Speaking to Ulster Rugby ahead of the opener, Houston, said that the team are feeling confident going into the new campaign, after encouraging performances recently.
The team won two warm-up matches against Leinster and Connacht in July, leaving the squad in a positive mood in the build-up to the tournament.
“Year on year, when we get together it feels like we are starting in a better place each time. We want to keep raising that level and we have been happy with how things have progressed this summer.”
Despite finishing in fourth position last year, Houston saw positives in performances, especially in a 25-25 comeback draw against Connacht in Belfast, after finding themselves 6-17 down a few minutes into the second half.
Houston is hoping to use those experiences gained as ammunition heading into the opening round.
“Our target every year is looking at closing the gap, we looked at last year compared to the previous year and I think we managed that. This is a new team, a new competition and we have to focus on what’s ahead of us” he remarked.
With a much-changed squad this year, there are a number of young players who have been integrated into the squad and are pushing for selection.
That competition for places and new energy has impressed Houston, who highlighted the potential of players coming through.
“With the pathway we have in place, young players are coming through in a much better place and are much better prepared for senior provincial rugby. There is still experience in there, so those younger players are getting the support from their teammates.”
Talents such as Sophie Barrett, Tara O’Neill and Maebh Clenaghan all played for Ireland U20s in last month’s Six Nations Summer Series. Houston says that the development of players after being away with international camp is clear to see.
“When the players come back from those camps their knowledge of the game improves and that then helps their confidence around the team. It makes a massive impact, and we want everyone to take on that opportunity of leading more.
This has been one of the toughest years with selection because of the depth and competition in the squad. It’s a good position to be in.”
When it came to the tough call of selecting a captain, Houston opted for 24-year-old forward, India Daley, who has overcame an ACL injury in the months prior to the pre-season kicking off.
That determination and commitment were key factors behind the decision to give Daley the captaincy.
“I think due to her experience, the level she has played at and the level of intensity she trains and plays at.
She brings a real positivity around her to the team as a leader and she is good at finding solutions to problems on the pitch. She leads by example on the pitch but is great off it.”
In addition to his role as Head Coach, Houston is also Ulster Rugby’s Women and Girls Pathway Lead, a role designed at helping to bring through players into senior rugby.
Houston feels that the standards are improving, with more alignment between the IRFU and player pathway.
“We have been working very closely with the National Talent Squad and that can be seen with the success with the number of players in the Ireland U18s and players that have stepped up to senior from development.
The aim is to give them as much preparation as possible.”
This week’s training has focused minds on the championship opener this Sunday, with Ulster taking on the reigning champions at Energia Park.
It’s a tough test, but one that Houston and his squad are relishing.
“With Leinster we don’t know what kind of team we will be facing. It’s a very different team, they have a new head coach and we have to go out and prove what we are capable of.
We are setting good standards to chase after and we are fully focused on putting in a strong performance down at Energia Park.”
Ulster supporters can watch Sunday’s opening Round and every match on TG4 Sport’s YouTube channel.