We caught up with Steven Hutton, the new team manager and Graham Cloke, new head coach to see how the preparations are going ahead of the new season.

Can you tell us a bit about the women’s training and how they are currently preparing for the upcoming inter-provincial competition?

Pre season training has started. We had an induction day at UUJ High Performance facility, where fitness tests were conducted and these will now be used as a benchmark for the team. Each player has also been given an individual training programme.

Has the team played any matches yet during their training? If so, how did they get on and what have they taken from the experience?

A trial match was held in April involving 45 players selected from the local clubs and some exiles. From that group an initial squad has been selected. The trial match was played at a high standard and allowed the ladies to demonstrate what they can do.

As a team, what are the women’s main objectives in preparing for the upcoming Inter-provincial campaign?

The main objectives at the moment are to get the team fitter, stronger, better organised and more focused.

What will be the team’s main challenges as they prepare, and what are they most looking forward to about the campaign?

We need to restore confidence in the team as it has taken a bit of a battering over the last couple of years. The players involved definitely have the skills, commitment and drive to succeed at this level and are looking forward to winning matches, but we just need to let them see they can succeed.

Tell us a bit about the new management team and how have the Ulster women responded to them?

Along with the 2 Ulster Branch appointments (Steven Hutton and Graham Cloke) the team has also acquired the services of two other members, meaning we now have a strong management team including Steven Hutton as Team Manager, Graham Cloke as Head Coach, Gary McIlroy as Assistant Coach and Chris Galway as Strength and Conditioning Coach.
 
To date the response has been excellent. It’s obvious the women appreciate the increased support offered by the Ulster Branch and the professionalism being introduced by the Management Team.