In Pics: Ulster Training In Belfast

Last Friday marked new head coach Brian McLaughlin’s first day at the Ulster helm. The squad took part in various strength and fitness drills, attack and defence techiques and patterns by McLaughlin and his coaching staff.

Click here to view photos from the Ulster squad session in Belfast on Friday.

Click here to view Ulster Rugby’s video of new coach Brian McLaughlin’s first training run-out with the players.

One of Ulster’s newest recruits, Gloucester-born lock Dan Tuohy has been enjoying his first few weeks with the province and is looking forward to the new Magners League campaign.

“The training has been good, although very tough, but JD (Jonny Davis) and Paul (Hatton) have made every session different, and that’s key in keeping the lads on their toes and not just stuck in the same routine,” said the former Ireland Under-21 international.

“I started at the start of pre-season, which I have found extremely helpful in giving me enough time to reach my pre-season goals.”

Tuohy, who turned 24 last month, joined Ulster from English National Division One side Exeter and played for Guinness Premiership regulars Gloucester previous to that.

Describing the move to Ulster as ‘smooth’, he is eager to become an ‘important part’ of the province’s squad.

He added: “I’m excited about taking part in both competitions, the Magners League and Heineken Cup.

“Having been more used to the Premiership, the Magners League offers me another challenge and one that’ll help improve me as a player.

“The Heineken Cup for any player is a great occasion, to play in Europe against the best players is what you should always be striving to do.”