Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson officially opened the new stand at Ulster Rugby's Ravenhill Stadium, alongside Alan Moneypenny, the Vice Chair of Sport NI, and Cecil Watson, the President of the Ulster Branch of the IRFU.

Sport NI helped fund the Ravenhill Stand project to a cost of £1.2million, under their Safe Stadia Programme.

The £4.5million stand boasts 20 high-spec corporate boxes, 532 premier seats, plus full bar and restaurant facilities.

Commenting on the new stand at Ravenhill, Ulster Branch President Cecil Watson said: "Our new stand not only provides a panoramic view of the playing area, but also offers a quality club atmosphere for families as well as corporate members.

"The first-class catering facilities are easily accessed from the premier seating area, enhancing the matchday experience for our supporters.

"I believe that Ravenhill now provides first class corporate entertainment and is a leading sports venue in Northern Ireland."

Ravenhill was certainly rocking last Friday night when Brian McLaughlin's Ulster side opened their Heineken Cup campaign with an impressive 26-12 victory over Bath. 10,914 spectators were present at the Belfast ground.