Focus on Ulster Ravens

The Ravens are Ulster Rugby's 'A' side, competing in the British & Irish Cup as well as having inter-provincial fixtures against Munster, Leinster and Connacht.

Coached by former Irish international Gary Longwell, the Ravens combine their playing resources from the Ulster senior squad and the Phoenix Provincial Academy, providing a potent mix of experience and youth.

Senior provincial players such as hooker Andy Kyriakou, who has captained the team, lock Tim Barker, flanker Mike McCornish, no8 Robbie Diack and outside half James McKinney have already been prominent for the Ravens in their BIC campaign this season.

A record of two wins from two BIC pool ties played so far has given the Ravens a solid chance of progressing from pool 6 of the competition. Their victories have come against Doncaster, home by 39pts to 7 and Currie, away by 13pts to 28.

Ulster Rugby has fifty clubs within its remit, such as Ballymena RFC, City of Derry RFC, Queen’s University RFC and Belfast Harlequins RFC. The Ravens often play out of the latter club’s home ground, Deramore Park in the South of Belfast.