Ulster for me is like no other because I grew up here. I watched Ulster play as a kid and I dreamed of playing out there for school, let alone play for Ulster! It’s like no other place for me personally. I love it, it’s a dream job.
The atmosphere is the best. If you could bottle up that feeling and sell it, you would be a millionaire. You’re out there playing in front of your home fans, your friends and family. People are coming to watch you and they’re buzzing. It’s such an amazing feeling to run out and hear the noise. That’s something I look forward to on match nights because it only happens for a short period of time and then it’s down to business and you have a match to play. Those couple of minutes from the changing room to the pitch are really special.
The fans are amazing. Every club will tell you they have the best fans in the world, and we say that as well. They really get behind us and are avid supporters. They buy tickets, season tickets and merchandise to support us; that is fantastic.
Being out on the wing and close to the crowd, it’s a bit more intimate and I can hear the supporters. If I need a little pick-me-up, I’ll get it from someone in the crowd. Sometimes I’ll make brief eye-contact with someone I know. This season we played against Northampton at home and I glanced over to see my sister there, not standing somewhere she usually stands. When the game ended, I was able to have a chat with her which was brilliant.
It's hard to put into words what the atmosphere is like; it really is special. You have people from all different counties coming together and everyone is buzzing. That moment before we come out onto the pitch, there is almost a bit of quiet and then it just explodes.
Season Tickets... like no other!
Ulster supporters can make sure they don't miss a minute of the action at Kingspan Stadium in 2022/23 by signing up for a Season Ticket.
For more information, visit ulster.rugby/seasontickets.