I chat with Irish Times journalist and Leinster fan, Nathan Johns, about the upcoming interprovincial clash with Leinster.

We reflect on the Scarlets game, what Ulster did well and where Ulster need to improve if they hope to beat Leinster.

With both sides going full whip, this will be an old-school, feisty interprovincial derby and we can't wait to see how it plays out.

We also discuss the names to look out for the Emerging Ireland team tomorrow afternoon.

Hope you enjoy the chat!

#SUFTUM

Ulster kicked off their BKT United Rugby Championship campaign with a bonus point win over their provincial rivals, Connacht, in Belfast on Saturday night.

With both sides afflicted by early season rustiness, it was ultimately the hosts who managed to click into gear and dominate in terms of territory and possession, chalking up five tries to the visitors’ one.

Stephen Murphy, Connacht fan and host of the Master of None Podcast and I look back on the game.

Delighted to be back!

In the first episode of the season, I’m joined by Ulster super-fan and regular contributor to the podcast, Ian Frizzell and rugby journalists Rhys Jones and Nathan Johns.

We take a look at last night’s friendly against Exeter, discuss the stand-out performances, new players and familiar faces returning this season.

We also discuss Ulster’s strengths and weaknesses and expectations for the season ahead.

Hope you enjoy!

Simon Mason is the definition of an Ulster legend. An unflappable presence at fullback and peerless goal-kicker, he hit a playing peak on the province's journey to European triumph in 1999.

Simon discusses his journey to playing for Ulster and Ireland, what made the legendary '99 squad so special and his obsession with kicking which made him one of the most faultless goal-kickers in Europe in his prime.

Really enjoyed this chat with Simon and I hope you enjoy listening.

Paddy McAllister has had a fascinating life and career.

In what is perhaps the most important podcast to date, Paddy discusses his remarkable life both on and off the field.

Following a rapid rise through the ranks with Ulster and Ireland under 20s, Paddy was then faced with difficult and tragic personal circumstances that would affect his career and life.

We discuss the highs, lows and relentless nature of professional rugby, dealing with grief, faith and family.

A really thoughtful conversation with a top player and person.

Hope you enjoy listening.

I chat to Mick Kearney who has just finished up a short spell with Ulster to cap off a great career, playing for 3 out of 4 Irish provinces as well as Italian side, Zebre. 

The Dublin-born second-row announced his retirement at the end of this season, prompting an outpouring of affection from the rugby community.

Mick gives his opinion on what the current Ulster side is capable of, how the Ulster set-up compares to other provinces and looks back on his playing career with fresh perspective, imparting words of wisdom to any young or aspiring Ulster players.

Having chatted to Mick, I can see why he is universally popular - a love of the game and a great sense of perspective on what it's all about.

Hope you enjoy listening.

Irish Times journalist and honorary Ulsterman, Nathan Johns and I conduct the post-mortem of Ulster's chances of silverware this season.

Despite the initial disappointment, a couple of days have provided perspective. Ulster were tantalisingly close to a home final and the gut-wrenching feeling when they let their 5-point lead slip is made somewhat easier to take when you look at the future potential of this team.

We discuss the heroic effort and the coaching decisions that may have ultimately contributed to our downfall.

By the way, we forgot to give enough credit to the Stormers who, in the end, deserved the win. That hurt to say but it's true.

Enjoy the listen.

Justin Fitzpatrick: Ulster’s Globetrotter

In this episode I speak to the Ulster and Ireland legendary loosehead who won 26 caps for Ireland and also helped Ulster to a European Cup in 1999 and the Celtic League in 2006.

Justin has had a fascinating life and career, bursting onto the scene in the London Irish front row before joining Ulster (and Dungannon), moving to Castres Olympique and coming back to Ulster (to win yet another trophy).

Justin then accepted a role coaching the Pakistan nation team before moving to USA, where he coached the Seattle Saracens, was assistant coach of the United States national rugby union team and, most recently coached the Houston SaberCats.

Apart from everything else he’s achieved, Justin has been embedded in US rugby's exciting rise.

Justin is passionate about rugby and about collecting life experiences which makes this an interesting listen for rugby fans.

Harry Sheridan is a very promising member of Ulster's Academy - a second-row with a tireless work-ethic and engine to match.

For Harry, the journey began at Civil Service Rugby Club being coached by his Dad. Having already grown a passion for the game when he started at Sullivan Upper School, Harry kicked-on, helped by a growth spurt which provided him with a natural position in the team's engine room.

Having been ear-marked as 'one-to-watch', he then starred for Ireland at under 20s level and is currently enjoying life in the academy which he balances with his studies in Trinity College, Dublin.

It was a great pleasure to speak to Harry. His enthusiasm for his home-club of Civil Service and love of the game was evident and I have no doubt he'll go far. Remember the name!