One last effort can kick-start a new Ulster era 

It must have been something in my waters when I wrote last week that I thought Jonny Wilkinson's boot would play a key role in a Toulon victory in the Heineken Cup final.

We should be grateful BOD will still be leading charge of old guard 

It was the week of retirements. Well almost. Beckham, Carragher and Scholes went out in differing levels of glory and media attention, while Ronan O'Gara announced the end of his playing career with Munster.

A grand way to say goodbye to Ravenhill's iconic stand 

Last Friday evening signified an historic moment at Ravenhill with the last home game before the 90 year old main grandstand gets hauled down.

Why Rory Best must still believe in Lions dream 

Ulster have won the league once now go out and prove it again twice more 

Given the ups and downs throughout a season there must be a real sense of satisfaction when you see your team standing tall on top of the league.

Gatland still full of surprises 

Wow. Warren Gatland has always had the ability to shock and surprise, and his Lions squad is no different.

Schmidt must be given total charge 

As soon as Joe Schmidt threw his hat in the ring for the Ireland job, there was no need for headhunters or Keith Wood on the interview panel. The job was his.

Olding, the find of season, keeps Ulster eyes smiling 

Every now and again you see something in rugby which puts a smile on your face – a moment of magic, a touch of class.

Sense of achievement setting in now that pain has gone 

At the weekend I lived up to the saying that there's no fool like an old fool by running the London Marathon.

Bowe's return a boost for both Ulster and the Lions 

Ulster predictably got back to winning ways against the Dragons. No matter what has happened before there is a certain pleasure in seeing your team return to sit at the top of the league table.

Schmidt's ambitions could well stretch beyond taking the Ireland job 

So it looks like Leinster coach Joe Schmidt is the clear favourite for the Ireland job.

Ulster supporters deserved better than tame Heineken Cup exit 

it is hard to describe the level of disappointment at Ulster's loss at the weekend to Saracens.

O'Connell's inspirational qualities will serve Gatland's Lions so well 

There are iconic images in sport that are a photographer's, television producer's or viewer's delight.

Ulster sent out a message: we're still the team to beat 

The cold front has lifted, the sun has come out and the thaw is under way. Am I talking about the weather or Ulster rugby after last weekend?

Saracens can be taken down with lessons learned from last year 

So how do Ulster play against Saracens? Take a look at the recent Six Nations for the blueprint. England's success was based around a relatively conservative gameplan orchestrated by a nucleus of Saracens players – Owen Farrell calling the shots assisted by the strong-running of Brad Barritt.

Ulster's big players must lead the way 

I can remember standing at Stevenson Park in Dungannon colours in an AIL game. It was half time and we were getting a right shellacking from captain Willie Anderson.

Warburton obvious choice to lead Lions ahead of O'Driscoll 

Now that the Six Nations has finished there seems to be general acceptance that Wales will provide the bulk of the touring Lions squad and all talk has turned now to who will be captain?

Kidney has run out of excuses and has to quit 

Despite Ireland's desperate showing against Italy, last weekend rescued this season's Six Nations tournament.

Rejuvenated starlets can help Ulster hit their peak 

How has the Six Nations affected Ulster's chances for the rest of the season? Its young international players, despite the disappointments, will have enjoyed the last two months.

Ireland's half measures have raised even more questions 

Last Saturday Ireland snatched a draw from the teeth of victory and in the process left supporters – and no doubt the players themselves – agonisingly disappointed for the third game on the trot.