With the Heineken Cup pools now announced, we can take a look at the opposition and Ulster chance's to win Europe's premier rugby competition !
Ulster were seeded in Tier 2 for the pool stages, here are the teams they will face :
Northampton Saints - The Saints have history in this competition having made the final in 2010-11 only to be thwarted by the boot of Johnny Sexton. They will fancy their chances of making it out of this pool. They've lost Chris Ashton for next season, but still boast the likes of Dylan Hartley, Ben Foden, and Courtney Lawes. It will also be a return for Roger Wilson as he'll take on his old side having returned to Ulster over summer.
Glasgow Warriors - Glasgow have taken massive strides in the last few years, looking impressive in the league over last season, and will again like Northampton, feel like that this pool is winnable. They won't have the brilliant Ritchie Gray who has opted for a Aviva Premiership move with Sale Sharks. However they will have the the likes of Sean Lamont who has joined from the Scarlets and his brother Rory, as well as Ruaridh Jackson at fly half.
Castres - Ulster will have the delight of taking on another French team in the Heineken Cup, having taking on Clermont last year. Castres finished in 3rd in the Top 14. They boast Scottish centre Max Evans, but the main man to watch will of course be Pedrie Wannenburg who will make his return to Ravenhill. Castres will be looking to build having finished bottom of their pool in last seasons competition with only one win.
Ulster by any means haven't been allocated an easy group, Northampton and Glasgow hard nuts to crack, and despite Castres only taking one win in the H Cup last season, they aren't weak by any means. However Ulster will take amazing confidence from the fact that they are last years finalists, and that anything is possible. I'm sure every fan is already excited for next seasons European adventure !!
Ulster were seeded in Tier 2 for the pool stages, here are the teams they will face :
Northampton Saints - The Saints have history in this competition having made the final in 2010-11 only to be thwarted by the boot of Johnny Sexton. They will fancy their chances of making it out of this pool. They've lost Chris Ashton for next season, but still boast the likes of Dylan Hartley, Ben Foden, and Courtney Lawes. It will also be a return for Roger Wilson as he'll take on his old side having returned to Ulster over summer.
Glasgow Warriors - Glasgow have taken massive strides in the last few years, looking impressive in the league over last season, and will again like Northampton, feel like that this pool is winnable. They won't have the brilliant Ritchie Gray who has opted for a Aviva Premiership move with Sale Sharks. However they will have the the likes of Sean Lamont who has joined from the Scarlets and his brother Rory, as well as Ruaridh Jackson at fly half.
Castres - Ulster will have the delight of taking on another French team in the Heineken Cup, having taking on Clermont last year. Castres finished in 3rd in the Top 14. They boast Scottish centre Max Evans, but the main man to watch will of course be Pedrie Wannenburg who will make his return to Ravenhill. Castres will be looking to build having finished bottom of their pool in last seasons competition with only one win.
Ulster by any means haven't been allocated an easy group, Northampton and Glasgow hard nuts to crack, and despite Castres only taking one win in the H Cup last season, they aren't weak by any means. However Ulster will take amazing confidence from the fact that they are last years finalists, and that anything is possible. I'm sure every fan is already excited for next seasons European adventure !!
I'm Kristian. 18. And my mind is filled with rugby shaped thoughts. Supporting Ulster Rugby, Newcastle Falcons and of course the mighty Ireland. Tommy Bowe is the MAN !!!! SUFTUM.
© JL Pagano 2012
