Irvine, along with his second-row colleague, Joe Hopes, will both try to hit the ground running in pre-season as they make the transition from Academy players into Development players.
A former Grand Slam winner with Ireland U20s, Charlie made his Senior Men’s debut in October, in a baptism of fire against Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
The 22-year-old partnered Iain Henderson in the second row, and faced a formidable forward pack of Springbok internationals including Cobus Wiese, Ruan Nortje and Elrigh Louw.
The Bulls put on a ruthless display in front of the home support, winning by 47-21, however Charlie says the experience will benefit him for the long-term.
“It was being thrown in at the deep end, but I really enjoyed the opportunity.
“Having that experience in my back pocket, knowing I can play at that level and playing 80 minutes at altitude against a really physical side will help me going forward.”
The lock has been getting his head down and working hard ever since, captaining the Queen’s University team as they competed in the AIL 1B division, finishing in a solid 6th spot in the table.
His target for the upcoming pre-season, is to hit the ground running and push for more involvement at senior level.
“I’m always looking to improve. Compared to a year or two ago, I feel I have came on leaps and bounds and I feel confident around the park.”
Charlie credits working with the coaches, including Forwards Coach, Jimmy Duffy, as being hugely beneficial to his development.
“Being tall (Six foot eight), I would focus a lot on my work around lineouts, but I also pride myself on having a high work-rate around the park. Jimmy (Duffy) has been great to work with in that aspect, he has a wealth of knowledge and is great at being across the small details. I’m looking forward to working with him more in the future.”
Senior professionals have helped Charlie progress through the Academy, with the former Wallace High School pupil singling out experienced lock, Alan O’Connor, for his advice and guidance.
O’Connor leaves the province this summer after 13 years with the club and spoke last year about how impressed he was with Charlie in pre-season, taking him under his wing to help give him some tips about senior rugby.
“Al is a legend, and he has cemented himself in that category of player in my eyes. To work alongside him in the season has been great. He’s an intelligent player who offers a lot of advice and he wants to help others. I really appreciated him wanting to help me get better.
“With the likes of Iain Henderson and Cormac Izuchukwu in camp, I’m eager to become a member of those senior forwards and kick on next season.”
Another boost for players like Charlie, who have came through the pathway, is seeing the progress of others around them. Players such as James McNabney, Scott Wilson and Ben Carson have all played several appearances in the Senior side, further boosting the belief that opportunities are there for young players.
“We do have a squad with a lot of young and talented players. I came through the age grade system with players like James (McNabney), and he’s now a training panellist with the Ireland squad.
"It shows you can be in the Academy and within a year or two, can push to be involved in the Ireland squad. It can come with hard work and James is a great example.”
For Charlie, the next focus is on performing for the ‘A’ side against Ireland U20s to cap off the season before a break ahead of the new season.
“Anytime you play for Ulster whether it’s for the Senior team, ‘A’ or a Development side, it’s an exciting opportunity.
“It’s the last game of the season and for us it’s a chance to show what we work on. There is a mix of guys with senior caps, some Academy players, club players and school players, so there is an exciting blend to the team.”
The 2025/26 season is a few months away, but the Queen’s captain already has one big ambition in mind… to run out in front of home support for Ulster.
“I’m really keen on getting a run out at home. Obviously, my friends and family couldn’t make it out to South Africa, so to play in an Ulster jersey at home would be a big goal of mine for the coming season."
Ulster 'A' take on Ireland U20s at Malone RFC on Friday 6th June (5.30pm), with entry just £5 per person.
More on the fixture here.