The UAFC

Kanbei wrote:Nothing this week before the biggest game of the season?

Surely this is the biggest game of next season?

Maybe to many Journalists in yesterday as the ban was lifted

Did they have to admit it was a ban..

News journalists were admitted to an Ulster Rugby press conference for the first time since Easter Monday yesterday - but were effectively gagged, after the Belfast Telegraph was told its questions on press exclusion were "not at all relevant"


This newspaper was one of only two media outlets to send a news reporter to the match briefing with Ulster's head coach Jono Gibbes, and the only one to ask questions regarding the club's ban on news journalists, in force since last month.

The ban on news reporters followed the nine-week trial of former Ulster Rugby stars Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, who were acquitted of rape.

However, they were sacked following an internal review of their conduct and behaviour by Ulster Rugby and the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU).

Yesterday's press event was held ahead of Sunday's match against Ospreys. When this newspaper asked Mr Gibbes why Ulster Rugby had decided to re-admit news reporters yesterday, and whether it regretted the ban, he repeatedly turned to the club's Senior Communications Officer Richard Finlay.

Mr Finlay said the question was "not at all relevant to this weekend's game" and that he would be "happy to speak" to us afterwards.

As this reporter waited, Mr Finlay then declared that he would respond via email.

Despite this pledge, Ulster Rugby's response failed to address the queries.

Secretary of the Belfast and District Branch of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ciaran O Maolain said that Ulster Rugby's behaviour yesterday hadn't yet fixed how it deals with the media.

The NUJ has met with Ulster Rugby over the issue, and remains in correspondence with the club to seek a resolution.

"They haven't really gone far enough to repair the damage done to relations with our profession," said Mr O Maolain.

"The NUJ was deeply unhappy with the allegation that news journalists were behaving 'unprofessionally' when they were doing their jobs legitimately, and we hope the ongoing dialogue with Ulster Rugby will result in more appropriate and respectful treatment of media representatives. We hope to get the situation resolved by the end of the month."

When the rape trial ended on March 28, Ulster Rugby sent an email to journalists ahead of its press event on April 2 which said "only rugby matters will be discussed".

Some reporters subsequently asked questions which were deemed 'unacceptable' by Ulster Rugby, leading the club to restrict access to sports journalists only.

Ulster Rugby issued a statement criticising "the conduct of news journalists". and Mr Finlay claimed the news journalists' conduct had been "unprofessional" - a claim disputed by those who attended.

What we asked - and that they replied

Why did Ulster Rugby decide to re-admit news journalists to its press conference?
Does Ulster Rugby regret banning news journalists?
Does Ulster Rugby still stand by saying news journalists acted unprofessionally?
What would Ulster Rugby say to criticism that the club mishandled the situation?
A spokesperson for Ulster Rugby said: "We can confirm that all accreditation requests for today's match briefing were facilitated, in line with tournament guidelines.

"Tournament organisers stipulate the following in relation to pre-match media events:

"Clubs shall invite relevant representatives of the media to preview the upcoming match.

"Clubs shall ensure the attendance of senior coaches and players

"Terms of accreditation for media may be introduced."

Anyone else think Finaly is out of his depth

Gerald the Mole wrote:Anyone else think Finaly is out of his depth

Not now the tide has gone out on Ulster Rugby.

http://pressgazette.co.uk/80-journalist ... l-verdict/

Any of the journos reading this, go investigate the man in charge please

So the Pro14 made Ulster let them in
Then nobody went except Bel Tel (boycott)
And then they didnt answer any Bel Tel questions



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Gerald the Mole wrote:Anyone else think Finaly is out of his depth

A fetus would do a better job

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Basket case.

Russ wrote:

Gerald the Mole wrote:Anyone else think Finaly is out of his depth

A fetus would do a better job

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Man juice would do a better job.

Another day another unmitigated PR disaster.

But yeah spectacularly well....

Is Finlay that sill wee boy at the season ticket holders event?

Snipe Watson wrote:Is Finlay that sill wee boy at the season ticket holders event?

That was Peel

Should clarify, we are dealing with a bout of sickness right now that means a podcast this week is unlikely. We will endeavour to do one tomorrow but don't expect anything.