Congratulations on your recent contract news! Can you tell us what the emotions were like when you were offered the contract?
It was pretty surreal! It’s been a dream of mine since I was younger, going to Kingspan Stadium – then Ravenhill – to watch games. It was something I’ve been aiming towards from a young age as well. When you say you want to play professional rugby, people tell you to find something else and you’re not going to make it, but I had full faith and my mum backed me all the way and I’ve got there in the end. I’m really thankful for all the support I’ve had.
You’re only 19 years old and to have that long-term deal must feel like a great vote of confidence from Bryn Cunningham, Dan McFarland and the coaching team?
It is, and it makes me feel very good about myself. It gives me a lot of confidence about the future to push for places. Ulster’s back line is very competitive, and I know being there in the next few years that I’ll grow as a player, especially having the likes of James Hume with plenty of experience already under his belt which will help me along the way.
Can you tell us a little about your rugby pathway to date?
I started rugby at Lisburn RFC with their Minis section from when I was around 6 or 7 years old. Nathan Doak, Ben Carson and Reuben Crothers also played there at the time, so it was nice to play with them along the way. I went to RBAI and that’s where I developed my game a lot more. The coaches and staff there are super-supportive; Dan Soper \[Ulster’s Assistant Coach\] was there and he was a quality coach. I really grew as a player with him. I got into the Ulster U18 Schools’ squad for two years and was in the Ireland U18 Sevens setup too. I went to Poland and we won the European Championship which was a great experience. Coming out of school was a pretty low time for me. Players who had come through the same age group were picked up by the Ulster Rugby Academy but I was the only one in that group who didn’t get a contract at the time, and then COVID hit. I found something to motivate myself and carry on and my mum really helped me through that. Eventually, I got my contract with the Ulster Rugby Academy, so it worked out in the end!
How have you found your time so far in the Ulster Rugby Academy?
It’s been brilliant. We train with the Senior squad most of the time, so we have real quality around us to help us develop. As part of the Academy, I was sent to play with the Ireland Men’s Sevens squad, which was a fantastic experience playing in the World Series. It showed me what it’s like to play at a high level with big crowds. I really gained confidence from that. I’ve had a few injuries here and there and the Academy physio, Dave Minion, the Senior physios and Strength & Conditioning with the likes of Matt Godfrey have helped me a lot.
Who have been the main influences throughout your rugby pathway who have helped you reach this point?
My main one was Dan Soper. Through school, I had been coached by him and he’s been really helpful. It’s great to have him in the Ulster system now and it’s easy for me to ask him a question. Aiden McNulty \[former Elite Player Development Officer – Backs\] was very helpful, especially during that time before I was offered an Academy contract. He motivated me and worked with me on my skills.
You were top try-scorer in the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup competition in 2020 for RBAI, can you tell us about your stand-out memories from schools’ rugby?
My last year at school was a good one and we felt confident going into the competition. We were very much underdogs, but we all came together and made it to the semi-finals at Kingspan Stadium. We weren’t expected to get there but it was a great team effort to reach that point. They are memories I’ll never forget; it was something I dreamed of back in the day to play at Kingspan Stadium with the Inst crowd there.
What is it about Schools’ Cup rugby that makes the competition so special?
The atmosphere is amazing. Around the school at Inst, the atmosphere just built and built until game day. The support from the whole school, everyone came together like a brotherhood. It’s a fantastic experience and for most players, it’s probably one of their best memories – it’s one that I will cherish.