Henry Speight: Australian star believes Pro14 deserves more credit

Last updated on .From the section Irish Rugbycomments20

Henry Speight
Speight has scored two tries in five appearances for Ulster

Australian international Henry Speight says the Pro14 deserves greater recognition as a "world-class" league.

The 30-year-old back joined Ulster on a short-term contract in the summer and has so far made five appearances.

"There's not enough credit given to the Pro14 because the standard is right up there," said Speight.

"I remember the first two games of the season, I was blowing. It was just equally as exhausting as a Super Rugby game if not more so."

Speight's move mirrors that of former Brumbies teammate Christian Leali'ifano, who played for Ulster during the first half of last season.

"There was a chance of coming here or staying in [Brumbies] camp and pushing for Wallabies selection for the Rugby Championship," said Speight, who will return to Australia at the end of the year.

"I have really thoroughly enjoyed my time so far. My girlfriend and I both feel that we have made the right decision."

An exciting time of change and transition

Speight was the experienced figure in Ulster's back three as the province secured their first bonus-point win of the season against Dragons.

Full-back Michael Lowry, 20, and wing Robert Baloucoune, 21, both started at Kingspan Stadium to continue the early-season theme of Ulster promoting academy players into the senior squad.

"I am coming in a time of change and transition. It is an exciting time for the province," added Speight, who has been capped 19 times by the Wallabies.

"Seeing guys like Michael Lowry, who would be lucky to be tipping 70kg, throwing his body around is amazing; he is a brave kid. It is energising for a person like me to be playing in a backfield with two young players with so much talent."

Speight and Leali'ifano were teammates at Super Rugby side Brumbies
Speight and Leali'ifano were teammates at Super Rugby side Brumbies

During his short stint in Belfast, Leali'ifano became a popular figure at the Kingspan before returning to Australia to rejoin the Brumbies in January.

"As I was contemplating moving over, he was the last person I talked to," Speight revealed.

"He basically had no bad words to say about Ulster."

With eight Ulster players on Ireland international duty for the duration of November, Speight's experience and versatility will become even more significant in Dan McFarland's new-look squad.

The province face away fixtures against Benetton and last season's beaten finalists Scarlets in the next month.

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20 comments

  • Comment posted by Let the Red Dragon Rise, at 11:57 31 Oct 2018

    Absolutely, its not given enough respect. Its clearly the best league around, I mean which league do the winners of the champions and challenge cup come from?

  • Comment posted by Barrian, at 14:46 31 Oct 2018

    The PRO14 games display a more fluid type of rugby than you see in England or France. Some of the PRO14 teams may not have as much strength in depth but that gives chances to back up players who are usually young local lads making their way in the game. Altogether a much more watchable brand. Plus the PRO14 teams more than hold their own on the big stages.

  • Comment posted by footyfan94, at 13:14 31 Oct 2018

    The Pro teams14 have a15-7 record against the Prem teams over the past 2 seasons. The Ospreys who didn't even qualify for the champions cup this season drew with Saracens last season so there is so much quality up and down that league.

    The only reason internat players are given so much rest is because the SRU, WRU and IRFU care more about player fatigue and the national teams success than money

  • Comment posted by nick_tt, at 14:00 31 Oct 2018

    Any comments suggesting its not thought of highly enough because it isnt generating as much money as the english Prem tells you everything about some 'rugby fans' attitudes

    The money plays a part in running, but it isnt guaranteeing any greater quality.

    Someone mentioned grounds, well Saracens ground is tiny and rubbish, Ulster have a much greater ground capacity and facilities for example

  • Comment posted by Obsen, at 11:44 31 Oct 2018

    @2 Well the Scottish and Irish teams are independent. They are run by the SRU and IRFU respectively.

  • Comment posted by DAVID McKAY, at 13:31 31 Oct 2018

    @ 2 What is so great about independent clubs? Premiership clubs get cash from the RFU. The rivalry between Glasgow and Edinburgh isn't diminished because they are both funded by the SRU nor is the that between the Irish clubs because they are funded by the IRU. What it means is that they put energy into developing young talent to boost the national player pool.

  • Comment posted by Badloser, at 23:24 31 Oct 2018

    Personally I find the top14 a little boring, focused mainly on power and strength however, I've always enjoyed super rugby and the English premiership, this is while being a longstanding pro14(12) season ticket holder. But it's just an opinion, each to their own, although I will say the Italian sides have significantly improved this season making the league much more competitive, no more gimme's

  • Comment posted by U15783078, at 13:01 31 Oct 2018

    6 No that's not me..... I don't work in education.

    Irish teams have certainly made the Pro14 work for them, but then that is why the thing was set up in the first place. Run out of Dublin for the benefit of the Irish sides.

    Certainly worked for Leinster though.

  • Comment posted by U16297154, at 23:12 31 Oct 2018

    @15 Technically, its the Irish teams who have won the ECC (Ire 7, Eng 8, Fra 8) and Welsh teams won 2 Challenge cups (Eng 11, Fra 8, Ire 1).

    Trying to convince people one league is better than the other is a fruitless and meaningless exercise!

  • Comment posted by jerichoholic, at 13:33 31 Oct 2018

    It’s a great league with some outstanding teams. The fans who regularly watch the Pro 14 know how good it is.

    The main draw for me is that a lot of the players have come through their club’s academy. I don’t think I could ever support a team who have simply bought 15 players from all over the world.

    It’s fair to say that all English and French club fans look at the Pro 14 with envy.

  • Comment posted by the truth will out, at 09:41 1 Nov 2018

    Pro 14 vs Premiership is a non argument. We should be talking about regional/provincial vs club rugby. Look at the Irish national side, then look at the shambles in England. No further questions m'lud.

  • Comment posted by IHC, at 09:35 1 Nov 2018

    Just have to look at how impressive Leinster are at the moment to see what the Pro 14 can offer. I follow the Scottish teams myself but there are plenty of top quality teams/players across all regions.
    Just a pity the exposure is not great. Premier sports might offer more money and coverage, and despite forking out for it myself, I fear it will come at the cost of viewers.

  • Comment posted by my bbc name, at 13:06 31 Oct 2018

    I love watching the pro14 and super rugby more than the other professional leagues, principally due to a faster style of rugby. It’s not to say one is better than the other, but just reflects my preference of viewing.

    What I think holds back the pro14 are some of the tinpot wee grounds. Not much corporate for revenue and they’re a bit of a turn-off for a casual fan seeking a sense of occasion.

  • Comment posted by Ahem, at 22:23 31 Oct 2018

    The pro14 is a unique brand.
    Exciting and competitive.
    Brings out the breakdown savvy required to compete at the top - of europe.

    It wins erc trophies regularly.
    Unlike some other leagues who only won 2 in how many years ?

  • Comment posted by Eddie Izzards Beret, at 11:11 31 Oct 2018

    The Pro14 isn't thought of as highly because the teams are not independent clubs and there isn't the money and glamour that there is in England and France.

    Yes the best players get rested unlike in the English Prem, but this works in the best interests of the national teams and they consistently produce some of the best domestic sides in Europe.

  • Comment posted by Logical reasoning , at 22:17 31 Oct 2018

    It's not that the teams in it are bad, there are obviously some extremely good teams in there. It's more the fact that the quality isn't there week in week out compared to other leagues due to the resting of players on dual contacts.

  • Comment posted by Speccy, at 09:27 1 Nov 2018

    Unfortunately,it's ignored by virtually everybody.Few sponsors,few spectators,little coverage/interest,miniscule tv audience.I have no idea how it is financially viable.

  • Comment posted by mundo, at 11:36 31 Oct 2018

    What makes you think they aren't independent clubs? Of course they are

  • Comment posted by The Malcy, at 12:22 31 Oct 2018

    It has long been a poor league with some really good teams in it but it seems that the re-organisation and addition of the South African sides have upped the standard of everyone, particularly the Italian teams.
    Doesn't have quite the same intensity as the Premiership but more than matches it in other aspects (though due to the TV deal it is no longer so visible)

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