Ulster open the season at home to Dragons
The Ulster Rugby team play their final preseason game on Friday ahead of their season opener with Gwent Newport Dragons at Kingspan a week later. And Second Row, Pete Browne spoke to Q Radio about the importance of preseason preparation.
"It's massive for just forming a team, for building cohesion" said Browne "The only way to prepare for a game is to have games". Ulster were beaten by Exeter in their last preseason game, so Browne et. al. will be anxious to get a win against the Saints this Friday.
Browne also spoke about how preseason is vital for new players to develop a cohesion with their new teammates. One particular new player is Marcell Coetzee, who picked up an injury with his previous side Sharks. However Browne is impressed with Coutzee's professionalism and desire to fight for an Ulster jersey. "A guy who's played, I don't know how many times for South Africa and has that hunger to come here and make an impact and be a team player" said Browne "That humility rubs off on the guys"
Waking up with Stephen & Cate @goQradio this morning! pic.twitter.com/nzWY4T6SBA
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) 25 August 2016
Browne also had praise for the new team Captains. Andrew Trimble and Rob Herring were named captains earlier in the month with Browne pointing out the importance of their leadership. " We look to them and they also listen" said Browne
Ulster take on Northampton Saints at Kingspan on Friday 26th August, with the season opener with Dragons taking place a week later.