Humphreys insists Ulster expect Botha to honour contract with province

ULSTER HAVE seemingly dug their heels in with regard to their South African tighthead Brendon “BJ” Botha by reiterating that the player is under contract with them until the end of the 2010-11 season, and that he will be remaining with them next season.

Botha clearly had a renewed taste for the Test rugby after being called into the Springboks’ squad over the past few weeks, and after a strong cameo against the Azzurri was the destroyer in chief of Ireland’s scrum until his surprising removal early in the second half by Pieter de Villiers.

The Ulster tighthead had been quoted on his desire to work his way back into the Springboks squad in time for their defence of their William Webb Ellis trophy in New Zealand in late 2011, by perhaps returning to domestic South African rugby next season.

But Ulster Rugby’s operations director David Humphreys yesterday made it clear they expect him to honour the full three years of his contract with them.

“Brian (McLaughlin) and the coaching staff see BJ as one of the cornerstones of what is a young Ulster team and he is very much a part of what we are trying to achieve in terms of bringing the team through. He is enjoying his time at Ulster Rugby and plays a hugely important role for us.”

Botha could conceivably have time to regain his place in the Springboks’ squad in time for the 2011 World Cup by playing in the Tri-Nations that June, and it’s also possible that depending on when Ulster’s season ends, he could be released before June that year.

In the meantime, Botha is one of several injured front-liners missing from the 26-man squad announced by coach Brian McLaughlin to face Glasgow Warriors, a meeting between fourth and third, on Friday night at Ravenhill.

Botha has a knee ligament strain, while Paddy Wallace and Stephen Ferris also picked up ankle ligament strains in last Saturday’s Ireland-South Africa game and though none of the injuries is considered long-term, all three are touch and go for Ulster’s Heineken Cup tie at home to Stade Francais on Saturday week.

Andrew Trimble, despite only playing the A game against Tonga and the last eight minutes against Fiji, is also rested, presumably as part of the IRFU’s Rugby World Cup 2011 player management programme.

Rory Best, Bryn Cunningham, Matt McCullough, Mark McCrea and Robbie Diack are also sidelined, but against that David Pollock returns from injury and several of the squad have been involved in the Ulster Ravens’ recent British and Irish Cup games.

“We had a team-bonding day yesterday, which was a great success,” said McLaughlin. “The guys have been separated for five weeks, so it was important to get them back into focus for Glasgow as a team, as quickly as possible. The aim for training this week is to ensure we’re at our optimum level on Friday night, working as one unit, to produce a top-level performance.

“You’ve always got to be wary of Glasgow; they are a big-hitting side, and are playing very well this season. If we play to our optimum level we should be okay.”

ULSTER SQUAD – Forwards: Tom Court, Bryan Young, Declan Fitzpatrick, Adam Macklin, Justin Fitzpatrick, Andy Kyriacou, Nigel Brady, Ed O'Donoghue, Ryan Caldwell, Dan Tuohy, David Pollock, Willie Faloon, Chris Henry (capt), Tamaiti Houra, Thomas Anderson. Backs: Clinton Schifcofske, Simon Danielli, Timoci Nagusa, Jonny Shiels, Niall O'Connor, Ian Humphreys, Darren Cave, Ian Whitten, Paul Marshall, Isaac Boss, Jamie Smith.

RUGBY FIXTURES

TODAY

Representative: Ireland Under-19 v Australia Schools, C.I.T. (7.30).

FRIDAY

Magners League: Scarlets v Edinburgh, Parc y Scarlets (7.05); Ulster Rugby v Glasgow Warriors, Ravenhill (8pm).

SATURDAY

Tour match: Barbarians v New Zealand, Twickenham (2.30).

Magners League: Ospreys v Munster, Liberty Stadium (6.30).

AIB League (2.30 unless stated), Division 1A: Dolphin v UL Bohemian, Musgrave Park; Garryowen v Clontarf, Dooradoyle; Shannon v Cork Constitution, Coonagh; St Mary's College v Blackrock College, Templeville Road. Division 1B: Ballymena v Galwegians, Eaton Park (2.15); Buccaneers v Ballynahinch, Dubarry Park; Old Belvedere v Dungannon, Anglesea Road; Young Munster v UCC, Clifford Park.

Division 2: Bective Rangers v Highfield, Donnybrook; Bruff v DLSP, Kilballyowen Park; Clonakilty v Thomond, The Vale; Corinthians v Dublin University, Corinthian Park; Greystones v Old Wesley, Dr Hickey Park; Lansdowne v Belfast Harlequins, RDS; Old Crescent v UCD, Rosbrien; Terenure College v Malone, Lakelands Park.

Division 3: Banbridge v Ards, Rifle Park; Barnhall v Sunday's Well, Parsonstown; Co Carlow v Queen's University, Oak Park; Connemara v Wanderers, Monastery Field; Midleton v Nenagh Ormond, Towns Park; Navan v Instonians, Navan; Portadown v Rainey Old Boys, Chambers Park; Suttonians v Naas, Station Road.

SUNDAY

Magners League: Cardiff Blues v Connacht Rugby, Cardiff City Stadium (3pm); Newport Gwent Dragons v Leinster, Rodney Parade (5pm).