New Ulster boss in buoyant mood ahead of Pro12 campaign

New Ulster coach Mark Anscombe says he is hugely optimistic about the team’s chances of success in next season’s RaboDirect Pro12 competition.

The Ulstermen finished sixth last season, nine points outside the play-offs, and expectations of a stronger showing this term will be high in the Province.

Their domestic performance last time out contrasted heavily with their form in Europe, however, where they reached the Final of the Heineken Cup only to be defeated by rivals Leinster in front of a packed house at Twickenham.

Anscombe’s men are priced at 16/1 to go one better in 2012/13, while success in the RaboDirect Pro12 Grand Final for Ulster is available at 9/1.

“We are getting our patterns in place, working on the fundamentals and developing things that I think we need to do more effectively,” said the new man in charge.

“We are trying to develop the players bit by bit without making it a total overload of information. We’re getting there, the players have been working hard for the past four weeks and I’ve been pleased with their progress.

“We’ve got to be in a position where in a difficult time of the year when we have injuries and are without the Internationals, we will be able to field a reasonably competitive team.”

Many people’s favourites for success in the Pro12 next term are Leinster, who are available at 11/8, while Welsh giants Ospreys will also fancy their chances of defending the trophy they lifted last year. They are priced at 10/3.