Prop Rodney Ah You is hoping to help Ulster return to winning ways as they face a crucial inter-pro clash with Leinster at a sold-out Kingspan Stadium on Saturday evening.
Having registered five wins from the opening six Guinness PRO14 fixtures, Ulster is second in Conference B, ahead of Leo Cullen’s side on points difference and two points behind Scarlets.
“We couldn’t ask for a better game to come home to and it’s an easy game to get motivated for,” said the prop, as he prepares for a return to PRO14 action after two rounds of Champions Cup rugby.
“The crowd is definitely going to be loud here,” he said, in anticipation of Saturday’s sold-out clash. “I’m excited to be in involved and I just want to get the win against a big rival.
“I will try to make the most of any opportunities that I get and I’m always happy to be in the match day 23.”
Leinster boasts a powerful front row with British & Irish Lions Cian Healy, Jack McGrath and Tadgh Furlong among the options at prop.
“They are definitely good players and it will be good to test myself against them,” he said.
“They have shown how dangerous they can be already this season. They have 29 internationals in their squad, which says a lot about their quality.”
Ah You - capped three times by Ireland - is enjoying working with Ulster’s new coaches, Jono Gibbes (Head Coach) and Aaron Dundon (Scrum Coach).
“Jono definitely brings a good positive difference to the squad this year and everyone is on edge, everyone respects what he says and takes on board what he brings to the squad,” said Ah You.
“I have learned some new things off him and we are making good progress with our forward pack with Jono and Aaron.”
Ah You will pack down in the front row against Leinster with Ulster and Ireland captain Rory Best, another man who he has a lot of admiration for.
“It is awesome to have Bestie back in the squad, especially playing alongside him, and it helps my game to be better as well,” explained the 29-year-old.
“He’ll pull you into line if you are not doing your job properly, he is a natural leader and someone that everybody in Ulster respects.”
After leaving Connacht during the close season in 2016 Ah You has fully adapted to life at Kingspan Stadium.
“I’m loving my time in Belfast, it is a nice set-up here at Ulster and you are coming to work in world-class facilities,” he concluded.
Those world-class facilities will no doubt host a cracking game on Saturday evening.
Having registered five wins from the opening six Guinness PRO14 fixtures, Ulster is second in Conference B, ahead of Leo Cullen’s side on points difference and two points behind Scarlets.
“We couldn’t ask for a better game to come home to and it’s an easy game to get motivated for,” said the prop, as he prepares for a return to PRO14 action after two rounds of Champions Cup rugby.
“The crowd is definitely going to be loud here,” he said, in anticipation of Saturday’s sold-out clash. “I’m excited to be in involved and I just want to get the win against a big rival.
“I will try to make the most of any opportunities that I get and I’m always happy to be in the match day 23.”
Leinster boasts a powerful front row with British & Irish Lions Cian Healy, Jack McGrath and Tadgh Furlong among the options at prop.
“They are definitely good players and it will be good to test myself against them,” he said.
“They have shown how dangerous they can be already this season. They have 29 internationals in their squad, which says a lot about their quality.”
Ah You - capped three times by Ireland - is enjoying working with Ulster’s new coaches, Jono Gibbes (Head Coach) and Aaron Dundon (Scrum Coach).
“Jono definitely brings a good positive difference to the squad this year and everyone is on edge, everyone respects what he says and takes on board what he brings to the squad,” said Ah You.
“I have learned some new things off him and we are making good progress with our forward pack with Jono and Aaron.”
Ah You will pack down in the front row against Leinster with Ulster and Ireland captain Rory Best, another man who he has a lot of admiration for.
“It is awesome to have Bestie back in the squad, especially playing alongside him, and it helps my game to be better as well,” explained the 29-year-old.
“He’ll pull you into line if you are not doing your job properly, he is a natural leader and someone that everybody in Ulster respects.”
After leaving Connacht during the close season in 2016 Ah You has fully adapted to life at Kingspan Stadium.
“I’m loving my time in Belfast, it is a nice set-up here at Ulster and you are coming to work in world-class facilities,” he concluded.
Those world-class facilities will no doubt host a cracking game on Saturday evening.