Here is what he had to say…
On the momentum carried from the win against Clermont…
“We got the ball rolling, but we can’t pat ourselves on the backs too much. We did that against Leinster and the week after, we got skelped by Ospreys. We enjoyed the changing room afterwards but we’ve a job to do this week and we have to stay focused.”
On how much it plays on the mind having gone from a win against Leinster to a loss against Ospreys…
“It’s there in the back burner, but our success is in our hands. We’ll train well this week. It’s just the same as the Clermont week, we’re training hard and have got Duane [Vermeulen] up to scratch. The game was there for the taking, so it’s on our shoulders to take the pressure and step forward.”
On the prospect of playing a European game at Kingspan Stadium…
“I remember coming as a kid with my dad and the noise was unbelievable. No doubt, I’ll be a bit nervous but I’ll definitely be looking forward to it if the opportunity arises."
On playing his first European start and getting a win at Stade Marcel-Michelin…
“It was amazing. We didn’t have a win in France since 2016, so it was a long time coming. The stadium is one of the best places I’ll go in terms of atmosphere, a few guys had said. It’s definitely one I’ll remember till the day I die that we went over there and toppled a French giant in one of the biggest arenas in world rugby.”
On Northampton’s defeat by Racing 92 and what to expect on Friday…
“Racing were very, very good and Northampton will come out swinging on Friday, no doubt about it. They were beaten by the better side in Racing. Their back line found a few holes in Northampton’s defensive line. Like any other English side, they’re going to be big and bad. They’re going to take it to us but we can take a bit of confidence from last week. We’ll have to be switched-on; they won’t roll over for us.”
On supporting Ulster as a young boy with his dad…
“Every Friday we could, we went to games. I remember the ones against Leicester. There were some huge games there. They are memories that I would always hold dear when I think about the old Ravenhill. It’s quite special when you get to run out there yourself, having those memories from being in the stands, watching [as a child].”
On when he thought professional rugby might be in his future…
“I had a dream long before as a kid, kicking the ball around the garden. It was more when I went to secondary school that I thought it could potentially become more than a hobby. It wasn’t easy but hopefully I can stay here and get a few more caps to my name.”
Tickets
Friday's game will be the first European fixture in front of a significant crowd at Kingspan Stadium in almost two years, and tickets are selling fast.
Several sections of the stadium are now sold out, with only limited availability remaining in the other sections.