsend out on a high before he moves on to become Scotland coach.

"I think Connacht will continue to grow, the Scarlets won't be too far away, and Edinburgh will be in contention too."

Tony McWhirter and Maurice Field were talking to Andy Gray and Richard Petrie.

+Video Interview....... http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/37158109

[Mac]

Wednesday 31st August 2016

HOTH.png (7.73 KiB) Viewed 1763 times

A NEW HOPE

IF anyone was doubting why Ulster signed Charles Piutau, they were given a pretty convincing reason on Friday night.

It's still true that Ulster's strongest and deepest position is their back three, with three of them away on Ireland duty over summer, another an injured British & Irish Lion, and two underage prospects who have the ability to become first team regulars over the course of the upcoming season among their ranks.

And yet, somehow, Piutau adds onto that and then some.

His outrageous offload stole all the headlines on Friday night, and possibly my most excited Tweet of the game, but it was just the cherry on top of the outstanding performance that the New Zealander put on display at the Kingspan Stadium against the Saints.

You struggle to find a flaw with his game. He's quick. He's powerful. His handling is exceptional. His tackle-breaking ability is unbelievable. On one occasion he was even required to clear the ball and he managed to hammer it from his own five metre line to halfway.

He's been coy in the build-up to the season, running out the usual media-friendly lines of "I'll just be happy to be named in the squad." But, while it's true that there is an abundance of back three talent at Ulster, there is no doubt whatsoever that Piutau will be one of the first names on the teamsheet, whether he plays at full-back or on the wing.

Friday night confirmed it. He's the marquee signing in the Pro12 season (and would be by some distance had Ulster not also signed Marcell Coetzee) and his club will expect him to perform like he did last week on a regular basis.

Should he do so, then things may be looking up for Ulster this year, especially after so many years of May heartbreak.

But he's not the only reason that Les Kiss, and Ulster fans, should be getting excited about the upcoming season. If pre-season is a true indication of what's to come then it seems to suggest that some of Ulster's glaring weaknesses have been addressed.

Take the starting tighthead slot as an example. Since John Afoa's departure, nobody has convincingly nailed that shirt down, with Wiehahn Herbst showing glimpses of promise between spells on the treatment table.

But in has arrived Rodney Ah You, a much-maligned prop in his time at Connacht, who has started his spell at Ulster with real determination. His scrummaging, a glaring weakness out west, appears to have been improved since his arrival without any detriment to his ball carrying strengths.

Ah You is a prop with a very high ceiling. He was always someone who could be a very dynamic player should he be able to marry his powerful physical presence with some set piece nuance. If Ulster have indeed solved that problem, they could have the prop that Rory Best raved about in the off-season.

Brett Herron also has arrived with a lot of potential, and it seems the former Bath prodigy could answer Ulster's question as to who will back up Paddy Jackson when he's away on international duty.

He hasn't set the world alight, no, but alongside either Pienaar or Marshall at half-back, the 20-year old has proven he can already do a job as the back line playmaker, with his inch-perfect pass to Piutau for his try against the Saints almost as good as the full back's offload.

So long a problem area for Ulster, Herron looks like he may be the person to solve it.

Elsewhere the maul, so many times last season a source of tries, appears to be in rude health once more if the friendly against the Saints is anything to go by. And the scrum looks solid enough too, if not the preferred dominant.

Now the challenge is to carry that Northampton performance into the Dragons.

It should be a five pointer for Ulster. Theoretically it should be a comfortable five pointer that will put Les Kiss' charges up near (if not at) the top of the table after round one with a confidence booster to take to Treviso next weekend.

Then again, the Dragons have never been ones to adhere to the form books, nor to the so-called hierarchy of teams. Such was the close nature of the two games last season, one would be forgiven for believing they were two teams competing at the top of the table, not 4th vs. 10th.

But a Piutau-backed Ulster should not be in any position to be challenged by the men of Gwent. They may find the going just a little harder than what they did against Northampton, but ideally this is a perfect start for the Ulstermen.

All that's left is for them to prove that.

http://thehoundonthehill.blogspot.ie/



Ulster call on Sean Reidy to fill openside flanker gap
Injury-hit province also seeking Craig Gilroy, Stuart Olding for Dragons opener on Friday

Sean Reidy: his involvement in Dragons opener will be particularly sought after

Ulster are hoping to have Ireland internationals Craig Gilroy, Stuart Olding and Sean Reidy involved in Friday’s match day squad for their Guinness Pro12 opener at home to the Dragons.

All three toured, and got game time, with Ireland in June’s losing series to South Africa but Ulster director of Rugby Les Kiss is optimistic that the players will be released early to boost Ulster’s already injury-hit squad.

Reidy’s involvement will be particularly sought after in the wake of Ulster’s current predicament at openside flanker as neither Chris Henry nor new signing Marcell Coetzee are fit, with the former still a few weeks away after undergoing shoulder surgery in the off-season, while the South African’s medial collateral ligamen injury means he will not be seen until January.

“I’ve just got to finalise one conversation,” Kiss said yesterday, “and, you know, the process to negotiate this [the players’ release] has been ongoing for the last number of weeks.

“I would hope we have three available though whether they all start I’m not sure yet.”

First cap
A surprise call-up for the Ireland tour, Reidy won his first cap off the bench late on in the second Test defeat and his ability to cover openside flanker could see the 27-year-old involved from the off against the Dragons while Gilroy and Olding will bring extra cutting edge to Ulster’s already formidable resources in the backline.
Also on the injury front, Kiss was hopeful that Ruan Pienaar might have recovered from his elbow issue to be available for the first PRO12 game after missing out on last Friday’s friendly defeat of a pretty much full-strength Northampton Saints.

Louis Ludik, though, was a casualty from that Saints hit-out after suffering damage to his hand and, though Kiss was upbeat about the South African’s recovery, it is unclear if the utility back will be in the match-day squad for Friday.

Definitely missing for an unspecified period of time are tighthead props Wiehahn Herbst and Ricky Lutton as well as Tommy Bowe, Dan Tuohy, and utility back Peter Nelson.

“Last year when we played the Dragons I think we only beat them by an aggregate of about six points in our two games,” Kiss warned ahead of what would appear to be a fairly straightforward home opener.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/p ... -1.2773341

[Mac]

Wednesday 31st August 2016

PART II



Ruan Pienaar to leave Ulster Rugby

Ulster Rugby has today confirmed that Ruan Pienaar will leave the club at the end of the 2016/17 season.

The club and the player were very keen for him to extend his stay in Belfast, with Operations Director Bryn Cunningham and Director of Rugby Les Kiss working with the IRFU over the past six months to reach a desirable outcome. Unfortunately, a contract extension was not possible due to the IRFU's succession policy.

Pienaar has scored 777 points in 118 competitive games for Ulster to date and he was a starring member of the squad that reached the 2012 Heineken Cup final.

Commenting on the move, Pienaar said:

"I am not moving on for a new adventure or for financial reasons - I wanted to stay and I know that Ulster Rugby did everything it could to keep me in Belfast. Ulster is special to me and my family now, and I would like to thank my wife, Monique, for coming here to support me and for helping to make it home for us.

"I would also like to thank all of the players and staff at Ulster Rugby, the supporters and the general public, for their support and encouragement since our arrival. It has been brilliant to see the progress that the organisation has made in recent years, particularly with the new facilities here at Kingspan Stadium. The club has given me a lot and I'd like to be in a position to give something back in the future if possible.

"I have many great memories of my time here and I have made some brilliant friends within rugby and outside of it. It is sad that this will be my last season as an Ulster player but I will be doing everything to ensure that we make it a successful campaign."

Kiss was understandably disappointed with the outcome:

"Ruan has been an outstanding servant to Ulster Rugby over the past six years and he will be a huge loss for us next season. For me, he is a fantastic player, but he is an even better person, who is much-loved by his team-mates, the staff and management, and the wider rugby community here in Ulster.

"His influence within the squad, both on and off the field, is truly remarkable; whether that is through match-winning contributions, or mentoring the promising players coming through our pathway. Indeed, he has played a big part in helping us to develop a large group of talented young backline players who have gone on to represent Ireland in recent years.

"He is a consummate professional and I have absolutely no doubt that he will give everything to the Ulster cause for the rest of the season. Our hope is that he will one day return to the Province to continue to have a positive impact on rugby in Ulster."

Shane Logan, Ulster Rugby's Chief Executive, added:

"Ruan's exploits on the pitch are well-documented, but perhaps his biggest contribution since his arrival in Ulster has been his work with the local community. He has been freely giving of so much of his time and he has helped to inspire young people across the Province, not only in rugby, but in their everyday lives. That impact is something that cannot be easily measured.

"We have continued to show that we have the resources, and more importantly, a positive environment and ethos, that makes us an attractive proposition for prospective players. This culture was one of the main reasons why Ruan, among others, was attracted to the club in the first place and why he was so keen to stay.

"I, personally, will miss having him around Kingspan Stadium, but I am looking forward to seeing what he will deliver for us over the course of this season, and the door is open for a return in the future."

http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/15138.php#.V8af6mD2bIU



Ruan Pienaar forced to leave Ulster at end of season

Ulster Rugby has confirmed that Ruan Pienaar will leave the club next year.

The club said it was "very keen for him to extend his stay in Belfast" and had been working with the IRFU to reach a desirable outcome but "unfortunately a contract extension was not possible due to the IRFU's succession policy".

Pienaar has scored 777 points in 118 competitive games for Ulster to date and he was a starring member of the squad that reached the 2012 Heineken Cup final.

Commenting on the move, Pienaar said: "I am not moving on for a new adventure or for financial reasons - I wanted to stay and I know that Ulster Rugby did everything it could to keep me in Belfast. Ulster is special to me and my family now, and I would like to thank my wife, Monique, for coming here to support me and for helping to make it home for us.

"I would also like to thank all of the players and staff at Ulster Rugby, the supporters and the general public, for their support and encouragement since our arrival. It has been brilliant to see the progress that the organisation has made in recent years, particularly with the new facilities here at Kingspan Stadium. The club has given me a lot and I'd like to be in a position to give something back in the future if possible.

"I have many great memories of my time here and I have made some brilliant friends within rugby and outside of it. It is sad that this will be my last season as an Ulster player but I will be doing everything to ensure that we make it a successful campaign.”

Director of Rugby Les Kiss said: "Ruan has been an outstanding servant to Ulster Rugby over the past six years and he will be a huge loss for us next season. For me, he is a fantastic player, but he is an even better person, who is much-loved by his team-mates, the staff and management, and the wider rugby community here in Ulster.

"His influence within the squad, both on and off the field, is truly remarkable; whether that is through match-winning contributions, or mentoring the promising players coming through our pathway. Indeed, he has played a big part in helping us to develop a large group of talented young backline players who have gone on to represent Ireland in recent years.

"He is a consummate professional and I have absolutely no doubt that he will give everything to the Ulster cause for the rest of the season. Our hope is that he will one day return to the Province to continue to have a positive impact on rugby in Ulster.”

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 09783.html


New boy Brett Herron out to make a big impact with Ulster

When Brett Herron decided to up sticks and move to Ulster, at least it was a switch he knew would play well with his extended family. The 20-year-old arrived in Belfast from Bath this summer, moving to the city where his father and grandparents had grown up.

"I hadn't been over here much before actually but I started to come a fair bit when I knew I would be playing here this season," he said. "I started watching a lot more on TV too; just seeing how we played and how I can be effective in the team.

"I really wanted to play at the highest level of rugby that I could and after weighing it all up I decided that Ulster was the best place for me to achieve that.

"With the amazing coaches, the world class players and obviously the facilities, I thought it was a place I could really kick on. I'm enjoying the process so far."

Herron, who has earlier cited Darren Cave and Sam Windsor as especially helpful in his efforts to learn the Ulster playbook, started all three pre-season fixtures with that valuable game time set to hold him in good stead this week when the PRO12 season begins with Dragons' visit to the Kingspan Stadium.

"They've been extremely valuable, the run-outs in pre-season," he said. "Just to blow the cobwebs away and get the knowledge and your body up to game speed, it helps with your decision making and your game mapping.

"As it's went on, it's been better and better. I think it's very important to have that under my belt before the season starts. The guys have been great in helping with the transition and really getting up to speed.

"Whether that's on the pitch or just getting my bearings around Belfast, they've been great and made me feel very welcome coming in from a different place."

With Paddy Jackson still absent after starring for Ireland this summer, Herron admits the opportunity to wear the No.10 jersey has arrived sooner than expected.

"I thought that it was going to come in time, and it would be a case of grinding it out," said the man who, like England back-rower James Haskell, is a graduate of Wellington College.

"I've been very fortunate to be offered the chance to play in these pre-season games so far, and I've really relished that opportunity. It's been fantastic, the two away games and the first run out at Kingspan.

"I'm really just enjoying my rugby right now. For a young guy, that's quite a crucial aspect of it, to go out there and keep learning and keep trying to develop."

When Jackson does return in the coming weeks, he is likely to slot straight back into his familiar starting role. Herron believes he will learn a lot from the player who so came of age for Ireland in South Africa this June.

"He's a fantastic player. He's shown that in the PRO12, in Europe and on the international stage," said Herron. "He's been great with me. Any queries that I have or questions, he's been great in his response. He's quite a character off the pitch as well, which is quite refreshing.

"I've played a fair bit of 12 but I believe that my strongest position is 10 and that's where I really want to kick on and try to develop my game around that fly-half position. Players like Paddy and Stuart Olding are really going to help me with that development.

"Paddy is going to be away a lot and it might mean that I'll be asked to fill in. That's something I'll really try and step up to, and enjoy the challenge. I think everyone knows they can step up and fill the boots.

"We showed that against Northampton, that no matter who's running out in the white shirt, everyone's going to put their best performance in. I think everyone's just excited to be part of such a good squad and such an exciting squad."

While Jackson's absence has opened the door for Herron, Les Kiss does hope to have some of his international contingent back for Friday's contest.

Rory Best, Andrew Trimble, Iain Henderson and Luke Marshall will all be filtered back into the squad over the coming weeks but Craig Gilroy, Stuart Olding and Sean Reidy could feature against Dragons.

Kiss said: "We've got to finalise one last conversation but the process to negotiate that has been ongoing for the last number of weeks. I would hope that we've got three available at this stage. Whether they all start, we're not sure."

It appears that Ruan Pienaar's elbow problem won't keep him out of the contest although Ulster are contending with an injury list that already contains Tommy Bowe, Dan Tuohy, Pete Nelson, Wiehahn Herbst, Ricky Lutton, Chris Henry and Louis Ludik.

"Ruan has come along nicely," added Kiss. "It was a fairly bad contusion so it was quite restrictive. It was only right to rest him (against Northampton). That's the beauty of having somebody like Paul Marshall, I thought he had a blinder last week.

"Louis has damaged his thumb, finger and hand a little bit but that's looking on the bright side. We're reasonably optimistic but the specialist will check it again, just for clarity."

Cave, who missed the friendly win over Northampton, will not feature on Friday night due to personal reasons.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 09001.html



'I wanted to stay' - IRFU rules forcing Ulster star Ruan Pienaar to leave
Veteran scrum-half set to leave Ravenhill at the end of the season.

RUAN PIENAAR WILL be forced to leave Ulster at the end of the season with the IRFU’s “succession policy” blocking a further contract extension for the Springbok star.

“I am not moving on for a new adventure or for financial reasons,” Pienaar, 32, said.

“I wanted to stay and I know that Ulster Rugby did everything it could to keep me in Belfast.”

The veteran scrum-half is out of contract at the end of 2016/17, and Ulster could not convince the IRFU to grant him another new deal at Ravenhill.

“The club and the player were very keen for him to extend his stay in Belfast, with Operations Director Bryn Cunningham and Director of Rugby Les Kiss working with the IRFU over the past six months to reach a desirable outcome,” Ulster said.

“Unfortunately, a contract extension was not possible due to the IRFU’s succession policy.”

A move to France could now be on the cards for Pienaar, who was linked with Top 14 side Montpellier by French website RugbyRama this week.

Pienaar joined Ulster in 2010 from the Sharks and went on to become one of the province’s most influential players, making 118 competitive appearances to date over his six seasons.

After initially signing him to a two-year deal, Ulster were then granted permission to offer him two contract extensions — in 2012, and again in 2014 — despite the IRFU rules aimed at safeguarding the development of Irish-qualified players.

“Ruan has been an outstanding servant to Ulster Rugby over the past six years and he will be a huge loss for us next season,” Kiss said in a statement.

“For me, he is a fantastic player, but he is an even better person, who is much-loved by his team-mates, the staff and management, and the wider rugby community here in Ulster.”

He added: “Our hope is that he will one day return to the province to continue to have a positive impact on rugby in Ulster.”

+Comments........ http://www.the42.ie/ruan-pienaar-leave- ... 3-Aug2016/


ALL...........

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/u ... 09827.html

http://www.punditarena.com/rugby/adrumm ... n-pienaar/

http://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/ne ... an-pienaar

http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/37229622

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/p ... -1.2774092

http://www.newstalk.com/I-wanted-to-sta ... -extension

http://www.planetrugby.com/news/ruan-pi ... ster-exit/

http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/ruan-pie ... r-20160831

AND the official comment from the IRFU is..........

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/index.php

[Cracker]

Stupidity in the extreme. What do they think it will do for Irish rugby. Absolutely nothing. One thing is sure I will not attend another Irish game, not of course that this will matter a hoot to the exceedingly stupid folks in charge.

[Mac]

Wednesday 31st August 2016

PART III



IRFU Statement On Ruan Pienaar Contract

Inpho

In response to a number of media queries following Ulster Rugby's announcement regarding Ruan Pienaar this morning, the following statement has been issued by the IRFU.

David Nucifora, IRFU Performance Director, stated, "The IRFU recognises the contribution that Ruan Pienaar has made to Ulster Rugby over the seven year period he will have been with the province, however the IRFU informed Ulster Rugby during the 2015/16 season that it would not sanction a further extension of his contract.

It is vital for both Ulster and Irish rugby that the province develop indigenous talent in this position and an extension of Ruan's contract would further prevent Irish qualified Ulster players from maximising their developmental potential and becoming stars for both Ulster and Ireland."

http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/37891.php#.V8bH1mD2bIU

...........in other words "lets not get into any real detail here".



Peikrishvili to join on short-term contract

Ulster Rugby is pleased to announce that Georgia prop, Anton Peikrishvili, will join the Province on a short-term contract until 19th December.

Les Kiss is currently without three frontline tighthead props, so Operations Director Bryn Cunningham has moved quickly to work with the IRFU to recruit the 28-year-old.

Peikrishvili has played club rugby in France since the 2007/08 season, having represented Agen, Castres, Brive and Bayonne. Between 2010 and 2014 he was a key member of Castres' Heineken Cup squad, starting 12 games in the competition during that period.

He made his Test debut for Georgia back in 2008 and he has gone on to earn a total of 23 international caps.

Kiss welcomed the news that Peikrishvili would be on board for the next few months and he was grateful to the IRFU for their assistance:

"It's a challenging period with Wiehahn Herbst, Ricky Lutton and Jonny Simpson currently unavailable due to injury, so it was important for us to explore what short-term options were open to us."

"Bryn has moved with speed to recruit Anton and I would like to thank the IRFU for their expediency and flexibility in allowing us to bring in this support. During these discussions we shared our desire to give young Academy props, such as Ross Kane and Craig Trenier, with opportunities to represent the senior squad.

"Anton is an experienced player who will provide us with extra cover in a very important position. The Georgians are traditionally very strong scrummagers and Anton is no different in this regard. For a big unit he is pretty mobile and he will be able to contribute around the park, which is important for the style of rugby we wish to play."

ANTON PEIKRISHVILI PROFILE
Position: Prop
Age: 28 years
Date of birth: 18/09/1987
Height: 1.83m
Weight: 121kgs
International honours: Georgia (23 caps)
Former clubs: Agen, Castres, Brive, Bayonne

http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/15139.php#.V8bLrmD2bIV

[Mac]

Friday 1st September 2016



Pienaar fallout shines a light on shortage of quality Irish scrum-halves

Sportsfile

Ulster's statement confirming Ruan Pienaar's exit arrived with a whiff of sulphur yesterday morning, stopping short of a declaration of war with the IRFU but making sure everyone knew who was to blame for the departure of the much-loved Springbok.

Once again, the controversial matter of the player succession has put Lansdowne Road and one of the provinces on a collision course. For years, fans of other sides have wondered if Ulster were playing by different rules, but now those questions cease.

The arrival of emergency signing Anton Peikrishvilli swells the number of non-Irish-qualified players on the books at Ravenhill to seven and the collection of imports is above the normal number permitted.

They were allowed to replace Johann Muller with another Springbok Franco van der Merwe, while Pienaar was permitted to remain when Toulon came calling two years ago, but those dispensations are at an end.

A world-class scrum-half, the Springbok has been the province's most important player since he joined in 2010; inspiring - along with Muller initially - a rise in standards that has seen them compete for trophies every season.

He is a popular figure on and off the pitch and even David Nucifora acknowledged his enormous contribution in his counter-statement. Yet, the Australian has no time for sentiment.

In the performance director's eyes, Ulster have had seven years to groom a successor to their marquee name, but 31-year-old Paul Marshall remains the back-up at the Kingspan Stadium.

Last capped in 2013, Marshall was called into Ireland's training squad last month, but is at best the fourth-choice. Beyond him at Ulster are Dubliners Dave Shanahan and Angus Lloyd, while 18-year-old Jonny Stewart is highly regarded but has some distance to travel.

The 32-year-old Pienaar wanted to finish his career in Ireland and many feel he has earned the right to do so. He has been working towards UK citizenship and has already signalled his intent to work as a coach at his adopted home.

Yet the wider issue at the heart of Nucifora's decision is that when Joe Schmidt looks around the provinces for back-up to Conor Murray, he doesn't have much to choose from. Eoin Reddan and Isaac Boss have departed the scene, while Kieran Marmion is next in line but is still not fully trusted.

Leinster's Luke McGrath is probably third-choice, but he now has competition from overseas in the form of Jamison Gibson-Park and, while he may one day play for Ireland, it won't be until just before the 2019 World Cup.

Other than those three, contenders are thin on the ground and in Nucifora's eyes Pienaar's presence is stopping competition from emerging.

It is also a major reason why Ulster remain competitive however and the union can't lose sight of the need for the provinces to be viable entities in their own right.

Replacing Pienaar represents one of the biggest challenges the organisation has faced in recent years. Les Kiss and Bryn Cunningham must now scour the world for an Irish-qualified scrum-half in the hope of turning up a gem. A marquee name is off the agenda, while they are unlikely to convince Nucifora to allow them sign a project player.

The message to the provinces is that they can only get by with big-money signings for so long and groom replacements.

This season, the northern province look arguably the best-placed Irish side in Europe due to their superb backline, but Pienaar's looming exit places huge pressure on them to deliver.

Once again, the national cause is being put before provincial gains. Nucifora isn't there to be popular, but to ensure Schmidt has the best options to choose from.

Ulster will undoubtedly suffer - as will the struggling Pro12 which loses another big name to France - but the IRFU will insist that they should be able to compete without being reliant on imports.

Whether that is realistic in the modern market is questionable.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/u ... 12016.html


Ulster at loggerheads with IRFU over Pienaar exit
IRFU come under fire for succession plan as Springbok set to leave at end of season

Montpellier are leading the chase to sign Ulster's Ruan Pienaar after the province confirmed that the Springbok star will leave at the end of the season due to the IRFU's succession rules.

The 32-year-old wanted to remain at the Kingspan Stadium and Ulster wanted to keep him, but the union's performance director David Nucifora would not sanction a new deal.

Although Ulster stopped short of directly criticising Nucifora in their statement confirming Pienaar's exit yesterday, they made their displeasure at the IRFU's policy clear as director of rugby Les Kiss conceded his "disappointment" at the decision to end the influential scrum-half's stay after seven seasons. However, the IRFU later released a statement of its own in which Nucifora said the retention of the experienced international would "further prevent Irish-qualified Ulster players from maximising their developmental potential and becoming stars for both Ulster and Ireland".

Ulster are likely to have to replace Pienaar with an Irish-qualified scrum-half, given Leinster have already got a 'special project' player on their books in the same position in New Zealander Jamison Gibson-Park and the union are unlikely to sanction another even though there is a dearth of high-quality Irish-qualified scrum-halves at the current time.

Paul Marshall has provided back-up to Pienaar during his time with Ulster, while Dave Shanahan is next in line.

France looks like the 88-times-capped South African's next destination, with former Springbok coach Jake White the favourite to land his signature for Montpellier.

Both Ulster and Pienaar left the door open for a potential return in a non-playing capacity, but this season will be his last in a white jersey.

"I am not moving on for a new adventure or for financial reasons," he said. "I wanted to stay and I know that Ulster Rugby did everything it could to keep me in Belfast. Ulster is special to me and my family now.

"The club has given me a lot and I'd like to be in a position to give something back in the future if possible."

Ulster were able to add 23-times-capped Georgian prop Anton Peikrishvili to their ranks on a short-term deal yesterday, bringing the number of non-Irish qualified players currently on their books to seven.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/u ... 12404.html



Ruan Pienaar: I don’t want to leave Ulster

It looks like an argument that nobody is going to win as Ulster’s South African scrum-half Ruan Pienaar is being forced to leave a city he adores, wants to live in, and, oh yes, play a bit of rugby, a game he’s pretty handy at.

The quietly-spoken Pienaar, who has made 118 appearances for Ulster, was also exceptionally keen to help bring to fruition a useful conveyor belt of talent, and saw a future as a possible coach.

But alas, the possibility of settling down permanently in Northern Ireland has been black-balled by the IRFU’s performance director David Nucifora.

Born in Bloemfontein, Pienaar made no bones about the fact he wanted to remain.

“I wanted to stay and I know that Ulster Rugby did everything it could to keep me in Belfast,” said Pienaar, who was quick to point out he was not moving on for a new adventure or for financial reasons.

“Ulster is special to me and my family now. The club has given me a lot and I’d like to be in a position to give something back in the future if possible.

“It is sad that this will be my last season as an Ulster player but I will be doing everything to ensure we make it a successful campaign.”

The decision to deny him another contract was made months ago and there has been no change of stance since due to the IRFU’s “succession policy”.

This policy restricts non-Irish qualified players to one player per field position across the provinces (bar Connacht, who ironically won the Pro12 last season). That hopefully converts into a minimum of two Irish-qualified players per position playing for the so-called ‘stronger’ provinces, Munster, Leinster, and Ulster.

Pienaar, the 32-year-old, 88-times capped Springbok is now being asked to leave Ulster when his contract runs out at the end of June. Three years ago, he shunned approaches from a number of English Premiership and French clubs, in particular European Cup kingpins Toulon.

But it is well known that Ulster’s director of rugby Les Kiss and operations manager Bryn Cunningham were extremely keen to give him a further extension to remain in Belfast, where he lives with his wife Monique and daughter Lemay.

An Ulster Rugby statement indicated both the club and the player were very keen to extend his contract.

“Operations director Bryn Cunningham and director of rugby Les Kiss have been working with the IRFU over the past six months to reach a desirable outcome. Unfortunately, a contract extension was not possible due to the IRFU’s succession policy,” read the statement.

In response, Nucifora said: “The IRFU had informed Ulster Rugby during the 2015-16 season that it would not sanction a further extension” of Pienaar’s contract. The IRFU recognises the contribution that Ruan Pienaar has made to Ulster Rugby over the seven-year period he will have been with the club.

“It is vital for both Ulster and Irish rugby that the province develop indigenous talent in this position and an extension of Ruan’s contract would further prevent Irish qualified Ulster players from maximising their developmental potential and becoming stars for both Ulster and Ireland.”

Kiss, whose relationship with the IRFU could now be a little tetchy, praised Ruan’s contribution to the club.

“Ruan has been an outstanding servant to Ulster Rugby over the past six years and he will be a huge loss for us next season,” he said.

“For me, he is a fantastic player, but he is an even better person, who is much-loved by his team-mates, the staff and management, and the wider rugby community here in Ulster.

“His influence within the squad, both on and off the field, is truly remarkable, whether that is through match-winning contributions, or mentoring the promising players coming through our pathway.

“Indeed, he has played a big part in helping us to develop a large group of talented young backline players who have gone on to represent Ireland in recent years.

“He is a consummate professional and I have absolutely no doubt he will give everything to the Ulster cause for the rest of the season.

“Our hope is that he will one day return to the province to continue to have a positive impact on rugby in Ulster.”

Meanwhile, Ulster has signed Georgia prop, Anton Peikrishvili on a short-term contract until 19th December due to an injury crisis at tight-head prop.

Peikrishvili has played club rugby in France since the 2007/08 season, having represented Agen, Castres, Brive and Bayonne. Between 2010 and 2014 he was a key member of Castres’ Heineken Cup squad, starting 12 games in the competition during that period.

He made his Test debut for Georgia back in 2008 and he has gone on to earn a total of 23 international caps.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugb ... 18852.html



IRFU defends stance on Ruan Pienaar’s planned departure
It seems Ulster are paying for IRFU’s decision to allow Leinster to sign Gibson-Park

Ruan Pienaar: has proved a loyal stalwart for Ulster and wanted to remain with the province. Presseye/Inpho

The mini war of words between Ulster and the IRFU over the departure of Ruan Pienaar at the end of the season is symptomatic of the conflict of interests between the Union and the provinces. It was ever thus.

For Pienaar, read Nathan Hines at Leinster, Paul Warwick at Munster and others.

Ulster yesterday morning revealed that not only was Pienaar leaving at the end of the season, but that it was very much an IRFU decision which went against the wishes of both the province and the player himself.

If nothing else, given the huge impact Pienaar has had over the last six seasons in Belfast and, hence, his popularity amongst the province’s fans, Ulster would have wanted to ensure the supporters of this much.

Happily ensconced
Pienaar and his young family were happily ensconced in Belfast, and in the Ulster statement issued before 9am, Pienaar said: “I am not moving on for a new adventure or for financial reasons. I wanted to stay and I know that Ulster Rugby did everything it could to keep me in Belfast. Ulster is special to me and my family now, and I would like to thank my wife, Monique, for coming here to support me and for helping to make it home for us.”
The 32-year-old Pienaar will most likely be obliged to move on to a club in the Top 14, where he has rejected overtures in the past, but also strongly intimated that he may return in a coaching capacity. “The club has given me a lot and I’d like to be in a position to give something back in the future if possible.”

In lauding Pienaar’s contribution, Ulster CEO Shane Logan said “the door is open for a return in the future”.

The IRFU have always been a tad prickly over any perceived criticism and although Ulster were mere sticking to the facts, the Union were perhaps mindful of how their decision will go down with Ulster’s supporters, when issuing a statement at lunchtime.

IRFU performance director, David Nucifora, acknowledged Pienaar’s contribution to Ulster while reaffirming that they informed Ulster during the 2015/16 season that it would not sanction a further extension of his contract.

“It is vital for both Ulster and Irish rugby that the province develop indigenous talent in this position and an extension of Ruan’s contract would further prevent Irish-qualified Ulster players from maximising their developmental potential and becoming stars for both Ulster and Ireland,” said Nucifora.

In addition to Pienaar, Ulster have five other NIQs (non-Irish qualified players) in Wiehahn Herbst, Charles Piutau, Marcell Coetzee, Franco Van Der Merwe and Louis Ludik.

Furthermore, yesterday’s tête-à-tête happened on the very same day that Ulster were announcing the short-term signing of 28-year-old, 23-times capped Georgian prop, Anton Peikrishvili, whose contract until December 19th was approved by the Union in light of Les Kiss having three injured tight-heads at the moment.

Nonetheless, it does seem a little curious that in addition to Ludik, Ulster were permitted to sign Piutau – brilliant player though he is – given their raft of Irish international outside backs. Granted, Piutau will be available through lengthy Test windows when Jared Payne, Andrew Trimble, Tommy Bowe and Craig Gilroy might be on Irish duty.

But Piutau will quite likely be keeping one of them out of the Ulster backline in big games.

A void
Pienaar’s enforced departure will also leave a void.
In addition to Paul Marshall, now 31, Ulster’s only other scrum-halves are the inexperienced 23-year-olds Dave Shanahan and Angus Lloyd (signed this summer from Trinity).

It also seems wrong that Pienaar, having played 118 games during a time when he was also constantly available to South Africa and rejected Top 14 offers, should not be rewarded with a new contract after such unstinting service and loyalty to the province. His influence within the organisation, and on players such as Paddy Jackson, must also have been enormous, as it could have been on their young scrum-halves.

Nucifora is employed to ensure a long-term player succession across all positions, and looking down the track, as of now there is a dearth or prospective Test scrum-halves especially as back-up to Conor Murray and Kieran Marmion in light of Eoin Reddan’s retirement.

To have NIQs filling two of the four starting number 9s with the province on a regular basis would not help in that regard, and unlike Pienaar, James Gibson-Park could potentially qualify for Ireland in three years’ time. So it was that Leinster were permitted to sign the latter from the Hurricanes.

Nor would Nucifora be doing his job properly if every decision he made met with the approval of all the provinces.

In the heel of the hunt though, you can’t help but feel that Ulster are paying for the IRFU’s decision to allow Leinster to sign Gibson-Park.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/i ... -1.2774705



'We want whole people; we don't just want obsessive robots'
Ulster director of rugby Les Kiss tells The42 about being the boss.

LES KISS WAS 50 when Ulster appointed him as their director of rugby. He was 50 by the time he got to be the boss.

There was a stint as co-head coach of rugby league’s London Broncos back in 1999, but Kiss was an assistant for the vast majority of his union coaching career up until taking on the Ulster job last year.
Billy Stickland/INPHO

The lengthy periods as support to the likes of Ewen McKenzie and Joe Schmidt weren’t simply because Kiss failed to land a big job of his own.

The former rugby league international is held in the highest regard within his industry; he could have had a head coaching or director of rugby gig long before accepting Ulster’s approach last year.

A deep thinker on rugby and sport, Kiss hasn’t ever been in a rush.

“I’ve been in the game long enough to see many people be too ambitious to get somewhere and before they know it they’ve actually burnt themselves out or maybe it just wasn’t the right timing,” says Kiss.

I’ve tried to be patient with that so when I get to that right level, hopefully I’ve garnered enough wisdom.”

Certainly, the impression is that Kiss has assembled more than enough knowledge to be qualified for the task of turning Ulster into trophy winners. That task begins again on Saturday evening with a Guinness Pro12 opener away to the Cardiff Blues.

Journalists enjoy speaking with Kiss due to his willingness to engage and actually answer questions; players love working with him on account of his outstanding technical, mental and tactical knowledge of the oval ball game.

An Australia international in league as a player, Kiss’ coaching career started in the 13-man code before a switch into union led to a role as South Africa’s defence coach in 2001 under Harry Viljoen.

“Harry is probably not a widely known name here, but he was the head of the Springboks when he asked me to come in,” says Kiss. “The style he had was to empower people and I learned a lot in that period about how, as a leader, he extended trust.

“If you are extended that trust, how do you return it? If it’s given to you, you’ve got to be very trustworthy and return it in like.”

Kiss moved on to the Waratahs’ Super Rugby set-up in 2002, where he learned from Bob Dwyer – who led Australia to the 1991 World Cup - and Ewen McKenzie, another man who coached the Wallabies but now appears lost to rugby.

Dwyer is well-known as a sometimes controversial pundit these days, but he taught Kiss valuable lessons.

“Bob was always a person that I could go to and ask questions, and get feedback,” says Kiss. “He has just a really… simple is the wrong word because it might make it sound easy… but he un-complicates complicated things into the specifics that matter about a certain position or a certain skill set. I picked up a lot off him in those regards.”

McKenzie took over at the Waratahs in 2003 and, along with Kiss, helped the Australian franchise into Super Rugby finals in 2005 and 2008. Both years, the Dan Carter and Richie McCaw-era Crusaders denied them glory.

Kiss’ key learnings in that time were around “structuring a programme” in order to build and maintain a successful club. McKenzie – a qualified town planner – hasn’t been involved in professional rugby since leaving the Wallabies job in 2014, but was working as a ‘project chief‘ for an investment group last year.

Declan Kidney called Kiss to Ireland in time for the Australian’s defensive mastery to have a major influence on the 2009 Grand Slam. Ireland conceded just three tries in that victorious championship; a fine start to Kiss’ tenure.

We know the Ireland years of Kiss’ career more intimately, of course, and particularly the time he spent as trusted assistant to Joe Schmidt. Two further Six Nations titles followed in that era.

“He’s been a good influence on where I am now,” says Kiss when Schmidt’s name comes up, and the pair remain close friends even with their priorities now having shifted in slightly different directions.

“The relationship just grows and moves to another layer of existence, because, before, I hope I did as much as I could to support his vision and deliver that. I’m pretty comfortable that I did that.

“Now it’s imbued on me to make sure that I can deliver on behalf of the IRFU as well, because part of my remit is to support that, but also to ensure that Ulster is not left wanting in certain areas.

“I have to fight for certain things, sure, but I don’t think it changes the relationship with Joe. It just moves to another level of understanding of each other. We’re both mature enough to understand that.”

Schmidt, McKenzie, Dwyer and others have influenced Kiss’ methods and thinking, but he is very much an independent thinker.

While assimilating information and learning as much as possible from more experienced figures along the way has been vital, Kiss stresses that he must march to his own beat now that he is the man in charge at Ulster.

He uses the legendary Dwyer as a means to illustrate the point.

“Some of my beliefs about where I’ve come to would be totally opposite to what he believes now, without a doubt,” says Kiss. “But I don’t think anyone should be a robot. Of course, you have a mentor who you’ve looked up to, but you’ve got to be your own man.

That’s what you live and die with at the end of the day. On my last day at Ulster I’d like to stand up and say, ‘I ran it how I’d like to and worked with the challenges I had, and hopefully achieved some great things.’ That’s important to me.”

Still less than a year into his directorship at the province, Kiss seems utterly comfortable and content in the position.

The biggest challenges so far have been ensuring that the culture within Ulster’s squad is where he wants it to be, and also going from a role where he delivered the strategy to being the man in charge of forming the strategy.

“When you’re not right at the top, you have less to do with the overarching strategy,” explains Kiss. “Tactically and technically, you’re more in the delivery to actually reach that end. I now try to make sure I drive that strategy part of it right and I dip down into the technical detail as I need to.”

As an assistant coach, Kiss had been accustomed to being a figure who was always delivering the technical detail to players on the training pitch. He will continue to bring that strength to Ulster, but delegation is crucial for any director of rugby.

Dan Sheridan/INPHO

“I’ve got some really good coaches around me,” says Kiss. “Neil Doak is a very good operator. Some of the backs stuff he does is second to none in my eyes, he’s brilliant.

“Allen Clarke is a good, experienced coach as well. He’s been in the system, knows a lot of people here inside out, and over the water. Niall Malone is well renowned for being really exceptional at some of the basic skills that he provides.

“Joe Bakarat covers all of that contact area. I’ve got good coaches around which helps to be able to deliver that technical and tactical side.”

Kiss isn’t certain that ‘culture’ sums up what he wants from his Ulster squad away from the pitch, but he is sure that creating a meaning that marries with rugby is crucial to any success the province is going to have.

“How a player thinks is important to me,” Kiss explains. “Thinking precedes any other form of action and if you call it ‘culture’ that’s fine.

“It’s a word that’s used widely, but I think that’s the starting point in how you build something of common meaning and purpose, common standards of behaviour, how you go about your business, what you’re prepared to sacrifice.”

You want good people with good habits, an open mindset, people being prepared to sacrifice – but more important than just being prepared to sacrifice, knowing what to sacrifice and when to sacrifice.

“The game should be kept in balance and we want whole people; we don’t just want obsessive robots.

“We want people who are engaged at many levels in this game in Ulster and who understand that their part in this is bigger than the game.

“It’s a team that’s doing a lot for the community up in Ulster and that’s important to us. Ultimately, there’s a part of culture that comes from tapping down to the most important component and that’s the 80 minutes on game day.”

Last season’s version of Ulster under Kiss were certainly pleasant on the eye when it came to game day, and style of play is important to this group.

May 2017 Dan Sheridan/INPHO

Their intelligent passing, sharp set-piece striking and incisive counter-attacking appear to be parts of the agreed philosophy, but Kiss says balance is always required.

“There are a few things that we’d like teams to say about us, without doubt. That’s a personal thing to us. But we’re also cognisant of that fact that you can get caught up in aesthetics. You still have to have a certain amount of pragmatism.

“We also don’t want to undersell ourselves. I think there’s a skill set there that should be expressed and allowed to be expressed. But we’ve got to find the right things in terms of how you exist, your actions, your habits that allow you be able to do that on a consistent basis without going down a cul-de-sac or falling off the edge without having a way to get out it.

“A wise man just said to me recently, ‘Any good idea needs good landing gear.’

“We understand our style internally, we’re certainly developing and have a vision. But it’s not removed from the other elements of the game. If our defence or our set-piece isn’t up to scratch, then our attack may have to adapt at any given time.”

Kiss is clearly relishing having control of the Ulster ship. As ever, he comes across as a man who lives and breathes the game, who has pondered and discussed each and every aspect of rugby.

He says he is enjoying the responsibility, but ends by pointing out that he needs balance as much as anyone else does.

“In the end I hope I move closer and closer to the point where I become less important,” says Kiss.

“That doesn’t mean you’re not important, but you want the group to be as self-sufficient as possible at every level, but at the same time drive standards, drive how we do things in a way that equals what we want to be perceived as. Every day, I’m enjoying it. There’s never a moment that you’re thinking you need a break.

“If you do it right, you get the balance right. I try to make sure I take those couple of hours to spend with my wife and a couple of hours to do a couple of things I need to do to ensure I’m fresh during the season.

“Pick the moments to have the break, it’s absolutely vital. Right through my career, I’ve been very patient in terms of how I accelerate, where I want to be at any given time, and understand that I have to grow and pick the right moments.”

http://www.the42.ie/les-kiss-ulster-dir ... 8-Aug2016/

[Mac]

Friday 1st September 2016

PART II



What the experts say about Ulster rugby's Ruan Pienaar

After such a big buzz ahead of the new season, this deflating news comes as a real body blow

This is a big loss to Ulster Rugby. Obviously speaking to Ruan and speaking to the guys involved at Ulster Rugby, everyone was keen for him to stay.

And he was very, very keen to stay and I think was quite happy to end his career here.

The statement issued by Ulster Rugby shows that they wanted him and did everything in their power to try and keep him.

It's not Ulster Rugby's fault that he's leaving at the end of the season, it's the IRFU that is putting its foot down and saying no to another extension.

Unfortunately with the IRFU having the say on foreign players, he is having to leave and this time next year it will be over to somebody else.

But it will be difficult not seeing Ruan Pienaar in an Ulster jersey this time next year.

For me, it's very, very disappointing as he's given a lot to Irish and Ulster rugby union in general. He's embraced the culture here and he's contributed a lot to Ulster as a province.

And I know for a fact he wanted to stay, his family are settled and happy and I know Bryn Cunningham has been working very, very hard to try and get this sorted over the last six months.

But the IRFU has the final say.

I think looking at last Friday's win over Northampton there was clearly a good positive buzz about the season and then next thing we have this body blow.

It brings back a wee bit of negativity and slight doubt as when we have won big games he's been at the forefront.

The way the IRFU is probably looking at it, if Ruan signs for another two years he will then have been here for nine years.

That doesn't really open the door for any other talent coming through.

Stephen Ferris

Former Ulster flanker who also played for Ireland and the 2009 Lions

They’re on whole new level because of him

I’m shocked and really very disappointed.

He’s an exceptional rugby player with so much ability way beyond his superb kicking. To me, he really is a complete player.

It’s a real shame that he is going. Ruan is an example of what a professional rugby player should be both on and off the pitch.

The impact Ruan has had on Paddy Jackson’s career would be a really powerful argument for keeping him here. And don’t forget that Ruan’s presence has clearly also helped others players around him too.

I actually think he’s probably taken us to another level in the professional era with not only his performances, but his training and commitment.

But in terms of the actual decision, I can see it from both sides.

Ulster are about having the best players possible in their squad but they are also in the business of producing talent which can go on to represent the national team.

Gary Longwell

European Cup winner with UIster and ex-Ireland lock

Entire situation is just so very disappointing

He's been key to a lot of Ulster’s success in recent years so for the IRFU to say, ‘no, your time’s up’, is so very disappointing.

From an Ulster point of view, it’s not like Ruan has been blocking anyone’s path and preventing talent from coming through as Paul Marshall has had starts through rotation and with Ru being on international duty.

It makes you wonder if the IRFU has made this a sticking point or whether there was something put in place regarding this in the long-term.

I guess from a personal point of view it’s very disappointing as Ru’s been there a long time and he’s part of the furniture now.

Ru and his family will be absolutely gutted.

The fact that he’s been there for so long to then pull the rug out from under him is, well, I don’t know if he saw it coming or not but it’s really very disappointing.

Also, it’s not as if Ireland is flooded with foreign scrum-halves.

Tom Court

Ex-Ulster, Ireland and Lions prop now at London Irish

Dublin cracking the whip has hurt the province

It's really disappointing that the IRFU has this policy and Ulster just seem to have been penalised.

It’s a real, real shame. Ulster want to be top of the pile and to take one of your key players out is just a gut-wrench.

For Dublin this is a big, big call on their part. It feels almost as if they’re cracking the whip.

And what is the succession policy? We’ve got how many scrum-halves down in Munster or Leinster, or Connacht for that matter? Why are they saying to Ulster you need to push your own players here?

It’s just hamstrung Ulster because Ruan is an integral part of this team and makes it tick and to take that away, well, it looks like the IRFU is saying, ‘you’ve too many big players there so that’s not right’.

I think he has been absolutely magnificent since coming here and I’ve made many comments regarding Ruan as being the Rolls-Royce of scrum-half play.

For Ulster Rugby he’s been superb pretty much every time he’s donned the shirt. He’s got Ulster out of many holes through his goal-kicking and general play and him going will leave a huge hole for them to fill.

But it is what it is and business is business I guess.

I can understand why he didn’t want to leave as I’ve been here for nearly 23 years now and originally came for six months.

When the chips are down he is one of those guys you can rely on.

They’ll now have to rely more on Paddy Jackson to really control matters. Paddy can do it, though that wasn’t the case two years ago and we relied heavily on Ruan.

Andy Ward

Former Ulster and Ireland flanker who was in the European Cup-winning team

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 12128.html


Ulster rugby's Ruan Pienaar will be missed as a man, not just as a player

Stood in the security area of an obscure airport, Ruan Pienaar walked across to a dejected team-mate, slung a comforting arm over his shoulder and patted him on the chest.

The dispirited man in question had just endured one of the days that sportsmen must dread, an horrendous team performance in a key game that was rescued only after his substitution.

While his showing had been no worse than many others on the day, his exit from the stage had been the catalyst for change, a reality that showed all over his face.

As the relieved squad waited patiently to board their homeward-bound plane, it seemed to speak volumes that it was Pienaar with the consoling gesture intended to put a spring back in the step.

It was the type of snapshot into the inner workings of a team you occasionally get when covering the same group week on week and ties in with what is so often said about Ulster's departing Springbok - he is one of the nicest men you are likely to meet.

Ulster will miss Pienaar immensely on the field, he has been the calming hand on the tiller at Kingspan since his arrival in 2010, but it is his presence around the province that has guaranteed his status as Ulster's most valued import.

Much has been said about the willingness with which the team's newest superstar, Charles Piutau, has thrown himself into life in his new home but it is a blueprint that was established, in tandem with Johann Muller, by the man from Bloemfontein.

Speaking last year, he spoke of how he was seeking UK citizenship so his young children could have the option of being educated in Belfast's school system. Retirement in Northern Ireland, where he and team-mate Robbie Diack have also established a successful wine brand, seemed to be in his future.

Not to be, as it turns out, but of course many expected he would have long since left these shores.

As his departure became official yesterday, it coincided with football's transfer deadline day, now a live TV event that perfectly encapsulates the excesses of sport as presenters gleefully watch the spend on players tick over £1billion.

The contrast to Pienaar could hardly be more stark.

When offered mega-bucks to sign for Mourad Boudjellal's version of the Galacticos in 2013, Pienaar opted to stay put.

While Toulon went on to dominate European rugby, twice adding the Champions Cup to the Heineken Cup they had won that spring, Pienaar's trophy cabinet remained bare with his wallet that little bit lighter.

Of course he was well compensated at Ulster, but the proof was there that this was not a man for whom money was the bottom line.

Motivated hugely by his Christian faith, Pienaar has frequently stated that he was guided by his religious convictions.

The decision was taken out of his hands this time around.

For a player so popular, the coming season will now almost take on the qualities of a farewell tour, Ulster fans knowing that memories like those of his complete domination of Leicester in 2013, or the 19-point, match-winning haul against Glasgow on his debut, will soon be just that. Memories.

Come June, Ruan Pienaar and family will have departed for pastures new and, regardless of the how or why, Ulster will be a poorer place for it.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 12137.html


Gutted Ruan Pienaar doesn't want forced exit to end his link with Ulster

Gutted Ruan Pienaar doesn't want forced exit to end his link with Ulster

Told in February that another extension for their greatest ever import would not be possible, Ulster spent the intervening months pleading a case to their Dublin paymasters before being forced to accept in recent weeks that the South African World Cup winner would be ending his tenure come June.

While referring to the balance of power when it comes to signings is a rarity, Ulster left little doubt as to whether this was a decision coming from Belfast or Irish Rugby HQ in an official statement released yesterday.

IRFU rules will aim to limit Leinster, Munster and Ulster signing non-Irish qualified players in the same position.

Leinster bringing in project player Jamison Gibson-Park from the Hurricanes following the retirement of Eoin Reddan and return home of Isaac Boss would therefore have meant two foreign scrum-halves.

There have, of course, been numerous exceptions over the years. For example, with tighthead often seen as the only position where Ireland's problems to produce indigenous talent rival those at scrum-half, Ulster replaced BJ Botha with John Afoa when the former signed for Munster in 2011.

More recently, Leinster were able to bring Isa Nacewa out of retirement despite the other provinces having non-Irish qualified back-three players in their ranks.

Ulster were desperately hoping, despite this coming season being Pienaar's seventh in Belfast, that dispensation would again be granted.

The player himself wanted to finish his career here, and even remain afterwards having been working towards becoming a UK citizen, but it now seems most likely that a reunion with his former Springbok coach Jake White in Montpellier beckons.

Pienaar, known to be wholly dissatisfied with the developments, assured fans that staying had not been an option available to him and hinted that he could be making a return when his playing days are done.

"I am not moving on for a new adventure or for financial reasons - I wanted to stay and I know that Ulster Rugby did everything it could to keep me in Belfast. Ulster is special to me and my family now, and I would like to thank my wife, Monique, for coming here to support me and for helping to make it home for us," he said.

"I would also like to thank all of the players and staff at Ulster Rugby, the supporters and the general public for their support and encouragement since our arrival. It has been brilliant to see the progress that the organisation has made in recent years, particularly with the new facilities here at Kingspan Stadium. The club has given me a lot and I'd like to be in a position to give something back in the future."

Despite the setback, no good would come from tension between the province and the IRFU so there will be no lingering frustration or damage to the working relationship, as evidenced by the announcement that Georgian international prop Anton Peikrishvili (left) will arrive within the next fortnight to provide temporary relief to Ulster's decimated stocks of tight-head props.

Even still, the IRFU responded in a statement of its own through Performance Director David Nucifora.

"The IRFU recognises the contribution that Ruan Pienaar has made to Ulster Rugby over the seven-year period he will have been with the club, however the IRFU informed Ulster Rugby during the 2015-16 season that it would not sanction a further extension of his contract," said the Australian.

"It is vital for both Ulster and Irish rugby that the province develop indigenous talent in this position and an extension of Ruan's contract would further prevent Irish qualified Ulster players from maximising their developmental potential and becoming stars for both Ulster and Ireland."

Paul Marshall has been a fine servant for Ulster over the years and a more than able deputy but, although he was called to the recent training camp in Carton House, is already 31 and it has been over three years since he was last capped at international level.

David Shanahan, originally from Leinster, has been handed minutes when either Pienaar or Marshall have been absent while Angus Lloyd has impressed in pre-season after making the sizeable jump from Trinity this summer.

Further down in the Academy, there is great hope for Jonathan Stewart but to ask any of these men to fill the boots of a world class talent is unfair.

It remains unclear where Ulster's Operations Manager Bryn Cunningham will be permitted to use the openings in next season's squad - Franco van der Merwe is also out of contract while Wiehahn Herbst is set to become Irish qualified this summer - but searching for Irish-qualified No.9s may well become a priority.

For Pienaar, however, tomorrow's PRO12 opener with Dragons now represents the beginning of the end.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 12139.html


No doubt Springbok will continue to have a big influence: Kiss

Ulster Director of Rugby Les Kiss is sure Ruan Pienaar's form will not be affected by the disappointment that he will be leaving at the end of this season.

Ulster kick-off their PRO12 campaign against Dragons tomorrow night with their preparations overshadowed by the announcement that no deal could be struck with the IRFU to keep the Springbok World Cup winner beyond this year.

Despite having made it known that he wanted to stay, Kiss described Pienaar's current attitude as one of a "consummate professional".

"Ruan has been an outstanding servant to Ulster Rugby over the past six years and he will be a huge loss for us next season," said the Australian. "For me, he is a fantastic player, but he is an even better person, who is much-loved by his team-mates, the staff and management, and the wider rugby community here in Ulster.

"His influence within the squad, both on and off the field, is truly remarkable; whether that is through match-winning contributions, or mentoring the promising players coming through our pathway. Indeed, he has played a big part in helping us to develop a large group of talented young backline players who have gone on to represent Ireland.

"He is a consummate professional and I have absolutely no doubt that he will give everything to the Ulster cause for the rest of the season. Our hope is that he will one day return to the province to continue to have a positive impact on rugby in Ulster."

In better news for the Kingspan outfit, Kiss spoke of the "expediency and flexibility" shown by the IRFU on another matter, the recruitment of injury cover for his tight-head props.

While a visa is still to be granted, Georgian prop Anton Peikrishvili is on his way to Belfast and it is hoped he can make his debut within the next two weeks.

Peikrishvili, who faced New Zealand in the World Cup after being called in as an injury replacement and took on Ulster with Castres in the Heineken Cup, will offer relief in an injury crisis that has wiped out Ulster's senior tighthead depth.

"I would like to thank the IRFU for their expediency and flexibility in allowing us to bring in this support," he said. "During these discussions we shared our desire to give young Academy props, such as Ross Kane and Craig Trenier, opportunities to represent the senior squad.

"Anton is an experienced player who will provide us with extra cover in a very important position."

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 12138.html



Positives & Negatives From Ruan Pienaar Leaving Ulster

The IRFU kicked up a stink in rugby circles when they enforced their own player rules to prevent Ulster from giving a contract extension to South African scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar. Ulster are losing a key player, and one who will be difficult to replace.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have Ruan Pienaar in almost any team in the world - but the IRFU is absolutely right to do what they did.

Pienaar will go down in history as one of the best imports that Irish Rugby has ever had with the likes of Rocky Elsom, Isa Nacewa, and Doug Howlett. But unlike Elsom, Nacewa, and Howlett - Pienaar's continued stay in Ireland has prevented young Irish scrumhalves from developing.

Paul Marshall never got the chance to start for a consistent period of time for Ulster, and at 31-years-old has almost had a wasted career. He never really got the chance to start in big games, because when Pienaar is there you play him. It's not a case of Marshall not being good enough - it was Pienaar being too good to leave out.

Another young talent, Michael Heaney, who shined coming off the bench in periods, was stuck behind Pienaar and Marshall, and forced to take his talents to other pastures. Now when Pienaar leaves, Ulster are stuck at the position. Marshall is too old having never had starter experience. There is no other scrumhalf in Ulster's squad who has a start for Ulster. David Shanahan has some games off the bench, Angus Lloyd is a recent signing from Clontarf - neither can be relied upon.

Pienaar's absence could actually benefit Ulster in other ways too. Paddy Jackson will be forced to take on more responsibility - which is the right time for him to do that. He made huge strides in his career in the last two years, and this can help him make another step.

It also frees up another NIQ spot for Ulster to use on areas of their squad that are screaming out for it. Ulster are very shallow in the front row, and back row, and need to find a reliable back-up to Jackson. Now they have some manoeuvrability to be able to improve their squad.

Pienaar's departure also allows Munster to sign a quality scrumhalf to alleviate some pressure on Conor Murray. Munster's options behind Murray aren't good, and they were hamstrung by the inability to sign a scrumhalf because of Pienaar's presence in Belfast.

While the departure of a then 33-year-old Ruan Pienaar coming down from his peak will be a blow to Ulster - but it's important to remember that there are more positives than negatives for Ulster and Irish Rugby coming from his move to the exit door.

Pienaar has been a fantastic servant to Ulster and Irish Rugby, and we should be thanking him for his six-year stay in Belfast.

https://www.balls.ie/rugby/ruan-pienaar-leaving/344720

[Mac]

Thursday 1st September 2016

PART III - TEAM NEWS



Team named for PRO12 opener

DicksonDigital.com

Les Kiss has selected his match day squad for Friday's Guinness PRO12 encounter versus Newport Gwent Dragons at Kingspan Stadium (7.35pm kick-off).

Hughes Insurance Academy prop Ross Kane, Charles Piutau and Brett Herron are in line to make their competitive debuts for the Province, while Ireland internationals Craig Gilroy, Stuart Olding and Sean Reidy return to the team for the first time this season.

Rodney Ah You is unavailable for selection having suffered delayed onset concussive symptoms following Friday's 29-19 win over Northampton Saints and he will now follow the concussion return to play protocol. With fellow tighthead props Wiehahn Herbst, Ricky Lutton and Jonny Simpson also injured, Kane has been elevated into a starting position.

The 21-year-old will be joined in in the front row by Callum Black and Rob Herring, who will again skipper the side from hooker. Pete Browne and Franco van der Merwe will continue their combination in the second row.

Reidy's inclusion at openside flanker leads to a re-shuffle in the back row, with Clive Ross moving to blindside and Roger Wilson continuing at number 8.

Herron will partner Ruan Pienaar at half back, while Stuart McCloskey and Olding will form an exciting midfield partnership. Piutau, Gilroy and Ireland U20 star Jacob Stockdale will occupy the back three positions. Louis Ludik was unavailable for selection because of a hand injury picked up against Northampton.

John Andrew, Kyle McCall, Andy Warwick, Alan O'Connor and Robbie Diack will provide forward reinforcements from the bench, with Paul Marshall, Sam Windsor and Robert Lyttle, who is also in line for a competitive debut, offering backline cover.

Ulster team and replacements to play Newport Gwent Dragons, Friday 2nd September, Kingspan Stadium (kick-off 7.35pm):
(15-9): C Piutau; C Gilroy, S Olding, S McCloskey, J Stockdale; B Herron, R Pienaar;
(1-8): C Black, R Herring (captain), R Kane, P Browne, F van der Merwe, C Ross, S Reidy, R Wilson;
Replacements (16-23): J Andrew, K McCall, A Warwick, A O'Connor, R Diack, P Marshall, S Windsor, R Lyttle.

http://www.ulsterrugby.com/fixtures/151 ... 8gg5mD2bIU



Preview: Ulster v Dragons

Ulster boss Les Kiss has named a strong starting XV for Friday's PRO12 encounter with the Dragons at Kingspan Stadium.

Academy prop Ross Kane, Charles Piutau and Brett Herron are in line to make their competitive debuts for the province, while Ireland internationals Craig Gilroy, Stuart Olding and Sean Reidy return to the team for the first time this season.

Rodney Ah You is unavailable for selection having suffered delayed onset concussive symptoms following Friday's 29-19 win over Northampton Saints and he will now follow the concussion return to play protocol.

With fellow tighthead props Wiehahn Herbst, Ricky Lutton and Jonny Simpson also injured, Kane has been elevated into a starting position.

The 21-year-old will be joined in in the front row by Callum Black and Rob Herring, who will again skipper the side from hooker. Pete Browne and Franco van der Merwe will continue their combination in the second row.

Reidy's inclusion at openside flanker leads to a re-shuffle in the back row, with Clive Ross moving to blindside and Roger Wilson continuing at number eight.

Herron will partner Ruan Pienaar at scrum-half, while Stuart McCloskey and Stuart Olding will form an exciting midfield partnership. Piutau, Craig Gilroy and Ireland U20 star Jacob Stockdale will occupy the back three positions. Louis Ludik was unavailable for selection because of a hand injury picked up against Northampton.

John Andrew, Kyle McCall, Andy Warwick, Alan O'Connor and Robbie Diack will provide forward reinforcements from the bench, with Paul Marshall, Sam Windsor and Robert Lyttle, who is also in line for a competitive debut, offering backline cover.

Meanwhile, Dragons head coach Kingsley Jones has also named a competitive matchday squad for their season opener.

The Men of Gwent go into this match after playing three difficult pre-season friendlies against hard-hitting Premiership side Exeter Chiefs, Ealing Trailfinders and Cardiff Blues.

Once again Carl Meyer is selected at full-back alongside wingers Adam Warren and Pat Howard. The centre partnership also remains unchanged with newcomer Sam Beard getting the nod alongside Jack Dixon. The half-backs also stay the same as Nick Macleod and Sarel Pretorius retain their positions.

The front row sees newcomers Sam Hobbs and Craig Mitchell come into play alongside hooker Thomas Rhys Thomas. The second row sees a mixture of youth and experience as Cory Hill joins forces with Rynard Landman, whilst the back row consists of flankers Ollie Griffiths, Nic Cudd and number eight Ed Jackson.

Young flanker Ollie Griffiths is looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead this season.

"My first game for the Dragons was Ulster away," he said.

"Ulster always have a good crowd and are a strong team with a lot to offer so it will be a challenge, but the Exeter game should stand us in good stead, especially the first 50 minutes.

"Exeter are one of the best teams we will come up against all season so sharpen up a few things and we will be in with a good shout."

Looking at the appearances he has made for the region, Griffiths continued: "I don’t mind whether it’s 6 or 7 as long as I am out there on the park.

"As soon as I started getting a run of games together last season I did my hamstring so it’s just good being back out there with the boys.

"I like getting my hands on the ball and carrying, so a fast game suits me. We’ve had a good exciting style of play in pre-season and I hope that we can continue that into the season and build on it."

The replacements bench sees the return of skipper Lewis Evans and Welsh international Tyler Morgan. They join Rhys Buckley, Tom Davies, Lloyd Fairbrother, Nick Crosswell, Charlie Davies and Angus O’Brien.

Form: Ulster have lost just once on the opening weekend of the PRO12 since 2009: 8-15 to the Dragons in Newport in 2013. The Ulstermen were defeated by Leinster in Dublin in last season’s semi-finals, but finished the regular season with a run of four straight victories. The Dragons are in the midst of their worst ever sequence of results in the PRO12 having lost their last ten encounters since beating Leinster at Rodney Parade on 29 January, whilst their most recent away win in the Championship came on a trip to Treviso in March 2015. Ulster have lost just one of their last five contests with Dragons: 22-26 at Rodney Parade in March 2015 whilst the Welshmen have not been victorious at Kingspan Stadium since a 16-14 win in September 2008.

http://www.planetrugby.com/news/preview ... dragons-8/



Pro12: Ulster v Dragons (Fri)

Inpho

Pro12: Ulster v Newport Gwent Dragons

Date: Friday, 2 September Venue: Kingspan Stadium, Belfast Kick-off: 19:35 BST
Coverage: Live on BBC TWO Northern Ireland and the BBC Sport website and BBC Sport app; highlights later online and Scrum V on Sunday

Ruan Pienaar will start Ulster's Pro12 opener against the Dragons on Friday with Charles Piutau and Brett Herron handed debuts for the Irish province.

Pienaar's selection comes a day after the announcement that he would be leaving Ulster after this season.

Props Sam Hobbs and Craig Mitchell join backs Nick Macleod and Pat Howard in competitive Dragons debuts.

Ex-Wales hooker Rhys Thomas captains the visitors while Wales centre Tyler Morgan is on the bench.

England Under-18 international Herron will partner Pienaar at half-back with All Blacks star Piutau at full-back.

Prop Ross Kane will join Herron and Piutau in making his competitive debut after also playing in pre-season games.

With summer signing Rodney Ah You joining injured props Wiehahn Herbst, Ricky Lutton and Jonny Simpson as an absentee after being concussed in last weekend's warm-up win over Northampton, academy player Kane is handed his opportunity.

Andrew Trimble, along with other Ireland players Rory Best and Iain Henderson, is available following his summer tour exertions with the national squad so hooker Rory Herring will captain the side.

Trimble and Herring are sharing the Ulster captaincy this season after national skipper Best stepped down from the role.

With Chris Henry also not available because of injury, Sean Reidy, Clive Ross and Roger Wilson are named in the back row.

Ulster's backline includes Ireland internationals Stuart McCloskey, Stuart Olding and Craig Gilroy with Louis Ludik not being risked because of a thumb injury and Darren Cave missing for personal reasons.

Piutau and Gilroy are joined in the back three by Ireland Under-20 player Jacob Stockdale.

Dragons' regional captain Lewis Evans is back-row cover on the bench.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/37229623



Charles Piutau among three Ulster debutants for Pro12 opener
Rodney Ah You is unavailable having suffered delayed onset concussive symptoms

Inpho

Les Kiss has selected his match day squad for Friday’s Pro12 opener against Newport Gwent Dragons at Kingspan Stadium (7.35pm kick-off).

Academy prop Ross Kane, Charles Piutau and Brett Herron are in line to make their competitive debuts for the province, while Ireland internationals Craig Gilroy, Stuart Olding and Sean Reidy return to the team for the first time this season.

Rodney Ah You is unavailable for selection having suffered delayed onset concussive symptoms following Friday’s 29-19 win over Northampton Saints and he will now follow the concussion return to play protocol. With fellow tighthead props Wiehahn Herbst, Ricky Lutton and Jonny Simpson also injured, Kane has been elevated into a starting position.

The 21-year-old will be joined in in the front row by Callum Black and Rob Herring, who will again skipper the side from hooker. Pete Browne and Franco van der Merwe will continue their combination in the second row.

Reidy’s inclusion at openside flanker leads to a re-shuffle in the back row, with Clive Ross moving to blindside and Roger Wilson continuing at number eight.

Herron will partner Ruan Pienaar at half back, while Stuart McCloskey and Olding will form an exciting midfield partnership. Piutau, Gilroy and Ireland Under-20 star Jacob Stockdale will occupy the back three positions. Louis Ludik was unavailable for selection because of a hand injury picked up against Northampton.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/p ... -1.2775639



Ruan Pienaar named in Ulster squad for Guinness PRO12 game against Newport Gwent Dragons

Les Kiss has selected his match day squad for Friday's Guinness PRO12 encounter versus Newport Gwent Dragons at Kingspan Stadium

Hughes Insurance Academy prop Ross Kane, Charles Piutau and Brett Herron are in line to make their competitive debuts for the Province, while Ireland internationals Craig Gilroy, Stuart Olding and Sean Reidy return to the team for the first time this season.

Rodney Ah You is unavailable for selection having suffered delayed onset concussive symptoms following Friday's 29-19 win over Northampton Saints and he will now follow the concussion return to play protocol. With fellow tighthead props Wiehahn Herbst, Ricky Lutton and Jonny Simpson also injured, Kane has been elevated into a starting position.

The 21-year-old will be joined in in the front row by Callum Black and Rob Herring, who will again skipper the side from hooker. Pete Browne and Franco van der Merwe will continue their combination in the second row.

Reidy's inclusion at openside flanker leads to a re-shuffle in the back row, with Clive Ross moving to blindside and Roger Wilson continuing at number 8.

Herron will partner Ruan Pienaar at half back, while Stuart McCloskey and Olding will form an exciting midfield partnership. Piutau, Gilroy and Ireland U20 star Jacob Stockdale will occupy the back three positions. Louis Ludik was unavailable for selection because of a hand injury picked up against Northampton.

John Andrew, Kyle McCall, Andy Warwick, Alan O'Connor and Robbie Diack will provide forward reinforcements from the bench, with Paul Marshall, Sam Windsor and Robert Lyttle, who is also in line for a competitive debut, offering backline cover.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 13159.html



Ulster's new outhalf 'excited' for start of Pro12 season
The new season of the Guinness PRO12 opens up this weekend with all four Irish Provinces back in action.

Brett Herron will play outhalf for Ulster. ©Sportsfile

Ulster kick of their PRO12 season at home to the Dragons on Friday night.

The departing Ruan Pienaar has been named to start as scrumhalf. Hughes Insurance Academy prop Ross Kane, Charles Piutau and Brett Herron are in line to make their competitive debuts for the province, while Ireland internationals Craig Gilroy, Stuart Olding and Sean Reidy return to the team for the first time this season.

It's an opportunity for Irish qualified outhalf Herron to make a good first impress in front of a home crowd.

He said: “From day one everyone has been very excited to get out there and play together. We’ve put in some good performances and going forward it's only going to get better and everyone is very excited about the upcoming season.”

Munster start the season with bad news. Out half Johnny Holland has been forced to retire due to injury. They take on Scarlets while Connacht host Glasgow Warriors in the Sports Grounds on Saturday.

http://utv.ie/Sport/2016/09/01/Ulsters- ... ason-62652


THE FLIP SIDE



Ulster v Newport Gwent Dragons team news: Rynard Landman returns for Welsh Region

The influential South African lock is back after missing their final warm-up match against Exeter Chiefs with a calf niggle

Rynard Landman returns from injury to start for the Dragons in their Guinness Pro12 opener against Ulster on Friday night.

The influential South African lock is back after missing their final warm-up match against Exeter Chiefs with a calf niggle.

However, compatriot Brok Harris misses out with a shoulder injury, with Wales prop Craig Mitchell starting in his place.

He makes his debut alongside looseheads Sam Hobbs and Tom Davies in the forwards, with fellow newcomers Nick McLeod and Pat Howard lining up at fly-half and wing respectively.

Club captain Lewis Evans has overcome a niggle to take his place on the bench, while Tyler Morgan is also named as a replacement having toured in New Zealand this summer.

The Gwent region will go into their opening fixture at the Kingspan Stadium as massive underdogs, having failed to win a single away game last season.

But backs coach Shaun Conor is excited by the challenge of facing the Irish province.

"“We know they are a quality team but a tough game focuses the mind,"” he said.

“"We feel pre-season has gone well but this is a great sign of where we are.

“"We will have a more expansive approach this season, we are going to be looking to score more tries and it’s about us producing a style of rugby that people want to watch.

“"It’s not about playing wide, wide rugby. It’s about playing sensibly and if it’s on to play wide then we will but if we’ve got to be direct we will be direct.

“"We are encouraging players to make decisions and hopefully we will get more right than wrong.”"

Ulster will be without a large contingent of Ireland internationals but can still call upon the talent of Springbok Ruan Pienaar and All Black Charles Piutau, who makes his much anticipated debut after joining from Wasps.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugb ... s-11828854



Rynard Landman back to boost Dragons for Guinness Pro12 opener against Ulster in Belfast

NEWPORT Gwent Dragons are boosted by the return of influential lock Rynard Landman for their Guinness Pro12 opener against Ulster tomorrow but his fellow South African Brok Harris misses out through injury.

Head coach Kingsley Jones makes just one change to the starting XV that pushed Exeter hard for an hour in their final pre-season friendly with Landman replacing Matthew Screech.

Captain and back row forward Lewis Evans has overcome a niggle to take a place on the bench where he will be joined by Nick Crosswell, who passed a head injury assessment after being forced off against the Chiefs, and Wales centre/wing Tyler Morgan.

The absence of influential tighthead Harris because of a shoulder injury is a blow for the clash in Belfast (kick-off 7.35pm) but presents former Wales prop Craig Mitchell, a summer signing from Cardiff Blues, with a chance to impress.

He makes his debut along with wing Pat Howard, centre Sam Beard, fly-half Nick Macleod and looseheads Sam Hobbs and Tom Davies.

Ulster start as hot favourites to take the spoils against a Dragons side who failed to win a single Pro12 game away from Newport last season but the visitors, who were pipped at the death 17-15 in last season’s corresponding fixture, are excited by the challenge.

“We know they are a quality team but a tough game focuses the mind,” said backs coach Shaun Connor. “We feel pre-season has gone well but this is a great sign of where we are.

“We will have a more expansive approach this season, we are going to be looking to score more tries and it’s about us producing a style of rugby that people want to watch.

“It’s not about playing wide, wide rugby. It’s about playing sensibly and if it’s on to play wide then we will but if we’ve got to be direct we will be direct.

“We are encouraging players to make decisions and hopefully we will get more right than wrong.”

Ulster are without their Ireland internationals Paddy Jackson, Jared Payne, Andrew Trimble and Iain Henderson following their summer exertions in South Africa while tighthead Rodney Ah You is out because of a concussion, forcing them to field academy prop Ross Kane.

However, they are still able to call on try machine Craig Gilroy, strong centres Stuart McCloskey and Stuart Olding, Springboks World Cup winner Ruan Pienaar and New Zealand star Charles Piutau, who will make his debut from full-back after arriving from Wasps.

“Charles Piutau is a great signing for them and is a real threat. If we kick loosely against them we are going to be in for a long evening. He is going to stress our defence,” said Connor.

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/ ... er_opener/

[Mac]

Thursday 1st September 2016

PART IV



IRFU Succession Policy – One Rule For Leinster And One Rule For Everyone Else?

The IRFU’s failure to grant Ulster a contract extension for 32-year-old South African scrum-half Ruan Pienaar has caused uproar among Irish rugby fans this week.

Pienaar, who will be entering his seventh season at Ravenhill this year, was denied a contract extension for next season by the IRFU after both Ulster and the player initially looked to have agreed on personal terms to keep the Springbok in Belfast.

In a statement released by the IRFU, Performance Director David Nucifora said:

“The IRFU recognises the contribution that Ruan Pienaar has made to Ulster Rugby over the seven year period he will have been with the province.

“However the IRFU informed Ulster Rugby during the 2015/16 season that it would not sanction a further extension of his contract.

“It is vital for both Ulster and Irish rugby that the province develop indigenous talent in this position and an extension of Ruan’s contract would further prevent Irish qualified Ulster players from maximising their developmental potential and becoming stars for both Ulster and Ireland.”

The IRFU’s succession policy dictates that non-Irish qualified players are restricted to one per field position across the four provinces, and generally operate on a ‘one-contract-and-out’ basis.

For example, if Ruan Pienaar is Ulster’s scrum-half, no other Irish province is allowed to sign a non-Irish qualified scrum-half. The same applies for Munster’s Francis Saili in Limerick; no other Irish province is theoretically allowed to sign a non-Irish qualified centre without the IRFU’s permission.

The policy is not exactly rigid though, as Leinster possess two international fullbacks in Zane Kirchner and Isa Nacewa, while Ulster were allowed to sign former All Blacks fullback Charles Piutau for the upcoming season.

However, Nacewa and Kirchner may be classified as wingers to accommodate the signing of Piutau, but one has to wonder if the All Blacks flyer left Ulster, and a Bryan Habana or a Digby Ioane became available to an Irish team, would they still be classified as wingers, or would the IRFU mark them down as fullbacks in that situation?

The idea of the IRFU’s succession policy is that the provinces will be forced to promote players internally as a result of the IRFU limiting the flow of foreign internationals into Irish rugby. The belief, or maybe more accurately the hope, is that young Irish players will take the place of experienced internationals and therefore have a better chance of one day becoming international players in their own right. The policy is in place for the supposed betterment of Irish Rugby but the policy also allows the IRFU to directly dictate the province’s signings.

For instance, when Fijian international Isa Nacewa came out of retirement and returned to Leinster last season at 32-years-old, the Aucklander was granted a two year contract by Leinster that would keep him in Belfield until the end of the 2016/17 season.

Nacewa’s signing was approved by the IRFU, and directly restricted the first team appearances of Leinster wingers Adam Byrne and Cian Kelleher, and also limited Ulster, Connacht and Munster’s ability to sign international utilitys, with Leinster also possessing Springbok fullback Zane Kirchner.

Nacewa’s signing also came just a matter of months before the IRFU reportedly blocked Wallabies captain Stephen Moore’s move to Munster.

Moore, who was also 32-years-old at the time of the proposed move, was reportedly keen on a move to Thomond Park but the deal fell through after the IRFU supposedly vetoed the deal.

Nucifora strongly refuted the claims that the IRFU blocked the deal claiming via the Irish Independent:

“Munster came to us with Stephen and said ‘this is what we’d like to put forward’. There’s a whole range of things that we think about that go into these decisions.

“So, having a player that’s still eligible to play international rugby that’s going to cost a province a lot of money, is that the best use of the funds available, where he’s going to be missing for a large portion of the season? Probably not.

“It’d be nice to have him but it’d be nice to have him for the whole year.

“It wasn’t blocked. There probably was an offer made to Moore. It just wasn’t accepted.”

Nucifora questioning the use of funds and Moore’s availability suggests that there were bigger factors at play than the Wallabies captain simply not accepting Munster’s proposed offer.

The IRFU may have denied blocking the Moore move, but they did deny Pienaar’s extension at Ulster, and as a result, have raised serious questions over their ability to interfere in provincial rugby.

Pienaar and Nacewa were the same age when their contracts were up for negotiations with their respective provinces, and a strong argument can be made that Nacewa’s presence in Leinster arguably blocks more Irish players from playing at a provincial level than Pienaar’s existence in Ulster, with Ireland U20s fullback/winger Cian Kelleher leaving Leinster as a direct result of a lack of game time with the province last season.

In theory, the IRFU’s succession policy can be a positive for Irish rugby, as it prevents provinces from loading up on international players in place of prospective Irish players.

The counter-argument of course is that if there is a lack of international players in the Irish game, then Irish players may end up developing in environments that are not conducive to winning, and therefore their potential may not be fully achieved.

The growing riches of the Aviva Premiership and the Top 14 may take that decision out of the Union’s hands to some extent, as Irish provinces will struggle to attract top talent anyway, given the financial disparity between the English & French leagues and the Pro 12.

But even if Irish provinces can convince talent like Pienaar to stay, the last thing they need is the IRFU interfering in the process, especially if it’s a situation like Pienaar’s where it’s more or less a done deal.

Ulster can make a compelling and convincing argument that the signing of Nacewa is a bigger roadblock in developing Irish talent than if the province retained Pienaar.

Skeptics will once again claim IRFU biasness towards Leinster, but in reality, the bigger issue here is that all four province’s personnel decisions are directly impacted upon by the IRFU, and as seen with Kelleher at Leinster, the IRFU doesn’t always know best.

http://www.punditarena.com/rugby/irish- ... yone-else/

[Mac]

Friday 2nd September 2016

MATCH DAY 1



Pienaar begins long goodbye as Piutau era gets underway

For six seasons, the Springbok has ruled the roost in south Belfast, but he will now have to share the star mantle with the All Black flier, who is by far the most exciting addition to the Guinness Pro12 this summer. Oliver McVeigh / SPORTSFILE

The anguish around Ruan Pienaar's impending exit will dominate the pre-match chatter at Kingspan Stadium tonight, but the Ulster faithful can take solace at the presence of Charles Piutau in their starting team for the first time.

For six seasons, the Springbok has ruled the roost in south Belfast, but he will now have to share the star mantle with the All Black flier, who is by far the most exciting addition to the Guinness Pro12 this summer.

Piutau was outstanding for Wasps last year, and the early signs in pre-season were that he isn't about to let up.

Pienaar's exit means there is additional pressure on Ulster to end their long wait for a trophy this year, given the lack of high-calibre replacements available to them at the end of the season.

Les Kiss is able to field a strong backline for the opener against a Dragons side lacking in star quality, with Craig Gilroy and Stuart Olding hoping to build on their summer tour exploits and Ireland U-20 players Jacob Stockdale and Brett Herron looking to prove their worth.

This season, however, the problem for the northern province lies in the pack, where the depth is nowhere near as strong as behind the scrum.

Academy tighthead Ross Kane makes his debut from the start amidst a front-row injury crisis, while Marcel Coetzee is some way from full fitness and Iain Henderson and Rory Best are kept on ice.

Even so, the home side should get off to winning ways.

Verdict: Ulster

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/u ... 14845.html


Time for Ulster to finally make their overdue breakthrough

Sportsfile.com

In 2014, Ulster were determined to secure some silverware for their departing captain Johann Muller but they came up just short.

Having rebuilt after the Springbok's retirement, they find themselves in a similar situation after confirming this week that Ruan Pienaar will leave at the end of the season.

The reality for Les Kiss is that he will not be able to replace the brilliant South African scrum-half like-for-like and, with the combination of new signings Charles Piutau and Marcel Coetzee and Pienaar and Franco van der Merwe along with a strong spine of Ireland internationals, they may never get a better chance.

Kiss has said that the Guinness Pro12 is the priority and a Kingspan Stadium semi-final should be a major target, but they will fancy their chances of qualifying from a tough, but even-looking European pool and they have the firepower to win games when the ground hardens.


The big concern comes in the front-row where they begin with an injury crisis and appear to lack the kind of depth they can boast behind the scrum where Kiss has an embarrassment of riches. Nick Williams is a loss and Coetzee's injury means his debut is delayed, but they look a good bet for the league and decent shot for a run in the Champions Cup.

Squad

Behind the scrum, there are few teams who can boast the options available to Kiss who has 10 Ireland internationals, an All Black and a Springbok to choose from.

At half-back, there is a big drop-off when Pienaar and Paddy Jackson are unavailable, but elsewhere there is an abundance of talented game-breakers and Piutau gives them the kind of threat not found elsewhere in the league.

Up front, the scrum is a concern given the early-season injuries and it will be interesting to see how Rodney Ah You adapts, but the lineout should continue to run well.

Williams' departure deprives the team of go-forward ball, but Iain Henderson should continue his rise and others will pick up the slack.

Coaching ticket

Kiss is a widely respected figurehead who allows his unit coaches go about their tasks away from the glare of the media limelight.

The experienced Australian has plenty of support from the highly regarded Neil Doak who implements the game-plan, while Joe Barakat and Allan Clarke had solid first seasons last year. There is plenty of know-how behind the scenes, with the detailed mind of Kiss knitting it all together.

Expectation

Ulster expects, plain and simple.

The northern province have been present at the business end of the season for most of the last number of campaigns but have yet to add to the Celtic League they collected in 2006.

With Pienaar leaving, they have a cause but that hasn't been enough before.

The landmark signings of Piutau and Coetzee mean they have plenty of firepower, while their growing number of Ireland players are increasing their experience levels and they should be able to handle it.

Recruitment

Piutau is by far and away the best addition to any squad in the league, while Coetzee is not far behind.

Full houses and the backing of Kingspan mean that Ulster are in a strong position and they have made their mark.

X-factor

Between Jared Payne, Pienaar, Stuart Olding and Piutau, few teams pack as many players who can make things happen as the northern province.

Room for growth

If Ulster can improve their consistency during the season, then they can won't need a late charge like last year and their stronger squad should ensure better mid-season results.

Verdict: Ulster should be targeting the Pro12 title and at least a visit to the European quarter-finals after making a significant investment in their squad.

They will be good to watch, but it's time they added the winning edge to their game.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/u ... 14847.html



Ulster backline expected to shine as Pro12 kicks off
Les Kiss expects Ruan Pienaar and others to front up against Newport Gwent Dragons

Ulster scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar: name is sure to be cheered to the rafters at the Kingspan. Presseye/Inpho

Ross Kane, a 21-year-old academy prop, will make his competitive debut for Ulster in their opening Guinness Pro12 fixture. Injuries to props Wiehahn Herbst, Ricky Lutton and Jonny Simpson means the Queen’s University Belfast student, who has represented Ulster at several age-grade levels and previously captained Methody to a Schools Senior Cup win, is handed a debut.

New Zealand-born Ireland international Rodney Ah You, who joined from Connacht in the summer, is also unavailable having suffered delayed onset concussive symptoms following Friday’s 29-19 win over Northampton Saints and he will now follow the concussion return-to-play protocol.

Ulster coach Les Kiss has also handed competitive debuts to 20-year-old outhalf Brett Herron, who joined from Bath, and former All Black Charles Piutau, already a favourite in Belfast. Indeed Ulster’s backline is endowed with some of the most talented players in the country.

Outstanding performer

Craig Gilroy, Stuart Olding and Stuart McCloskey possesses the skills to enthrall while Jacob Stockdale was an outstanding performer in the Ireland side that reached the Under-20 World Cup final in Manchester. Ruan Pienaar’s name is sure to be cheered to the rafters, the popular and hugely influential scrumhalf, happily recovered from injury.

Sean Reidy, who won a first Irish cap during the summer tour to South Africa, is named in the backrow that sees Clive Ross switch to blindside flanker to accommodate his return.

The Dragons lost Talupe Faletau to Bath during the off season and have warmed up with pre-season friendlies against Exeter Chiefs, Ealing Trailfinders and Cardiff Blues.

Ulster struggled to overcome the Welsh side, only winning both matches narrowly last season. If they can get a reasonable platform upfront, the have a surfeit of quality behind the scrum to capitalise.

Verdict: Ulster

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/p ... -1.2776209



Ross Kane steps up for Ulster against Newport-Gwent Dragons

There’s nothing like being tossed in at the deep end on the rugby succession ladder; such is the case for 21-year-old Ross Kane who will make his Ulster debut this evening in the opening Guinness PRO12 clash of the season when Newport-Gwent Dragons visit Kingspan Stadium (7.35pm kick-off).

Still wet between the ears as far as senior rugby is concerned, the Ballymena prop, who is part of the Ulster Academy, will get more of an inkling of what rugby is really like in the dark corridors of the front row.

Director of rugby Les Kiss had little option but to give the number three jersey to the Bangor-born prop after yet another injury-ravaged start to the season for Ulster.

New signing Rodney Ah You, Wiehahn Herbst, Ricky Lutton, and Jonny Simpson are all out injured, and with yesterday’s new short-term signing, Georgian prop Anton Peikrishvilii, still unavailable, Kane has a big load to bear.

Ah You was the latest injury woe after a delayed onset of concussion following last week’s pre-season win against Northampton. He will now follow return-to-play protocol.

At least Kiss has been allowed to field three internationals in Stuart Olding, who will partner Stuart McCloskey in midfield; winger Craig Gilroy who takes over from the injured Louis Ludik; and flanker Sean Reidy, while Ruan Pienaar, is passed fit to start after a recent elbow injury.

Hooker Rob Herring leads the side, which also sees full-back Charles Piutau and fly-half Brett Herron make their full competitive debuts.

“I just can’t wait to start. It has been a long pre-season and now looking forward to some proper games,” said Herring, now official skipper of Ulster in tandem with Andrew Trimble.

“During the Exeter game we were not on the money at all, but we regrouped and came back really well against Northampton.

“They have taken a lot of confidence going into this game and everyone is raring to go. However, it won’t be easy,” said Herring of a Dragons team that has a new coaching set-up and have recruited well.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugb ... 18979.html



Ruan Pienaar: Why Ulster have only themselves to blame
Pienaar predicament exposes flaws in the system: Patterson

Ulster's last great home-grown scrum-half, Colin Patterson, has said more should have been done to develop a local successor to Ruan Pienaar.

The Springbok superstar will leave Kingspan next summer with former Lions tourist Patterson wondering why more indigenous nines have not emerged in that time.

"There's obviously a reason behind it," said the legendary Irish international.

"New Zealand can produce scrum-half after scrum-half after scrum-half. If they can do it, why can't we? It's not a case of why can't we, it's why aren't we. There are certain things to be done to produce more of our own that we're just not doing.

"If we're going to develop our own, then we need to put coaching systems in place that produce the very best."

With still a year to go until his IRFU-enforced exit, Pienaar will take the field tonight when Ulster get their Guinness PRO12 campaign underway against Newport Gwent Dragons at Kingspan Stadium (7.35pm KO).

Elsewhere, however, an injury crisis has forced Director of Rugby Les Kiss to hand a debut to Academy prop Ross Kane.

Rodney Ah You, a summer arrival from champions Connacht, showed "delayed onset concussive symptoms" after last week's friendly win over Northampton Saints meaning he joins Wiehahn Herbst, Ricky Lutton and Johnny Simpson on the sidelines.

Georgian international Anton Peikrishvili will arrive shortly to offer temporary relief but is not in contention for tonight.

"It's a good opportunity for Ross," said Kiss. "He came off the bench against Northampton and did a good job for us. It's not ideal, your four front-line tight-head props out of action but, look, the IRFU have been helpful (allowing Peikrishvili's signing) and it's good for Ross to be exposed to another level."

Kane will not be the only man enjoying his competitive Ulster debut with All Black Charles Piutau and out-half Brett Herron joining him in making their maiden PRO12 appearances.

The hosts have also been able to welcome Irish trio Craig Gilroy, Stuart Olding and Sean Reidy back into the fold after their summer exertions with the national team in South Africa.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 15306.html


THE FLIP SIDE



Dragons use last-gasp agony to fuel bid for glory in Ulster opener

REVENGE MISSION: Newport Gwent Dragons will attempt to avenge last season's last-gasp defeat to Sean Reidy and Ulster

NEWPORT Gwent Dragons will use the pain of a last-gasp loss in Belfast to show that it’s not mission impossible in their Guinness Pro12 opener against Ulster this evening.

The Dragons are underdogs for the curtain-raiser at Kingspan Stadium (kick-off 7.35pm) against hosts who are expected to be in the title mix.

Kingsley Jones’ side have lost their last 10 games in the Pro12 and failed to record a single league success away from Rodney Parade in 2015/16.

But in February they were just over a minute away from only a second ever win in Belfast only for Ireland fly-half Paddy Jackson to break their hearts with a penalty at the death for a 17-15 victory.

“It was a tough one for us because they were at the top of the table and we were struggling for form,” said number eight Ed Jackson.

“We said before the game that we would just chuck everything at them and that we had nothing to lose. They snuck it at the end and it is still sore for the boys, but we are using that this week.

“It’s not a case of ‘we owe them one’ because it’s not their fault we had two yellow cards but it’s more giving us the confidence that we can go to Ravenhill and put in a big performance, we won’t stand off them and will try to impose our game on them.”

Ulster boast a strong squad and will field a formidable back line that features All Black Charles Piutau, Springbok Ruan Pienaar and homegrown talent Stuart Olding, Craig Gilroy and Stuart McCloskey, although the absence of several Ireland internationals and a tighthead injury crisis provides hope of an away win.

And Jackson believes a big challenge is the perfect way for the Dragons to kick off a campaign that sees them trying to

“It’s a tough place to go but you never have to get yourself up for it because Ravenhill is always sold-out with a great atmosphere,” he said.

“You need these challenges early on in a season to find out where you are and it’s better to have a hard, fast start than a slow build-up.”

He continued: “We are going to play more expansive rugby this season but we also have a bigger emphasis on our pack. Set piece is very important for us because we need a platform to play from.

“We want to play some entertaining rugby, we want to throw the ball around and be a team that people want to watch.

“We’ve got some experienced boys in the back line to go with the very good young talent, giving more direction and making right decisions about when to chuck it about and when to keep it tight.”

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/ ... er_opener/

[Mac]

Friday 2nd September 2016

PART II

Whiff.png (40.7 KiB) Viewed 1320 times

Off With You!

A new season is here. Hello everyone! Let’s all start with an essay entitled ‘What we did on our Holidays’.

While a look at the upcoming season (Which non-scoring wings will Leinster start this year? Who are the latest pairing to be tried in the centres for Munster? Is Robbie Diack still on the bench? Can Connacht do it again?) is in order, the first dramatic talking point looks to be the non-renewal of Ruan Pienaar’s contract. It’s a staggering bit of decision-making from the IRFU and to these eyes, totally wrongheaded.

It’s borne of the directives on recruitment of foreign players, rolled out to great fanfare (and bemusement) back in 2013, and which have been selectively enforced ever since. The non-scoring Zane Kirchner has (mystifyingly) been allowed to keep Irish non-scoring wings kicking their heels while doing very little to justify paying him, and we lost count of the number of extensions BJ Botha managed to winkle out. Yet the IRFU say they cannot give Pienaar another contract because Ulster now have to fill the 9 shirt with an Irishman.

It looks a wrong decision on so many levels. For a start, simply vacating the number 9 shirt is not going to elevate the indigenous scrum halves at Ulster to a higher level. The player who is next in line at the province is Paul Marshall, who is clearly not in the picture for test recognition, ranking number 5 in the depth chart on his best days, and mostly lower. He’s a decent Pro12 player, but that’s just not good enough for Ireland, and never will be, no matter how much gametime he gets. After that, its Dave Shanahan and Angus Lloyd – now it’s possible that one of this pair will improve to such an extent that will be better than (a then 35 year old) Pienaar in three years, but it’s far less likely if Pienaar is half heartedly flinging passes to a deep-lying Lionel Beauxis to welt into orbit than working with them every day.

Furthermore, it’s easy to argue that Pienaar’s presence has benefitted Irish rugby, and would continue to do so, through his stewarding of Paddy Jackson. On this year’s summer tour, much was made of Jackson’s emergence as a player of test quality, finally giving us a reliable replacement for Jonny Sexton. But how much does Jackson’s development owe to playing alongside so assured and consummate a performer as Ruan Pienaar? Put it this way, would Jackson be at his current performance level if Pienaar left for Toulon two years ago when offered a blank cheque? Jackson has now reached maturity, and no longer requires a scrum half to take pressure off him, as might have been the case in the past, and any 10 will tell you that the better the passes they receive from the 9, the better they are likely to play.

A look at the bigger picture also reveals the rules that have dictated Pienaar must leave to be somewhat anachronistic – and have only been half applied in the past anyway. They were devised when Ireland had three strong provinces and one extra; Connacht were exempt. The idea was that across the three provinces we would have two Irish players playing regularly in each position. But with Connacht no longer an add-on and now winning trophies and contributing players to the national team, the rules don’t really make sense any more, at least in their old form. I make it that there are three scrum halves vying for the vacant spot as Conor Murray’s deputy for Ireland; Luke McGrath, John Cooney and Kieran Marmion. Two of those are playing with Connacht, the other with Leinster. It’s hard to see what Ruan Pienaar’s presence at Ulster can possibly be doing to hamper their development.

But worst of all, it just feels like shabby treatment of a great player and person. There does not appear to be any consideration for the fact that, after seven years, Pienaar and his family have laid down roots here, and wanted to stay (was willing to for less than he could have earned on the open market) and ultimately move into coaching. It feels like he’s been treated as a commodity, a tick in the box marked ‘non-indigenous player’ and nothing more. When those Top 5 Foreign Imports lists are drawn up in future years you can guarantee that Pienaar’s name will be up there with the Doug Howletts and Felipe Contepomis. He has been world class for Ulster, a lynchpin. He deserves better treatment than this, and it’s a decision that is unlikely to benefit Irish rugby either.

Gerry thinks it’s down to the presence of Jamison Gibson-Park in D4, and it’s probably a factor. But, as hass been said, if the IRFU are prioritising an opportunistic free agent as a potential Irish cap in 3 years over a man and a player like Ruan Pienaar, it’s a great shame, and doesn’t say much for them.

https://whiffofcordite.com/2016/09/02/off-with-you/



Pienaar disaster sets the precedent for further fan misery

Unless you’re an Irish Rugby fan that has been living on Mars, you will have heard the news by now that the IRFU have refused to extend the contract of South African scrum half Ruan Pienaar. The news comes after the union’s performance director David Nucifora said the decision was to ensure that “indigenous talent” was developed around the provinces. It’s a swift kick in the teeth for Ulster Rugby, with the Springbok arguably one of the best players ever to grace the PRO12.

The news probably couldn’t have come at a worse time, with Ulster having strengthened over summer having added the likes of Rodney Ah You and Charles Piutau, they now face the impossible challenge of recruiting to fill the void that Pienaar will leave at the end of the season, a player that is essentially irreplaceable.

Nucifora acknowledged the contribution that the thirty-two-year-old had made, but it’s empty words for all involved, with both the player and club admitted they didn’t want to part company. Not only does it leave a bitter taste in the mouth once again for the northern province whose supporters often feel they are a Dublin afterthought, but the official statement reeks of hypocrisy. It is acceptable to talk about indigenous talent but not when the national side has already seen the likes of Jared Payne step into a green jersey, born in New Zealand. Judging by this latest debacle, the IRFU only cares about foreign born talent if it suits them.

But the real problem with the situation is what it leaves for the future. Perhaps we will see Ulster Rugby perform a miracle and sign another world class starlet following Pienaar’s departure. But who is to say it won’t happen again? We may well have the same situation in five years’ time. Either way, the proverbial sword that now hangs over the head of the provinces may just well mean no one is safe.

http://www.harpinonrugby.net/2016/09/pi ... t-for.html



Shane Horgan fears Ruan Pienaar exit from Ulster could hurt Irish rugby

Ending Ruan Pienaar's seven-year stay at Ulster could damage the Irish provinces' ability to recruit top global stars, according to Shane Horgan.

Irish chiefs blocked Ulster's attempts to extend Pienaar's contract past next summer, challenging the Ravenhill province to promote from within instead.

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has defended the policy of championing home-grown talent in a bid to boost depth at scrum-half, but Horgan remains sceptical.

The former British and Irish Lions wing believes forcing 88-cap Springboks half-back Pienaar to leave Ulster "sends out a bad message" to future potential recruits at all four Irish provinces.

"Ruan Pienaar's been there for quite a number of years, he's performed very well, he's a key member of their culture and has helped developed that," Horgan told Press Association Sport.

"There's some risks in that it sends out a bad message to other overseas players.

"He's come and done the right thing, he's built a life in Belfast. It's never been just a money deal for him. He's invested in the community there, he's invested in the club.

"From that perspective you've got to be wary that you don't stop similar players doing the same thing.

"All the overseas players that have been successful in Ireland have totally embraced the life.

"The ones that haven't been successful are the ones who have come for money. So it's important not to dissuade other players from building a life here."

Ulster issued a statement on Wednesday insisting the Belfast outfit were disappointed not to be able to extend Pienaar's contract once more.

The 32-year-old looks set for a switch to France, though Ulster hope to bring him back to the province in a coaching capacity in the long-run.

The IRFU's performance director David Nucifora countered Ulster's confirmation of Pienaar's situation, insisting the province must instead "develop indigenous talent in this position".

Former Leinster and Ireland wing Horgan fully supports the IRFU's succession planning, but believes Irish bosses may have taken a step too far by ushering Pienaar out of Ulster's door.

"It's an important consideration for the IRFU to develop players for the overall health of the game," said Horgan.

"But players can be developed within the existing framework.

"If there was a player really knocking on the door in that position and that was clear, then fine, but that's not the case at the moment.

"You've got to think about the development of the entire squad. If you take out a key player at nine and you don't have an indigenous player to perform at that level, then you're compromising maybe the development of the whole squad. And you may have to sign someone anyway.

"I understand the philosophy behind it, but it's not just a case of a foreign player leaving means automatically we'll have an international nine slotting in.

"If players there aren't good enough to be pushing consistently, I'm not sure that's going to change just because you give someone more game time."

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 16498.html



'We tried everything in the book to keep him but Ulster weren't having any of it'
Charles Piutau makes his Ulster debut tonight having arrived from Wasps as the province’s marquee signing.

Presseye/Brian Little/INPHO

OVER THE COURSE of one evening, Charles Piutau has already given the Ravenhill faithful a taste of what is to come and one of his former team-mates believes the All Black will have a big impact at Ulster.

The 24-year-old back marked his home debut for the province with a try during last week’s friendly win over Northampton and will tonight make his Pro12 bow against Newport Gwent Dragons.

With much of the talk around Belfast in the build-up to the new season surrounding the impending departure of Ruan Pienaar, Piutau’s arrival has certainly boosted Les Kiss’ ranks.

The New Zealander is undoubtedly the Pro12′s marquee addition and James Haskell, who played alongside Piutau at Wasps, believes he will take the league by storm.

“I think he’s going to be massive for Ulster,” Haskell said. “He’s their biggest signing, we tried to keep hold of him and Ulster were not having that. They’re trying to build a team around him and I think it’s the most money they’ve ever spent on a player.

“He’s great because he’s a consummate professional. He’s going to come in and he loves to work hard, he’s out there training every day and he’s not a primadonna, he’s very keen to improve his game.

“He’s such a devastating runner with the ball in hand and they’ve got (Marcell) Coetzee as well, who’s gone there. I think Ulster are going to be the team to watch, they’re going to be very good. You saw what Charles did for us at Wasps last season, just how if you kick badly to him or give him an opportunity, he can create stuff out of nothing. As soon as you learn to play off him then he puts a lot of people away for tries.”

Speaking at the launch of Sky Sports’ rugby coverage for the new season yesterday, Haskell admitted the Premiership club did everything within their power to retain Piutau’s services.

However, Ulster had already tied him down to a two-year contract back in April 2015 and weren’t prepared to let him stay in England.

“I think we tried everything in the book to keep him but Ulster were never going to have that,” the England international continued.

“They’d announced it a year before he was due to come over there and they weren’t going to let us snatch him over.

“He had his brother over playing for us and he really enjoyed it but the things with these guys, he’ll come in and put in the same amount of effort for Ulster as he did for us and will definitely be great.

“That’s what I love about him. At Wasps he was always professional, set standards and just constantly did amazing things in training. He broke a few boys’ ankles with his footwork, they were falling over left, right and centre and he did that in games as well.”

http://www.the42.ie/charles-piutau-ulst ... 0-Sep2016/