Jonny Drennan: From East Belfast to the Sydney Morning Herald

Ulster are back in action and... it didn't go as planned.We chat about Ulster’s opening game against Edinburgh and break down a real Jekyll-and-Hyde performance.We don’t shy away from the bad. However, there was a bit of good too, albeit far too late into the game.All that and more as we get stuck into the start of Ulster’s new season.

We’re joined by East Belfast man and Sydney Morning herald rugby journalist Jonny Drennan.We chat about his route into journalism, how rugby is covered, and why clubs need to get closer to their supporters and local communities if the game is going to grow.We also get into what makes rugby different - the characters, personalities and stories behind the people who play it.A really good chat about rugby, media and the fascinating stories of the people at the heart of the game.

On this episode of the Stand Up Ulster Rugby Podcast, we’re joined by teacher, coach, former player, student of the game and all-round good egg Mike Orchin-McKeever, the new head coach of Ballynahinch RFC.As you should know by now, Stand Up Ulster Rugby is about covering rugby right across Ulster, including the club game, schools rugby and the women’s game, not just the senior men’s game.So, in that spirit, we’re talking all things club rugby with one of the best coaches in the province.Plenty on coaching, the game in Ulster, Ballynahinch and what comes next.Enjoy.

In this episode of the Stand Up Ulster Rugby Podcast, we sit down with Ritchie McMaster for a wide-ranging chat about schools rugby in Ulster.Ritchie reflects on the experience of winning the Schools’ Cup with Campbell College, sharing some of the lessons, memories and moments that helped shape that successful campaign.We also look beyond results and trophies to discuss the bigger picture of developing young rugby players. Ritchie offers his thoughts and advice for coaches and parents, including how to create the right environment for young people to enjoy the game, develop their skills and deal with the pressures that can come with schools rugby.A great conversation for anyone involved in the schools game, whether you’re a player, coach, parent or simply passionate about the future of Ulster Rugby.

Gareth Steenson and Peter Lockhart discuss three key new players that will make a difference to Ulster this season...

Gareth Steenson and Peter Lockhart sit down for a chat about what Ulster should be focusing on during pre-season ahead of the new campaign.From managing the season in blocks and keeping players fresh, to improving tackle technique and bringing back the maul, we look at some of the key areas Richie Murphy and his coaching staff will be working on.Recorded at Hearth Pub, Ballyhackamore.Subscribe for more Ulster Rugby discussion, interviews and analysis from Stand Up: An Ulster Rugby Podcast.

This week on The Stand Up, Ulster Women's Player of the Season Niamh Morley joins the podcast to tell one of the most unique stories in Irish rugby.After more than two decades playing Gaelic football with Armagh, Niamh made the switch to rugby after the pandemic and hasn't looked back. She reflects on earning her first Ulster cap, battling back from a third ACL injury, and why representing Ireland remains her biggest ambition.The team discuss the challenges of changing sports later in life, how skills from Gaelic football have helped her thrive on the rugby pitch, the growth of the women's game, and why hard work has always been at the heart of everything she has achieved.Niamh also opens up about balancing elite rugby with teaching, the importance of role models, and what she hopes to leave behind for the next generation of Ulster players.

What made Ulster Rugby such a force in the early years of professionalism?This week, former Ulster Head Coach Alan Solomons joins the podcast to look back on one of the province's most successful eras, sharing the philosophies and leadership principles that helped turn Ravenhill into one of the toughest places to play in Europe.From building a formidable pack and creating a winning culture to developing future stars like Tommy Bowe, Neil Best and Roger Wilson, Solomons reflects on his time in Belfast, why Northern Ireland became home, and the values that have shaped his coaching career across the world.Plus, he discusses the modern game, where he believes Ulster can improve, and why integrity, honesty and putting the team first remain the foundations of any successful side.🎙️ A fascinating insight into leadership, culture, and the legacy of one of Ulster Rugby's most influential coaches.

Ulster legend John Cooney pops into the Waterfront Hall studio fresh off the plane from France, and straight away it's clear pre-season hasn't quite kicked in yet — he reckons he's put on five kilos on a diet of Ulster fries and Guinness.On this week's show, John joins us to talk life in France, from butchering the language mid-training-drill to not understanding a word of changing-room banter. We get into how he became one of the URC's best-ever kickers almost by accident, the mental tricks he's nicked from Kobe and Steph Curry, and the flat tyre that nearly cost him his Ulster career before it started. Plus his Ireland heartbreaks, the funniest man in the dressing room, and some proper advice for his younger self.Recorded at the Waterfront Hall, co-created with the Waterfront's podcast studio. Find full event listings at waterfront.co.uk.

What happens when the final whistle blows on a professional rugby career?This week, former Ulster favourites Dave Shanahan and Andrew Trimble join the podcast to reflect on life after rugby, dressing room culture, career highs and lows, and the challenge of moving on from the game that shaped their lives.From hilarious tour stories and changing-room characters to serious conversations about identity, retirement and finding a new purpose, this is an honest and entertaining look behind the curtain of professional rugby.Plus, Dave discusses his Ulster career, embracing the impact role, and why he's excited for what comes next.🎙️ Plenty of laughs, great stories, and a fascinating insight into rugby beyond the pitch.