Gavin Mairs: Ulstermen must not get left behind

Rugby

Friday, May 09, 2008

There will be a genuine sense of an end of era at Ravenhill tonight. The night will be dominated by the emotional farewell to David Humphreys, who thankfully is fit enough to take his place in the starting XV and will no doubt receive a standing ovation when he leads the team out for the last time.

Humphreys departure overshadows a number of other high-profile farewells from Ulster, three in particular which mark an alarming precedent.

The loss of Neil Best and Roger Wilson to Northampton and Tommy Bowe to the Neath/Swansea Ospreys are the first examples of regular Ulster first team players opting for pastures new across the water since the original exodus across the water when the game first went pro.

All three were individual decisions and based on a combination of financial reward, opportunity to play at a higher level or simply the benefit that a change of scene might accrue.

This is a professional game, where players' stocks hold value for such a short time and it is hard to argue with any individual taking decisions to improve their personal lot. Good luck to them.

But from an Ulster perspective, their departures should ring like an alarm bell at Ravenhill.

Previously, prizing players away for the lure of the Red Hand was largely a lost cause but clubs in both England and Wales will now look at Ulster with the knowledge that for the right buck, the province's best players are fair game.

The mind-boggling salary inflation over the last 12 months - Toulouse have reportedly offered New Zealand out-half Dan Carter £750,000 a year - is already polarising European rugby into the haves and the have-nots with dangerous parallels to English football.

Ulster are in danger of being left behind - not just on the pitch but crucially in terms of financial muscle - and once you become regarded as feeder club, the game is up. Just ask Connacht.

The die is not yet cast however and Ulster undoubtedly has strengths that many clubs in England and Wales particularly would look on in envy - some fantastic feeder schools and clubs, a proud identity, a brand that markets itself, no competition from full-time professional sports operating in an elite European competition and a growing and loyal support base.

There is also a number of seriously wealthy individuals and companies ready to invest if they know the money will be invested wisely.

The move to redevelop Ravenhill is a positive step forward and is expected to yield significant funds after three years.

But with Thomond Park ready to open with a new capacity of 26,000 and Leinster topping the average gate in the Magners League thanks to their successful move to the RDS, the two southern provinces' war chests continue to expand at a greater rate than Ulster's - and that does not include the financial reward of Munster's Heineken Cup run.

In such testing times, only the progressive and courageous will survive and Ulster's only option is to act swiftly.

The first step must be to prevent any further big names flying the nest.

With Andrew Trimble and Stephen Ferris both coming off contract at the end of next season, the vultures, particularly down Swansea way, are circling.

Ulster should move to sign them up now on big new deals to nip any potential bidding situation midway through next season in the bud.

They should be told that Ulster are going to build a successful team around them and that they can achieve their rugby ambitions at Ravenhill. A signal should be sent to players like Bowe and Wilson that Ulster want them back as soon as possible.

This is the time to invest and the time to take risks and with names likes BJ Botha on the way, there is still time to deliver on the pitch and unlock the untapped potential off it.

With regard to the latter, involving players like Humphreys after his retirement is crucial.

Only Justin Fitzpatrick and Bryn Cunningham remain in the playing squad next season from the side that won the European Cup and Ulster should make greater use of the band of brothers who have since hung up the boots, many of whom are smart, articulate and passionate Ulstermen - people like Tyrone Howe, Andy Ward, Jonny Bell and Humphreys.

All would make perfect ambassadors for the game in the province and have intellectual property, rugby contacts and a feel for the professional game that is priceless.

An end of an era at Ravenhill tonight, but hopefully the start of a new dawn too.