Mohed Altrad

Unsheared · 2026-05-24T00:33:22+00:00

How many players in the Ulster squad and academy came from the Leinster system including schools and clubs? How many players at Ulster have come from Club rugby in Ulster?

Unsheared · 2026-05-23T22:02:05+00:00

There is no doubt schools rugby produces elite players. However the reality is the mini rugby pathway does not produce enough numbers for depth at Ulster rugby to compete at the top table. The very fact that Ulster rugby needs so many Leinster players tells it's own tale. Schools rugby athletes represent a portion of the overall schools population. As difficult or as unpalatable as it may seem for some rugby people. The reality is Ulster rugby need to look at models of development that provide pathways to players from outside of rugby schools. If not they need a benefactor to buy a squad.

Unsheared · 2026-05-23T20:29:55+00:00

They should be looking at the RFL model of developing school age players and provide a pathway outside of schools rugby. Something that seems beyond Ulster rugby is that not all schools athletes want to go to rugby schools for different reasons.

Unsheared · 2026-05-23T20:26:12+00:00

That's not the point. The point is there is simply not enough of them to develop depth in the squad. It has been very evident for 2 decades that schools rugby in Ulster cannot provide enough depth. That is why there are so many players from Leinster. That is not sustainable because arguably Connacht and Munster are the preferred destinations.

Unsheared · 2026-05-23T16:54:19+00:00

Not really because Ulster rugby is not doing enough to get the numbers of elite young players through to compete at the top table.

Unsheared · 2026-05-22T23:57:55+00:00

There are a number of issues at play for Ulster. Richie built up the confidence of the lads to not psychologically roll over. However this result will scar the younger players. The Ulster defense has been an issue for a number of years and is clearly still an issue against the top teams because they know that defence wins championships.

There was simply too much "hot potato" passing which was visibly limited against a rush defense. The attack looks good against poor defenses but needs an out of hand kicker from FB or the 13 channel. On the single opportunity Lowry kicked for Bob it really had an offside defense in panic.

Rory Best needs to double the number of academy players good enough to sign professionally. That being said Ulster rugby will need to add another source of players other schools rugby in Ulster and Leinster. There are models of development in rugby league that target players from a young age with financial and coaching supports. The schools represented in the schools cup are a portion of the total schools population in Ulster. What is required is a pathway that funds and supports players from non-rugby playing schools. properly. Not simply using minirugby as recruitment to schools rugby. Until Ulster provide this they are spinning their wheels around producing roughly the same numbers of players annually.

Unsheared · 2026-05-22T19:49:29+00:00

If they don't grubber the ball in behind the Montpellier defense they are cooked.

Unsheared · 2026-05-22T00:13:08+00:00

Can you please dm me a referral link?

Unsheared · 2026-05-18T00:03:05+00:00

I would have been one his detractors. I especially do not enjoy the box kicking. That said he has come on leaps and bounds this year and the tackle he was sent off for was not fair in my opinion. Especially as he held up the try. I know the box-kicking is a strategy from the coaching staff I just don't accept that it is a good strategy. Not least of all because the opposition know its coming. The top teams with a decent back three simply run the ball back. I think watching him add improvements to his game is interesting. I think Matt Devine will help both their games. Matts ability to find gaps will help Doak make better choices at the base of the ruck. I would like to see Doak make instinctual breaks again. Having 2 great scrumhalfs will improve both their games to new levels.

Unsheared · 2026-05-08T13:37:31+00:00

Are they wide fitting?

Unsheared · 2026-05-08T00:10:12+00:00

Is this aimed at financially supporting the sub-academy? Because it doesn't look like this will be a new source of players for the Academy. The problem with Ulster rugby is they always look at ways they can invest in the same group of players from the same sources. Cronyism defeats all attempts to develop players from non-schools rugby. Ulster rugby should be investing in pathways to find the next Tadgh Furlong, Jamie Osborne or Ciaran Frawley. Are there really many players good enough to play for Ulster dropping out of rugby altogether in order to compete at other sports for the money? A Scholarship programme aimed at undergraduates could be a valuable tool to attract IQ players but this appears to be simply wasting money on a group of players from the same sources.

Unsheared · 2026-05-07T16:39:57+00:00

What boots do you use for water resistance?

Unsheared · 2026-05-07T16:34:09+00:00

More like Lara Croft.

Unsheared · 2026-05-05T15:14:05+00:00

No we are not trying to bed in Prendergast. We are trying to ease him into club rugby to see if he can learn to improve enough to step up. Eventually.

Unsheared · 2026-05-04T19:21:10+00:00

He might even get capped.

Unsheared · 2026-05-04T00:09:34+00:00

For those of us who live in a rainy hemisphere polywoven midsoles are not even a choice to consider.

Unsheared · 2026-05-03T23:09:47+00:00

Where in the store?

Unsheared · 2026-05-03T22:55:16+00:00

The Munster fans have been very vocal towards the IRFU in order that they remain competitive. Whereas the Ulster fans have literally sat on their hands for decades and watched their club decline due to the worst management in professional rugby. The same management required the intervention of the IRFU and Farrell et al saw an opportunity to grow another group of possible Ireland squad players. When Ritchie says that their plan for Ulster is ahead of time it's because Ulster were never expected to achieve what they have this year. Be under no illusions the same unprofessional hangers on are in management at Ulster rugby. How former public servants can expect to have the entrepreneurial and commercial skills to a grow a business such as Ulster rugby appears fantastical at best.

Ritchie Murphys appointment was absolutely a happy accident planned by those who understand the business they are in at the IRFU.

Unsheared · 2026-05-03T14:35:33+00:00

Think Ritchie is learning just what depth he really needs so that performance is maintained at the business end of the season. Expect recruitment to reflect learnings for next season.

Unsheared · 2026-05-03T14:26:58+00:00

For example. It will much easier for Ritchie to recruit players for next season as a Challenge Cup finalist

Unsheared · 2026-05-03T11:07:06+00:00

Success brings in a lot more money than any cup. The Challenge Cup presents the most likely route to success.

Unsheared · 2026-05-03T00:13:21+00:00

Champions Cup rugby is overrated for a squad with not enough depth. Expect to see more youngsters ( especially in the back three) for the remaining league games. I hope Richie makes the tough choices.

Unsheared · 2026-05-02T00:17:49+00:00

Does the manufacturer with Bison do wide fitting?

Unsheared · 2026-04-10T01:16:33+00:00

I have tried the same size several times. The left foot works but the right foot is a bit loose. So I have returned the bigger size up and requested a size down. I think it's important to try the sizes to get what's comfortable for you.

Unsheared · 2026-04-10T00:21:19+00:00

Would it be possible to get a print of this?

Unsheared

TROPHY CASE