Ulster 2017 - 2018

[Dave Cahill]

Ulster have announced the signing of Jean Deysel on a two year contract

[simonokeeffe]

Some people have no imagination

[OTT]

Ulster Rugby‏Verified account @UlsterRugby 28m28 minutes ago
More
CONTRACT ANNOUNCEMENT

We've signed Springbok back row Jean Deysel on a two-year contract


Is he any relation to the former Munster 2nd row Jean Deysel?

[wixfjord]

Great signing for Ulster. Has looked like a good player for Munster, should bring them a bit of bite.
This time there was no smoke and mirrors about him supposedly being a second row too.

[ronk]

Some people have no imagination

Agreed, this isn't the sort of move they'd have made a few years ago when they were on top of their game with signings

[LeRouxIsPHat]

I'd say Nucifora will be getting a big bunch of flowers from the Ulster supporters club now that he's let them sign two NIE backrowers.

[LeRouxIsPHat]

Just thinking that this probably decreases the chances of Dippy going to Ulster, wonder if he has anything lined up yet?

[Leoslovechild]

Just thinking that this probably decreases the chances of Dippy going to Ulster, wonder if he has anything lined up yet?

Any truth to the rumour he's off to the Scarlets?

[simonokeeffe]

Just thinking that this probably decreases the chances of Dippy going to Ulster, wonder if he has anything lined up yet?

Any truth to the rumour he's off to the Scarlets?

I like that rumour and theyre not swimming with 6s or backrowers, only thing is they dont lose many at all to national sides in that area

Some people have no imagination

Agreed, this isn't the sort of move they'd have made a few years ago when they were on top of their game with signings

In partial mitigation they were probably at the back of the queue/left with the dregs due to the timing of the Botha deal collapsing

I'd say Nucifora will be getting a big bunch of flowers from the Ulster supporters club now that he's let them sign two NIE backrowers.

he had already

this came up kind of in the other Ulster threads

but of their 22 forwards for next season, only 9 came through their academy and that includes Johnny Simpson and Matthew Rea

[cormac]

Aaron Dundon is Ulster's new scrum coach

[Ruckedtobits]

Aaron Dundon is Ulster's new scrum coach

A very shrewd appointment of a guy who made the very best of himself as a player. He arrived in Ireland and played with Seapoint when they were a Junior club and was in the middle of their team winning two Metro Cups in a row before getting a Pro contract and playing with Clontarf. Always gave 100% of effort and intelligence as a Leinster player and, if anything, was unfortunate not to wear a green jersey.

Heard him talk once at a Scrum Seminar and he was top class. A real good acquisition by Jono and Les Kiss and will certainly replace some of the outmoded ideas that handicap the Ulster scrum and maul.

[Oldschool]

I'd say Nucifora will be getting a big bunch of flowers from the Ulster supporters club now that he's let them sign two NIE backrowers.

Dandelions?

[Oldschool]

Aaron Dundon is Ulster's new scrum coach

A very shrewd appointment of a guy who made the very best of himself as a player. He arrived in Ireland and played with Seapoint when they were a Junior club and was in the middle of their team winning two Metro Cups in a row before getting a Pro contract and playing with Clontarf. Always gave 100% of effort and intelligence as a Leinster player and, if anything, was unfortunate not to wear a green jersey.

Heard him talk once at a Scrum Seminar and he was top class. A real good acquisition by Jono and Les Kiss and will certainly replace some of the outmoded ideas that handicap the Ulster scrum and maul.

+1 - Would this be a Jono inspired signing?

[simonokeeffe]

Wasps LaRochelle Quins is a doable group as runners up but I have a feeling Ulster have two defeats in them

Also anything happens to Cooney or Jackson and theyre boned

[rooster]

I'd say Nucifora will be getting a big bunch of flowers from the Ulster supporters club now that he's let them sign two NIE backrowers.

Dandelions?

Nope, poison ivy

[jezzer]

Aaron Dundon is Ulster's new scrum coach

A very shrewd appointment of a guy who made the very best of himself as a player. He arrived in Ireland and played with Seapoint when they were a Junior club and was in the middle of their team winning two Metro Cups in a row before getting a Pro contract and playing with Clontarf. Always gave 100% of effort and intelligence as a Leinster player and, if anything, was unfortunate not to wear a green jersey.

Heard him talk once at a Scrum Seminar and he was top class. A real good acquisition by Jono and Les Kiss and will certainly replace some of the outmoded ideas that handicap the Ulster scrum and maul.

One of my favourite Leinster players.

[IanD]

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-40719803

Ulster's Jackson and Olding face rape prosecution

Two Ulster rugby stars are among four men to be prosecuted for offences relating to allegations of rape, the BBC understands.

Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding were arrested in June 2016 with two other men, and questioned about allegations of a sexual assault in south Belfast.

The PPS confirmed a decision has been taken to prosecute four men in relation to allegations of rape.
Both Mr Jackson, 25, and Mr Olding, 24, deny the allegations.

The Public Prosecution Service said: "Following a careful review of all of the available evidence, in accordance with our Code for Prosecutors, it has been decided that there is sufficient evidence to prosecute four individuals."

Solicitors representing Mr Jackson and Mr Olding confirmed their clients are to be prosecuted for alleged rape.

Another man is to be charged with a sexual offence and a fourth man is to be charged with intent to pervert the course of justice.

Solicitor Joe Rice, representing Stuart Olding said: "I would like to point out that my client has fully co-operated with the investigation and is not on any bail conditions and is of previous good character.

"He should be allowed to uphold his right to the presumption of innocence and rejects any allegation of wrong-doing and is confident his name will be cleared through the courts."

In a similar statement, Paddy Jackson's solicitor Kevin Winters said: "He rejects the allegations completely and we're very disappointed at the PPS decision to prosecute on these particular facts."

"We say there is no basis for the decision to prosecute and we are confident that our client will be cleared of any charge."

The PPS statement added: "As the criminal proceedings against these individuals have commenced and each has a right to a fair trial, it is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice proceedings."

All four men are due to appear in court next month.

The Irish Rugby Football Union and Ulster Rugby said the players have agreed that they be relieved of their duties and obligations until the conclusion of the legal process, to allow them time to address the matter fully.

Mr Jackson and Mr Olding have been involved in legal proceedings against the BBC in relation to the reporting of their arrests.


Not posted to discuss the case but to highlight the highlighted section.

Losing both players for a prolonged period will surely hit Ulster hard.

[leinsterforever]

They often have to make do without Olding, but losing Jackson for a large chunk of the season could end up being disastrous

[Dave Cahill]

Sure don't they have Paul Marshall

[Ruckedtobits]

They often have to make do without Olding, but losing Jackson for a large chunk of the season could end up being disastrous

Very, very serious challenge for the two guys and a major wake-up shout for all sports stars - no matter what the outcome.

This is the sort of situation which has been more familiar in the NFL in the past and more recently with high profile soccer stars across Europe.

Profile and reputation don't win matches, but they are the core components in generating sporting income.

Hope the lads have a just outcome.