The reigning champions, Glasgow, kick off their campaign with a visit to Belfast for a challenging confrontation with Ulster on Saturday, 7.45pm at Kingspan Stadium. Broadcast live on Premier Sports, this will be the first full season for Ulster under the leadership of coach Richie Murphy, having assumed the role from Dan McFarland during last season.
This season begins on a positive note for Ulster following the recent news that David McCann, a vital part of their backrow, signed a one-year extension, ensuring he will don the Ulster jersey until at least 2026. Encouraged by this news, Ulster enter the season with renewed hope and ambitions for trophy glory, as always the case for the province led by captain Iain Henderson. Despite possessing a roster full of skill, the real question is whether they can assemble a strong enough challenge against the visiting champions.
While Glasgow boast the title of last year’s champions, their record at Kingspan is not as impressive; they have only managed to defeat Ulster twice at this venue, with their last victory dating back to 2013. Coach Murphy’s arrival has boosted Ulster’s spirits, but results matter more, and with recent pre-season performances including a victory over Benetton but a loss to Exeter Chiefs, the verdict is yet to be delivered.
With the squad currently lacking in Test match players, Murphy expressed satisfaction this week with the direction the team is heading and their positive attitude. He insists, however, that the focus is more on the progress of the journey rather than reaching the destination.
According to Murphy, “There’s a noticeable improvement in what we’re doing, the players believe in our gameplay and all relevant data supports this. We’re definitely on the right track. Whether that’s enough this weekend remains to be seen. But rest assured, it won’t be due to a lack of preparation or effort from the boys or the team at large.”
In the team led by Ulster, an experienced core is observed, comprised of players like Henderson, Kieran Treadwell, McCann, Nick Timoney, Jacob Stockdale and others such as centre Jude Postlethwaite who have been named on Simon Easterby’s Emerging Ireland squad and look promising. Not forget to mention fullback Ethan McIlroy, past New Zealand Under-20 outhalf Aidan Morgan and Mike Lowry – thriving in a wing position this week – who brim with potential.
Glasgow head coach Franco Smith is eager for the 2024-25 season kick-off, with team members pushing each other towards progress and hoping for involvement. Smith recognises the strict competition Ulster is set to provide in the initial match. After recruiting commendably before the new season, they are primed to uphold their impressive home record in Belfast while routing for a zealous audience. That’s for certain.
Representing Ulster: E McIlroy, M Lowry, S Moore, J Postlethwaite, J Stockdale, A Morgan, N Doak, E O’Sullivan, J Andrew, C Barrett, I Henderson (captain), K Treadwell, J McNabney, D McCann, and N Timoney. Substitutes: J McCormick, A Warwick, T O’Toole, H Sheridan, C Izuchukwu, D Shanahan, J Humphreys, W Kok.
Glasgow Warriors team: J McKay, S Cancelliere, S McDowall, S Tuipulotu, K Steyn (captain), T Jordan, J Dobie, J Bhatti, J Matthews, S Talakai, M Williamson, R Gray, M Fagerson, R Darge, H Venter. Substitutes: G Hiddleston, N McBeth, Z Fagerson, A Samuel, G Brown, E Ferrie, B Afshar, A Hastings.
Officiating the match: Referee A Jones (WRU).