Here is what he had to say…
On what position he prefers to play..
“I used to prefer playing 15 when I was at school; I played a lot there. I’ve enjoyed playing wing this season, though. Mikey \[Lowry\] is playing so well at full-back. I don’t mind where I play but in the long-run, I would see myself as a 15, but I still have a lot of developing to do and progress my skills as it’s a slightly different skillset to be a starting 15. A bit to go.”
On his international ambitions…
“Anyone who plays in the provinces will want to play for Ireland at some point; that’s what their goal would be. I would love to play for Ireland and that’s what I’m trying to do and improve to get to. It’s good to see all the young guys out there like James \[Hume\] and Mike \[Lowry\]. Hopefully it will come soon."
On what has pushed him on this season…
“Getting a bit of game time helps. If you’re playing back-to-back games, you’ll often find more form, get more comfortable and be more confident within your game. ‘Sopes’ \[Dan Soper\] encourages us to beat the speed which is getting the ball to the edges and see what we can do. It encourages me to get the ball in my hands and have a go.”
On who leads the communication among the back three…
“All three of us. It won’t work if one person is delegating; we need to help each other out. Some people will see more from certain angles if the ball is going away from us or to us. Everyone is chatting. It would be mostly wingers chatting to the full-back and the full-back chatting to the wingers, less so than wingers talking to the wingers. Everyone has to communicate; not just the back three. We’re constantly communicating to the centres as well.”
On the influence of Ulster's more experienced back line players…
“I get on really well with all of the other back three players. I was quite quiet coming out of school but they’re all so nice and brought me into the squad well. They’re funny and approachable guys. I’ve no problem going to them for advice on any part of my game. They’re good examples to watch and learn from them. All of the back threes in the club have been a big influence on me.”
On Connacht…
“When you play an Interpro, both teams are going to be up for it, no matter what you’re playing for. There is pride on the line and positions in the Ireland team. Everyone is going to get up for it. We didn’t show the best of ourselves in the last game against Connacht, so hopefully in front of a home crowd, we’ll get the job done this time.”
Tickets
It’s set to be a classic Interpro battle as Ulster take on Connacht tonight. Don’t miss out!