Ulster legend John Cooney pops into the Waterfront Hall studio fresh off the plane from France, and straight away it's clear pre-season hasn't quite kicked in yet — he reckons he's put on five kilos on a diet of Ulster fries and Guinness.

On this week's show, John joins us to talk life in France, from butchering the language mid-training-drill to not understanding a word of changing-room banter. We get into how he became one of the URC's best-ever kickers almost by accident, the mental tricks he's nicked from Kobe and Steph Curry, and the flat tyre that nearly cost him his Ulster career before it started. Plus his Ireland heartbreaks, the funniest man in the dressing room, and some proper advice for his younger self.

Recorded at the Waterfront Hall, co-created with the Waterfront's podcast studio. Find full event listings at waterfront.co.uk.

What happens when the final whistle blows on a professional rugby career?

This week, former Ulster favourites Dave Shanahan and Andrew Trimble join the podcast to reflect on life after rugby, dressing room culture, career highs and lows, and the challenge of moving on from the game that shaped their lives.

From hilarious tour stories and changing-room characters to serious conversations about identity, retirement and finding a new purpose, this is an honest and entertaining look behind the curtain of professional rugby.

Plus, Dave discusses his Ulster career, embracing the impact role, and why he's excited for what comes next.

🎙️ Plenty of laughs, great stories, and a fascinating insight into rugby beyond the pitch.

From growing up in Zimbabwe to winning Premiership titles, a European Cup, and lifting trophies with Exeter Chiefs, Dave Ewers joins Stand Up: An Ulster Rugby Show to reflect on a remarkable rugby journey.Dave opens up on leaving home as a teenager, the rise of Exeter, life at Ulster, his spell with the Stormers, retirement struggles, and the possibility of one final chapter with Zimbabwe at the Rugby World Cup. Plus, plenty of stories from the changing room, the famous Exeter culture, and some quick-fire questions to finish.🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.

Former Ulster and Ireland winger Craig Gilroy joins the Stand Up team to reflect on a career that brought unforgettable highs, devastating injuries, and some of the biggest moments in Ulster Rugby history.

Craig opens up about retirement, life away from the game, the try at Thomond Park that still gets talked about today, and the move to Exeter that nearly happened.

An honest, funny conversation with one of Ulster Rugby's most popular players.

Ireland international and former Ulster player Brittany Hogan joins the Stand Up Ulster Rugby Show live at the Waterfront Hall alongside Gareth Steenson.

Brittany reflects on her journey from Ballynahinch RFC to representing Ireland on the international stage, discusses life at Sale Sharks, the growth of the women's game, Ireland's Six Nations campaign, beating New Zealand, and what the future holds for rugby in Ireland.

She also opens up on the sacrifices required to reach the top level and the community that rugby has given her throughout her career.

The Stand Up Ulster Rugby Alternative Awards are here.Dan Humphreys joins Gareth and Peter to hand out some of the awards that really matter. From fan favourites and try of the season, to young player of the year, unsung heroes and some completely made-up categories that probably shouldn't exist.🏆 Awards include:Werner Kok Fan Favourite AwardTry of the SeasonBest Bit of BusinessYoung Player of the YearGlue Guy AwardSchools & Women's Game Players to WatchPlus a selection of completely unofficial Stand Up awardsAudio versions of every episode are available wherever you get your podcasts.

his week, we’re joined by former player Paddy McAllister to unpack Ulster’s painful Challenge Cup final defeat in Bilbao.Was Montpellier simply too strong, or did Ulster miss an opportunity?

We get into the reality of the conditions, the physical battle up front, the impact of missing key players, and whether this season should be viewed as progress or disappointment.

We also look ahead to what comes next for Ulster — recruitment, squad depth, the challenge of competing financially, and why this young group could still be building towards something special.

Plus, Paddy reflects on his own career, moving away from Ulster, and the lessons young players can learn from big-game experiences.If Ulster are to get back to the top table of European rugby, where does it start?

31,000 fans, three home wins, and a team full of confidence — Ireland Women’s rugby feels like it’s building something special.This week, we’re joined by Ireland Women’s coach Gareth Steenson and journalist Issy Todd to react to Ireland’s emphatic win over Scotland, a record-breaking day at the Aviva Stadium, and what this Six Nations campaign says about the direction of the team.From the atmosphere created by 31,000 supporters and the rise of the ‘Green Wave’ to standout performers, growing competition for places, and why this young squad feels different, we look at the momentum building around Ireland Women’s rugby.We also get into what comes next — pathways, player development, the Celtic Challenge, growing crowds, and why this could just be the beginning for a side that looks ready to keep pushing forward.