The new season of Rugby Union is nearly upon us, and Ulster are already looking like the team to beat, on paper at least. The new signings are not the whole story, but the big names that have made their way to Ravenhill are certainly cause for some excitement and expectation.
Photo: Ulster Rugby on X
Sticking With The Seasoned Players
Though there have been some notable additions to the Ulster squad (more on them later), it is worth noting the seasoned regulars that remain with the team for next year. The 45-man strong squad retains 37 players from last season, so the bulk of the squad are all familiar faces. Seven men from the Ulster squad are also in Andy Farrell’s pre-World Cup summer team and are expected to make an impact in France when the proper World Cup squad is announced. Though the new players at Ulster may be grabbing the headlines, it is important to remember that we have some talented and powerful players already in the ranks.
Key Additions That Add Strength
With the additions of Steven Kitshoff and Dave Ewers, Ulster is obviously looking to build on the success and strength of last season’s squad with these two formidable players. Kitshoff is a World Cup-winning Springbok that will add not just his talent to the team, but also his knowledge and experience. He is a smart addition that adds to both the physicality of Ulster, and its brain power. Ewers’ experience in the Premiership and Champions Cup with the mighty Exeter Chiefs will also be useful on the ground and in the back rooms. The squad has taken on more than two powerful players; it has added a lot to its collective rugby IQ.
Vive La French
Though Kitshoff and Ewers may be garnering a lot of headlines and generating a lot of buzz among the fans, James French is a signing worth keeping a close eye on. He cut his teeth at Munster’s Academy and was a popular player there with the staff who all saw a bright future ahead of him. Will his star rise while in Ulster’s ranks? Dan McFarland certainly seems to think so, and we can expect to see this young prop show his potential in Ulster rugby colors. Keep track of Ulster’s results closely this season and you are bound to see his name crop up in reports and on the scoresheets again and again. This man could be a big star for Irish and Ulster rugby.
Ambition Opens The Door To Success
Head coach Dan McFarland is the most important name in Ulster Rugby right now. He is seeking to build on the success of last season, and all eyes are on him in the rugby world to see if he can reach his potential by making the team achieve theirs. He is ambitious and confident, and rightly so. He has already expressed a desire to bring some silverware to Ulster this season, and with the mix of experience, youth, and established talent he has created in the squad you would have to think he is in with a good chance.
This coming season looks like it will be a very exciting one for Ulster fans. Though the pressure is building a little in the press, the Ulster squad looks more than capable of absorbing it and using it to fuel their fire as they push on to glory in the coming season. The sun is shining over Ulster rugby, and it doesn’t look like a false dawn. This could be Ulster’s season and the start of something special.
Discover more from LoveBelfast
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
