After a 35-17 win over the Ospreys on Sunday, Ulster's place at the top table of European rugby has been confirmed, which means John Cooney has time to sit back and reflect on his debut season for the Province.
With Ulster unbeaten in the last five games of the season, Cooney insists there are plenty of positives to take into the 2018/19 season.
“I think we drew a line after the Cardiff game. It felt like it was just us against everyone at the time and now we've all come together. Since that game we really stood up.
“It takes a certain amount of time and I think we're getting a lot of good habits and the confidence is really there so next season should be really positive.
“We have finished the season very well and everyone is looking forward to a new start and a new beginning.
“There are new players coming in, new coaches, and personally I am looking forward to it. It’s nice to have a new approach.”
Cooney’s outstanding performance against the Ospreys last weekend earned him yet another Man of the Match award. But he was quick to deflect praise and instead focused on the importance of the result.
“It was huge. We need to be in the Champions Cup and its massive for us. You want to test yourself against the best so it makes a big difference.
“It's probably one of the most nervous times I've had all season. Sometimes it’s probably a better thing - when you’re playing a big game and you don't have any nerves, you can get a bit scared.
“We really wanted to perform well and set a certain standard for the start of next season.”
Having made his debut for Ireland during last summer's tour to the USA and Japan, the 28-year-old has been unable to establish himself in the match day squad since, despite being called into several training camps.
When he signed for Ulster last year Cooney was open about his aspirations to play international rugby and he might well get another chance in Australia next month, as he admits.
“I'm hopeful but I've been up and down and in a lot worse situations. I'm either off to Thailand next week or I'll be on that tour. Whatever happens happens, and reflecting and getting annoyed is not really going to do anything to change it.
“I'm very happy with how the season has gone but I've said it before, to be honest, I'll be happier about the times when it wasn't going well but I stuck with it.
“I’m proudest at not giving up when times were tough, so I'm happy with how the season has gone.
“Sport is fickle, and there's always another level, so I have to come back better next season.”
With Ulster unbeaten in the last five games of the season, Cooney insists there are plenty of positives to take into the 2018/19 season.
“I think we drew a line after the Cardiff game. It felt like it was just us against everyone at the time and now we've all come together. Since that game we really stood up.
“It takes a certain amount of time and I think we're getting a lot of good habits and the confidence is really there so next season should be really positive.
“We have finished the season very well and everyone is looking forward to a new start and a new beginning.
“There are new players coming in, new coaches, and personally I am looking forward to it. It’s nice to have a new approach.”
Cooney’s outstanding performance against the Ospreys last weekend earned him yet another Man of the Match award. But he was quick to deflect praise and instead focused on the importance of the result.
“It was huge. We need to be in the Champions Cup and its massive for us. You want to test yourself against the best so it makes a big difference.
“It's probably one of the most nervous times I've had all season. Sometimes it’s probably a better thing - when you’re playing a big game and you don't have any nerves, you can get a bit scared.
“We really wanted to perform well and set a certain standard for the start of next season.”
Having made his debut for Ireland during last summer's tour to the USA and Japan, the 28-year-old has been unable to establish himself in the match day squad since, despite being called into several training camps.
When he signed for Ulster last year Cooney was open about his aspirations to play international rugby and he might well get another chance in Australia next month, as he admits.
“I'm hopeful but I've been up and down and in a lot worse situations. I'm either off to Thailand next week or I'll be on that tour. Whatever happens happens, and reflecting and getting annoyed is not really going to do anything to change it.
“I'm very happy with how the season has gone but I've said it before, to be honest, I'll be happier about the times when it wasn't going well but I stuck with it.
“I’m proudest at not giving up when times were tough, so I'm happy with how the season has gone.
“Sport is fickle, and there's always another level, so I have to come back better next season.”