Ulster re-commence their season after an international break with a tough away trip to Glasgow Warriors at the Scotstoun stadium. His players will have went into the break on a high after a thumping 35-5 home win against DHL Stormers in Round 13 of the BKT United Rugby Championship.
Not only does the squad have a good period of rest in their legs but he can also call upon the services of hooker Tom Stewart, winger Jacob Stockdale and prop Rory Sutherland who have all been released from international camp to get potential game-time with the province.
Glasgow test
First up for Ulster is a trip to Glasgow Warriors who are in good form having won their past three matches in the URC. The winning form has put them in a strong position, sitting 5th in the table. The fixture has that much riding on it that a win for the Warriors could see them leapfrog Ulster into third.
Dan McFarland says he knows all too well about the threat that the Scots pose.
International pride
McFarland has enjoyed watching his men who are away from the Ulster set-up to represent Ireland in the 2023 Guinness Six Nations.
Stuart McCloskey, Rob Herring, Tom O'Toole and Iain Henderson all impressed for Ireland in their statement 32-19 win over the Grand Slam winners France at the weekend.
Ulster's Head Coach believes his players can only get better by playing for the number 1 ranked international side and that seeing them make positive impacts fills him with pride.
Match preparation
With Ulster coming back from a break in the schedule, Dan says that the period of rest and recovery after an intense winter schedule will be vital for his players for the run-in. He says that the squad have had their work load managed and that training ahead of the run-in has been full of fresh energy, both physically and mentally.