On coming up against his son, Ben, at Connacht
A very unique situation, he's not giving much away. I don't actually know if he will be playing at the weekend, even if other people are feeding back information but we will wait and see. He's had a good start to the season, he's moved down to Galway over the summer, fitted in well there and like every young player he's wanted an opportunity to take and that's what he has done so it's great to see him do so well, but not this week.
On South Africa tour
It's been a really tough couple of weeks for us, it's been really good in terms of getting young lads into our squad and building their game time in very tough situations. Obviously the Bulls had us under a lot of pressure, especially around our scrum.
Corrie Barrett was on his third cap, James McCormick made his first start, Charlie Irvine made his first taste of senior rugby in one of the toughest places in world rugby - up against a scrum we were not quite expecting to face, we wouldn't have expected all the South African internationals to come back in the same week but that's the way it goes.
We have to move onto the next match, we take it game by game and we are trying to fix some of those things that need working on but obviously its a very short turnaround. The lads are licking their wounds from the trip but we'll be ready to go for the weekend.
Squad Update
Jude Postlethwaite is available after Emerging Ireland, he had a light training session and is available for selection. All the other players who were involved and available in South Africa are available for selection.
On being back at home
The lads are excited to get back playing at Kingspan Stadium, they know it's a big day. Connacht are riding high and although they lost their first game against Munster, they would have taken a lot of confidence from it. They beat Sharks at home then went away to Scarlets, played well although they still gave Scarlets a chance of winning. They will be confident but we are concentrating on ourselves and our performance.
Home atmosphere
The crowd here are incredible and really get in behind the lads. We have a responsibility as well to give them something to cheer about. The style we play is really important to that, if we win or lose but show that we are committed to the jersey and playing an exciting brand of rugby, with a never say die attitude, I think the crowd will get behind that because that's what we are about as a team.
Next up was back-rower, Nick Timoney, who would be making his 150th cap for the province if selected at the weekend.
South Africa tour positives
It can feel like not a lot but there has been blooding of young guys getting their first chance. We didn't come away with a lot but from a squad point of view you get used to playing with a few different faces and spend more time with each other. It's been good from an off-the-field perspective to get to know some of the younger lads.
Emerging Ireland players
Being part of different environments, different coaches and other players they will be picking up things and getting different perspectives. I found in my own experience away with the national team that it gives you a bit of freshness when you come back in. You miss your mates and have a bit of added energy. Jude is back and he will have taken a lot of confidence from the tour.
First interprovincial match of the season
I think there is always an expectation to win, especially at home. We need a win and that's what we are going for so, as are they, so it should be a great game.
You know what is coming, we play them so often. There isn't an element of looking so deeply into how they play because we watch most of their games over the last few weeks. You know what is coming with them.
Taking on senior role
All of a sudden I'm one of the more senior players but you look around and suddenly they are all in their early twenties and you are one of the older ones but it's really exciting. They look really good and we have loads of talent coming through. I want to help those guys come through.
Next up to the pre-match media was kiwi fly-half, Aidan Morgan, who has got off to a quick start to his Ulster career after scoring two tries in his opening three matches.
Settling in
Settling in well, it's a special group to be a part of and a pleasure to be here. The trip to South Africa wasn't what we wanted from a results point of view but it was nice to spend time with the guys and get to know them better.
First interprovincial at home
We are working hard as a team to fix up some of the things that let us down in South Africa, we know its a big team, a really big challenge this weekend and the boys are ready to step up. Last time we played here we ground out the win against Glasgow so we are looking to do the same.
I'm super excited, I know how important they are for the club and the senior boys are leading the team this week in explaining how much it would mean for the team and the fans.
On his fellow kiwi, Josh Ioane
I know Josh very well, he's a top player. A really skilful player and a good ball carrier. He's going really well so I'm sure he will be a tough challenge for the boys at the weekend.
On his form
There is always improvements to make in my game, Richie is working with me on leading the team around especially in attack and I feel there are parts of my game that I'm happy with but have a lot to improve, I know how important the tactical side of the game will be on Saturday.
Home support
Getting the fans behind you is really uplifting for the team, there was a cool atmosphere against Glasgow. It gives you another couple of percent when you have the fans behind you when it's loud and rocking at Kingspan Stadium.