Abbey Insurance Academy scrumhalf Jonny Stewart made his senior Ulster debut last Saturday against Leinster, entering the action as a second half replacement for Aaron Cairns.
But the pressures of a packed Kingspan Stadium and big local derby did not deter the talented youngster, who was just delighted to get his first taste of PRO14 rugby.
“I was nervous before the game, but determined to give it my best. To get onto the pitch was great and as soon as I crossed the line the nerves left me and I just focused on my job.
“The guys were great beforehand in helping me to prepare, so all credit to them. It was a great experience and I really enjoyed it. It wasn’t the result we were looking for but we’ll bounce back this week and hopefully get a win against the (Southern) Kings.”
Now in his second year in the Academy, the 19-year-old previously made a name for himself playing for Wallace High School, where he earned the accolade of Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Player of the Year for 2015/16, and he now lines out for Queen’s University in the All-Ireland League.
Stewart credits the Academy’s rigorous training regime for the development of his game.
“I think the Academy has been vital in improving me as a player. The training we do has really prepared for me for the step up to senior squad. Everyone trains really hard and they’re a real quality group of guys.
“It’s great having the likes of Kieran Campbell (Head of the Academy) and Peely (Assistant Coach, Dwayne Peel), who both also played 9, to give me some advice. They’re always good to go to if you have any questions or issues and that is a big help.”
Stewart’s impressive cameo last week, during which he displayed remarkable composure, was rewarded with another inclusion in the match day 23, this time for Saturday’s fixture against the Kings in Port Elizabeth.
Despite the long journey and change in climate, Stewart is positive that Ulster can go the distance this Saturday.
“It’s been a really valuable experience to travel and train with the senior guys and great getting to know them and spend the week out here in South Africa.
“It was a bit of a long journey, but an enjoyable one, nonetheless. We had our first units session on Wednesday and had another pitch session today (Thursday). We are just getting used to the heat and the tougher pitches out here. We’ve still to do a bit of video work and will have a Captain’s Run on Friday to fine tune a few things.
“It will be an interesting challenge for us and hopefully we can get the better of the Kings.”
But the pressures of a packed Kingspan Stadium and big local derby did not deter the talented youngster, who was just delighted to get his first taste of PRO14 rugby.
“I was nervous before the game, but determined to give it my best. To get onto the pitch was great and as soon as I crossed the line the nerves left me and I just focused on my job.
“The guys were great beforehand in helping me to prepare, so all credit to them. It was a great experience and I really enjoyed it. It wasn’t the result we were looking for but we’ll bounce back this week and hopefully get a win against the (Southern) Kings.”
Now in his second year in the Academy, the 19-year-old previously made a name for himself playing for Wallace High School, where he earned the accolade of Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Player of the Year for 2015/16, and he now lines out for Queen’s University in the All-Ireland League.
Stewart credits the Academy’s rigorous training regime for the development of his game.
“I think the Academy has been vital in improving me as a player. The training we do has really prepared for me for the step up to senior squad. Everyone trains really hard and they’re a real quality group of guys.
“It’s great having the likes of Kieran Campbell (Head of the Academy) and Peely (Assistant Coach, Dwayne Peel), who both also played 9, to give me some advice. They’re always good to go to if you have any questions or issues and that is a big help.”
Stewart’s impressive cameo last week, during which he displayed remarkable composure, was rewarded with another inclusion in the match day 23, this time for Saturday’s fixture against the Kings in Port Elizabeth.
Despite the long journey and change in climate, Stewart is positive that Ulster can go the distance this Saturday.
“It’s been a really valuable experience to travel and train with the senior guys and great getting to know them and spend the week out here in South Africa.
“It was a bit of a long journey, but an enjoyable one, nonetheless. We had our first units session on Wednesday and had another pitch session today (Thursday). We are just getting used to the heat and the tougher pitches out here. We’ve still to do a bit of video work and will have a Captain’s Run on Friday to fine tune a few things.
“It will be an interesting challenge for us and hopefully we can get the better of the Kings.”