It's been a year of learning and development for two of Ulster's brightest academy talents. Back rower Lorcan McLoughlin and tighthead prop, Scott Wilson, were both important members of the 2022 Ireland under 20s Grand Slam winning team before joining the academy. Both have been adapting to the demands of professional rugby and the setbacks that come about in the form of injuries.
We asked both about some of the things they have learned from their first year in the Ulster set-up.
How do you reflect on your first year in the Ulster academy?
Lorcan: "It’s been a big year in terms of my development, all your focus is on getting better with the aim of pushing into the senior team. It’s been great to train with the seniors and work with the experienced guys in the back row like Nick Timoney and Duane Vermeulen. I was injured for a few months but ended the season well with the Ulster 'A' game against Munster. I hope to kick on next year."
Scott: "I came in not knowing what to expect, I came into the system quite late and it hit me all at once, injuries came and it was tougher than I thought. I had to cope with coming back from injury, thinking about other parts of rugby like gym work, preparation and recovery rather than playing. I feel I have came on and settled in more."
Are you a different player to this time a year ago? Has anything changed?
Lorcan: "When I was injured, my main goal was to put size on and be able to compete with the senior boys, I put on 4-5 kg and I feel a bit more physical on the pitch. I base myself around ball- carrying but I feel my defensive skills have come on. The coaches have really helped with sending me clips after training sessions. "
Scott: " Working on my scrummaging is a big one for me. I didn’t play prop at school, so my ball carrying and physicality would be my super strengths. I became a prop late on and I'm always learning the techniques. I feel learn something from each session."
What have you learned training alongside senior players in your positions?
Lorcan: " I learned a lot from Duane Vermeulen. He has given me pointers in carrying, he said I have good footwork so i need to try and get the ball early to the gainline and with his experience anything he says you listen to straight away."
Scott: "Big Jefferey Toomaga- Allen helped me a lot with showing me different things that he has learned from the southern hemisphere. Marty Moore has helped me while he's been injured. He has helped me with my set-up height, making sure I'm in the best position before a scrum. Also have had help with my bind and important bits before engagement. It's more than crouching and pushing as hard as I can!"
In the past year we have seen academy products like Tom Stewart and Harry Sheridan getting game-time in the senior team. Does that inspire you?
Lorcan: "Tom has come from being in the academy to having an incredible season and to see him get called up for the Ireland international training camp is brilliant.
Harry got his chance during a low period of the season and did so well. It's encouraging to see the gap isn't too far and you might be needed in the season, so you have got be ready."
Scott: "It can be tough for a young prop to break through sometimes. I played with guys at Ireland under 20s in other positions that I see getting game-time but for a prop you might have to wait until you get a bit older. I have to be on top of my game and try and be ready if I'm needed."
What are your aims for next year?
Lorcan: " We have a World Cup coming up so a few guys might be away and hopefully with a long pre-season, a couple of pre-season games I hopefully can stand out there and push for a start."
Scott: "I will try and go into pre season in the best shape possible, I will be raring to go and if I get an opportunity in a pre season game I'll try to make a good impression."
Want to be part of the action?
You can secure your place at Ulster’s home matches next season in the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup with a 2023/24 Season Ticket.
For more information, or to purchase yours now, visit ulster.rugby/seasontickets.