New Ulster General Manager Rory Best emphasis importance of focusing on performances
Rory Best was part of the last Ulster team to win a trophy in 2006 and now in his new role as General Manager at Ravenhill the former Ireland and British Lions hooker is tasked with bringing back the glory days.
Best has taken over from Bryn Cunningham in the hotseat but has warned that winning silverware is not the only barometer to success.
“I think that the big thing is that we've got to make sure we're not focusing necessarily on winning things,” stated Best.
“I've been on the other side of the desk as a player and talking about trophies, bits and pieces, from this side, it's about making sure that we're focused on how we perform, how we – everything that we can control – what we do is done as best we can.
“We've got to make sure we keep the best talent in this province, that are from this province.
“We're going to make sure that when we recruit, we recruit smart and we have to keep trying to improve that squad. It's not just about improving the frontline teams, sometimes it's improving the 15, and sometimes it's about improving a bit below it and then we've got to see how do we keep bringing through the best young talent, and how do we make sure that we make the most of that.”
Best was one of five Ulstermen that helped Ireland win the Grand Slam in 2009 but on Saturday for the visit of South Africa to Dublin, the province had no representative in Andy Farrell’s matchday squad – another issue the former international has to address.
“I think it's about recognising the good work that's been done in and around the province but then looking at that and not being afraid to ask questions – how do we do it better?” said Best.
"I was going to be lucky to play for Ireland for a very long time and that's what you want from your young Ulster players coming through.
“You want them to experience the highs and lows of playing here, the highs and lows of playing at an international level.”