Ulster Team Talk Thread IV... Go On My Henderson...

Utah_Saint

Even if he doesn't play when away with SA, he'll miss pre-season training. So that will be the excuse for the season ahead.

Rugbyf565

why is Matty Rea being released? His stats were really good this year

bigmac86

We're trying to save money, he doesn't do anything exceptionally well and there are younger players with higher ceilings who do the same or better. No doubt he gives his all but there are collective groans when he's named on the teamsheet. He also may not be suited to the sort of game we'll hopefully be playing next season

big-al

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123450161#Comment_123450161

I don’t mind, he has said he moved to the URC to play SA teams more often with the ultimate goal being a Springbok.

hopefully he’s a worthy springbok and Ulster have a magnificent 8, for the next 3 years!!

CalmaftertheGav

And that is why Ulster are nowhere near the play offs…THATS how easy it is to score against Ulster…my god.

Paddy_Mag

That's far too easy a try to concede

munsterlegend

Ulster tackling is just awful.

Trevor Johnston

Shambles. Utterly disgraceful performance.

CalmaftertheGav

Good job doing Munster a favour…NOT.

An absolute embarrassment to the jersey, every last one of them. Deserve to be playing challenge cup rugby next season.

Utah_Saint

The worst season I can remember in a long long time.

Not sure how they turn this around next season.

Locke_Lamora

Edinburgh is a beautiful city and the sun was shining so my mood was difficult to dampen, but my god did Ulster give it a good go.

bilston

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123456280#Comment_123456280

Why the feck would Ulster be worried about doing Munster a favour?

CalmaftertheGav

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123456744#Comment_123456744

True, they don’t even want to do themselves a favour at this stage…

launish116

14th out of 16….

Ardillaun

On the bright side…nice try by Postlethwaite.

launish116

Rumour of a tight five forward (world class) after some outside investment.

jprender

only Zebre and Dragons below 😱

Utah_Saint

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123462871#Comment_123462871

Rory putting that masters money to use...

bilston

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123463390#Comment_123463390

It's the least he can do after putting us through the ringer on Masters Sunday!...All we need is a LH, second row, 9, 10 and 15 and some world class coaches please? That's not too much to ask is it!

bilston

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123462917#Comment_123462917

That was quite an eye opener when I realised this was the case. 3 years ago we we constantly in the hunt for a top 4 finish. It's been a disaster class this year.

In Richie's defence we had lost a lot of experience last season and then this year the likes of Henderson, Herring, Hume, McCloskey and Stockdale missed a hell of a lot of rugby. But next season is a big year for Murphy. I've said from the beginning it will be that season I will judge him (not that that matters to anyone!) so I'm sticking to that, but I'm concerned as right now I think we'll be weaker next year, not stronger. Let's see if this tight five signing rumour is true and let's see of Henderson can play at least 10 games for us next season or even a whole season!

If Henderson and Izzy stay fit then in theory our starting pack may be strong next year (depends on signing a LHP), but our squad depth is going to be worse as things stand

Utah_Saint

I agree...let's see how next season goes.

I hope I doesn't end up being a write-off as it's technically Falloon and Sextons first season on the coaching ticket...so we also need to give them a season to 'bed-in'

I think if that's the case, even the most loyal season ticket holders would struggle...

awec

To be honest, a large part of our 25/26 season is going to hinge on the calibre of this supposed second row signing.

If it is not a quality player then we are in trouble, Murphy is playing with a crap hand.

Scythica

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123465419#Comment_123465419

Heard a rumour, not from a usual source, but allegedly Angus bell. Which would be such an ulster signing

launish116

Angus Bell would be an unbelievable signing, surely not? Can't IRFU signing off on that.

Problem being Uster don't need one marque signing, we need a couple seasoned forwards in the the tight 5.

big-al

Angus Bell is under contract until 2027.

launish116

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123466586#Comment_123466586

Saying that wouldn't be like Ulster pissing money up the wall on a buy-out of a player rather than sensibly using the money.

Utah_Saint

Could look at someone like Steenekamp or Mchunu. Both have a good age profile.

I see Mchunu contract is up at the end of this season.

Psteve232

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123466882#Comment_123466882

James Cronin been released by tigers, would be an improvement in what we have and money could be spent on a gnarly hard nosed second rower

pickarooney

Angus Bell is signed on a short term sabbatical.

https://www.theroar.com.au/2025/05/21/exclusive-wallabies-star-to-miss-super-rugby-season-after-accepting-sabbatical-deal-overseas/

launish116

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123469297#Comment_123469297

Be some signing, end of that report would be concerning Re. him not happy having to carry the forwards