Ulster are no strangers to play off rugby, with appearances in the semi finals of the Celtic League play offs in 2001/02 and also in 2002/03. This was when the Celtic League operated the playoff format and there were 15 teams in the league in 2001/02 and 16 teams in 2002/03.
The Magner League play off final has been set for Saturday 29th May 2010, with the venue being chosen by the finalist with the highest league position. The stadium must be within the finalists’ respective Unions’ jurisdiction and with a minimum capacity of 18,000.
With the Ulstermen currently sitting in sixth position just three points off a playoff position, there is all to play for.
The Welsh provide the immediate challengers with games against Newport Gwent Dragons (H), Scarlets (A), and a home and away double header against Cardiff Blues. There is also the contest with Ospreys to be re-arranged, so it is clear that the matches with the Welsh sides will be of the utmost importance to the season. These games will have a strong impact on the Magners League table with Dragons, Scarlets and the Blues just below Ulster, and surely keen to move ahead of Ulster in the quest for the play offs.
With only eight games left in the league season, every point counts so it is vital that Ulster keep the pressure on the league leaders.
Newport got the win over Ulster on the opening weekend of the league, but Ulster will be hoping for some revenge in the showdown at Ravenhill on Friday 19th February. The two sides are locked on the same points in the league table, so a win would provide some breathing space while also helping Ulster keep up the pressure on the league leaders.
Tickets are now on sale for the clash and are available from; the Ravenhill Ticket Office (Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm), the Ticket Hotline 028 90 493 222 Option 2 (Mon-Fri, 10am to 12noon,) Ulster Rugby ticket outlets province wide or to buy online click here.
