The new season hasn't even kicked off yet, but there's already plenty to talk about when it comes to Ulster Rugby. Summer has been far from drab, with new faces coming in, and old faces returning. First to start with is Mark Anscombe. The former Auckland and NZ U20's coach takes charge of Ulster on a two year deal replacing Brian McLaughlin.
Anscombe will look to build on Ulster's fantastic 2011/12 season, and as a Kiwi, it's pretty evident he knows rugby inside out.
The next arrival, Tommy Bowe. A Irish household name. Bowe in my opinion really is one of the best wingers in Europe, his pace, and overall flair is brilliant to watch, his Six Nations outlined that this year, and he will be raring to go for the province he started at especially following his injury which ruled him out of the end of the Ospreys season last term.
Three players will also return to their native Northern Ireland, Number 8, Roger Wilson will also return to Ulster after an absence of 4 years from Northampton Saints on a three year deal , as well as the return of Niall O'Connor from provincial neighbours Connacht as a replacement for Ian Humphreys who leaves from London Irish, and RFU Championship player Michael Heaney at scrum half. Ulster have also signed a second number 8, Nick Williams joins from Aironi, but some fans are sceptical calling it a backward move as he is an ageing player.
Numbers have also been added in the form of South African, Rob Herring from Western Province, and Australian flanker Sean Doyle from Sydney based team Southern Districts. It is fair to say that Ulster Rugby have had a busy summer, the tantalising return of T-Bowe possibly the most exciting for fans.
No doubt each of the returning players and new faces will return to a warm welcome at Ravenhill and will settle in nicely, and as the new season gets closer every day, I'm sure they will be excited as the fans !!!
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
