Anyone wondering why Ulster have not yet expanded their fanbase in the same way as Leinster and Munster will have been given a little clue as to why if they follow @ulsterrugby on twitter.  A recent tweet encouraged fans to buy an Ulster season ticket in order to ‘save money and time and booking fees’.  Such a depressing lack of imagination and morkshing savvy has not been seen since last season’s Apprentice.

It compares poorly with Leinster and Munster, who have successfully morkshed their season tickets as buying into something more than just rugby tickets, but becoming part of a greater community, and most importantly, getting behind a fiercely dedicated group of outstanding players who are there representing you on the field.  Leinster’s campaign this year focused on the recently renewed contracts signed by Heaslip, Sexton and BOD and asked ‘We’ve signed up.  Have you?’

While Ulster folk are naturally (and probably rightly) more cynical about this band-of-brothers nonsense, a little more wit would not go amiss. After all, Ulster look primed to be the next big success story in Irish rugby.  National underage sides are stacked with their youngsters, and several bright new sparks broke into their first team last year: expect even bigger things from Spence, Gilroy and the Marshalls this coming year, while young fly-half Paddy Jackson is being primed for the first team.  Meanwhile, signing Jared Payne looks to be the transfer coup of the summer.  If Ferris can stay fit for a full season and Falloon can nail down a place on the openside flank, Ulster could be on the cusp of great things.  Let’s hope if they do achieve lift-off on the pitch, they can do the same off it.