Ulster's academy and development players got their first run-out of the pre-season as they took on an AIL Select XV side at Malone RFC last Friday.
In extremely challenging weather conditions, the match was a tightly contested encounter at Gibson Park, with the AIL Select edging the contest at 10-14.
Back-Row player, Lorcan, says that the match will stand the players in good stead as they build towards a season where they hope to get senior recognition.
"It was tough, very windy and wet, I thought first half was more difficult as we playing against the wind and second half we improved and I felt we took the right steps forward as a team."
The match was designed by academy staff with the intention of pitting the talent of the Ulster player pathway against players who impress in the AIL season with their respective clubs. Lorcan says that that experience was a tough challenge for the young Ulster side.
"A lot of boys that was their first time playing proper senior rugby. It's a big challenge, especially in positions like the front row, we were playing against players who have been playing in the AIL for quite a few years now.
We did well and showed a lot of fight. I think there were about 20 scrums in the first half so to keep up the energy from the boys was very impressive."
Despite falling on the losing side that night, the captain says that morale was high in the dressing room after the physical encounter.
"There were a lot of proud moments to take after the match. We scored two good team tries with quick thinking, we showed good play in our attack and we have a few areas that we want to work on ahead of our next game."
Ulster Development next play this Friday, away against Bury St Edmonds RUFC (KO: 3.30PM). Lorcan says the team are looking forward to getting stuck into their second pre-season fixture.
"Last pre-season we had no development games so these put you into the season running, its great for us. I hadn't played since the Senior Cup final last so it was great to be back playing.
We will have the Ireland U20 boys back with us and some of the development contracted players too, so that will bring more experience into the side."
Lorcan says this week's game should test the same principles of the players that they faced against the AIL Select.
"They are a big side and are a bit older than us, so we will be looking to use our speed and fitness. It will be a challenge at the set pieces with the size and experience they have but we'll go there and try our best to put in a good performance."
Match Details
Bury St Edmunds RUFC v Ulster Development XV
⏰ 3.30pm
🏟️ Stadium Greene King IPA Haberden
📝 Result to be updated via Ulster Rugby social media