Marshall hails Ulster support

Luke Marshall has paid tribute to the Ulster supporters following their 17-13 win over Leinster on Saturday.

The result was a fitting farewell for Ulster's most-capped player Roger Wilson, Springbok fan favourite Ruan Pienaar and prop Ricky Lutton, who were all involved. Coaches Neil Doak and Allen Clarke, as well as second row Franco van der Merwe, will also leave Ulster Rugby this summer.

"We spoke before the game about the contribution that these boys have made, a few probably welled up, and I think that helped us," Marshall told Ulster's website.

"We started well and we were really up for it. It's good to keep a clear head but in a game like that, the emotion has to drive you.

"Obviously, Ulster v Leinster, for us it doesn't get any bigger. I suppose we're driven by a bit of jealously, and obviously this season hasn't gone the way we wanted and they're going very strong so that was a huge factor for us.

"You have the guys who are moving on, Roger and Ruan, Doakie and Clarkie and Ricky and Franco, that's a big factor too. The emotion obviously helped us.

"The sell-out crowd, too, helps drive us over the line. You see how loyal those fans are. A dead-rubber game, and it's still a sell-out crowd. They're incredible.

"Certainly for me that's one thing that's been difficult this season, seeing the supporters frustrated and knowing that at times we've let them down.

"That's not the intention, we're going 100% each week, but we're certainly determined to get some silverware for them to reward that loyalty."