First starts don’t come any more difficult than against Toulon in Stade Mayol, but Bronson Ross isn’t complaining:
“Those are obviously the big games that you want to play in,” he says. “When you are doing hard yards in the pre-season and you are working your way up, they are the games that you imagine playing in, so it was great to get my first start on a big occasion in Toulon.”
It was an occasion that Ross had particular reason to savour. Injury last year meant that he only played one game in the entire 2013/14 campaign. Surgery, then long months in the gym meant that playing in the Champions Cup was a distant dream for the man from Oamaru in New Zealand.
“Last year was definitely very tough, I got four minutes of first team game time then I hurt my neck playing for the Ravens and that was my season done,” reflects Ross. “It was tough but you have got to keep your chin up and just keep chipping away and taking those opportunities when they come, be it 40 minutes of rugby or a few minutes here and there. If you only get one scrum in a game, you have got to make sure it goes well.
“When you get to a new club, you just want to prove yourself and not getting that chance was frustrating, so I really have even more to prove this year, which is an ongoing process. The more time I get the more I strive to prove myself as a first team player.”
Proving that he is good enough for a starting position every week is Ross’ aim now:
“Regardless of injuries and availability coming into the Six Nations, I will take every opportunity I get, making sure I am working hard week in, week out and getting better and showing the coaches that you are improving the things they want you to. It all helps to earn those starts and helps you climb the pecking order by right rather than opportunism, you can’t have your career resting on chance.
“I am enjoying my time here, the lads are great, and there is a good vibe, good banter, as well as great facilities so it’s a good place to improve your rugby. My mum is from Belfast so it’s almost like playing for my second home which is nice and it gives that added significance to playing here.”
It may well be a while before he plays in another game as difficult as his first start for Ulster.