The Deloitte Ulster Women’s half-back is determined to make a response against Leinster today in the Vodafone Inter-Pros. How is the mood in the squad this week and how has training been? We came in for training on Monday and were disappointed with our result at the weekend, but we picked ourselves up and wanted to show to the coaches how much we wanted to prove that we were better than we were on Saturday. There was a big step-up in training in terms of our energy and performance; even though we were sore and still recovering from a tough game, we went in all guns blazing. What was the experience like playing your first game back after two years at home and in front of supporters? For me personally, there was a mix of emotions. On the one hand, I was so excited and absolutely buzzing to play at Kingspan Stadium in front of people. On the other hand, I was so nervous because there was such a crowd and hype around the game; it added to the nervous energy. Nothing ever beats the feeling of being able to run out on home soil wearing the Ulster jersey. For me, it’s always very special no matter what the circumstances are or how long it’s been since we last played. After nearly two years, it was a shock to the system in terms of the soreness! It was unbelievable that we could get playing a game again with such a good support at Kingspan Stadium. Having the match on BBC iPlayer was great too; I know so many people who watched the game at home. I think that’s incredible as well that the coverage was there for people who couldn’t get a ticket or couldn’t come out – they could watch at home and support us. It was really good; it was just a pity we couldn’t put out a better performance. We looked good when we had the ball, but if we had a bit more of it, we could have shown a bit more of what we could offer. You switched from playing out-half to scrum-half during the game against Munster – do you have to change mindset when changing positions and if so, what are the different things you have to think about? Yes and no. Yes, in that you have to be prepared to run more at nine – I had to chat to my hamstrings and say, “let’s go, we have some running to do!” You have to make sure you get to every ruck and your passing is on point to make sure the rest of your team can play well. You have a different outlook on the game at nine as you’re tighter to the contact area and working more with the forwards and organising them around the park. I’ve played ten a lot but have also played nine at club level and I’ve learned from the likes of Nora Stapleton at Old Belvedere, so I feel comfortable at nine and it’s a similar role in terms of game management. In a way, you don’t have to change your mindset too much, but just make sure you’re prepared for the extra mileage in the legs! You had two half-back partners who made their debut in Rachael McIlroy and Toni Macartney – how did you find playing alongside them? It was incredible. For a long time, I’ve been longing for more players at nine and ten. It’s something we focus on in developing the half-backs and making sure they’re well-experienced when it comes to Inter-Pros. When I’m at training, I try to help those girls as much as possible. When they ran on to the pitch – especially Rachael starting with me – I was so proud of what she has achieved this summer and how her skillset has developed, and confidence has grown. I worked with Toni when she played at Under-18 level and seeing her transition into the senior setup is unreal. Being able to help her and mould her into the ten position has been incredible. It’s really rewarding for me as a senior player seeing them come through and step up. I really hope I can make an impact on them and encourage them to keep going. And how have you found working with Paul Marshall as Backs Coach? It’s been really good. He has such a good insight into the game with his wealth of knowledge. He’s really helped the back line with our starter-plays, options off the ball and confidence running with the ball. He’s shaped our attack really well and he’s made it really clear for us. Everyone has a real grasp on our attacking plan and it’s down to him hammering that home with us. I’ve loved all my chats with him – having played nine throughout his career – getting his insight into scrum-half play and what makes a good out-half. It’s been a brilliant learning experience and I know all the girls have really loved him. You have been part of the Deloitte Ulster U18 Girls’ coaching set-up – how exciting is it to see these players starting to come through to the senior side and who are your players to watch? I have loved my time with the U18s – I’m still involved this year and to go from coaching them to playing alongside them is very special. When the girls come out of the Age-Grade setup, you can see the nervous energy and excitement to get playing. It’s a good link to have me there to bridge the gap, introduce them to senior players and make them feel more confident. This year, a lot of them have come to me around selection time asking what they need to work on, so it’s good to have that bridge. There are definitely a lot of players to watch! Ava Fannin captained the Ulster U18 team in the last Inter-Pros and she has been confident coming through. Her scrummaging and ball carrying are good, and that comes down to the coaching she had at U18 level from Charlie (Farrell). We have the likes of Keelin (Brady) who came through a couple of years ago. This summer, she’s been leading in defence and in the line-out. Her growth and development of rugby knowledge has been incredible. I mentioned Toni earlier as well. There are lots of girls who have come through and have done really well for themselves. There are big things coming and there are girls in the current U18 squad who I can see coming through in the next couple of years which will add something special to our squad too. What do you expect from Leinster this Saturday? This will be my eighth or ninth year playing against Leinster, and I think it will be a big physical game, but they’ll want to play expansive rugby at the same time. This year, our attack is very good, so if we get some ball, we’ll be able to really challenge them and put points past them this weekend. A lot of the girls – including myself – have an opportunity to really step up and show our reaction after the game against Munster. Leinster will want to play a physical and fast game, but we want to put them under pressure and stop them from playing their game, and for us to play ours. There’s a lot of excitement and for me, I’m always nervous playing Leinster as I’m up against a lot of club mates (from Old Belvedere) so I know I’ll get a bit of stick! Deloitte Ulster Women will face Leinster this afternoon (5pm) at Energia Park, and you can watch coverage live on BBC iPlayer / BBC Sport NI online / TG4.

Jemma Farrell: Leinster will provide an opportunity for us to really step-up

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