While the Rugby Committee can be well pleased with how things went last season, they are not resting on their laurels. Coaches Chris Campbell and Richard Boyd, in liaison with a recruitment panel, have been busy in recent weeks considering their options and interviewing players who would enhance the strength of the squad. They have until the end of the month to register newcomers and with a number of irons in the fire, hopes are high that some key positions can be filled. No names will be mentioned until registrations have been completed, but the club is delighted to announce that Ulster forward Tim Barker will be at Hatrick Park next season.
Tim made his name at Dungannon before being invited to join the Ulster squad for season 2003-04. He later sampled rugby in the south of France with Top 14 side Castres Olympique. His next port of call was Glasgow where he spent a successful period with the Warriors. For the last two seasons he has been back at Ravenhill, playing his part in Ulster’s exciting run and rubbing shoulders with some of rugby’s biggest names. On leaving the professional ranks, he will embark on a new career as a Chartered Accountant with Pricewaterhouse Coopers.
Tim still has a lot to offer and his experience should prove invaluable. Not yet 31, the 6’5″ lock/No.8 will increase lineout options and his powerful ball-carrying ability will lighten the load on others. He represented Ireland at Under 18, 19 and 21 levels and his capture is just what the club needed. Let’s hope that the next few weeks will produce more good news.
