Sports Stars turn out for Ulster.

We were delighted to catch up with a few of our little province’s sports stars in Milton Keynes on Sunday afternoon.

Attending the match with his dad, Colin, was, Northern Ireland international and West Brom captain, Chris Brunt who travelled from his Midlands home on Sunday morning after starring for West Brom on Saturday afternoon in their  3 – 2 away win against Sunderland.

Speaking to the FRONTROWUNION after the match Chris told us how much he enjoyed the carnival atmosphere of the match if not the result itself and looks forward to getting to further Ulster matches when his busy schedule allows.

Standing outside the ground with thirsty supporters of both sides milling around in the sun Chris commented on how Northern Ireland was lucky to have such good humoured fans following both sports,

For such a small province were lucky to have two such great sets of supporters in the Green and White Army and the Ulster fans here today – both sets really seem to make their presence felt. I know it’s appreciated by the Northern Ireland boys at our games and I’m sure it’s appreciated by the Ulster team.

It’s great to see both sets of  fans mixing together like they are here today, it makes for a special atmosphere, and I hope with further European success, that I’m sure Ulster will have next season, that I get a chance to come along to more matches next season.

We were also fortunate to bump into our old friend and ex Ulster legend Neil McMillan at the game. Having turned out for Sale Sharks the previous day in their win over Gloucester, Neil hot footed it down to Milton Keynes to catch up with his old provincial teammates and was impressed with the intensity of the match, though obviously disappointed with the result.

We were also pleased to spot recently retired Bryn Cunningham in attendance at the game as he mingled with the rest of the supporters before the game dressed in his Ulster top. Still managing to look suave and sophisticated in the casual sportswear Bryn certainly wouldn’t have looked out of place if he’d steeped into th starting line-out. I’m sure he would have dealt comfortably with that kick that lead to Northampton’s first try!

One fanatical Ulster supporter that must have had one of the worst sporting days of his life was golf superstar Rory McIlroy who allegedly organised a live feed of the Ulster game prior to his final round in the US Masters. Unfortunately for Rory his day went from bad to worse, but like Ulster the golf wizard can take a great deal of comfort from the fact that for three-quarters of the competition he was the best thing on show.