I just spent some time with my family in Brighton and played with my young son a lot. I feel really well rested after a few days away. We did fitness testing on our first day back on Monday, it was really tough after a few days away but it is great to be back and everyone is focused on our goals for this week.
What do you know about Portugal?
Not a lot really, they are an emerging talent in rugby union. I know they played well in last year’s Rugby World Cup, they lost their games but played well in their pool with Italy only beating them 31-5, they also put in good performances against Scotland and the All Blacks.
They are a strong force in the International 7’s circuit and I played against them on that circuit in the not so dark and distant past (late 1990’s)
As a 7’s team they are very hard to play against, they are a very skilful and strong. On the 7’s circuit the chicks love them for their suntans and speedy footwork!!
It is hard to prepare for a team that you haven’t seen much of so I think it is important that we just concentrate on ourselves. In many ways the shackles are off for us in this game, there are no league points to gain; it is purely a game for us to test ourselves.
We can express ourselves in this game and play some good old fashioned rugby, it will be a very hard physical challenge but we are all up for it.
What sort of lift did beating Munster give you guys?
It was a really good boost for us, we have a happy camp anyway but it certainly made it a lot happier! It is very important for us to get some wins in the league, a few good performances and the league table can change dramatically.
How much are you looking forward to Connacht?
We are not thinking about it at all yet. Our focus this week is on fitness conditioning, next week we will think about Portugal and the week after the Portugal game our A squad travel to Cardiff to take on Cardiff A.
The Connacht game will be on the back burner until the week of the game.
Ulster v Portugal Ticket Information
The tickets are priced in line with the current economic climate, with adult tickets starting at just £10 to stand and £14 for a ticket in the covered stand.
We have also listened to families and their concerns about affordable trips to Ravenhill. The pricing for the new YellowTom stand should reflect our desire to encourage families to come along to Ravenhill and enjoy the special atmosphere and watch some top class rugby.
Tickets can be bought online by clicking HERE , or you can buy tickets over the counter at Ravenhill or by phone 02890493222 Option 2 Monday to Friday.
General Sale Prices
Block B / C / D - £20
Block A /E - £20
Promenade / Terrace – Adult £10 / Child £6
YellowTom Stand – Adult £14 / Child £7
