Stand Up pod goes live ahead of Ulster’s European Cup Semi-Final
Waterfront Hall has launched its new podcast studio with a multi-media Ulster Rugby podcast, Stand Up, ahead of Ulster’s highly anticipated EPCR European Challenge Cup semi-final game against Exeter Chiefs this Saturday (2 May).
Coincidentally, the podcast’s two resident hosts are local rugby columnist Peter Lockhart, and the former Exeter legend, now coach of the Ireland women’s rugby team, Gareth Steenson. The first episode will look ahead to this weekend’s crunch fixture with exclusive team insights.
Formerly the Red Hand podcast, the partnership with Waterfront Hall and its new podcast studio has supported a transition to multi-media broadcast in both audio and video, and the opportunity for a name change to Stand Up – a nod to the club’s fan song Stand Up for the Ulstermen.
Stand Up will regularly feature player insight and not just armchair pundits whose rugby experience may be far removed from the pitch. As well as reviewing and previewing the week’s Men’s Senior fixtures, each week will also include club rugby, women’s rugby and emerging talent in the game, including youth and Schools’ Cup rugby.
Stand Up Podcast host Peter Lockhart said,
"The Stand Up podcast is like a really good, well-informed pub chat with great guests. It’s not intended to be club media, it doesn’t take itself too seriously and it’s not the place for a rant: fans can expect good craic, interesting analysis and an extension of the entertainment of a great game of rugby."
We are delighted to launch this co-creation with the iconic Waterfront Hall team.
This week’s podcast guest is former Ulster lock, Alan O’Connor, who achieved over 200 caps with the team over a 13 year career, before retiring at the end of the 2025 season. Alan is now an IRFU forwards coach.
As a recent teammate of many of the current Ulster squad, Alan O’Connor will share his insights into the team’s preparations for the semi-final clash. From the Exeter side, Gareth Steenson will give Ulster fans an inside track on what can be expected from their opponents going into the big challenge game.
Next week’s Stand Up guest will be Ulster CEO, Hugh McCaughey, reflecting on his transition out of retirement as a hospital trust chief, translating a life-long passion for the game into turning around the financial and on-pitch performance of the club.
Peter Lockhart continued,
Ulster Rugby is in a time of transition, and it’s clear that we’re now back to building for the future. There is a strong sense that we’re moving in the right direction.
"I personally would love to see them come away with some silverware this season. I was a schoolboy when they last won the European Cup. Like many Ulster fans, we’re here for the long haul and we can always be assured of plenty of drama and entertainment along the way and Stand Up will be here for all of it!”
Rob McConnell, CEO of ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall, Ulster Hall said,
We are the home of live entertainment content and it was a natural transition to enhance our customer offering with new ways to add digital content.
"More and more event organisers, promoters and artists use digital content in one way or another to engage with their audiences. Now we’ve created dedicated facilities for this on-site, providing seamless, end-to-end recording and editing capability for clients and visiting podcasters.
“Our venues are becoming the home to significant sporting events in Belfast, from boxing to international snooker and the UEFA Euros Draw later this year. In-conversation events with sports stars are also incredibly popular with local audiences"
As a life-long Ulster Rugby fan, I am especially thrilled that the Stand Up podcast is our first resident co-created production and we’re delighted to be working with Peter and Gareth and a host of rugby greats.
