pinky wrote: Marty Moore out for the season. Stockdale injured but you'd imagine he'll pull through by then.
Looks like this will be Rory Best's last home game so that will add to the occasion.

Be very surprised if Best is fit. Injured in Heineken QF, return date was around the Semi Final May 17-19.

Marty Moore out for the season. Stockdale injured but you'd imagine he'll pull through by then.
Looks like this will be Rory Best's last home game so that will add to the occasion.

pinky wrote:

Sol_ie wrote: I think that Ulster have resisted games on Sunday for religious reasons

You'd have to go back 15 years for that kind of craic, and it wasn't Ulster Rugby the resistance came from, but the nearby church and politicians. Ulster Rugby are a pretty inclusive bunch, like ourselves.

Played Tigers in a Heineken Group match back in 2004 on a Sunday, some of the lads who were protesting also had match tickets. Made their point and then enjoyed the rugby! The Euro-playoff game was on the Sunday at the behest of the Pro 14, as it was the same weekend as the semi finals which were on the Friday and Saturday.


As mentioned nothing official re a day/time. Heard very unofficially the Saturday around 6pm based on info the stadium staff were told re working hours etc.

They played the 7th place playoff against Ospreys on a Sunday last year. There have been hardly any Sunday games in the Pro14 this season though, mainly during international windows and over Christmas (they used to be regular in Wales) so I doubt it'll happen.

pinky wrote:

Sol_ie wrote: I think that Ulster have resisted games on Sunday for religious reasons

You'd have to go back 15 years for that kind of craic, and it wasn't Ulster Rugby the resistance came from, but the nearby church and politicians. Ulster Rugby are a pretty inclusive bunch, like ourselves.

I think it was more to do with certain County councils run by a particular brand of "no craic on a Sunday" parties who restricted sports grounds funded from council taxes playing on the Sabbath.
However its a sign of how Nationalists attitudes have changed over the years that they now will travel to Ravenhill and cheer on the men in red. I've had many a chat up there with supporters who in their youth would never have imagined stepping into a rugby club nor even playing it. Any time I've gone up there I've met great people who are delighted to see us travel up.

You're spot on. I think that Ravenhill has a few churches, including one that a certain First Minister used to preach at, within earshot.

Sol_ie wrote: I think that Ulster have resisted games on Sunday for religious reasons

You'd have to go back 15 years for that kind of craic, and it wasn't Ulster Rugby the resistance came from, but the nearby church and politicians. Ulster Rugby are a pretty inclusive bunch, like ourselves.

mikey wrote: I'm reading a lot on social media that the match is on Saturday 5th.... Well the 5th is a Sunday and as for Saturday its not mentioned on any official site. Have we any solid basis for it not being on a Friday or did someone hear the dates mentioned from a lad perched on a high stool?

As far as we've heard - which is what has been reported, and no more - the dates are still up in the air. I assume that everything is being discussed but I for one wouldn't put any massive stock in 'confirmed' dates until the Pro14/Connacht confirm them.

The Pro14 website has both QF down as either the 3rd or 4th May - so that would seem to rule out a Sunday game. I think that Ulster have resisted games on Sunday for religious reasons (although they did play the Kings away on a Sunday this year). It is a Bank Holiday weekend, so that might change the math a bit.

I'm reading a lot on social media that the match is on " Saturday 5th" .... Well the 5th is a Sunday and as for Saturday its not mentioned on any official site. Have we any solid basis for it not being on a Friday or did someone hear the dates mentioned from a lad perched on a high stool?

See above! Working on it, should have more info soon - probably close to the date and time announcement!

Will their be a bus travelling to ravenhill on May 5th for the quarter final

It's a great stadium, probably the finest in Ireland, with lively supporters. It's located in a nice area too. I've had 3 trips up there and enjoyed all of them. The home crowd are always welcoming too. Enjoy your visit.

I have committed and went ahead and booked a guesthouse close to Kingspan for Friday and Saturday night for me and the missus. Reasonable enough too so happy days. Cannot wait for this one, first time in Kingspan Stadium so really looking forward to it!

ConnachtCows wrote: Talking about saving money, is it correct, that we would prefer Munster to win Conference A, rather than Glasgow?
I presume Munster would then get to host the semi final against the winners of Ulster vs Connacht.

If that's the case, are we actively rooting against ourselves in Thomand next weekend. I'm very confused

I was thinking the same pre-game on Saturday. A Munster win would be better as if Glasgow top the conference, it's hard to see anyone stopping them with a home semi and final. On the other hand if Munster finish top, Ulster/Connacht winner would go to Thomond, hopefully the week after they play in the European final and then most likely face Leinster in Glasgow. So there's a kind of a path to victory there.
However it's out of Munster's hands anyway as Glasgow just have to beat Edinburgh at home, which they should manage even though Edinburgh are fighting for their season (they need a bonus point win just to guarantee the euro playoff spot).

Please a Friday. I'm on night shift Sat and Sun.

Talking about saving money, is it correct, that we would prefer Munster to win Conference A, rather than Glasgow?
I presume Munster would then get to host the semi final against the winners of Ulster vs Connacht.

If that's the case, are we actively rooting against ourselves in Thomand next weekend. I'm very confused