In his first press conference since arriving as Ulster Rugby's new interim Head Coach, Richie Murphy, told reporters at this week's media briefing about his excitement for the opportunity.
On being named interim Head coach
"I'm very honoured and proud to come up here and work with Ulster Rugby. I’m very excited by the group of players we have and to try and take them in a new direction."
On John Fogarty joining the coaching set-up
"John Fogarty is with us for a period of time to help us out, obviously Dan McFarland would have done the scrum coaching before, so John comes in on a part time basis, for two days a week and prep the scrum for each of the games. He will travel to South Africa from Thursday to next Wednesday and he’ll review the Sharks match and help get us ready for Stormers."
On his priorities
"In my head its about little things, I think you’ll see that after a period of time. Hopefully it’s to try and create a buzz around the place and grow that competitive nature for the lads, which was there to see in training. We want to nurture that competitive environment where old players and young players are competing for the jersey. If we can do that we will have a positive impact."
Knowing players through the Irish system
"Through my role in the Ireland set-up I would know some of the older guys, I’ve done four U20 campaigns so know a few of the young guys who have came through that but the middle tier I didn’t know as well, but I’m getting to know them. We are starting to get to know each other a bit more!"
On working with the back players given his background
"There is a very good backline here but the game now is about all 15 players, attack and defence is all interconnected. The backs will only be able to show what they can do if our forwards are solid, we want to build the set piece, our lineouts, scrums and we want to play the ball into space.
On where he sees the team
"I see a very enthusatic side, who are over-trying in some ways and we want to get the balance between the technical side of things and just play. I can’t fault the players for what I’ve seen over this short time. We want to make a real connection and drive that competitiveness to make a big impact on results."
On Sharks
" When you look at the Sharks team it is star- studded and when you look at their results they have been a little off but that’s not going to stay there forever. We have to go there, be ourselves and play our game. We’ve been trying to build on who we are and what we are about, hopefully we see that Saturday."
Tighthead prop, Tom O’Toole, was up next for media and he was asked about his excitement to work under Murphy after being a member of the Senior Ireland team for their recent Guinness Six Nations victory.
On Murphy
"When I first went into Ireland camp he was kicking coach, although I didn’t do much kicking! He seems a lovely guy and I Know a few of the lads who had him during Under 20 level who speak very highly of him. A lovely guy and down to earth, he has done well in a short spell of time."
On working with John Fogarty
John is always very detailed about scrum but also has a big of craic and has a bit of humour. I’m expecting not much to change from Ireland camp but really looking forward to his coaching."
On South African tour
"It’s going to be tough but there is no better time for the group to gel and get to know each other over the two weeks. Week to week, it’s a unique time in the year its unique as a squad, a new coach involved so it’s good to get to know people more."
On his experience with Ireland camp
"I always feel a better player after Ireland camp. They have created a brilliant group and atmosphere, you are competing to be the best in the world and you want to bring some of that back into your province.
It’s very inspiring coming back into Ulster to finish the season well. Naturally you want to be involved and get as much opportunity, you have to earn it through URC and Europe, you have to earn it and make the most of every opportunity.
It's been very special, its an extreme honour and its been a successful period. Its always a privilege to play with the group."
Rob Herring was also up for media and he was delighted to return back to the squad following a bicep injury that saw him miss out on action in recent months.
Welcoming Murphy
"I know Richie well through Ireland, he has been around the campus a fair bit. He is an approachable guy, he will bring that in and I’m really looking forward to working with him. It's also great to have Fogs up too, great to have his expertise and we have a lot of young lads who can learn a lot from him."
On importance of South African tour
"Its an important two weeks for us, to be together as a squad, build connections, touring is great for that, we love rugby for that challenge. It’s a perfect opportunity for us to, we spend time together in the hotel, having dinner together so these tours are great for working on that togetherness."
On returning from injury
"I got the go-ahead from surgeon and want to build confidence back on it but feeling good! It's been a frustrating season for me, I came back from the Rugby World Cup, had a small calf strain, then had ligament ankle and then popped by bicep in training!
It's one of those things you have to deal with, its been hard watching, you want to be there with the boys and help. Looking forward to getting stuck in."