We feel that ouir best scrummaging platform is with Rod Moore at tight-head prop and Ronnie will provide good impact coming off the bench.

On Gavin Pfister at No. 7...

The Borders game (where Neil Best was injured after 10 minutes and replaced by Campbell Feather) showed that we need a genuine openside so rather than switch Wardy to 7 we're giving Gavin an opportunity. He's trained very well given that it's been such a frustrating few months for him and he's in great shape.

On Neil McMillan and Neil Best...

Neil McMillan's rehab has gone to plan. Being the very diligent player he is he's gone about it in a very professional manner but we're in no rush with him. We're not planning to have him back until next season.

If we got to a semi-final of the Celtic Cup we would be hopeful that Neil Best would be available for selection (Neil sustained a fractured jaw in the match against The Borders)

On contracts...

so far we've contracted Justin Harrison, Justin Fitzpatrick and Issac Boss. The IRFU have reduced the number of full contract this season from 34 to 31 and so we're only looking to recruit one more player, a backrow forward.

On Neil Doak (who announced his retirement this week)...

I first came across Neil on a cricket pitch, he was playing for Lisburn and I was playing for Bangor and frankly I thought he was a bit of an upstart! But that certainly showed his competitive streak!

He's certainly had a frustrating time over the years with injury and despite the fact that this season Kieran Campbell has been getting the nod he's still trainined with as much enthusiasm and determination as ever.

I respect him a lot in terms of his rugby brain and he will be an excellent addition to the Ulster Branch Coaching set-up as a High Performace Coach looking after some of the Academy players.