Ulster Seeks Revival Following Losing Streak, Coach Highlights Training Intensity

Forwards coach Jimmy Duffy, who joined Ulster in July, has reported a “lot of niggle” during training sessions as the team endeavors to reverse its recent poor performance. Ulster is currently on a four-match losing streak as they prepare to host inter-provincial rivals Munster in the United Rugby Championship this Friday. Richie Murphy’s side experienced defeats against Cardiff and Leinster in the URC, occurring on either side of the autumn internationals. This was followed by significant losses to Toulouse and Bordeaux in European competitions. The defeat by Bordeaux in Belfast was particularly challenging, as the French team scored 26 consecutive points after Ulster had established a lead in the first half. Duffy stated his focus was on positive aspects rather than negative ones, adding that “all the signs are pointing in the right direction.” He further commented, “The lads care which is the big thing. You can see it on their faces and there’s been a lot of niggle in training over the last number of weeks, which is good – niggle in the right way. People want to get better and they want to win, so it’ll come. It will come.” Even with the challenging sequence of results, three of which were against top European teams, Duffy emphasized that “it’s not doom and gloom” within the squad. He elaborated, “We’ve spoken about it being a young group and giving it time, but they’re still ambitious. They’ve played the European champions and French finalists in the past two weekends, that is where you get burnt and get better. The lads are enjoying each other’s company and working hard in there. We’re on a journey as a club and we’re trying to build pathways to make these guys as good as they can be.”