The Red Hand

Some days you're the pigeon, some days you're the statue

The lads chat about the win over Ulster, who might be joining us from our feeder club in Dublin and what we need to do to salvage the season. To help us in our quest to answer all the big Ulster rugby related questions, rugby analyst and expert Jason Lear joins us.

Murphy's Law

Welcome to the Red Hand Podcast It’s been another tough week to be an Ulster fan as our Challenge Cup hopes were crushed by Clermont. Richie Murphy’s men were demolished in the second half after a pretty decent first half showing leaving fans and players feeling a bit shell shocked. Richie’s still at the wheel though and he needs time. He’s been parachuted in to a difficult situation and our new head coach and his squad need the backing of supporters. Depending on who you listen to in the Uls...

Richie's at the wheel

A different and somewhat special episode this week as we zoom out and consider the bigger picture at Ulster Rugby. Don’t worry, we will discuss the weekend’s action as well of course! Ulster secured a 40-17 point win over Montpellier to book their place in the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup in a game that perfectly demonstrated the old adage ‘it’s a game of two halves’. More on that in a second. The usual panel have been given a break this week in line with rugby podcasters rest protocol...

Storm Weathered?

Have Ulster successfully weathered the storm? Everything seems better and brighter around Ulster Rugby at the minute. The coaching team look happier, fans are more positive, the team are battling for 80 minutes. I’m keen not to get carried away and talk of a transformation is certainly premature, but I think anyone who has been paying attention to ulster has noticed green shoots of progress in the most recent performances. It’s difficult to explain but even though we lost, everyone – myself i...

Murphy's Big Dipper

The lads bid farewell to Jonny Petrie and consider what's next for Ulster Rugby...

Justin Harrison: Ulster's Enforcer

I’m joined this week by a very special guest and a name that will be familiar to all Ulster Rugby fans. A combative and abrasive second-row who played 34 times for the Wallabies, Justin’s connection to Ulster came when he joined the province in 2005 and captained the side to the Celtic league - their last piece of silverware. Justin was a key player for Australia for several seasons, famously playing in memorable fixtures such as the third Lions test in 2001 and the Rugby World Cup final in 2...

Dragon Slayers

The Ulster Rugby Soap opera continues. As we all know, following a recent plot-twist, one of the main characters was written out and the show has been revamped. New characters include understudy Dan Soper moving into the role of interim head coach and SPOILER ALERT he’s about to be reduced to a background character when Richie Murphy takes over the reins in the coming weeks. In Ulster, the script never seems to allow for a straightforward narrative, preferring to shake things up every few sea...

Dan's Out

Slow news day for Ulster Rugby... After the most dramatic 24 hours this season for fans of Ulster which saw head coach Dan depart the province, ending his tenure as the longest serving Ulster coach of the professional era, the panel have plenty to talk about. Where do we go from here? Who's next? Was there a game at the weekend? Sit back, enjoy the chat and don't forget to like and subscribe!

It's Desperate, Dan!

Where to begin? The Red Hand is back to discuss Ulster crashing out of the Champions Cup and where we go from here. Consider it group therapy for Ulster fans. We will always back the players on the pitch but is it time for some new ideas to inspire this talented squad to fulfil their full potential?

Gladiators Roddy?

Everything was in place for a famous home win… A packed Ravenhill on its 100 year anniversary, the 99 squad were watching on 25 years on from their famous European Cup win and momentum from a couple of big wins… In the end, we got absolutely minced by a team who looked to be on another level. Du Pont magic together with the quality of the players around him overwhelmed Ulster who were second best in every area of the game. On a more positive note, we finally got to see some fabulous attacking...

David Humphreys: Perfect 10

This episode is from a while back - before Humphs was appointed head honcho of Irish Rugby. Where to even start with David Humphreys? Childhood hero, Ulster legend and one of the most significant figures in the history of Ulster Rugby. This one is from the archive and I thought I would put it out there given the fact we are 25 years on from when Humphs helped Ulster get crowned Kings of Europe in '99. What a legend. Enjoy.

Boo-urns

It's good to be back after a short Christmas break - hope you had a good one! Ulster have enjoyed an unbeaten run so far in 2024 and in the process of beating our provincial rivals, Ulster are now the number one province in Ireland. What a difference a few weeks makes. Ulster fans - is there anything better than beating Leinster at their place? The win was far from perfect but we still got the result. It was a heroic effort from the lads and it begs the question: what has galvanised the te...

Dan's Lab

"Never in doubt" Those were the words I was repeating after Ulster's inevitable demolition of Racing at Fortress Kingspan. Christmas has come early. Ulster are class again. Having been luke-warm to tepid so far this season, have Ulster been bubbling away beneath the surface? Are they now ready to boil over following their best performance in over a year? If you missed his post match interview, Dan said that he and some senior members of the squad had been spending time conducting experiments ...

Bath Bomb

Life as an Ulster fan is anything but boring and, as usual, there's plenty to discuss on the podcast this week. Let's start with the positives: Ulster Rugby have an incredibly large and loyal fanbase, a fancy new stadium and pitch and a talented squad with a number of really good prospects coming through. So, this begs the question why Dan McFarland's men are struggling on the pitch and why Ulster are in such a precarious position as an organisation. There's a saying that a fish rots from the...

The Coming Storm?

Welcome to the Red Hand Podcast. Are there dark clouds gathering at Ulster? Is a storm coming for the current head-coach? Following defeat at the weekend, Dan McFarland slammed the standards in training and, by extension, his own ability to coach the team. I’m not sure the words went down well with Ulster supporters, many of whom seemed not best pleased by the performance or Dan’s reaction. It’s just a game at the end of the day – a frivolous game, a bit of fun – entertainment – so there...

Haste Ye Back

Dan McFarland’s men started like a steam train but ran out of track as Glasgow battled their way back into the game and won 33-20. Two tries within 11 minutes  from Tom Stewart and Cooney but Glasgow dominated the rest of the match. Three away games and two losses for Ulster (which could have very easily been three losses) Is it simply a case of ‘taking your lessons and moving on’ as Dan McFarland often says or are there more serious problems to be addressed? To answer these questions an...

Lion Tamers

It was a miserable night and in many ways a pretty miserable game on Friday night against the Lions, but Ulster found a way to get the win so we’re going to stay positive! Despite being down by seven points at halftime, Dan McFarland’s men went up a gear in the second half and ultimately held on for a 24-17 victory. In horrendous conditions at fortress Ravenhill, it was not the most entertaining of games to put it lightly. Tries from James Hume, Stockdale and Rob Herring allowed Ulster to...

Munster Mash

It’s two weeks after Halloween but Ulster have done the ‘Munster Mash’, defeating their provincial rivals 21-14 at Fortress Ravenhill. Grave problems for Munster as, after the visitors drew first blood, they were guilty of coffin up the ball on too many occasions, allowing Ulster back into the game. Dan McFarland’s men held off Munster in the dying stages with Munster pummelling their line, and secured a historic victory. To discuss the game I’m joined by regular panelists Nathan, Jack, P...

Glass Half Full

If you're struggling to work out how to feel after the game at the weekend then you're not alone. We lost but... did we really win when you consider the performance exceeded all expectations? The answer, of course, is no. Your outlook on the game will depend on whether you're a glass-half-empty or glass-half-full type of person. Half of Ulster's fan-base has chosen to focus on the glass being partly full with several impressive individual performances, an early lead and a spirited effort fro...

Ulster Grab Bulls by the Horns

This week we're looking back at Ulster's battling win over the Bulls on Sunday and looking ahead to their clash with Connacht on Saturday. As always, there's plenty to discuss about the game which was a pretty entertaining watch (although I could have done without those nerve-racking few minutes at the end!) The new pitch is already paying for itself in terms of saving Ulster's laundry bills and, apart from that, we saw a more ambitious Ulster trying to keep the ball alive and bring our elect...

Ulster's Italian Job and Upcoming Bull-run

Ulster v Zebre and Pre-Season Review

Welcome back to the Red Hand Podcast. It has been a while. Now that the side-show distraction of the World Cup is over, we are back to the main event - the URC - as Ulster prepare to face Zebre away in their opening game. The dust has settled on yet another disappointing campaign as Ireland yet again crashed out in the quarters. We won't dwell on this - plenty has been said by others about their early departure. Suffice to say, we would have won if more Ulster men had been on the field. I...

Conor Carey: Cornerstone

I am delighted to be joined by Conor Carey. We have timed this podcast perfectly because Conor has just announced his retirement from professional rugby and is ready to reflect on a great career. Rugby fans in Ulster will know Conor as he is one who slipped through the net. He played rugby in Ulster up the age-groups and Ireland under 20s and then went on to have along and successful career - just not in Ulster (although he nearly came full circle last season...) Conor is also uniquely pos...

Andrew Maxwell: Taking Care of Business

I’m joined on this episode by Andrew Maxwell. Ulster fans will remember Andrew from his successful time with the club playing on the wing between 03/04 and 07 before joining Edinburgh. However, Andrew’s rugby career only forms part of his story: after hanging up his boots he transitioned seamlessly into the world of business, becoming co-owner of Irish Burrito chain, Boojum and now has another exciting and innovative venture which is set to revolutionise fast food in Belfast. I really enj...

Mark Best: Road Less Travelled

Mark Best came through the ranks with Ulster and Ireland before taking the 'road less travelled' of choosing an alternative path. I chat to Mark about his journey, what it's like to transition back into real life and now enjoying club rugby with Ballynahinch where he was recently man of the match in their Senior Cup Final victory over Queens. I really enjoyed chatting to Mark and I hope you enjoy listening. ps. If you have a spare few moments type 'Mark Best Highlights' into YouTube and m...

Ulster v Connacht: Friday Night Takeaways

Ulster season came to a shuddering halt against interprovincial rivals, Connacht, on Friday night in Belfast. Ulster's season is over. But where does that leave us? Is Dan still the man to take us forward? Should we be concerned that 10 players (at least) are leaving and only 2 are coming in? What went wrong on Friday night? The panel wrestle with these questions.

John Andress: Rugby Agent

I’m excited to be joined by former professional rugby player and agent, John Andress. John’s an Ulsterman with a long and successful playing career. In fact he’s played over 200 professional games with the likes of Exeter Chiefs, London Harlequins, Worcester Warriors, Edinburgh Rugby, Munster and Connacht. There are few more well-travelled and experienced players and he has used his extensive network of contacts to forge a career as a rugby agent. He lifts the lid on life as an agent and ...

Ulster v Edinburgh: Friday Night Takeaways

If you didn’t see the game at the weekend, Ulster beat Edinburgh 28-14 to secure home advantage in URC play-offs. Ulster got the job done but, as some have commented, maybe not in the style that some fans would have wanted. Tries from Jacob Stockdale, Nick Timoney and John Cooney and 13 points from Cooney’s boot secured the win. It’s an interesting time for Ulster. There is talk of trouble in the camp, but the team continue to win on the pitch. A few big names have announced they are leavi...

Ulster v Dragons: Friday Night Takeaways

Job done. A mixed bag of a game but Ulster go into second place for the time being and their destiny is in their own hands.  A win this weekend will give them a home game in a prospective semi-final. We chat about the performance and contracts as well as looking ahead to the remaining games as we continue in the business end of the season.

Ulster v Bulls: Saturday Night Takeaways

I'm joined by the Red Hand brains trust once again as we discuss Ulster's bonus point win over the Bulls at the weekend and look ahead to the main event: the clash with interprovincial rivals Leinster in Dublin this Saturday. For fans of Star Wars, listener discretion is advised.

Mark Robson and Graham Jewhurst: The Voices of Ulster Rugby

I'm joined by two familiar voices of Ulster Rugby: Commentators Mark Robson and Graham Jewhurst. We discuss Ireland's 6 Nations success from an Ulster perspective,look ahead to the World Cup and discuss the business end to Ulster's season including the decisive clash with Leinster in the Champions Cup.

Andrew Trimble: Penguin

An in depth and free-wheeling chat with one of the best personalities from Ulster Rugby. Apart from being an Ulster and Ireland legend, Trimby is now a media personality and CEO and balances all this with a busy family life and outside interests. I loved talking to him, hope you enjoy listening.

Ross Adair: Determined

My next guest is someone who has achieved something very rare – he’s played professionally in two sports. Rugby for Ulster and Jersey Reds and cricket for Ireland (which is seriously impressive). Ross has had a really interesting journey throughout his rugby career and has been hit with set-backs along the way. It’s a story which is quite inspiring – coming back from injury and playing high level sport again. It was an absolute pleasure chatting to Ross. Hope you enjoy listening.

Cardiff v Ulster: Saturday Night Takeaways

Ulster with a bonus point win: it’s nice getting to say that two weeks in a row! The win at the weekend means that Ulster have their sights set on 2nd place in the URC table. Ulster currently sit third - 5 points behind the Stormers -  but the last 3 games are all at home whereas Stormers have to travel to face unbeaten Leinster  in the next round.. Finishing in the top two is of course the goal because it would secure home advantage right through to the Semi-finals of the URC playoffs. ...

Sharks v Ulster: What We Learned

Ulster may have turned a corner in their season with a bonus point win in South Africa in their rescheduled game against the Sharks. The score in the end was 31-24. Granted, both sides were without certain key internationals and Sharks were missing a load of big names but credit where credit’s due for Ulster. Two maul tries from Tom Stewart laid the foundation for the win. Stewart Moore scored a sneaky, opportunistic try and Harry Sheridan - who is quickly becoming a fan favourite – powere...

Ilse van Staden: Ulster's Strongwoman

I had the honour of speaking to Ilse van Staden who has been playing rugby at a high level for over 21 years and has shown no signs of slowing down. She is a rugby player, butcher, chef, language teacher and biltong maker from South Africa and living in Northern Ireland. Since moving to Northern Ireland in 2011 she has played for Ulster Rugby, and represented Ireland in the Six Nations as prop. It was a great pleasure speaking to Ilse and getting to sample some Biltong which she kindly br...

Glasgow v Ulster: Friday Night Takeaways

Ulster’s recent revival came to a disappointing end as Glasgow Warriors came from behind at half time to snatch victory. It was a game that divided fan opinion. There are those who are talking about the start of another crisis and there’s another camp who think a bonus point loss is not too bad considering Glasgow’s recent run of form. Whatever your opinion, we’ve see Ulster throw away half-time leads too many times this season – it has become a recurring theme! Ulster lead at the break ...

Ulster v Stormers: Friday Night Takeaways

Ulster backed up their famous European win over Sale Sharks with a dominant bonus-point 35-5 win over the Stormers in the united rugby championship on Friday night in fortress Kingspan Nathan Doak, Ben Moxham and Nick Timoney scored first-half tries and Jeff Toomaga-Allen and Mike Lowry scored in the second half. It was a good win and certainly a performance to be happy with albeit the stormers weren’t at the races. To discuss and dissect the game at the weekend I’m joined by regular pane...

Ulster v Sale: Saturday Night Takeaways

Well, it’s official… Ulster are back! Or at least they are progressing to the next stage. I think we’re definitely right to celebrate as we haven’t had much to celebrate in a while! There wasn’t a huge amount of optimism for this winner-takes it all pool match, having won just one in our last 7 matches. Feelings of relief were palpable at the Kingspan. Ulster were improved but not perfect. We are certainly now moving in the right direction but whether this squad can get back to playing ...

La Rochelle v Ulster: Saturday Night Takeaways

I saw the La Rochelle Ulster game described as ‘a chess match played in a storm’ which is pretty accurate. Ulster fell agonisingly short once again away from home to champions cup holders La Rochelle. Ulster dominated in terms of possession but failed to capitalise in the dreadful conditions. This makes it 6 losses in 7 matches however Dan McFarland and many Ulster fans were somewhat encouraged by the performance. To discuss all things ulster at the minute I’m joined by an incredible pan...

Benetton v Ulster: What Happened?

As you may have seen, Ulster have suffered a deflating 31-29 defeat to Benetton in a dramatic game in Treviso to continue what has what has been a poor run for the province recently. This defeat is Ulster’s fifth loss in six games and the first time the Treviso-based side have beaten an Irish province since 2017. The panel discuss the potential causes of Ulster's loss of form and what they can do about it.

Brian Moylett: How to be a pro rugby player

Brian Moylett is rugby's leading mindset & performance coach for young players, working with players 1:1, teams and coaching groups all over the world. He helps young players overcome setbacks, develop confidence and self belief, and play in the zone. Brian played age grade rugby for Connacht Rugby, Leinster Rugby and Ireland, and having gone through the pathway systems himself, he saw that there is a real lack of mental and mindset support for young players. His passion for motivating pla...

Ulster v Munster: What Happened?

Welcome to the Red Hand Podcast and happy new year! I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who listen, read, contribute and join in the chat and debate about all things Ulster Rugby. It is hugely appreciated. The Red Hand is the most popular and, in my humble opinion, the best Ulster Rugby podcast out there. We have another big year ahead so please join us! Anyway, The Red Hand’s trajectory is an arrow pointing upwards but Ulster’s trajectory is currently uncertain to put it ...

Paul Shields: My Life in Rugby

My next guest is Ulster, Ireland and Northampton hooker Paul Shields. Ulster fans will remember Paul well. He got over 100 caps for Ulster and won the Celtic league before moving on to Northampton where he finished his playing career. This is a special podcast for me because Paul was my favourite Ulster player growing up!  It was great to meet a childhood hero and he didn't disappoint - really nice guy and great chat. Hope you enjoy listening!

Ulster v La Rochelle: Saturday Night Takeaways

It felt like we had been flung back two years into the past as Ulster and La Rochelle took to the Aviva, completely devoid of a crowd save for an “official delegation” from La Rochelle. The decision to move the game from Belfast to Dublin was contentious at best. The freezing of Ravenhill not only cost Ulster a critical home advantage against the European champions, but by Jonny Petrie’s estimation, will cost the organisation itself roughly £700,000. Understandably, waves of frustration cr...

BONUS EPISODE: Keeping a 'Fit Head' in Rugby

This is a very special episode of the podcast for a number of reasons. First of all, for the first time, I am joined by 3 great guests at the same time: former Ulster player Paddy McAllister, Pamela Gilpin of Rugby Players Ireland and Hannah Murtagh, owner and lead trainer/educator with Fithead. We talk about personal and professional development for rugby players and how this has a broader application even to those outside the world of professional sport. Fascinating insights from these t...

What Went Wrong: Sale v Ulster

We’re finally ready to talk about what happened at the weekend... That was a difficult watch. However, on the Red Hand podcast, we try and stay positive. In brief summary, six tries and a clean sheet for sale and one of Ulster’s worst performances in recent memory. Ulster looked jet-lagged in defence and attack. Indeed, preparation for the game was disrupted by the cold weather which meant the squad had to travel on the morning of the game after their flight on Saturday was cancelled. Ul...

Leinster v Ulster: Saturday Night Takeaways

Fourteen-man Leinster produced an outstanding comeback to beat Ulster 38-29 in Dublin, Cian Healy was shown a red card on 21 minutes and Ulster were up 22-3 after a good start with tries from Rob Herring, Kieran Treadwell and Ethan McIlroy. Everything seemed to be going Ulster’s way and we #daredtodream as we approached the break. The second half was a different story: Leinster hit back with five tries and our dreams were dashed. Ulster went down to 13 men in the second half when James ...

Ulster v Zebre Review

I'm joined by Ulster super-fans Ross Barnett and Jack Fogarty as we discuss Ulster's bonus point win over Zebre.

Ireland from an Ulster Perspective and Ulster v Zebre Preview

After a short break, welcome back to the Red Hand Podcast. I’m joined by Irish Times Journalist, Nathan Johns and rugby writer Caolan Scully. We’re here to discuss Ireland’s autumn internationals and look ahead to Ulster’s game against Zebre this Friday Night.