As Ulster's season enters a crucial period in the season, Ulster full back Ethan McIlroy was able to celebrate a personal milestone, reaching 50 caps for Ulster, as the province made it two BKT United Rugby Championship away wins on the trot against Cardiff in Wales.
McIlroy remains remarkably calm and grounded about the achievement, saying he didn't realise he had notched his 50th appearance in an Ulster jersey until after the final whistle.
"It was a proud moment for me, it was nice to get on the pitch from the bench and it was an important win away from home which was needed as we are in a crucial part of the season.
I hadn’t thought about my 50th cap too much but after the match I was told about it, so it was nice to hit that benchmark."
50 caps at 22 years old shows that while McIlroy is still a young man, he has a considerable amount of top level rugby experience under his belt.
He was rewarded for his impressive performances last season, by winning the 2021/22 Ulster Young Player of the Year award.
Known for his quick feet and skillful wing play, McIlroy says that he has only good memories of making his debut against provincial rivals Leinster at the RDS Arena back in December 2019.
Ulster lost the match that day in a 54-42 classic against the Dubliners but it was still a moment to remember for the Ballynahinch man.
"My debut is nothing but good memories.
That match was a record for the league at the time, about 90 points in the game, very back and forth. I enjoyed it and remember enjoying my rugby at that age too, I didn’t feel too much pressure and it was fun to get out there and enjoy it."
That's not to say McIlroy isn't enjoying his rugby now but he knows that as a first team regular, he has to fulfil expectations and put in consistent performances to play in the Ulster first team.
When reflecting on how he has changed as a player and a person, McIlroy says he knows now that the next generation of rugby players are watching him closely.
"It feels a lot different from the 1st cap to the 50th!
You are bit more of a role model to younger kids, more people recognise you around the Kingspan Stadium on a matchday, which is nice and its endearing to see kids looking up to you.
I’d like to think I got a bit better at the rugby since arriving!"
For his age he is very self aware and professional, knowing how much work is needed at the top level of rugby.
When looking back at his favourite Ulster moment so far, the former Methody man says that playing in a team alongside his friends is what stands out to him.
"The Toulouse try in corner, even though we lost that game or Clermont away, because the back three who finished the game were myself, Nathan Doak and Stewart Moore.
We are close to each other age wise , I grew up with them playing rugby and playing against them in school, so it was a funny moment when we realised and that was a fun moment on the pitch."
McIlroy's progress is not only recognised by Ulster Head Coach Dan McFarland but also the Ireland international set up.
McIlroy was one of a few Ulster teammates to be selected for the Emerging Ireland camp last autumn and he says watching the current Irish back three of James Lowe, Mack Hansen and Hugo Keenan gives anyone in his position motivation to aspire to.
"It would be silly not to look at those 3 or 4 guys in the senior side at the moment, they are the best team in world and it looks like they wont get beat. They are world class."
For now, he is getting ready for the crunch part of Ulster's season which re-commences soon with a home clash against the Vodacom Bulls.
McIlroy said that he used break in the schedule to rest and recover after an intense block.
"Since Cardiff I took it easy on a week off, I have been doing running sessions and working out in the gym but took the time off to chill and relax. We had a lot of away trips , like the Sharks game in Durban, so it was nice to stay at home and take it easy."
For McIlroy he is unfazed about reaching 50 and wants to keep progressing in what has been a promising start to his career.