McLaughlin Focussing on PRO12

Posted on May 3, 2012 in Irish Rugby, Ulster

After Saturday’s historic Heineken Cup semi final win over Edinburgh, Ulster have turned their attentions back to the RaboDirect PRO12 and the trip to Thomond Park to take on Inter-pro rivals Munster.

Head Coach Brian McLaughlin said: “The mood in the camp has been fantastic this week. We are back in training and the standard has been high as we prepare for Munster on Saturday. It is always a difficult place to go and Munster will put everything into winning the PRO12. It is another vital match for us.”

Going into the last round of fixtures, Ulster need to register a bonus point win and hope Glasgow and Scarlets pick up nothing from their games, if they are to reach the PRO12 play off for the second successive year. McLaughlin is fully aware that the chances of progression are slim:

“We have to be honest; it’s a long shot now with one game remaining. But we did a great job in Limerick a few weeks ago in the quarter final and we will approach the game with the same mindset. We have proved Ulster can do a job no matter where we play. We need to get a win and hope that other results are favourable so it’s not ideal.”

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Attoub appeal set for 2nd March

Posted on Feb 16, 2010 in Rugby News

An Independent Appeal Committee will convene in London on Tuesday, 2 March, 2010, to hear the appeal lodged by Stade Français Paris player David Attoub against both the finding of foul play and level of sanction imposed by an independent Disciplinary Hearing on Tuesday, 19 January, 2010.

The independent Judicial Officer, HH Judge Jeff Blackett (England), found that David Attoub was guilty of foul play in contravention of Law 10.4 (l) in that he made contact with the eye / eye area of Ulster Rugby player Stephen Ferris (No 6) and that the offence was at the top end in the level of seriousness. Having taken into account any mitigating and aggravating factors the independent Judicial Officer suspended the player for a period of 70 weeks running up to and including 22 April, 2011.

The Independent Appeal Committee will be chaired by Professor Lorne Crerar (Scotland) and also comprise Rod McKenzie (Scotland) and Pat Barriscale (Ireland).

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Ireland announce team

Posted on Feb 9, 2010 in Rugby News

Ireland Coach Declan Kidney has named the team to play France in the second game of the RBS 6 Nations Championship in Paris on Saturday. Keith Earls has been selected on the left wing in place of Andrew Trimble.  Donncha O’Callaghan has not recovered from the injury that ruled him out of the opening game. Leo Cullen has been named to start in the second row.

A vacancy has been left blindside flanker pending confirmation of the fitness of Stephen Ferris. Both players took part in training with the Ireland team today but a final decision will be made on Thursday. The seven replacements will also be finalised on Thursday from the possible nine players named today.
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Ireland make eight changes for Fiji game

Posted on Nov 17, 2009 in Rugby News

There are eight changes to the Ireland team that drew 20-20 with Australia to the side that will take on Fiji this weekend in the second game of the 2009 Guinness Series.

The game, which will be the first ever international to take place in the Royal Dublin Society grounds, sees five changes to the backline and three in the pack.

Keith Earls, who replaced the injured Luke Fitzgerald against Australia, retains his place on the left wing with Shane Horgan coming in on the right wing for Tommy Bowe.

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