After a 24 hour flight, new Ulster recruit, Ronald Raaymakers arrived in Belfast today bleary-eyed but excited about the new challenge that he faces in Irish Rugby.
After a 24 hour flight, new Ulster recruit, Ronald Raaymakers arrived in Belfast today bleary-eyed but excited about the new challenge that he faces in Irish Rugby.
With Alan O’Connor suspended for three matches and Iain Henderson and Dan Tuohy injured, he has joined Neil McComb and Lewis Stevenson as a second row option.
Raaymakers will have to wait to make his debut however. He suffered a dislocated shoulder in New Zealand so it will be a several weeks of rehab yet before he pulls on the white shirt for the first time.
“The first thing that went through my mind when I did the injury was that the chance to go to Ulster might be gone”, says Raaymaker. “I thought it might keep me from coming. I was pretty concerned about it but I was happy that Ulster stuck with me.”
Despite growing up on the other side of the world, it was Ulster's reputation that convinced the 24 year-old to up sticks and head to the Northern hemisphere:
“You guys have a good name,” he says. “I have heard a lot of good things about the province. That was massive in my decision. I just wanted to take the opportunity when it was offered.
“I have had a great career in New Zealand. My fiancé and I were keen to go overseas and to experience something a bit different. I just want to learn how you guys play rugby. I want to earn the respect of the boys and to take every opportunity that comes my way.
“I just need to get over the jet lag first!“
After a 24 hour flight, new Ulster recruit, Ronald Raaymakers arrived in Belfast today bleary-eyed but excited about the new challenge that he faces in Irish Rugby.
With Alan O’Connor suspended for three matches and Iain Henderson and Dan Tuohy injured, he has joined Neil McComb and Lewis Stevenson as a second row option.
Raaymakers will have to wait to make his debut however. He suffered a dislocated shoulder in New Zealand so it will be a several weeks of rehab yet before he pulls on the white shirt for the first time.
“The first thing that went through my mind when I did the injury was that the chance to go to Ulster might be gone”, says Raaymaker. “I thought it might keep me from coming. I was pretty concerned about it but I was happy that Ulster stuck with me.”
Despite growing up on the other side of the world, it was Ulster's reputation that convinced the 24 year-old to up sticks and head to the Northern hemisphere:
“You guys have a good name,” he says. “I have heard a lot of good things about the province. That was massive in my decision. I just wanted to take the opportunity when it was offered.
“I have had a great career in New Zealand. My fiancé and I were keen to go overseas and to experience something a bit different. I just want to learn how you guys play rugby. I want to earn the respect of the boys and to take every opportunity that comes my way.
“I just need to get over the jet lag first!“