The Red Hand

The lads bid farewell to Jonny Petrie and consider what's next for Ulster Rugby...

This episode is from a while back - before Humphs was appointed head honcho of Irish Rugby.

Where to even start with David Humphreys?

Childhood hero, Ulster legend and one of the most significant figures in the history of Ulster Rugby.

This one is from the archive and I thought I would put it out there given the fact we are 25 years on from when Humphs helped Ulster get crowned Kings of Europe in '99.

What a legend.

Enjoy.

Welcome to the Red Hand Podcast.

Are there dark clouds gathering at Ulster? Is a storm coming for the current head-coach?

Following defeat at the weekend, Dan McFarland slammed the standards in training and, by extension, his own ability to coach the team.

I’m not sure the words went down well with Ulster supporters, many of whom seemed not best pleased by the performance or Dan’s reaction.

It’s just a game at the end of the day – a frivolous game, a bit of fun – entertainment – so there’s no point in getting too worked up about it.

At the same time, Dan and the CEO of Ulster Rugby are paid vast sums of money to deliver results to fans who invest a lot of time and money into the team and want to see the team play to their potential.

It’s hardly been a disaster of a season, but an unexpected home loss has ruffled a few feathers. Maybe the winds of change haven’t yet started to blow, then there is a stiff breeze in the air.

We have Bath this weekend and, because of the fickle nature of professional sport, a win obviously means everything will be sunshine and light once again.

Or does it?

To discuss, I am joined by usual panel Ian, Nathan and Jack.

Dan McFarland’s men started like a steam train but ran out of track as Glasgow battled their way back into the game and won 33-20.

Two tries within 11 minutes  from Tom Stewart and Cooney but Glasgow dominated the rest of the match.

Three away games and two losses for Ulster (which could have very easily been three losses)

Is it simply a case of ‘taking your lessons and moving on’ as Dan McFarland often says or are there more serious problems to be addressed?

To answer these questions and more, I’m joined by usual panel members Ian Frizzell and Nathan Johns and we’re delighted to be joined by Edinburgh fan and podcaster with the Scottish Rugby Pod, Craig Manson.

It was a miserable night and in many ways a pretty miserable game on Friday night against the Lions, but Ulster found a way to get the win so we’re going to stay positive!

Despite being down by seven points at halftime, Dan McFarland’s men went up a gear in the second half and ultimately held on for a 24-17 victory.

In horrendous conditions at fortress Ravenhill, it was not the most entertaining of games to put it lightly.

Tries from James Hume, Stockdale and Rob Herring allowed Ulster to claw their way back into the game but there is plenty to work on this week with a misfiring lineout, difficulty capitalizing on chances and some evidence that we haven’t yet nailed down the basics.

Ulster have now won four of their opening five URC games but there’s still a section of the fanbase who are not content with our performances so far this season, despite the relatively good win record. Do they have a point?

There’s also the matter of whether a certain ginger prop will be playing or Ulster this weekend. That’s right – Cameron Doak could be unleashed on the Warriors.

To discuss I’m joined by Jack, Ian special guest John Anderson – Glasgow Warriors fan and podcaster with the Scottish Rugby Podcast as we look ahead to the Glasgow game this weekend.

It’s two weeks after Halloween but Ulster have done the ‘Munster Mash’, defeating their provincial rivals 21-14 at Fortress Ravenhill.

Grave problems for Munster as, after the visitors drew first blood, they were guilty of coffin up the ball on too many occasions, allowing Ulster back into the game.

Dan McFarland’s men held off Munster in the dying stages with Munster pummelling their line, and secured a historic victory.

To discuss the game I’m joined by regular panelists Nathan, Jack, Patrick and Fergus and we’re delighted to be joined this evening by Cian McGibney – a Munster fan – who will give us some outside perspective.

Welcome back to the Red Hand Podcast. It has been a while.

Now that the side-show distraction of the World Cup is over, we are back to the main event - the URC - as Ulster prepare to face Zebre away in their opening game.

The dust has settled on yet another disappointing campaign as Ireland yet again crashed out in the quarters. We won't dwell on this - plenty has been said by others about their early departure. Suffice to say, we would have won if more Ulster men had been on the field.

I'm joking of course, but it's worth thinking about the Ulster contingent (or lack of) in the Ireland squad and look ahead to which players from the current Ulster squad will feature prominently for Ireland in the coming years.

It has been a summer of change at Ulster and we consider these changes - the powers that be have decided to rip up the hallowed turf at Ravenhill and replace it with a plastic one. We've also said farewell to a number of players in the off-season including the likes of fan favourites Craig Gilroy, Duane Vermeulen, Jeff Toomaga-Allen and Ian Madigan.

We're sad to see them go, but we'll also be welcoming new signings Dave Ewers, Steven Kitschoff as well as James French. We will look forward to watching some promising youngsters step up to hopefully fill the void.

Of course, there's also the small matter of our season opener against Zebre to talk about.

To discuss all of the above I'm joined by Nathan, Ian, Patrick and Paul.

I am delighted to be joined by Conor Carey. We have timed this podcast perfectly because Conor has just announced his retirement from professional rugby and is ready to reflect on a great career.

Rugby fans in Ulster will know Conor as he is one who slipped through the net. He played rugby in Ulster up the age-groups and Ireland under 20s and then went on to have along and successful career - just not in Ulster (although he nearly came full circle last season...)

Conor is also uniquely positioned to talk about the Championship, the Premiership and the top 14 as well as what it was like to come through rugby in Ulster but then take an alternative path. His retirement statement is hot off the press and it refers to both the good times and the challenges and hardships that face professional rugby players both during their playing days as they seek to transition out of the game. To find out more you'll have to listen to this fascinating chat with Conor.

I’m joined on this episode by Andrew Maxwell.

Ulster fans will remember Andrew from his successful time with the club playing on the wing between 03/04 and 07 before joining Edinburgh.

However, Andrew’s rugby career only forms part of his story: after hanging up his boots he transitioned seamlessly into the world of business, becoming co-owner of Irish Burrito chain, Boojum and now has another exciting and innovative venture which is set to revolutionise fast food in Belfast.

I really enjoyed speaking to Andrew and I hope you enjoy listening.

Mark Best came through the ranks with Ulster and Ireland before taking the 'road less travelled' of choosing an alternative path.

I chat to Mark about his journey, what it's like to transition back into real life and now enjoying club rugby with Ballynahinch where he was recently man of the match in their Senior Cup Final victory over Queens.

I really enjoyed chatting to Mark and I hope you enjoy listening.

ps. If you have a spare few moments type 'Mark Best Highlights' into YouTube and marvel at his skills.

Ulster season came to a shuddering halt against interprovincial rivals, Connacht, on Friday night in Belfast.

Ulster's season is over. But where does that leave us?

Is Dan still the man to take us forward? Should we be concerned that 10 players (at least) are leaving and only 2 are coming in? What went wrong on Friday night?

The panel wrestle with these questions.

I’m excited to be joined by former professional rugby player and agent, John Andress.

John’s an Ulsterman with a long and successful playing career. In fact he’s played over 200 professional games with the likes of Exeter Chiefs, London Harlequins, Worcester Warriors, Edinburgh Rugby, Munster and Connacht.

There are few more well-travelled and experienced players and he has used his extensive network of contacts to forge a career as a rugby agent.

He lifts the lid on life as an agent and reflects on his journey from age-grade star at Ulster to the road less travelled for Ulstermen - playing across the water.

If you didn’t see the game at the weekend, Ulster beat Edinburgh 28-14 to secure home advantage in URC play-offs. Ulster got the job done but, as some have commented, maybe not in the style that some fans would have wanted.

Tries from Jacob Stockdale, Nick Timoney and John Cooney and 13 points from Cooney’s boot secured the win.

It’s an interesting time for Ulster. There is talk of trouble in the camp, but the team continue to win on the pitch. A few big names have announced they are leaving and we await news on the status of others. The subject of ulster’s performances is dividing fans – are we playing at our potential? Is the atmosphere at the Kingspan flat? Are we good enough to potentially win something this year or is this another year of transition and building?

To discuss all these things and more, I’m joined by Nathan Johns, Jonny McCormick, Ross Barnett and Edinburgh fan, Craig Manson from the Scottish Rugby Podcast.

Job done. A mixed bag of a game but Ulster go into second place for the time being and their destiny is in their own hands. 

A win this weekend will give them a home game in a prospective semi-final.

We chat about the performance and contracts as well as looking ahead to the remaining games as we continue in the business end of the season.

My next guest is someone who has achieved something very rare – he’s played professionally in two sports.

Rugby for Ulster and Jersey Reds and cricket for Ireland (which is seriously impressive).

Ross has had a really interesting journey throughout his rugby career and has been hit with set-backs along the way. It’s a story which is quite inspiring – coming back from injury and playing high level sport again.

It was an absolute pleasure chatting to Ross.

Hope you enjoy listening.

Ulster with a bonus point win: it’s nice getting to say that two weeks in a row!

The win at the weekend means that Ulster have their sights set on 2nd place in the URC table.

Ulster currently sit third - 5 points behind the Stormers -  but the last 3 games are all at home whereas Stormers have to travel to face unbeaten Leinster  in the next round..

Finishing in the top two is of course the goal because it would secure home advantage right through to the Semi-finals of the URC playoffs.

A good win against a side who are going through a tough period for Welsh rugby – aggressive pay-cuts and the stuff going on in the background could not have helped their cause. They were not at the races.

But are Ulster back on track or did they simply beat a team in turmoil?

To discuss the game and all things Ulster Rugby, I am joined by Jack, Nathan and Simon.

Ulster may have turned a corner in their season with a bonus point win in South Africa in their rescheduled game against the Sharks. The score in the end was 31-24.

Granted, both sides were without certain key internationals and Sharks were missing a load of big names but credit where credit’s due for Ulster.

Two maul tries from Tom Stewart laid the foundation for the win. Stewart Moore scored a sneaky, opportunistic try and Harry Sheridan - who is quickly becoming a fan favourite – powered his way over to give Ulster the bonus point.

Supporting Ulster this season has been a rollercoaster ride even more than usual. We have discussed at various points whether Ulster are on the edge of a precipice or whether they are back on track…

Truthfully, it’s difficult to know but as, we have talked about before, we have been consistent in our inconsistency. Let's just enjoy the win and the hope we have at the minute as we enter the business end of the season.

As I often say on this podcast, the game at the weekend poses more questions than it answered which means there is plenty to discuss.

To help make sense of Ulster’s season so far, I’m joined by Jack Fogarty, Caolan Scully and Iestyn Thomas.

I had the honour of speaking to Ilse van Staden who has been playing rugby at a high level for over 21 years and has shown no signs of slowing down.

She is a rugby player, butcher, chef, language teacher and biltong maker from South Africa and living in Northern Ireland.

Since moving to Northern Ireland in 2011 she has played for Ulster Rugby, and represented Ireland in the Six Nations as prop.

It was a great pleasure speaking to Ilse and getting to sample some Biltong which she kindly brought along.

We recorded in SS Moores - the number one sports shop in Belfast.

Ulster’s recent revival came to a disappointing end as Glasgow Warriors came from behind at half time to snatch victory.

It was a game that divided fan opinion.

There are those who are talking about the start of another crisis and there’s another camp who think a bonus point loss is not too bad considering Glasgow’s recent run of form.

Whatever your opinion, we’ve see Ulster throw away half-time leads too many times this season – it has become a recurring theme!

Ulster lead at the break but did not score in the second half until the last kick of the game.

Glasgow’s maul was Ulster’s undoing – they scored three tries using this method.

Ulster remain ahead of Glasgow in the table but only by the slenderest of margins.

The result leaves them third in the URC but Glasgow are only a point back and Munster are now also in range of catching them.

The question remains over whether Ulster are regressing or whether we have been repeatedly unlucky.

Anyway, to discuss the game I’m joined by Jack, Simon on his Red Hand debut and John Anderson – podcaster and writer for the Scottish Rugby blog.

Ulster backed up their famous European win over Sale Sharks with a dominant bonus-point 35-5 win over the Stormers in the united rugby championship on Friday night in fortress Kingspan

Nathan Doak, Ben Moxham and Nick Timoney scored first-half tries and Jeff Toomaga-Allen and Mike Lowry scored in the second half.

It was a good win and certainly a performance to be happy with albeit the stormers weren’t at the races.

To discuss and dissect the game at the weekend I’m joined by regular panelists Nathan and Jack and our special guest this week is AP Cronje.

Well, it’s official… Ulster are back!

Or at least they are progressing to the next stage. I think we’re definitely right to celebrate as we haven’t had much to celebrate in a while!

There wasn’t a huge amount of optimism for this winner-takes it all pool match, having won just one in our last 7 matches.

Feelings of relief were palpable at the Kingspan.

Ulster were improved but not perfect.

We are certainly now moving in the right direction but whether this squad can get back to playing to its full potential remains to be seen.

Indeed, to progress any further in either competition, we will have to punch above our weight.

The Ulster squad and Dan seem to be relishing the challenge.

Today’s panel have the challenge of explaining ulster’s maddening inconsistency and reflecting on a game which will have mixed emotions for our guests.

I saw the La Rochelle Ulster game described as ‘a chess match played in a storm’ which is pretty accurate.

Ulster fell agonisingly short once again away from home to champions cup holders La Rochelle.

Ulster dominated in terms of possession but failed to capitalise in the dreadful conditions.

This makes it 6 losses in 7 matches however Dan McFarland and many Ulster fans were somewhat encouraged by the performance.

To discuss all things ulster at the minute I’m joined by an incredible panel: Nathan, Evan, Caolan, Donal and Jack.

As you may have seen, Ulster have suffered a deflating 31-29 defeat to Benetton in a dramatic game in Treviso to continue what has what has been a poor run for the province recently.

This defeat is Ulster’s fifth loss in six games and the first time the Treviso-based side have beaten an Irish province since 2017.

The panel discuss the potential causes of Ulster's loss of form and what they can do about it.

Brian Moylett is rugby's leading mindset & performance coach for young players, working with players 1:1, teams and coaching groups all over the world. He helps young players overcome setbacks, develop confidence and self belief, and play in the zone.

Brian played age grade rugby for Connacht Rugby, Leinster Rugby and Ireland, and having gone through the pathway systems himself, he saw that there is a real lack of mental and mindset support for young players.

His passion for motivating players and helping them overcome their limiting beliefs has received praise from people across the international landscape. He is the founder of www.offfieldrugby.com and hosts the #1 rated 'The Off-Field Rugby Pod'. He also shares mindset and performance content on Instagram & Tik Tok (@offfieldrugby) to help players achieve higher levels.

I was delighted to have Brian join me on the Red Hand Podcast for his insight, experience and wisdom discussing a complicated and niche sport like rugby.

Welcome to the Red Hand Podcast and happy new year!

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who listen, read, contribute and join in the chat and debate about all things Ulster Rugby. It is hugely appreciated.

The Red Hand is the most popular and, in my humble opinion, the best Ulster Rugby podcast out there. We have another big year ahead so please join us!

Anyway, The Red Hand’s trajectory is an arrow pointing upwards but Ulster’s trajectory is currently uncertain to put it kindly… it has been a tough few weeks and Ulster are in the midst of a crisis.

The game on Sunday finished 15-14 as Munster sealed a dramatic win on New Year’s day in Belfast. A late Ben Healy try and conversion completed the remarkable comeback after Ulster went in at half time up 9-0.

Dan McFarland lambasted his side after the final whistle saying they were ‘we were terrible… it’s a big issue. I’m very concerned.’

Ulster basically stopped playing and, full credit to Munster, they took advantage.

Dan himself is now under some pressure. Dan has been an unbelievable coach for Ulster but he’s desperately searching for answers to questions that didn’t exist a month ago when Ulster were riding high and up at half-time to Leinster. Their world has come crashing down since.

On this episode we’ll be talking about Ulster’s capitulation on Sunday (and in the last few weeks) and what they can do to sort it out as we look ahead to Benetton and Champions Cup fixtures in the coming weeks.

I’m joined by Nathan Johns, Jack Fogarty, Caolan Scully and Paul Mcintyre to discuss.

My next guest is Ulster, Ireland and Northampton hooker Paul Shields.

Ulster fans will remember Paul well. He got over 100 caps for Ulster and won the Celtic league before moving on to Northampton where he finished his playing career.

This is a special podcast for me because Paul was my favourite Ulster player growing up! 

It was great to meet a childhood hero and he didn't disappoint - really nice guy and great chat.

Hope you enjoy listening!

It felt like we had been flung back two years into the past as Ulster and La Rochelle took to the Aviva, completely devoid of a crowd save for an “official delegation” from La Rochelle.

The decision to move the game from Belfast to Dublin was contentious at best. The freezing of Ravenhill not only cost Ulster a critical home advantage against the European champions, but by Jonny Petrie’s estimation, will cost the organisation itself roughly £700,000.

Understandably, waves of frustration crashed over social media from Ulster supporters at EPCR’s handling of the fixture, compounded by the aforementioned travelling party and the fact that the Kingspan pitch appeared playable on Saturday morning.

But the game itself was, well, hard to digest. By half-time Ulster were behind 29-points to nil - an eerie and miserable repeat of Sale’s 39-0 drubbing of them a week before.

However, in the second-half, the qualities that make Ulster one of the URC’s most eminent attacking sides seemed to reappear out of thin air.

It’s a 40 minute showing that has the potential to reinvigorate a mentality which Leinster seemingly broke two weekends ago.

Ulster can head back to the URC with their enthusiasm reinstalled after getting the better of the reigning Champions Cup holders in the second half. Or can they?

To discuss and dissect all of the above, I’m joined by Nathan Johns, Caolan Scully and Nigel Quigley.

This is a very special episode of the podcast for a number of reasons. First of all, for the first time, I am joined by 3 great guests at the same time: former Ulster player Paddy McAllister, Pamela Gilpin of Rugby Players Ireland and Hannah Murtagh, owner and lead trainer/educator with Fithead.

We talk about personal and professional development for rugby players and how this has a broader application even to those outside the world of professional sport.

Fascinating insights from these three!

Hannah at Fithead supports the podcast. Here is a bit more about what Fithead do:

With a fresh approach to Personal & Professional Development, FitHead makes learning interesting, engaging and - more importantly - relevant.

FitHead offers a range of training programmes, workshops and support services that will allow individuals and teams to become more knowledgeable, confident and motivated.

With the focus on education and implementation, FitHead's aim is to train the brain - it's all in the name.

We’re finally ready to talk about what happened at the weekend...

That was a difficult watch. However, on the Red Hand podcast, we try and stay positive.

In brief summary, six tries and a clean sheet for sale and one of Ulster’s worst performances in recent memory.

Ulster looked jet-lagged in defence and attack. Indeed, preparation for the game was disrupted by the cold weather which meant the squad had to travel on the morning of the game after their flight on Saturday was cancelled.

Ulster arrived in England on the back of a 38-29 loss to Leinster in the URC eager to heal the psychological wounds of that game. This did nothing to help.

In fairness to Sale,they were utterly rampant and extremely impressive in victory. But for Ulster, huge questions need to be asked.

Whatever happens, as fans we back the players who are playing for the Ulster jersey.

I'm joined by Ian Frizzell, Jack Fogarty and Nigel Quigley to try and understand what happened…

#SUFTUM

Fourteen-man Leinster produced an outstanding comeback to beat Ulster 38-29 in Dublin,

Cian Healy was shown a red card on 21 minutes and Ulster were up 22-3 after a good start with tries from Rob Herring, Kieran Treadwell and Ethan McIlroy.

Everything seemed to be going Ulster’s way and we #daredtodream as we approached the break.

The second half was a different story:

Leinster hit back with five tries and our dreams were dashed.

Ulster went down to 13 men in the second half when James Hume and Nick Timoney were shown yellow cards, with Leinster taking full advantage.

It is now nine wins from nine matches in this season's URC for Leinster, with Saturday night's victory stretching their lead at the top to nine points.

This was a really difficult one to take. 

In this episode to discuss last night’s game I’m joined by Leinster fan Nathan Johns and Ulster fan Jack Fogarty.